Each week we post a scripture to challenge you to hide God’s Word in your heart. Commit it to memory, meditate on it and apply it to your life.
This week’s memory verse:
1 Peter 3:8-9
All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to his, that you may inherit a blessing.
Meditate and apply:
- We are not always going to see eye to eye with everyone. But Peter gives us the way to handle things when conflicts arise. Getting into yelling matches, sulking, holding grudges have no place in the life of a Christ follower. Peter calls for Christians to be of one mind. That mind should be the mind of Christ. To have the mind of Christ requires us to be selfless. We must let go of our own agendas and follow Christ’s. When we have compassion, love as brothers, are tenderhearted and courteous, we can have differences of opinions and still find harmony.
- Peter calls for Christians to have compassion for others. This means we should have a genuine concern for the sufferings and misfortunes of others. It’s having sympathy for what another person is going through. It’s mourning with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15).
- Peter calls for Christians to love others as a brother/sister. Instead of viewing others as our enemy, we should love one another as our own family. Leviticus 19:18 says, “Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am Yahweh.” Jesus called this the second greatest commandment.
- Peter calls for Christians to be tenderhearted to others. If we are tenderhearted, than we are kind and gentle. Paul said in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” It is not possible to both hold a grudge or hold on to anger and bitterness and be tenderhearted. We must forgive others and let go of grudges, anger, and bitterness if we are to be kind and gentle.
- Peter calls for Christians to be courteous to others. This means we are polite, respectful and considerate – even when in disagreement. Its maintaining a humble attitude by valuing others above ourselves. It’s considering their interests and needs more than our own.
- Peter calls for Christians to not retaliate when others do us wrong. We shouldn’t plot how to get even. God’s way is to “heap burning coals on his head” by refusing to stoop to the level of the offender (Proverbs 25:22; Romans 12:20). When we retaliate with evil for evil, we join them in their sin and become just as guilty as the one who wronged us. Jesus told us not to return evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21; Matthew 5:39). Romans 12:19 gives clear instructions about how Christians are to respond when wronged: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Instead of revenge, Peter says we are to bless others who wrong us. Our job as Christians is to forgive, not retaliate (Luke 6:27–31). We can set healthy boundaries in destructive relationships. We can protect ourselves from further harm and report to authorities someone breaking the law (James 5:20). But revenge and retaliation is never condoned in Scripture. Two wrongs do not make a right. God has promised to right all wrongs done against His children (Isaiah 54:17). When we follow His commands to love, forgive, and do good to those who wrong us (Matthew 5:44), we can trust that our God will come to our defense and do what is right. Let God do His job. Our job is to bless them. So every time you have thoughts of revenge, anger, bitterness or know you’re holding a grudge, ask God to bless that person. And remember that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4: 8).
#memoryverse #hideitinyourheart #blessing #compassion #tenderhearted #courteous #nogrudges #WCM
Sign up here to receive the weekly memory verses in your inbox every Monday morning.
Become a distributor of Living Water with us by joining our fundraising campaign as we grow and expand our ministry. Click here to make your secure tax-deductible contribution.
T-shirt Fundraiser Event: The Christmas designs have been made and they will be going up on the store throughout the week this week. Spreadshop has everything 15% off from November 29-December 1 so get a few for Christmas gifts and one for yourself.
Here’s a sample of what we’ve been working on:
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 #Christmas
BOOKING 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
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.
To request more information or a booking,
fill out the online form here.
Or call us at 904.524.8073
#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author
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.
 |
Thankful Blessed and Pumpkin Spice Obsessed Stick Plaque
Special sentiment on skinny strip of pine wood
|
 |
Harvest Blessings Jute Hanging Decor
Add personality to any space you call your own with pine slat wood sign
|
 |
Have A Blessed Day Candle
Jar candle 26 ounce size
|
|
Family Table Runner
Poly linen table runner 72″ x 13″
|
 |
Gather Together Table Runner
Table runner adds the finishing touch to your dining room or eating area. Crafted of 100% cotton, it’s equally at home in country, cottage, or contemporary rooms.
|
 |
Taste And See, Salt And Pepper Shaker Set
White ceramic salt and pepper set with tray, right at home in your kitchen or on your dining table.Scripture verse quotes in uspcale font design.
|
 |
Gather Here Platter
Oval ceramic platter
|
 |
Give Thanks Round Platter
Glass Fusion ® art platter designed by Lori Siebert in vibrant and artful style to your fall table. Give thanks in swirling font; 13″ round platter.Handwash only; not intended for microwave.Distinctive technique of colroed glass and iridescent metallic finish. For entertaining and celebrating all year round. |
 |
Give Thanks Light Box
Add warmth to your room decor with plug-in light box framed design
|
 |
So Very Thankful Incredibly Grateful And Unbelievably Blessed, Pallet Art
Rustic wall decor made of natural pine slats; simple yet refined accent for your home.
|
 |
Harvest Blessings Ceramic Vase
Ceramic gift vase in creamy white
|
 |
Give Thanks Ceramic Crock with Candle
Ceramic crock in farmhouse style with pumpkin motif
|
 |
But First Coffee House Sign
Shaped structures in wood with decorative architectural details and words of inspiration
|
 |
Fall Wreath Door Hanger
Fall door decor creates a warm welcome to your home
|
 |
Thankful & Blessed Door Mat
Seasonal doormat to welcome fall
|
 |
Thankful Pumpkins, Tea Towel
Tea towel with appliqued stacked pumpkins
|
 |
God’s Starting Point Mug
True and Write Gift Collection in bold font design
|
 |
Gather Here Pie Place
Pie plate in black and white; Gather Here Collection
|
