Why are there so many names for God?
Why is it important that we know what they are and what they mean? Because our finite, human brains cannot fully comprehend the majesty and glory of who God is. And so, through the various names of God, He chooses to reveal Himself. As He does, we can come to understand the many personal characteristics of God. Through His names, He reveals His power, authority, and holiness. The better we understand and know the names of God, the more personal He becomes to us. As we know Him more intimately and personally, we can call on His name that corresponds with our need. And because the Bible instructs us to honor, fear, respect God and to not take His name in vain, we need to know exactly what His names are and what they mean.
The old church hymn says, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. All thy works shall praise Your name in earth and sky and sea.” Another part of the song says, “Only Thou art holy. There is none beside Thee. Perfect in power, in love and purity.” El Shaddai is the Almighty God who is enough! He is more than sufficient to meet any need that we may have. El Shaddai is powerful, yet compassionate. He provides, sustains, nourishes, and protects. Where I am weak, He is strong. When I’m not enough, He is more than enough. Because He is powerful, He is able to take the little I have and use whatever it is for His glory and His purposes.
Today, most people want to know that God is love – and He is. But a sovereign powerful God who can be angered over our sin confronts us and brings our sin into light and most of us do not really want to see ourselves for who we really are. But because God loves us, He chooses us and by His grace and mercy He also chooses to transform our sinful lives into redeemed lives and makes us holy.
Father, show us who You are. Reveal to us why You are worthy of being called the One True, Living God. Teach us to unabashedly love you, respect Your name, and serve only You. Make your character known to us so we can live and walk in your image. Amen.
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse
Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.
This week’s verse:
Micah 7:7
But I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
#hope #waitingonGod #revival #WCM
Now you can receive the weekly memory verse straight to your email inbox. Sign up below.
Â
Here’s what’s new this week in the Teespring and Spreadshop Stores
Check out all the available products in both the Spreadshirt shop and in the Teespring shop.
#Micah7:7 #hope #waitingonGod #teespring #spreadshop
This week, we have featured items on the subject of hope. We’ve also included some graduation gifts and teacher gifts that are available.
At Christian Book Distributors you will find Bible Studies, books, gifts, and more to help you grow your faith and often at discounted prices from other places.
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. When you purchase items you want, our organization receives the commission, which supports the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries. Enter the site through any of the links below and browse the online store. Any item you purchase through one of our links will qualify for us to receive the commission.
Hope. LifeGuide Topical Bible Studies
By Jack Kuhatschek / InterVarsity Press Sometimes hope becomes so real that it’s almost tangible. But other times–especially when tragedy or hardship crashes down on us–we wonder whether our hopes will break down apart and leave us exposed, vulnerable and overwhelmed. These studies explore both sides of hope–confronting doubts and fears, but reminding us of the great joy that awaits us in Jesus Christ. 8 studies for individuals or groups with notes for leaders.
Finding God in the Broken Places, Women of Faith Study Guide Series
By Patsy Clairmont / Thomas Nelson
Adapted from Patsy’s book All Cracked Up!, Finding God in the Broken Places helps women see that even in the midst of pain, a fractured life can be a happy life. Using her characteristic humor, she shares how we can move from broken to bedazzled by embracing our fragments and resting in the assurance that we have a Savior who knows how to piece them back together again. Includes 12 weeks of study, discussion/reflection questions, and a facilitator’s guide.
Waiting: A Bible Study on Patience, Hope, and Trust
By Sharla Fritz / Concordia Publishing House
Everyday Hope: Holding Fast to His Promise
By Katie Orr / New Hope Publishers
Are you desperate to experience the hope of Christ in the everyday? Everyday Hope – an easy-to-use, four-week study – will help you discover how to hold fast to God’s promises amidst feelings of hopelessness. Exploring God’s Word in as few as 15 minutes a day, you’ll learn more about His promises as they apply to you now and in the everyday moments to come.
Unafraid Leader Guide: Living with Courage and Hope – eBook
By Adam Hamilton / Abingdon Press
The Joy Stealers Leader Guide: 5 Obstacles to Hope and Happiness – eBook
By Rob Renfroe / Abingdon Press
When The Going Gets Tough – Study Guide
By Discovery House
When your journey through life comes to a series of ups and downs, holding on and sustaining the ride can be tough. This study, excerpted from Joe Stowell’s book The Upside of Down, offers you hope and encouragement. You’ll explore the seven different types of trials and gain a better understanding of why God allows them. Discover how you can stay the course and respond to challenges through the confidence of God’s Word. Six Studies for Groups or Individuals.
Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark: Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
By Kay Arthur / Harvest House Publishers
In this booklet you’ll study five of the prophets who ministered to both the northern and southern kingdoms before the exile of the southern kingdom to Babylon. Though God commissioned His prophets to preach unique messages to different audiences, He gave them a common theme—hope when life seems dark. As you study these, you too will find hope. Group or individual study includes a daily guide to help you discover truth for yourself, questions for discussion, a thought for the week, and a memory challenge.
How to Get Past Disappointment: Finding Hope
By Michelle McKinney Hammond / Harvest House Publishers
In How to Get Past Disappointment Michelle McKinney Hammond explores the biblical story of the woman at the well. Hope awaits those who are willing to open their hearts to Jesus during disappointments in life. Jesus is merciful and his blessings are attainable. This book has study questions pertinent to the 6-session DVD study that encourages women to assess where they are in their relationship with Christ.
2020 Graduation Keyring
By Cathedral Art Metal CoClass of 2020 diploma keyring in graduation cap gift box;inspiring, practical, affordable.
Diploma shaped keyring; Class of 2019 with Scripture quote
“Show me your ways, O Lord, Teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
Lead free pewter keyring; 2″ x 1.5″.
Packaged in mortarboard graduation cap gift box with tassel.
For guys or girls.
Bestselling grad gift
Jeremiah 29:11 Graduation Frame
By Heartfelt A unique gift to honor the Christian graduate, and a handsome diploma frame; space for photograph, tassel and your diploma in classic dark frame 25″ wide x 14.75″ high.Double matting with gold; space for 4″ x 6″ photo; Scripture verse quote “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Suitable for high school, college graduation, or graduate degree; a lifetime milestone keepsake. Classic dark frame with glass; ready to hang on the wall.
2020 The Places You’ll Go Graduation Bracelet, Silver
By Cathedral Art Metal Co Graduation bangle bracelet, trending style with charms for the class of 2020.Adjustable silver-tone bracelet with charms: 2020 medallion, Pray tag, crystal bead, and hammered charm engraved – Oh, the places you’ll go!. Gift boxed in mortarboard graduation cap with tassel.
Quote from Dr. Seuss; bestselling grad bracelet. Bestselling grad gift
2020 Graduate Tee Shirt, Large (42-44)
By Red Letter 9 Inc Class of 2020 Graduation t-shirt, with bold collegiate design and Scripture quote from Jeremiah 29:11; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Heather gray shirt with gold details; Trust in God banner design; machine washable; cotton/polyester blend. Order early for senior photos, trips, and celebrations!
2020 Graduation Throw
By Simply Home Graduation throw blanket, Class of 2020, with ivy design, cap and diploma, and Scripture verse. “For I know plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Tapestry weave throw with fringed border; for guys or girls. Made in the USA. 50″ x 60″.
A keepsake 2020 graduation gift.
Use as a blanket, a throw on chair or couch, a cozy wrap
God Has Great Plans For You Journal, Faux Leather, Gray
By Brownlow Gifts Journal with satin ribbon marker
240 pages featuring Scripture
Pocket size; 4.75″ x 7″
God has great plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11
101 Blessings for a #1 Teacher
By Christian Art Gifts Box of 50 Scripture cards and encouraging quotes, a box of blessings for teachers. Inspirational gift of 50 double-sided cards attractively packaged in a box to keep in a pocket, purse, or desk. Box is 2.5″ x 3.75″ x 1″; each card is 2.25″ x 3.25″.
Teach Inspire Motivate Tumbler with Straw
By Christian Art GiftsGift idea to inspire and thank that very special teacher: trending artisan design and words of encouragement and appreciation in fresh new design elements.Plastic tumbler with straw holds 16 ounces; double-walled; tested for lead/BPA free. Not for mw/dw.
Teach, Inspire, Dream
The Influence of a Teacher Can Never Be Erased Framed Art
By P Graham Dunn IncLight as a Feather Collection
Simple wood frame
Handcrafted in the heart of Amish country USA
Teacher gift
Artisan lettering
Subtle and small, easy to display on wall, desk, counter or nightstand
7.5″ wide x 5″ high
The influence of a teacher can never be erased
Best Teacher Ever Glass Water Bottle
By Christian Art GiftsWater bottle designed with a great teacher in min
Teachers who love to teach inspire children who love to learn
Teacher Gifts Collection
Generous 20 ounce capacity
Leak-proof twist on cap
Flip top lid; wide-mouth bottle
Dishwasher safe but handwash recommended
Not for freezer or microwave
Not for hot beverages
9.25″ tall
Eco-friendly; boxed
And of course we’ve included our CEO’s book:
God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
- Scripture to memorize and meditate on
- Conversation Starters
- Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
- Romance Builders
- Relationship Builders
- Personal reflections
- Date ideas
- Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples
We’re booking for church and ministry events.
(Due to COVID-19, we are only tentatively booking for events after September 2020 based on the recommendations as issued by the CDC and our government officials.)
Julia Bruce is an engaging speaker, CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, and author of God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars. This book is for Christian couples who seek a closer relationship with each other and with God. With 365 activities, couples intentionally grow their relationship. The activities include scripture memory, conversation starters, personal reflections, guided Bible studies, romance builders, relationship builders and date night ideas.
The God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars Event:
The contents of the book started out as daily posts on Wellspring’s website to encourage couples to develop Godly marriages. However, they quickly became the most viewed pages of the site. God then led her to organize the collection of posts into a book format that couples would be able to work through year after year. She enjoys going to churches and ministry events to talk about how the activities in the book will develop stronger marriages that are centered in Christ, which will then create stronger families. The GLMW event is a fun and interactive event for couples where participants experience some of the activities in book as part of the event. For more information about the GLMW event, complete the form below.
Coming Soon:
Currently, Julia is finishing her second book, entitled: Help! No one said ministry was about spiritual battles and difficult people! In this book Julia uses her studies in psychology and professional counseling to take a Biblical approach to self-care to help people serving in the ministry not burn-out, give-up, and walk away from the call God placed on their lives. Whether your ministry position is volunteer or the senior pastor, this book will help you recognize the areas in your life that are depleted and need a little TLC so you can keep doing what God has called you to. You’re assignment in the Kingdom of God is vitally important!
Keep an eye out for this book when it is released and see how Biblical self-care can keep you serving God. Julia can bring these concepts to your next ministry staff retreat to help your ministry team refill, recharge, and renew their heart for their area of ministry.
What is Wellspring Christian Ministries?
After years of envisioning the idea and concept of Wellspring Christian Ministries, Julia decided to take a leap of faith and merge her vocational, collegiate, and life experiences and make the dream God put on her heart a reality. We are a non-profit organization with a vision of partnering with churches to equip them to revive, renew, and redeem the ministry of the church so that our nation will experience an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Today we reach people world-wide through blog posts, speaking events, and devotionals. With a strong burden for our nation, Julia has a passion to see a revival sweep across our land and many of her writings and speaking events have a theme of calling God’s people to humble themselves and pray, and seek God’s face as they repent of sin and tune their hearts to following God’s will and His commandments.
Request Julia to speak at your next event
Julia’s message will engage individuals, inspire teams and transform the heart that is prayerfully seeking to live a God-first life. As the Holy Spirit speaks through her messages, He will work in every willing heart to create a life that is wholly sold out to God. We can bring our ministry programs to your congregation, worship teams, leadership or staff. Additionally, we can customize a message to fit your event theme and purpose. We are available to speak at any evangelical church or ministry. Contact us today.
904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FLÂ
Follow us on:
