Inspirational Videos

Sometimes my enthusiasm for Jesus starts to wane. I’m just not “on fire” like I used to be. Now what …? #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion 50B

A bus driver gave a woman the shoes off her feet in a beautiful act of generosity and love.

The world is a sad, cruel and lost place. Sin has done a number on our society, destroying anything and everything it encounters. As a result, many people are hurting and struggling, desperately looking for anything that may give them even the tiniest bit of hope.

Individuals struggling and suffering are all around us. They could be your co-worker, neighbor, someone we pass on the street or even a family member. There is plenty of need all around us. However, one question remains: How will we respond to and help those in need?

According to a video posted on YouTube, Minneapolis bus driver Jayne Arendt-Verhelst saw a need one day and acted swiftly to meet it. Jayne spotted a woman, who appeared to be homeless, standing in the middle of the road. Jayne stopped and gave the woman a lift. 

However, Jayne quickly noticed something unusual about the mysterious woman.

She didn’t have any shoes. For a second, Jayne put herself in that woman’s position, trying to see the world through her eyes.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like walking around in bare feet on the hot pavement, and just nobody sees you,” Jayne said. “She’s just kind of invisible, you know?”

But Jayne saw her and acted with generosity and love. The video shows Jayne taking the shoes off her feet and giving them to the unknown woman.

Yes, people are sinners and need the life-changing touch and forgiveness that can only come from Jesus Christ. But we must meet people where they are first. If someone is hungry, thirsty, doesn’t have a coat or lacks some other kind of necessity and we don’t meet that need, how receptive are they going to be to anything else we say or do?

Acts 20:35 “In all things I was an example to you of how, in your lives, you are to give help to the feeble, and keep in memory the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘There is a greater blessing in giving than in getting.’”

Join Carol McCracken and Grace Fox as they delve into the transformative journey from fear to faith, using the powerful story of Moses as their central narrative. Discover how obstacles can serve as stepping stones to spiritual growth and deeper trust in God’s promises. Find the full episodes on https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ to enjoy more content like this. "Your Daily Bible Verse" a daily podcast where we dive deeper into Scripture, re-examining your favorite verses and getting to the heart of the message of God’s Word. Key Discussion Points: Moses’ Transformation: Explore Moses’ journey from doubt to deliverance. Key moments highlighted include his return to Egypt and his confrontations with Pharaoh. Emphasis on Moses’ evolving faith amidst immense challenges. Obstacles as Growth Opportunities: Understanding that challenges are not inherently negative but can foster personal and spiritual growth. Both Carol and Grace share insights from their Christian ministry experiences. Trials are part of following God’s calling and should be viewed as growth opportunities, not failures. God’s Power in Mission Success: The importance of relying on God’s power rather than solely on human effort. Believers as vessels for God’s work, experiencing His promises through faith. Faith and God’s Timing: Faith involves trusting in what is unseen, with biblical examples like Abraham and Sarah illustrating the patience required for God’s timing. Personal reflections on challenges and the feelings of abandonment during tough times. Aligning one’s mindset with God’s word to find perseverance and resilience. Historical and Personal Examples: Notable historical examples of long waits for God’s promises. A personal anecdote about nearly being disrupted by a power outage while working on a book, illustrating resilience and reliance on God’s presence. Three Key Takeaways: Trust in God’s plan. Persist through obstacles with resilience. Resist discouragement by staying grounded in faith and recalling God’s past faithfulness. Encouragement for Listeners: Focus on God’s character and promises while navigating life’s challenges. View trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God. Maintain a resilient and faith-filled mindset to overcome obstacles. Tune in to this insightful episode to deepen your understanding of how faith can transform fear and how God’s presence is a constant source of support through life’s trials.

Whoa! These words coming from Jesus cut like a knife! It might be time to re-evaluate our relationship with Him … #toughquestionsforgod #dailydevotion

A sheriff’s department’s sweet gesture has touched hearts as a little girl returned to school following her father’s death.

Sadly, we will all go through situations that hurt and sting. Losing a loved one is and always will be a painful and heartbreaking time. It’s one of the deepest, darkest valleys any of us will go through in life. While the passing of time may lessen the sting a bit, their absence will forever be felt and noticed.

Going through such a situation will hurt no matter someone’s age or stage in life. But it would be especially heartbreaking and challenging for a child to experience death, to lose someone as close as a parent. How do you explain to a young child that they will not see their father or mother ever again on this side of heaven?

Whenever a family is grieving, often the best thing to do is to show them that you care and are thinking about and praying for them. A clip posted shows how one sheriff’s department showed up for a little girl who had recently lost her father to cancer.

As the child made her way to school in the morning, several department members lined up to warmly embrace her. According to the video, the young woman’s father, Gonzalo Galvez, was a “tactical medic deputy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”

As the child hugged each deputy, she did so while she carried a framed photo of her late father.

But the line of hugs was not the only thing the department did to show the family that they were thinking of the family. The video shows the unit’s helicopter flying over the school as the family stands and waves at the aircraft.

Death is brutal, and it will always hurt when we lose a loved one. But showing someone in pain and grieving that you care and are thinking about them can go a long way in providing comfort. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

Legendary Christian music artist Matthew West shares Christ's message of love and hope through an uplifting yard signs campaign.

The world is a lost and fallen place. It's full of hurting and struggling people looking for any kind or glimmer of hope. Sadly, those individuals are all around us and everywhere we go. They desperately want and need something or someone to believe in and trust.

Thankfully, there is one who can meet their needs. He can and has healed the sick, fed the hungry, given sight to the blind and raised the dead. Jesus Christ provides hope and interjects life into a dead and lifeless situation. He loves the lost and the sinner, constantly calling and beckoning them to Him.

However, sadly, some may not have heard of Jesus Christ's powerful, life-changing and life-saving message. So, to bring hope to a lost world that so desperately and badly needs it, Matthew has started a yard sign campaign and movement.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Matthew explains the origins of the Don't Stop Praying Movement. He says that after writing the song "Don't Stop Praying," he felt that there was something more he could be doing to spread Christ's message.

"Ever since I wrote the song, "Don't Stop Praying," it really felt like a statement," he said. "My team and I were talking about how there's all these signs that are going to be in people's yards. Everybody's getting the word out about something, and it's like, well, what's the campaign slogan of the, of the believer, of somebody who follows Jesus? The idea came up about a "Don't Stop Praying" yard sign."

Later in the video, Matthew admits that the yard sign campaign touched his heart and forced him to consider how he could reach people for Christ.

"It's funny, as I'm driving around this city that I call home, I've been kind of convicted in a good way," he said. "But just like how often I just stay in my own little bubble, my own little world of family and friends and influence when there's a great big city full of people who are lost and searching and need hope."

He added that he has felt challenged to pray for the lost, those without hope and everyone who needs Christ.

James 5:16 "So then, make a statement of your sins to one another, and say prayers for one another so that you may be made well. The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working."

A courageous 8-year-old girl wielded a bat as she helped to thwart a robbery attempt.

Sin corrupts and destroys everything that it touches and encounters. As a result, evil and hate most certainly exist in this world. We simply cannot and will not be able to escape being around sin as long as we remain in this world. Unfortunately, we see examples of evil and hate daily on television news broadcasts or websites.  

Crime, as everyone knows, is a by-product of sin. People, usually through force, will destroy or attempt to take something from others. Crime, despite the efforts of police officers or lawmakers, will never be eradicated. Sadly, it’s something that will always be with us.

However, one brave little girl was not going to let herself or her father become a crime victim. The surveillance video posted on YouTube shows how the little girl stepped up in a big way to stop a man with nothing but nefarious intentions.

The clip shows a would-be robber and the owner of a liquor store on the floor in a violent brawl. The clip’s description states that the criminal walked up to the register carrying a BB gun. After a few moments into their interaction, the suspect came behind the register and approached the store owner, which led to the two of them on the floor.

But the store’s owner got some help from his 8-year-old daughter. The little girl can be seen on camera carrying a baseball bat, walking up to the suspect on the ground and then taking a few healthy swings at him.

The clip mentions that after the child hit the suspect with the bat, the suspect fled the scene.

In an interview, the child’s father mentioned that he was proud of his brave daughter and mystified at how she could carry such a heavy bat.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and take heart, and have no fear of them: for it is the Lord your God who is going with you; he will not take away his help from you.”

Feeling lost and questioning your beliefs? A crisis of faith can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. In this video, we explore what a crisis of faith is, why it happens, and practical steps to overcome it. Whether you're struggling with doubts or seeking a deeper understanding, this video offers insights and support for your spiritual journey.

Feeling lost and questioning your beliefs? A crisis of faith can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. In this video, we explore what a crisis of faith is, why it happens, and practical steps to overcome it. Whether you're struggling with doubts or seeking a deeper understanding, this video offers insights and support for your spiritual journey.

Meet the 91-year-old nurse who is still going strong, loves her job and has absolutely no plans to retire.

For most people, the goal is to find a job that they somewhat enjoy doing for eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Whatever you do for a weekly or bi-weekly paycheck, no matter how much you enjoy it, is still an obligation. It's something we must or feel compelled to do. Eventually, it will feel like work.

That is typically the case unless someone sees their job or position as a calling. When someone feels they have been put in that specific position for a higher purpose or reason, their motivation is more than just a paycheck or paid time off. They see themselves as a servant fulfilling a purpose and a role.

Phyllis Blackwelder, a 91-year-old nurse in North Carolina, sees her job as a calling. A clip posted on YouTube states that Phyllis has been a nurse for more than 50 years, helping those who cannot help themselves. Despite her age and having worked for more than half a century as a nurse, Phyllis has no plans to hang up her scrubs.

"You feel like you have accomplished something when the day is done," Phyllis said in an interview. "You go home feeling good about your job. I've just loved it all these years."

Phyllis has also given back to and helped guide others in her nursing profession. The clip mentions that she has been a "mentor to generations of nurses."

It's clear that despite her many years on the job, Phyllis still loves what she does, believing that being a nurse gives her a purpose.

What an incredible display of someone filled with joy who sees her job as fulfilling a higher purpose and more than just a way to make a living. Phyllis is an example for all of us. She has an attitude and a spirit that we should all aspire to have as we go to work every day.  

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, do it readily, as to the Lord and not to men;"

A father worked hard, putting in long hours over the course of a year to transform his backyard into his daughter’s dream wedding spot.

Parents love and adore their children. Most will do anything and everything to make their youngsters happy. Seeing a smile on their son or daughter’s face and knowing that their child is happy is more than enough motivation for most parents.

Moms and dads simply want their children to be happy in life. That’s really all any mother and father can hope for in this wild and unpredictable world. So, if parents can play any role in making their child happy, most would gladly do whatever it took without any hesitation.

That was precisely what one father, William Proznick, did when he went to work in his backyard. He knew that his daughter, Madison, always dreamed of getting married in the backyard of her childhood home. So, William got to work to make his daughter’s dream a reality.

“I’ve always dreamed of getting married at the house and envisioned it growing up,” she said.

The clip posted on YouTube states that William worked for a year to do that for his little girl. William is captured on video mowing the lawn, using a jackhammer, hanging lighting, spray painting items and blowing leaves off the driveway.

When the big day finally arrived, William proudly walked his beautiful daughter down the aisle in her dream wedding venue. She was getting married in the place she had been dreaming about since she was a little girl.

When Maddison laid eyes on her father’s hard work, she couldn’t believe it.

“I was blown away,” she said.

It’s safe to say that William is a father who would do absolutely anything in his power for his little girl and to see a smile on her face. What a beautiful act of love!

Psalm 103:13 “As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers.”

A 15-year-old is a hero after she rescued two children and a dog from a fire.

Hero is a word that gets tossed around too much in society today. Seemingly, anyone and everyone is a hero or does something heroic, and the price of earning such a title is relatively low. Actors and actresses who read lines written for them, athletes and loud, boisterous politicians who promise to do one thing and then do the exact opposite are often referred to as heroes.

Can we all agree that not everyone is a hero? Heroes sacrifice and put other people first. Politicians, athletes and actors rarely, if ever, meet that threshold, often falling way short of the mark.

However, one young woman, 15-year-old Savannah Strother, is the very definition of a hero. She put herself in danger when she helped rescue others from a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. Her quick actions saved the lives of two young children and a canine.

In the clip posted on YouTube, Savannah, who was babysitting at the time of her heroic rescue, holds one child as she opens the front door. Flames can be seen just outside the home. It’s a frightening scene, for sure.

After quickly assessing the situation, Savannah orders the other child, who walks up behind her and the dog, to get out of the house. She continually yells at the child in the house, “Come on, come on!”

She eventually grabs the child by the hand, pulling him forward as all three and the dog go outside to safety.

The clip also mentions that the children Savannah saved were 1 and 3 years old.

In an interview, the young woman said everything at that moment was a “blur” and that she could only remember “feeling the heat on my back.”

One fire official called Savannah’s brave act “amazing.”

“It’s really amazing what she was able to do, especially for a 15-year-old, to not panic and to be able to get the kids out safely before the fire spread to that house,” he said. “It’s really unbelievable.”

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not given you your orders? Take heart and be strong; have no fear and do not be troubled; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Does the back-to-school year fill you with anxiety? Are you concerned about your child's safety, peer relationships, and relationships with their teachers? Releasing our kids into someone else's care and entrusting their education to someone you may not know much about other than their name can feel unsettling. But our discomfort can also provide an opportunity to develop greater faith as we rely more consistently on Christ and see Him care for our precious kids. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource referenced: Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World by Becky Harling

In an inspiring and heartwarming journey, strangers help a mother traveling alone with her son. From helping with her luggage to a stranger offering to entertain her son, each act of kindness filled her heart with faith and hope. 

Traveling with a baby is challenging under the best circumstances, and facing this challenge alone can be overwhelming. Imagine the fear and anxiety she felt as she embarked on her journey. Yet, throughout her trip, this mother discovered a "village" of compassionate strangers who stepped in at every turn, each gesture weaving together a tapestry of support and kindness that left her deeply moved.

Her video opens with a poignant moment—this brave mama stands alone, cradling her son, and the caption reads: “I’m scared to travel alone with my son; we have no village to help us.” The raw vulnerability of her words captures the depth of her apprehension as she navigates this challenging journey.

From the moment she boarded the airplane, the kindness began. Fellow passengers offered to help with her heavy luggage, made room for her and her baby, and shared comforting words. One elderly gentleman even held her son by the window, giving her a much-needed break and capturing a touching moment of relief and gratitude.

The acts of kindness continued. On a search for a hotel, a pair of young boys generously shared their snacks with her son. Later, the driver went above and beyond during an Uber ride, ensuring her comfort and safety. He let them wait in his car rather than at a train station late at night, showing a genuine concern for their well-being.

The generosity did not end there. On the train, strangers offered assistance with the stroller and shared friendly smiles. The most profound moment came when a stranger walked over a mile to a grocery store to bring back milk for her son after they were stranded while waiting for their train.

The mother documented these touching moments, highlighting the extraordinary kindness she encountered. Her video, filled with these acts of compassion, is a powerful reminder of the goodness in people.

In the caption of her video, she pours out her heart: “Sobbing crying making this video. My faith in humanity was restored after this whole experience.” Her words reflect the profound gratitude and emotional impact of these gestures.

Her story reveals the beautiful power of human kindness and the difference it can make. It illustrates how even small acts of generosity can restore hope and reaffirm our belief in the goodness of others. In a world where it’s easy to feel disheartened, this mother’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the most challenging moments, there are people ready to extend a hand and make the world a more compassionate place, one act of kindness at a time.

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

One teacher in California received the surprise of a lifetime when a massive bear entered her classroom.

Teaching is a noble profession that literally shapes minds and touches the lives of the next generation. Teachers have a tremendous responsibility in teaching their students the knowledge and skills they will need to help them in the future. What those young people learn will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Since a teacher’s job is so incredibly important, impacting the lives of youngsters, educators must set aside time to prepare. Of course, that means setting up the classroom properly, putting together lesson plans and doing anything else needed for the upcoming school year.

Teachers must be ready for various scenarios for any given school year. As one video posted on YouTube shows, that preparation must even include the possible presence of bears in the classroom.

An elementary teacher in California, Elaine Salmon, was in her classroom getting ready for the upcoming school year when a bear happened to walk into her room. The shocking video shows the large animal making its way around the room, smelling several desks as it checks out its new and unfamiliar surroundings.

In an interview, Elaine described the odd and extremely frightening scene with the bear.

“I opened my classroom door, and there was this bear charging towards the door,” she said. “So, I went over, went back to the office, closed the door, locked the bear in here. And I went back to the office to call my husband, Ian.”

After her husband arrived on the scene, Elaine and Ian worked together, knocking on the window. Ian also held the classroom door open, hoping the animal would leave on its own. Eventually, the animal left the classroom and sprinted back into the wilderness.

Even bears are ready and eager to gain some knowledge.

Proverbs 12:10 “An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evildoers are cruel.”

A courageous police officer went out into a pond to heroically rescue a missing child.

Realizing that your child is gone and missing, with no idea where they could have gone, has to be one of the worst feelings in the world. So many thoughts and horrible scenarios would immediately start rushing to that mother or father’s mind. That would be every parent’s nightmare.

It would be unimaginable to be in a situation where your child is missing. Of course, every parent would do everything possible to locate their missing child. However, the average person is limited in what they can do in that situation, so alerting the authorities is always a good idea and is likely the first move of most parents.

In a clip posted on YouTube, a police officer responded to a call for a missing child in Florida. The video begins with officers frantically searching to find the little boy who had wandered away from home. The body camera footage shows an officer sprinting to the scene.

The short clip mentions that officers were starting to fear the worst. However, as one officer moves toward a body of water, he hears what sounds like a child screaming. Of course, the officer moves toward the sound and sees the youngster hanging out on a log in the pond.

Immediately, the officer leaps into the water and swims out to grab and rescue the child. At that moment of rescue, the officer said he thought of his children.

“I have a 5-year-old boy,” the hero deputy said. “He’s the same age, same size as him. So, when I picked him up out of the water, and he’s holding onto me tightly, you know, it felt like I was holding onto one of my kids.”

Thank God for that officer’s heroic efforts!

Proverbs 31:8 “Let your mouth be open for those who have no voice, in the cause of those who are ready for death.”

A group of friends showed unwavering support for a buddy who was recently diagnosed with cancer in the sweetest way possible.

Hearing the word “cancer” from a medical professional is and always will be a terrifying, frightening situation. It’s a diagnosis that will change your life and your family’s life forever. Nothing will ever be the same after hearing those words from that doctor.

Sadly, at times, the patient and their family may feel like they are alone in their fight against that horrible, life-threatening disease. It may get to the point where they feel as if the entire world is against them. That’s why a little show of support and love can be so encouraging and uplifting for the patient and their family during their fight.

A clip posted on social media shows how one group of friends responded when a buddy was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Of course, as most people know, radiation is often used to kill cancer, but one common side effect of that treatment is hair loss.

So, the group of guys wanting to show their friend love and support decided to go bald as well. The sweet video begins with the group of friends standing together before their trim and then right after, all of whom are now bald.

However, losing their locks was not the only way the guys showed their buddy Tyler love and support. Following their haircuts, the guys surprised Tyler and his family at their home. Standing next to Tyler, the woman who answered the door can be seen wiping her eyes. Their unexpected show of love was obviously profoundly appreciated.

What a simple but beautiful way to show how much you love and care for someone fighting for their life. We don’t always have to do these big, grand gestures to show others how much we care for and love them; it’s often the little things that can mean the most. 

Philippians 2:4 “Not looking everyone to his private good, but keeping in mind the things of others.”

A kind and loving neighbor got to work, taking on and handling the yard work for an elderly woman.

Sadly, aging is not something that can be missed or avoided. Aging is an unavoidable natural process that will and does impact everyone. Every day, hour, minute and second, we are getting older.

Aging is not only a process that happens to us, but it’s something we can see and even feel. As bad as it may be to think about, our bodies are in a constant state of decline. We are physically unable to do things that we could as children, teenagers or in our 20s or 30s. As we age, we’ll need more and more help doing things we could do easily in our younger years.

A clip posted on social media depicts a kind and loving gentleman helping an elderly neighbor, a woman in her 90s, with her yard work. The video begins with text in the center of the screen stating that a company recently quoted the woman a crazy amount to clean up her yard.

The amount seems excessive, almost as if they were trying to take advantage of the older woman, given that the video shows the woman has a tiny patch of grass. Well, instead of the woman shelling out the hefty sum, a kind man helped the 98-year-old woman.

The time-lapse video shows the man getting to work on her small patch of grass. First, he uses a weed eater to remove the overgrown grass, then starts a lawn mower to cut it down.

At about halfway through the video, text appears stating that the gentleman provided his yard work services for free.

What a kind, loving and thoughtful gesture, which the elderly woman most certainly appreciated. Kindness isn’t always about the big grand gesture; sometimes, it’s as simple as mowing a neighbor’s yard who can’t move as well as they once could.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

A farmer who endured and suffered through the loss of his precious dog had a heartfelt reaction when he was surprised with a new puppy.

Dogs are some of the best creatures you’ll ever encounter. They are loving, loyal, protective and dependable. For those that they love, there isn’t anything that a dog would not do. Those who have ever owned a dog know that the famous old saying is 100% true: a dog is man’s best friend.

That was the case for Illinois farmer Spencer Heafner and Bailey, a German Shepherd. Those two friends were inseparable. Anytime Spencer went anywhere, did anything on the farm or anywhere else, Bailey was right by his side.

“We were best friends right off the bat,” he said in a video posted on YouTube. “If I was outside doing anything, she was by my side. Didn’t matter what I was doing. If I was on a tractor, driving a truck, she was there with me.”

However, right before Bailey turned 10, the animal’s health started declining rapidly. Sadly, Bailey eventually passed away, leaving the family heartbroken.

Knowing how much Spencer missed his furry, four-legged friend, Spencer’s wife surprised him with an early birthday present. When Spencer opened the box and saw the puppy, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

With the new puppy in his arms, Spencer sat down and cried. His emotional response to the new dog even surprised him. Dogs are special creatures and we can all understand Spencer’s reaction. 

“It hit me harder than I thought it was going to,” he said. “Which, you know, obviously, we’re talking about a dog, but dogs are almost like another kid to us.”

If you were wondering about the new puppy’s name, Spencer and his family settled on Maverick.

Genesis 1:21 “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”

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