Words of Inspiration - Empowered to be more

[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily

[00:00:44] podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word

[00:00:50] of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address

[00:00:57] given at the end of the broadcast. And now here's Elgin.

[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

[00:01:07] Holy Spirit to another episode of Words of Inspiration. And we are continuing in our series, Be More,

[00:01:16] Do More, Have More. And today we're diving into the second episode of this series titled, Empowered

[00:01:26] to Be More. Our inspiration comes from Philippians 2 verse 13 and reading from the New International

[00:01:35] Version it reads, For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his

[00:01:43] good purpose. This verse reminds us of an incredible truth. We don't have to figure out how to be more on our own.

[00:01:52] God himself is at work in us, empowering us to grow and accomplish his purposes. Through his inspiration,

[00:02:02] education, and the people he places in our lives, God orders our steps and brings increase as we walk

[00:02:10] in obedience. So let's explore how God equips and empowers us to be more. One of the most comforting

[00:02:18] aspects of our walk with God is knowing that he doesn't leave us to navigate growth alone.

[00:02:25] Philippians 2 and 13 emphasizes that it is God who works in us, giving us both the desire and the

[00:02:33] ability to fulfill his plans. Think about that for a moment. God plants the seed of desire in your heart

[00:02:41] to grow and become more and the ability to grow and become more and he also provides the strength and

[00:02:46] resources to make it happen. This means we don't have to rely on our own wisdom or strength. Instead,

[00:02:54] we can trust him to lead the way. Proverbs 16 and 9 says, In their hearts, humans plan their course,

[00:03:04] but the Lord establishes their steps. God not only inspires us to take action, but also orders our

[00:03:12] steps, ensuring that we're on the right path. God often empowers us through inspiration,

[00:03:19] opening our eyes to new possibilities and giving us a vision for what he wants to accomplish in and

[00:03:26] through us. This inspiration can come from his word, through prayer, or even the Holy Spirit whispering

[00:03:34] encouragement to our heart. When we allow God to inspire us, we begin to dream bigger and step into

[00:03:42] opportunities we never thought possible. That inspiration becomes the spark that fuels our growth.

[00:03:49] God also equips us to grow by teaching us through his word and the experience he allows us to walk

[00:03:56] through. The Bible is not just a book of history or commandments. It's a living guide that provides

[00:04:02] wisdom and insight for every area of our lives. Second Timothy 3 verses 16 through 17, again reading from

[00:04:13] the New International Version, says, All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,

[00:04:21] correcting, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped

[00:04:27] for every good work. In addition to scripture, God teaches us through life challenges. Every trial we face is an

[00:04:38] opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it's patience, perseverance, or trust, God uses every experience to mold

[00:04:47] us into who he has called us to be. God often places the right people in our lives to encourage,

[00:04:55] challenge, and guide us. These mentors, friends, and leaders act as his hands and feet, helping us grow

[00:05:03] into our full potential. Proverbs 27 and 17 says, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

[00:05:15] Surrounding yourself with people who inspire and challenge you is a vital part of growth. Whether

[00:05:22] it's a mentor who shares wisdom, a friend who holds you accountable, or a community that uplifts you,

[00:05:29] God uses relationships to help you be more. As we step out in faith, God brings the increase.

[00:05:38] Our role is to remain faithful to his leading, and he will multiply our efforts. Growth is a process,

[00:05:48] and God works in ways we can't always see or predict. 1 Corinthians 3 and 7 reminds us,

[00:05:56] So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.

[00:06:05] Your responsibility is to plant the seed of faith and obedience. God will handle the growth and ensure

[00:06:12] that his purposes are fulfilled in your life. So here are a few steps to help you embrace God's

[00:06:20] empowerment to be more. Number one, seek him daily. Spend time in prayer and his word, asking him to reveal

[00:06:30] his will and inspire you to grow. Number two, be teachable. Stay open to learning from God's word,

[00:06:39] life's experiences, and people he places in your life. Number three, take action. Don't wait until you

[00:06:48] feel ready. Trust that God will equip you as you step out in faith. Number four, stay connected.

[00:06:56] Surround yourself with a community of believers who will encourage and support your growth. And finally,

[00:07:04] trust the process. Remember that growth takes time, and God is faithful to complete the work he started

[00:07:12] in you. Brothers and sisters, let's remember that we're not alone in the journey to be more.

[00:07:19] God is working in us and through us, giving us the inspiration, education, and relationships we need to

[00:07:28] grow and fulfill his purposes. Philippians 2 and 13 assures us that it is God who gives us both the

[00:07:36] desire and the ability to act according to his good purpose. All we have to do is trust him, take the next

[00:07:44] step. And watch as he brings increase in ways we couldn't imagine. If this message has encouraged you,

[00:07:53] share it with someone who needs some reminder that God is working in them to accomplish great things.

[00:07:59] And as you go through this week, remember, you are empowered to grow and God will bring the increase

[00:08:07] as you walk in obedience. I thank you for spending time with me on today. And I look forward to our

[00:08:14] time together on tomorrow. Until then, God bless.

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[00:08:52] at The Bible Speaks Online. You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582 Ocala, Florida 34478 or by email at

[00:09:10] thebiblespeaksonline.com.