Inspirational Devotions with

Free Printable Bible Study Lessons

Do you remember any inspirational devotions you recently heard or read? What made them memorable? If you are like me, you recall a powerful illustration or true life story.

Jesus used stories to illustrate his teachings. As He taught God's truths He talked about farming, politics, religion and families. Likewise, the apostle Paul used examples from athletics and nature. Not much has changed. Today we still like to talk about our jobs, family, and politics! Inspirational devotions with real life stories and powerful application motivate people to Christ-likeness.

Great Bible Study Lesson Plans

relate a felt need; identify what's at stake

accurately explain the Bible passage

tell engaging real life stories

call to action; present clear "next steps"

Regardless of the type of devotion, lesson, or sermon I'm preparing, it takes hours to develop these four elements. These inspirational devotions will save you time. For a small group or Sunday School lesson, I've included discussion questions. You can add more illustrations from your own life. Remember the goal: To be like Jesus and help others do the same.

Here is a list of our inspirational devotions. (If you don't find what you need, check out our site map. It gives a complete list of all our Bible study lesson plans.) Following the title I've listed the Scripture passage and topic. A preview of the real life story follows.

Words of Spiritual Encouragement - Various scriptures - Jesus eats breakfast with His apostles

I shared an office with an individual who habitually greeted me with, "Paul, I don't know what's wrong, but I'm in a really bad mood today."

How Great is Our God- Various scriptures - Accept the Love of God

Peter Scazzero makes the observation that people are like icebergs. . .

Thanksgiving Verses- Various scriptures - Some of My Favorite Thanksgiving Verses

You can personalize thanksgiving verses.

Inspirational Devotions from the Old Testament

Christian Forgiveness - Genesis 37-50 - Joseph forgives his brothers

You never know how forgiving a person you really are until someone wrongs you. Can you relate?

Becoming Emotionally Mature - Genesis 45 - Joseph and His Brothers

In his classic book Dare to Discipline, Dr. James Dobson tells the story of a 13th century experiment that involved fifty infants. . .

Are You Devoted to Following God? - Numbers 13-14 - Twelve spies

I heard a business consultant tell about the training he was doing for a company’s employees. . .

Achieving the Impossible - Numbers 13-14 - Twelve Spies

I once read an article entitled, “The 41 Worst Predictions of all Time”

Facing the Impossible with God's Power - Joshua 5-6 - Battle of Jericho

Every few years a motivational seminar comes to Omaha. . .

My Brother's Keeper - Joshua 6 - Achan's sin

In sports, the infraction of one player penalizes the entire team. . .

Bible Study - Make Time for It - Psalms - David and God's Word

Gordon MacDonald tells a story from African colonial history. . .

Quotes about Friendship - Proverbs - Characteristics of a Friend

On August 5, 1936, at the Berlin Olympic Stadium it was a little past nine in the evening. The pole vault event . . .

Jesus is Love - Experience It - Jeremiah 31:3 - God's and Jesus' love

Bob George tells the true story of a three-year-old boy who lived at the White House. . .

Inspirational Devotions from the New Testament

Training for a Marathon and Christian Disciplines - Matthew 7:24 - Jesus and the Apostles

In 1981 Rosie Ruiz was the first woman to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon. . .

Being Like Jesus is Enough - Matthew 10:24 - Jesus' Priority in Training

Do you need to be "gifted" in order to make a difference?

Bible Curriculum Must be Accompanied by Relationships - Mark 3:13-14 - Jesus trains the 12

I stumbled onto a book entitled, Why Jesus Never Wrote a Book. . .

Passing On Bible Truth - Mark 4:1-20 - Parable of the Sower

Most men love to read the sports page but not the Bible. . .

Advent Reflections - Luke 1 - Advent Reflections - Birth of John the Baptist

Anything you are not praying about, you are doing on your own.

Peer to Peer Network Evangelism - Luke 5:27-29 - Call of Matthew

Veteran small group expert Neil Cole notes that the average person has fifteen hundred acquaintances in life.

How to Hear from God - Acts 17:11 - The Bereans

What if I purchased a gym membership and asked you to come and watch me work out?. . .

Christian Giving - II Corinthians 8-9 - Plan, Principle, and Purpose of Giving

The true story of Hetty Green. She died in 1916, the richest and most detested female in America. . .

Christian Priorities - Colossians 3:3 - Focusing on Things Above

The Parker Brothers trading game, Monopoly, was invented during the Great Depression in 1935. . .

Reflecting Christ's Likeness - Colossians 3:5-16 - Our Disposition

Hockey Death No Surprise to Sports Observers. . .

Success Requires Succession - II Timothy 2:2 - Paul's charge to Timothy

Would you rather have $100,000 today or one penny, doubled every day for a month?. . .

If you enjoy our inspirational devotions, you'll love

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All Bible verses written out

Powerful real-life stories engage the heart

Challenging application personalizes the teaching

Easy to lead - discussion questions and leader's guide included

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Easy to lead - discussion questions included