The winter had been especially difficult in the mountains of North Carolina. Heavy snowfall and cold temperatures had allowed the snow to accumulate to several feet at the higher elevations. The people who lived down in the valley became concerned about an older couple who lived in an isolated cabin up on the mountainside. No one had seen either the husband or the wife for several weeks. Each day, the villagers would watch for smoke coming from the cabin chimney. One day when smoke was no longer apparent, they contemplated how they could give help once they realized the old couple was snowed in. Finally, they decided to call in the Red Cross.
A helicopter flew over the cabin but no sign of life could be seen. Two Red Cross workers equipped with medical supplies and food parachuted into a clearing some distance from the cabin. The two young men made their way through the deep snow, clearing a path to the door of the cabin. One of them knocked. Momentarily an old man appeared at the door. The young rescuer replied, “We are from the Red Cross.” The old man looked at him and said, “Well, you know it has been a right hard winter up here and I just don’t hardly see how we can give anything this year.”
What do you have to give?
How many times when the offering plate is passed at church or when our churches are looking for volunteers or for people to do missions or ministries we quietly say within ourselves, “Lord you know it’s been hard this year and I just don’t hardly see how we can give anything this year.” Or perhaps we give, but grudgingly, wondering how we are going to be able to pay that bill after dropping our tithe into the plate. Some might give out of the idea of “this is what I ought to do” rather than “this is my joy to do.”
Giving is an act of worship
Giving is an act of worship. It’s a way to say thank you to God for all that He has given and provided to us. God knows our hearts and what motivates us to give or not give. What if when the plate was passed each week, there was a scanner that measured our willingness to give? In Exodus 25:2, God told Moses to only accept the offerings that were given willingly. Would our churches still be able to operate if they only accepted the offerings that were given willingly? Would our pastors and other church staff be able to be paid? Or would the lights be on? Would the programs and ministries still operate? Would missionaries be sent out into the world to tell others about Christ?
God doesn’t need our money
God doesn’t need our money – He owns the entire universe. He wants us to give out of our love for Him as an expression of thankfulness and worship for the many blessings He has given to us. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerfulgiver.”
What motivates you to give and what is the attitude of your heart when you do?
The Valentine’s Collection
Beloved Collection:This Valentine’s Day, let your spouse know how much you love them. Based on the Bible Verse, Song of Solomon 3:4, the bottom line reads, “I have found the one whom my soul loves.”
Greatest Valentine’s: On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love and there’s no greater love than Christ who laid down His life so that we can have eternal life.Includes John 3:16.
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided 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.
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There’s a story told about a fitness center. This fitness center owner was offering $1,000 to anyone who could prove that they were stronger than he was. Her’s how it worked: the owner of the fitness center was a real muscle man, and he would take a lemon and squeeze it until all the juice had run into a glass. He’d then hand the lemon to the challenger. Anyone who could squeeze just one more drop of juice out, would win the money. Many people tried overtime – weight lifters, construction workers – even professional wrestlers but no-one could get another drop of juice out of that lemon. One day a short, skinny guy came in and signed up for the contest. Amid the laughs and snickers of the crowd, the owner grabbed a lemon and squeezed the juice out of it and handed it to the scrawny looking man. The man clenched his fist around the lemon, squeezed, and six more drops of juice fell into the glass. Everybody went silent, the owner paid out the money and then asked him, “Are you a lumberjack, a weightlifter, or what?” The man picked up his money, walked to the door and said, “No. None of those. I work for Internal Revenue.”
Isn’t that about how we feel when tax season comes around? Everyone dreads paying out taxes. Some look for all the loop holes to get out paying. Maybe you’re even looking in the Bible for something that says God is against taxes. Well, Jesus has a word about paying taxes, but you probably won’t like it.
The Pharisees plotted against Jesus, trying to find someway to trip Him up and make Him
Denarius Coin with Caesar
seem less credible to the people. So they asked Him, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But the question is a trap. If Jesus said yes, then it would appear that He supported the Roman occupation, but if He said no then He would be guilty of treason. But Jesus knew exactly what they were trying to do. So He responded, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” They showed him a denarius coin. Jesus asked, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They responded with “Caesar’s”. Jesus told them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Just as our churches do not operate without the support of our tithe, our governments do not operate without the support of our taxes. Paying taxes is a government mandate, and a citizen responsibility. The Bible is clear that Christians are to be subject to human authorities, including federal, state, and civil governments unless it goes directly against God’s laws, because Acts 5:29 says, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” However, as Jesus faced down the Pharisee’s trap, He made it clear that paying taxes does not go against God’s laws. If we were to ask Jesus the same question today, His response might be something like, “Render unto the IRS what is due to the IRS and to God what is due to God.” And this is why whoever you are, no matter how little or how much you make, you are to pay your taxes and to do so honestly.
There are honest and legitimate deductions we can make as we prepare our tax return that puts a little more money in our pockets and less in the governments. When those are true deductions, there is nothing wrong in claiming them. However, if we cheat or lie about them, then we’ve sinned against God and broken two of the Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt not lie” and “Thou shalt not steal.” You might say, “But wait! That’s my money. I earned it. How is it stealing?” If that portion of your income is tax and belongs to the government, but you keep it for yourself, then you’re stealing. We are to render to the government what is due to them.
Not only are we to render what is due to the IRS, but we are also to render what is due to God. That means our tithes and offerings, our love, our thanks, our prayers, our worship, our devotion, our gifts and talents, our time, and our submission. Malachi 3:8 says, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!”
The Bible also has something to say about our attitudes towards taxes and tithes. Philippians 2:14 says that we are to do all things without complaining – that includes taxes and tithing. But for tithing, not only are we to not complain about it, but we should also give joyfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” We should give our tithe with joy because of all God has provided for us. We should give our tithe with joy because the church uses our tithe for the work, ministry, and missions God has called it to do. Thankfully, we do not have to pay our taxes with joy – we just are not to complain about it and we are to have integrity when filing them.
The government withholds money each payday that goes towards our taxes. What are you withholding from God? When you complete your tax return have you done so with a clear conscious, with honesty and integrity? When we honor God with our money, God will honor us and see that we have all that we need.
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
Ezekiel 14:6
This is what the Lord God says: Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your detestable things.
Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. Our verse last week focused on praying. For the next few weeks, we will be focusing on repentance.
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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 :
Howmemorizing 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.
Whykeeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
Howmaking memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and howthese investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
Howthey can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as howthey might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
Whyit is important that couples never stop dating and howgroup 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
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.
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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 prayer. 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.
The Book of Ezekiel proclaims God’s uncompromising judgment against his rebellious people – but also his promise of of restoration if they repent. Exposing the depth of Israel’s disobedience, the prophet Ezekiel calls the nation to find forgiveness by turning away from their sin and back to God.
The Knowing the Bible Series is edited by theologian J. I. Packer, and includes contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders. Perfect for both small groups and individuals, these gospel-centered studies will help you see and cherish the message of God’s grace on each and every page of the Bible. The study includes:
Reflection Questions designed to help you engage the text at a deeper level
Gospel Glimpses highlighting the gospel of grace throughout the book
Whole-Bible Connections showing how a passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption culminating in Christ
Theological Soundings identifying how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture
When Isaiah encountered the Holy One of Israel, he was transformed and given a mission. God is ready to speak directly to you through His Word. As you probe Isaiah’s message, you’ll see a society at a crossroads, much like ours: Will they face judgment and captivity, or will they repent, look to their Savior, and be delivered?For individual study, one-on-one discipleship, or small groups, 13 weeks of daily lessons are designed to help you discover God’s ways and what he wants from his children. Questions for group discussion are included.
Is it harder for you to change and grow as a Christian than it should be? Do you wonder what is holding you back? Have you ever considered that it might be idolatry?
Using real-life stories and examples, Brad Bigney’s Gospel treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols shows us how the idols we might not even recognize can still have devastating effects in our lives. In this transparent, honest book, he helps us to identify our idols, understand how they lead us to commit treason against the gospel–and finally repent of them and root them out forever by turning to the only One who can fill our every need.
Every day the headlines announce more violence and evil. Our hearts groan as we wonder what life will be like for the next generation. It all seems hopeless, which is probably how Jeremiah felt as he lived among the people of the nation of Judah.
Jeremiah was a reluctant but faithful prophet who spent forty-two years serving God and warning the people to repent. His heart was saddened and angered by the people’s indifference to God and the moral decay that surrounded him. Everything was falling apart–yet Jeremiah continued to seek the Lord.
As we face personal trauma and national crisis, we can learn from the prophet’s example. Ray Stedman walks us through the book of Jeremiah, revealing that repentance was the only answer then–and it’s the only answer today. When people repent, God is faithful to His Word, planting the seeds of new life and giving us hope.
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
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
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BOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:
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