Words That Inspire
“Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is right in his sight.” (1 Chronicles 19:13)
The Bible is a book of powerful words. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Words from the Bible are not just man’s words. They are God’s words. The Bible was written by people but inspired by God. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Words from the Bible can touch people’s hearts like nothing else can. Words from the Bible give learning and far more. They give conviction. Guidance. Clarity. Hope. Purpose. Encouragement. Joy. Strength. Inspiration.
When you know Jesus as Saviour and let the Bible guide you; learn its teachings, obey its commands, enjoy its promises, and hide its words in your heart, it makes wonderful changes in you. Paul told the believers at Thessalonica, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, boldface added)
As for letting God’s words inspire you, here is the context of our passage: Hanun, a heathen Ammonite king, wanted to fight against Israel. He hired foreign soldiers, including Syrians, to fight Israel. David sent Joab, his commander, to fight with Israel’s army against them. Joab saw Ammonites and Syrians coming from two different directions. He placed a contingent of choice soldiers to fight the Syrians under his command, and the rest he sent to fight the Ammonites under the command of his brother Abishai.
Then he gave Abishai these words of encouragement: “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God:” (boldface added) Both men knew they were headed into danger. Yet Joab reminded Abishai that they were doing it to save their fellow Israelites, “our people,” the nation God had saved from Egyptian slavery. Joab added, “…and let the LORD do that which is right in his sight.” As if to say, “Let’s do our best and trust God for the results.”
If you are a police officer, this passage is for you. People need you when criminals do their dirty work. Decent people in tough areas need your help when the drug dealer walks the street. A young woman needs your help when her live-in, who got her pregnant but isn’t man enough to marry her, and who thinks it’s ok for boys to hit girls, slaps her around. A terrified family needs your help as a burglar kicks in the door. A late-night store clerk needs your help as a robber points a gun at his head.
The job is dangerous at times, but it is a job God ordained. Police work is about helping decent people and confronting criminals. God’s word says so:
“For he [police] is the minister of God to thee [citizen] for good. But if thou [criminal] do that which is evil, be afraid; for he [police] beareth not the sword [necessary weapon: fists, Taser, baton, firearm] in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:4)
Let God’s word inspire you to do your best as you help decent people and confront offenders. To see how to have forgiveness for your sins and a home in heaven, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 9/20/2026