fbpx
Posted on Leave a comment

Matthew 7:7. Ask. Seek. Knock.

Jan 8 Matthew 7 7

Do you remember as a kid when you wanted something you’d ask your parents for it over and over and over again? Usually until with full exasperation they reply with, “If you ask me just one more time, I’ll…” How persistent are you when you are praying and asking God for something? God never gets tired of us asking Him to meet our needs.

Matthew 7:7 tell us to “ask” but it doesn’t mean that He will just give us everything we want. When we approach God with this mindset we reduce the God of the universe down to a magical genie that grants our every wish. Yet, this is what prosperity preachers would want you to believe. Just name it and claim it – in Jesus’ name, of course. But Matthew 7:7 is not intended to be interpreted as God will give us whatever we ask for. This is why its followed with “seek.” If we are seeking God’s will, then we will know what we should ask for. If you don’t know His will, then start by asking for to know it before you ask Him to give you other things. In verse 11, Jesus said that God will not fail to give His children good things, and we must trust Him that He knows what’s good for us in this moment of time. Sometimes what we ask for is a good thing, but now is not the right time.

You see, God, in his omniscience, knows what we need and what we do not and He knows the exact moment in time when that good thing becomes a best thing. He’s never late. Sometimes, what we ask for He knows is not in our best interest and therefore He doesn’t give it to us.

So then, what about asking “in Jesus’ name?” John 14:14 says, ” You many ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”  When we pray in Jesus’ name, we are praying on the basis of His authority and who He is – the Son of God, Creator of the world. But if we pray in His authority, then we’ve already sought His will. 1 John 5:14 says, “If we ask anything according to His will, he hears us.” So we need to be sure that what we are asking for is in His will.

Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” The promise is that He will supply all our needs. Sometimes, He provides extra blessings and gives us our wants too. However, if what you are asking for is a need and aligns with His purpose  for our lives, keep praying. Be persistent. When we get to heaven, I wonder how many blessings we will have missed out on simply because we stopped praying one prayer too soon. If God doesn’t provide, than know that he has something better in mind. It reminds me of a picture circulating around on Facebook where Jesus is holding out his hand to a little girl asking her to give him her teddy bear. She hangs on to the little bear as tightly as she can, not wanting to give it up, but what she can’t see is the great big teddy bear Jesus has behind His back. God only wants what is absolutely best for us…so trust Him. Be persistent in prayer until He gives you an answer. If the answer is no, then trust Him that he has something better waiting that you can’t see yet.

ctt verse of the day

Please share today’s Devotion to your social media accounts. We’re using the following hashtags: #ask #seek #knock #Godswill #Matthew #WCM 

 

Get the daily devotional delivered to your email. Enter your name and email address in the boxes below to sign up:

Now the daily devotional can be delivered to your email. Sign up now.
Loading

Snowmen-Divider-85442

FundlyWould you consider giving Wellspring a Christmas gift this year? We’re raising fund for some media equipment needed for our ministry.  Click here to make your secure tax-deductible contribution.

Church Ministry featured image

news and events

teespring spreadshop logos

T-shirt Fundraiser Event: If you missed getting one of our Christmas designs, be sure to check out all the other designs. We have some great Christian designs based on popular Scriptures that can be a testimony of your faith and a witness to the lost.

 

James 4:10 - Humble yourselves

 

 

In 2020, we are praying for a revival in America. The path to revival is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves…” As we focus on humbling ourselves, we created this design based on James 4:10 to help us remember to humble ourselves before the Lord. (Click the shirt to go to the store). The design is also available in mugs, mousepad, apron, backpacks, poster, pillow case cover, canvas and more.

All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view the Teespring store. 

Click here to view the Spreadshop Store 

#fundraiser #tshirt #WCM #teespring #spreadshop #Revelation21:5 #allthingsnew

Related image

Cover_mBOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:

This event helps couples understand why the daily activities found in the book will equip them to build a stronger marriage and the book provides them with 365 intentional activities to take what they learn at the event and apply it on a daily basis. Through the event, couples will discover the Biblical “why” behind the categories of activities found in the book and the “how” these activities are important to building a stronger marriage. Focus points of the event includes :

  • How memorizing scripture together and studying God’s Word together as they study, meditate and apply scriptures related to marriage and life issues will help them develop marriages that honor God.
  • Why utilizing fun conversation starters that spark meaningful conversations will keep interest alive as they continually learn new things about each other.
  • Why keeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
  • How making memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and how these investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
  • How they can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as how they might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
  • Why it is important that couples never stop dating and how group dates with Christian friends can be both an encouragement and accountability to their own relationship.

During the event, couples will be given an activity from each focus point to do together, making this event an interactive, fun, and engaging event with practical, hands-on learning. Unlike other couple events that are over when the event ends, couples who attend the GLMW event will be able to apply what they learn when utilizing the book on a daily basis for a year. Since the book is not dated, couples are able to reuse the activities year after year to continue being intentional in strengthening their relationship with each other and with God as they strive to live out God’s design for marriage every day.

Learn more about hosting this event at your church or conference site by clicking here.

About the book: The GLMW book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

#GLMW #couplesevent #GLMWbook #intentionalmarriage #Godlymarriage

Related image

004

Looking for a keynote speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.

Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants. Today, Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.

With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities, regardless of size.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

Related image

Wellspring receives an 8% commission for any item purchased
at CBD through any of these links. Your cost to purchase any item through an affiliate link is the same as purchasing directly from CBD.

Clicking any affiliate link will open a new browser page and take you to Christian Book Distributor’s website.

Image result for Christian book distributors logoChristmas Items at Christian Book Distributors:

Check out these items from Christian Book Distributors.

We are praying and seeking God for Revival in America in 2020. The path to revival can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Watch the video on this verse created by our CEO.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves….” This week we have featured several resources on what Biblical humility looks like. We hope you’ll choose one for your own personal Bible study and join us in seeking God with a heart of humility and pray with us for God to send a revival to America in 2020.

Check out the Christian Book Distributor resources below.

Our organization receives an 8% commission on any item you purchase through these links. However, the product price is the same for you. There is no increase in your cost for us to receive the commission. All commissions receive support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries. 
453542: Humility Humility

By Andrew Murray / Aneko Press

639405: Humility & Absolute Surrender Humility & Absolute Surrender

By Andrew Murray / Hendrickson Publishers

For over a century countless readers have found in Andrew Murray a trustworthy guide to the deeper Christian life. As a pastor, evangelist, educator, and writer driven by concern for the spiritual guidance of new converts–and for revival in long-time believers–Murray penned some of the most enduring devotional classics of Christian literature. Though he ministered in a deeply-divided nation, his vision seemed blind to race, class, or political persuasion. And from a remote corner of South Africa, his preaching, teaching, and writing would eventually fuel spiritual awakening with a worldwide impact.

This edition pairs Humility and Absolute Surrender in one volume. Together these classics reflect Murray’s longing for a closer walk with Christ, and call us to a life of holiness and virtue, empowered not by our own strength but by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Hardcover.

280322: Great Lives: Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility Great Lives: Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility

By Charles Swindoll / Thomas Nelson

Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility is the fifth volume in the best-selling Great Lives from God’s Word series by Charles Swindoll. Swindoll presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed to be His personal spokesman against evil and idolatry in the ancient world. He was a man who walked courageously with his peers, and walked humbly with his God. His is a life worth emulating.

25600: Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, Updated Edition Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, Updated Edition

By Andrew Murray / Bethany House

When Jesus “made himself nothing … taking the nature of a servant,” He modeled for all believers true humility. Murray calls this “our true nobility” and “the distinguishing feature of discipleship.” In twelve brief but powerful chapters, Murray journeys through Scripture and Christ’s life, underscoring the utmost need for humility—as opposed to pride—in the Christian’s life. With insightful, penetrating clarity, Murray calls all Christians to turn from pride, empty themselves, and study the character of Christ to be filled with His grace. Often called the best work on humility ever written, this edition has been edited for today’s reader.

868423: True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All-About-Me World, Member Book True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All-About-Me World, Member Book

By Erin Davis / Lifeway

A True Princess is special because she is the daughter of someone special. Everything she does points back toward her Father. If a princess acts recklessly, it isn’t just her reputation that suffers. The honor and image of the throne is at stake. Help girls understand that their sense of entitlement won’t get them anywhere in the kingdom of God. Humility is essential, and True Princess will guide girls in grades 6-12 through Scripture as a group and individually to help them understand the importance of living as a daughter of the King. (7 Sessions)

904379: From Pride to Humility: A Biblical Perspective From Pride to Humility: A Biblical Perspective

By Stuart Scott / Focus Publishing

God has given us a model to follow, in order to be what he wants us to be, and that model is the person Jesus Christ. We must first want to glorify God with our lives and realize that it is Christ likeness that will help us to do that. The humility of Jesus Christ is his most stunning attribute, and the sin of pride is probably the most detestable to God. Pride is a form of self-worship and is often manifested in the most subtle ways.

Contained in this small volume is an exhaustive list of manifestations of pride, which we must put-off, followed by the challenging attributes of humility, which Christians can put on through the spirit.

517825: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: Fourth Edition / Special edition How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: Fourth Edition / Special edition

By Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart / Zondervan

Enjoy God’s Word to the fullest! This classic reader-friendly manual, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Fourth Edition, explains the different kinds of biblical literature – such as prophecy, Gospels, poetry, and history – so you can get the most from them. The revised fourth edition includes updated language for today’s generation of readers, a new preface, bracketed Scripture references, and redesigned diagrams.

344292: The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life

By Rick Warren / Zondervan

The Daniel Plan teaches simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into a reader’s current lifestyle and helps them understand the kind of foods God created to keep them fit and strong. The book is categorized around five key concepts for optimal health that promote success: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. These concepts encourage readers to deepen their relationship with God and offer inspiration as they make positive choices each and every day.

003680: NKJV Beautiful Word Bible, hardcover NKJV Beautiful Word Bible, hardcover

By Zondervan

Be drawn into God’s Word through a fresh, creative expression of the beautiful words of God. Crafted on high-quality paper and balanced with inspiring full-color art and blank space, the NKJV Beautiful Word Bible will encourage a deeper and more authentic quiet time. With 500 verses illustrated to help you see the rich diversity of stories, characters, prophecies, rewards, and hope contained within Scripture, you will discover wisdom to sustain you in every season, drawing you deeper into God’s life-changing and inspired Word.

Features include:

  • Single-column text of the New King James Version (NKJV)
  • Words of Jesus in red
  • 500 full-color illustrated verses
  • 2″ wide lined margins and high-quality paper for notes, journal entries or artwork
  • Single-column layout
  • Index of illustrated Scripture passages
  • Presentation page for gift-giving
  • Ribbon Marker
  • 8-point text size
  • 8.25″ x 6.50″ x 1.50″
632054: Storming the Gates of Heaven: Prayer That Claims the Promises of God Storming the Gates of Heaven: Prayer That Claims the Promises of God

By Anne Graham Lotz / Zondervan

In this adaptation of her bestselling book, The Daniel Prayer, Anne Graham Lotz unlocks a powerful pattern of prayer for claiming the promises of God.

What is the secret to praying prayers that really “work”? In Storming the Gates of Heaven, a plan for praying effective prayers that God answers is presented through unpacking the ancient prayer of the prophet Daniel, a prayer that moved heaven and changed a nation and one that even today can deliver on God ‘s promises. It’s a prayer birthed under pressure. Heartache. Grief. Desperation. It can be triggered by a sudden revelation of hope. Here is the secret to answered prayer, a promise freshly received, a miracle that lies just over the horizon.

214695: Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

Come and meet the One at the center of the greatest story ever told! Inviting you to reflect on the heart of Christ, this updated edition of Lucado’s best-selling work introduces you to Jesus as Immanuel, friend, teacher, miracle worker, Lamb of God, returning king, and the God who knows and loves you. Includes never-before-published material. 240 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

78578: 3:16 The Church Experience Leader Kit 3:16 The Church Experience Leader Kit

By Max Lucado / Lifeway

Based on Max Lucado’s bestseller 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, this six-session Leader’s Kit is a Parade of Hope, with enough resources to support a church-wide campaign, yet versatile enough to use for a weekend retreat or a six-session group study. Guided by Max’s warm and gracious storytelling style, each participant is encouraged to truly value the 3:16 verse, to form and share their own 3:16 story, and to begin living a 3:16 life.

To help your church experience John 3:16, this Leader Kit contains:

  • 2 DVDs with 6 25-30 minute videos of Max Lucado sharing his 3:16 message at Crossroads Tabernacle in The Bronx and featuring riveting 3:16 stories from people on the streets of New York City
  • 1 CD-ROM that includes leader helps, an interview with Max, 3:16 stories, a 3:16 retreat plan, and additional church resources
  • 1 Workbook
  • 1 Copy of the best-selling book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope
  • A Worship Musical CD based on the book
  • Bonus Materials including essential resources to help promote and launch a community outreach program
950480: What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: *Live More Fully *Love More Deeply *Experience God"s Best for You What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: *Live More Fully *Love More Deeply *Experience God’s Best for You

By Lysa TerKeurst / Harvest House Publishers

Total obedience to Christ can transform an ordinary walk into a remarkable journey. Sharing personal experiences and biblical insights, TerKeurst shows you how to discern God’s voice, follow his direction, and discover a life of joy and purpose as you partner with him. Includes a Bible study. Previously titled Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed. 192 pages, softcover from Harvest.

960832: Unburdened, Bible Study Book Unburdened, Bible Study Book

By Vance Pitman / Lifeway

213328: Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith

By Susie Larson / Bethany House

Here’s a humbling thought to ponder: the all-powerful king of the universe loves you and wants to talk with you! Drawing from her own spiritual journey, radio host Larson shares the secrets to effective communication with God. Learn to pray specifically and persistently; overcome common hindrances; replace “begging and pleading” with “praying and believing”; and more. 208 pages, softcover from Bethany.

354789: 2020 Mornings with Jesus 2020 Mornings with Jesus

By Zondervan

Begin each day with Jesus . . . and get to know him as your Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One! Designed to take just five minutes every morning, these 365 engaging readings include Scripture verses, meditations from 13 different authors, and challenging “Faith Steps” meant to inspire and encourage you in your daily walk. 379 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

 

970111: Overcomer DVD Bible Study Kit

Overcomer DVD Bible Study Kit

By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick / B&H Books

Many people feel they are less than who God says they are. We get our identity from our careers, our political positions, family roles in the family, and other things. This small group study uses clips from the film Overcomer to examine how we determine our identity and how we can find our true identity in Christ.

The Bible study is geared for adult groups to use prior to the movie or just after seeing the movie. The study includes clips from the movie.

The Overcomer Bible Study Kit has five sessions and includes:

  • one Bible Study Book
  • one DVD with a promotional video and five 2-4 minute video sessions

Session Topics:

  1. Who Are You?
  2. You Are Broken
  3. You Are Chosen
  4. You Surrender
  5. You Declare
224984: Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital

By Provident Films

From the creators of War Room, Courageous and Fireproof. Basketball coach John Harrison’s high school team is crushed by the closing of the town’s largest employer. Hundreds of families move, leaving him running a struggling cross-country program. But then he meets Hannah and begins helping this unlikely runner attempt the impossible in the year’s biggest race. Starring Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, and Aryn Wright-Thompson. Rated PG. Dove approved (12+). Approx. 119 minutes.

Blu-ray Exclusives:

  • The Heart of Overcomer
  • Creating the Opening Drone Shot
  • Working with the Kendricks
  • Post-Production Behind-the-Scenes: Editing, Scoring, Coloring, and Sound Design
  • “Enough” (Lyric Video) Featuring Koryn Hawthorne
  • Don’t Mess with the Editors

Special Features:

  • The Making of Overcomer
  • Bloopers
  • 10 Minutes of Additional Scenes
  • Commentary with Director Alex Kendrick and Producer Stephen Kendrick
  • Overcomer in 60 Seconds
  • The Theme of Identity
  • The Power of Forgiveness
  • “Overcomer” (Lip Sync Music Video) Featuring Mandisa and More!

Other Features:

  • Audio: English, French (PAR), Spanish, Thai
  • Subtitles: English, English (SDH), Spanish, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Tagalog, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage  -     By: Julia M. Bruce God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage

By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Wellspring Christian Ministries

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading