One day a school principal received a phone call. The voice said, “Thomas won’t be in school today.” The principal was a bit suspicious of the voice. He asked, “Who is speaking?” The voice came back, “My father.”
Sir Walter Scott penned the lines in his poem entitled Marmion, “Oh! What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive.”
Sin often becomes a web that we get caught in. Each sin lays down another sticky string of web until the web becomes so tangled we become entrapped in the web that we created. Then we are left with the guilt that sticks and clings to us and weighs us down until we experience depression or feel like failures. Whether the sin is a lie or any other sin, we can be sure we will be found out…one way or another. Even if we were to get away with it here on earth, God is an omnipotent God. He sees everything and He knows everything – even the thoughts that are never expressed through word or action.
An Eastern proverb says: “Curses, like chickens, always come home to roost.” Sin also will “come home to roost.” It might mean that we got caught in the sin. Or maybe we didn’t get caught, but we still live with guilt, regret, and the consequences of our actions. It might mean that relationships are hurt or destroyed. It might mean getting fired from a job. It might mean the end of a marriage. Even if the sin brought no consequences now, God always knows. Psalm 139:7 says, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” The answer is – nowhere.
Consider the following examples from the Bible:
- Adam and Eve tried to hide from God when they committed the first sin. God asked Eve, “What have you done?”
- When Cain killed his brother, God asks, “Where is your brother?” Cain denies any knowledge of his whereabouts. God’s reply: “What have you done?”
- Moses killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave. He thought now one saw him. The Bible tells us that Moses looked around before killing the Egyptian. Then he buried the body in the sand. But then the next day, he attempts to break up and argument between two of the Hebrews and they said “Will you now kill us like the Egyptian?” Moses learned the hard way that our sins will find us out. Moses’ sin sent him fleeing from Pharaoh to another country.
Over and over again throughout the Bible we can find where someone thought they had gotten away with sin, only to realize that they could not hide it from God. In Joshua 7, Achan took “accursed” things from among the spoils of battle that God had given instructions not to take. He didn’t even get to enjoy those things because he had to bury it so no one knew. But God knew and the result was the nation losing the next battle.
David thought his sin of sleeping with Bathsheba was not known, but his sin results in the conception of a child. Now he has to cover that up so he brings Bathsheba’s husband home from the battle (where David should have been!) so that everyone will think the baby is her husband’s child instead of his. However, the husband is too noble for this plan to work and so David then sends him to the front lines knowing it will result in the husband’s death. Bathsheba then becomes part of David Harem. But God knew exactly all the sins that was tangled up in this web and the son conceived in sin became ill and died.
In Acts 5, people were selling their possessions and giving to those who had need. Ananias and Sapphira sold some land and told the apostles they had sold for a certain amount but in fact they had sold it for more and kept the rest for themselves. Their sin was not keeping some of the profit from the sell, but that they were deceitful in telling the apostles they sold it for less than they had. Peter asks Ananias, “Why have you lied, not to men – but to God?”
Joseph’s brothers were filled with jealousy – so much so that they sold Joseph off to slave traders. They then had to cover up that sin with another and they took his coat of many colors and dipped it in the blood of an animal, ripped it up and brought it to their father who assumed Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. But seventeen years later when a famine is in the land, the brothers go to Egypt to buy grain only to learn that the second in command of all of Egypt was the brother they had sold into slavery.
In Psalm 90:8, the psalmist wrote, “You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.” No matter how much we think we get away with something, God always knows. If it is not revealed in this life, you can bet it will be revealed when you stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Hebrews 4:13 tells us, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Psalm 44:21 tells us that God knows the secrets of the heart. Luke 12:2-3 tells us that nothing is covered up but all things are revealed, nothing is hid that shall not be made known, that what is spoken in darkness will be heard in the light and proclaimed upon the housetops.
Every word and action of our lives are stored in God’s books and we will have to answer for each and every word and deed. However, through Christ’s shed blood on the cross and his resurrection, we can accept Him by faith as our Savior and receive forgiveness of sin so that the ledge books in heaven are wiped clean! The Bible tells us that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
So you can be sure that no matter the sin, our sins will indeed find us out. I would rather have my sins forgiven and washed away then to have to explain them to God.
God, forgive us of our sins and help us live in obedience to your Word.Â
#canthidesin #noescape #Godsees
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
1 Chronicles 28:9
Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him.
Meditate and apply:
Will you commit to praying with us in 2020 that God will revive His people, renew our faith, and redeem our land? We feel such an urgency and desperation for revival. If God is moving your heart for revival, write your revival prayer in the comments along with your state or country.Â
#knowGod #headknowledge #heartknowledge #revivalinAmerica #revivalin2020 #WCM
This week’s featured design is taken from Matthew 17:20. A mustard seed is tiny; yet that is all the faith it takes to move mountains. Don’t be afraid to use your faith.Â
You’ll find this week’s design in two formats: a floral and a “mustard label.” Available in tees for men, women, kids, mugs, bags, and other products. The design is also available in white print or black. Check them out in the Spreadshirt shop.
All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.
Thank you for helping us grow!
Click here to view the Teespring store.Â
Click here to view the Spreadshop StoreÂ
#mustardseed #faith #notafraidtouseit #teespring #spreadshop
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,Â
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.
Check out these items from Christian Book Distributors.
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The Key to Living by Faith (Hebrews)
By Harvest House Publishers
This powerful series is ideal for personal study, small groups, Sunday school classes, family devotions, and discipling others. Days One through Six provide approximately 15 minutes of guided lessons to help you discover God’s precepts, purposes and promises on your own. Questions for group discussion or individual study are provided on Day Seven along with commentary and a memory verse. Find the wisdom you need to address the issues of life and grow closer in your relationship with God. |
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Faithful, Abundant, True – Member Book: Three Lives Going Deeper Still
By Beth Moore, Kay Arthur & Priscilla Shirer / Lifeway
The Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still Member Book is a versatile study guide that can be used in a retreat setting or for a seven-session study. Beth, Kay, and Priscilla each present two weeks of study in a brief format that will take most women 15 to 30 minutes daily. As a bonus, Faithful, Abundant, and True Member Book includes a partnership with HomeLife Magazine in which each of the three speakers’ section also includes an article from HomeLife that illustrates faithfulness, abundance, and truth. The Member Book includes 6 Weeks of Guided Study, a Retreat Plan (great for a Friday evening – Saturday evening schedule), and Group Leader Helps. |
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Pursuing A Deeper Faith-Life Principles Study Series Vol 19
By Charles F. Stanley / Thomas Nelson
Each workbook in Charles Stanley’s Life Principles Study Series features ten lessons that include Scripture study, questions for discussion or reflection, and application. In Develop a Closer Relationship with God, Stanley shares God’s invitation to grow in a heart relationship with Him, to hear His voice speaking to your spirit, and to feel a deep assurance that you are locked into a forever relationship that cannot be severed. Perfect for small group studies, a Sunday school class, or individual study. |
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Everything is Possible Study Guide: Understanding the Six Phases of Faith
By Rick Warren / Zondervan
How’s your faith? Is it strong or weak? Is it steady or stretched? It’s an important question, because there’s a lot riding on your answer. More importantly, would you like your faith to be stronger? That’s what this six-session video study from ‘America’s most influential spiritual leader’ is all about. Faith, according to Pastor Rick Warren, is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised and developed.
And God uses a predictable pattern and process to build your faith. It’s what Warren calls the Six Phases of Faith. Once you understand these six phases, you can cooperate with God in the process of strengthening your faith and building your character. The Six Phases of Faith is a groundbreaking small group video study with participant’s guide that will help you uncover and participate in God’s unique plan and purpose for your life. |
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Mustard Seed Pendant
By Angel Star
Mustard seed pendant features seed surrounded by clear acrylic. 1″ pendant on 18″ nickel free chain with 2″ extender.In the story of the Mustard seed, even with faith the size of this tiny seed, you can still move mountains. These real seeds are reminders that with just a little faith, anything is possible. |
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Mustard Seed Stone
By Angel Star
Mustard seed pocket stone features Faith with seed surrounded by clear acrylic. 1.25″.In the story of the Mustard seed, even with faith the size of this tiny seed, you can still move mountains. These real seeds are reminders that with just a little faith, anything is possible. |
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Fresh Faith
By Jim Cymbala with Dean Merrill / Zondervan
Pastor Jim Cymbala calls us back to a fiery, passionate preoccupation with God that will restore what the enemy has stolen from us: our first love for Jesus, our zeal, our troubled children, our wounded marriages, our broken and divided churches.Born out of the heart and soul of Brooklyn Tabernacle, the message of Fresh Faith is illustrated by true stories of men and women whose lives have been changed through the power of faith.
The same faith that can transform your life – starting today, if you choose. |
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Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus
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Faith Like a Mustard Seed, Matthew 17:20 Bracelet
By Finesta Corporation
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Please note: the faceted stones on this topselling bracelet may vary in shading depending on the light in which they are photographed. |
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Finding God Faithful, Bible Study Book
By Kelly Minter / Lifeway
Trace the path of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable. (8 sessions)
Features:
- Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups
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Benefits:
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Ever Faithful: 365-Day Devotional
By David Jeremiah / Thomas Nelson
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Follower: Becoming More than Just a Fan of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan
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Don’t Give Up: Faith That Gives You the Confidence to Keep Believing and the Courage to Keep Going
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In Don’t Give Up, Kyle Idleman explores the seasons of life where we feel as if we are hanging by a thread. Through relatable stories and Biblical encouragement, he encourages us to cast our concerns on God, trust in his love and timing, pray for patience and strength, and seek out support in the family of God. |
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Come With Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads
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Only Jesus: What It Really Means to Be Saved
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Moving Mountains: Praying with Passion, Confidence, and Authority
By John Eldredge / Thomas Nelson
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Walking With God: Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really.
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Experiencing the Power of Life-Changing Faith-Romans
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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
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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:
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