In Numbers 21, the Children of Israel were once again discourage and spoke against God and Moses, saying, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” So God sent fiery serpents and they bit the people and many of them died. When they repented, God told Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole and whoever looked at it, would live. It wasn’t the bronze serpent that brought about healing. It was the people’s faith in God and his provision that brought healing. 

John uses this Old Testament story as a metaphor for Jesus’ future crucifixion. Just as those in Moses’ day looked upon the bronze serpent and were healed, those who look in faith to Jesus who was lifted up on a cross to pay our sin debt will be healed of their sins and have eternal life. Just like it wasn’t the actual bronze serpent that brought healing and life, looking upon a crucifix will not save us from our sins. It was the people’s faith in God that healed them of the snake bites and it is our faith in Jesus that gives us eternal life.

Just as those in Moses’ day looked upon the bronze serpent and were healed, those who look in faith to Jesus who was lifted up on a cross to pay our sin debt will be healed of their sins and have eternal life. — click to tweet

 

This faith in Jesus starts with believing that He is who He said He is – the only begotten Son of God. As such Jesus is fully God. While He lived on earth, He was both 100% God and 100% man. The next step of faith is to realize that Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life while on earth, which makes it possible for Him to pay our sin debt. If He had sinned even once, then we would have no hope of salvation. The next step is to realize our lostness in sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” There is not one single person, other than Jesus, who has lived a sinless life. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages or penalty for our sin is death but that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. The gift God gave us was allowing His only Son to suffer the torture of being beaten, mocked, scourged, and crucified in our place. Jesus paid our sin debt. The next step of faith is to believe that Jesus did rise from the dead three days later. If Jesus were still in a tomb, then death and the grave is not defeated and there is no eternal life. Today, Jesus is alive and sits at the right hand of God waiting for the day that God tells Him to come to earth again – but this time as a triumphant king. The last step of faith is believing that the blood Jesus shed on the cross will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn salvation. It is only by faith and through God’s gracious gift that salvation is possible. For those who accept these truths by faith and come to Jesus and confess they are a sinner and ask for His forgiveness and ask Him to be the Lord of their life, then that person will have eternal life. Jesus was lifted up for you – will you by faith accept the eternal life He offers you?

#arise #stillsmallvoice #stopsittingunderthebroomtree #WCM

Download the full 52-Day prayer guide by clicking here.

As of May 9, there have been 78,421 deaths in the U.S. and 278,937 have died world-wide. For the most current data regarding the virus, visit the John Hopkins University website.

Today, pray for Montana:

The prayer guide is available for free download to individuals and churches and may be reproduced in any quantity both printed and electronically through websites, email, social media, apps, or any other method. 

#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM

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 memory verse:

1 John 3:4

^{“Everyone who practices sin
also practices lawlessness;
and sin is lawlessness”}

 #sin #COVID19 #prayer #revival #WCM

God chooses to reveal Himself however He chooses to. In the Garden of Eden, He met Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He spoke to several people through dreams. To Mary and Joseph, he sent an angel to deliver a message. For us today, He speaks through the still small voice of the Holy Spirit’s promptings within us as we read the Bible and pray. 

For Elijah, He had just had the mountain top experience of God sending fire to consume a water-soaked sacrifice, proving to all of Israel that God is God and Baal is nothing. Elijah then rounded up all the prophets of Baal and executed them. When Queen Jezebel heard about it, she sent a messenger to Elijah to let him know she planed to have him killed by the next evening. Elijah allows his fear to take over and he forgets the powerful display of God’s might with the sacrifice and he runs and hides. He goes out to the wilderness and sits down under a broom tree and asks God to let him die. In this moment, Elijah is physically and emotionally exhausted and as a result his faith crumbles. He is in deep depression. He demonstrates apathy, emotional distancing, a cynical attitude and a desire to escape from it all. He also has a false sense of failure. Elijah is experiencing what we would call “burnout.”

Even in the midst of Elijah’s depression and burnout – God meets him where he’s at and He miraculously provides for Elijah’s needs. Elijah needs rest, food, and spiritual nourishment.  As Elijah slept under the broom tree, God sends and angel who tells Elijah to get up and eat. When he wakes up he finds a cake baked on coals and a jar of water. The ate and then laid down and went back to sleep. God sends he angel again with the same message. So Elijah gets up and eats and the Bible tells us that he went on the strength of that food for 40 days and 40 nights all the way to the mountain of God. God brings Elijah back to the place where the covenant had been give, the place where his personal faith would also be nourished. Elijah goes into a cave and spent the night there. During the night the “word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9) Elijah replied: “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” Read that again. Where is the emphases being placed? This verse is all about Elijah – Elijah was very zealous for the Lord. Elijah was all alone. Why? Because the children of Israel forsook God and killed all the other prophets – and now they want to kill Elijah too. We might say Elijah has the right to be depressed and to run away. He’s scared. He feels alone. And it almost sounds like he is whining about his predicament and maybe even blaming God that he’s in this predicament to start with. Don’t we do that too? We go all out for God – giving Him 100% of what we have to give – maybe even more. And then when we hit the point of exhaustion we forget all that God has been doing through us and we acquire tunnel vision so that all we can see the right now – this moment. Then we want to throw in the towel. Quit. Blame God that it didn’t work out. But God is not caught off guard by Queen Jezebel wanting to kill Elijah. And God still has work for Elijah to do. But Elijah is at a crossroad in His faith. So God meets him where he is – let’s see what happens next. 

God tells Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain before Him and there God reveals Himself to Elijah. Whenever we find ourselves under a broom tree, exhausted, depressed and feeling alone, God longs to reveal Himself to us. And this is what He does for Elijah. First, God reveals His greatness and power through wind, earthquake, fire – but in all of these God was not there – just his power. Then, when everything gets quiet, God speaks it a still small voice. He still speaks today in the same still, small voice. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” It can be difficult in today’s fast paced world to just be still – and even if we sit still for five minutes, our minds are still going. 

If we are honest with ourselves, we’ve all been “under the broom tree” with Elijah. We have given all we have to serving God and it seems that all our efforts are in vain. We feel drained, broken, and have no idea what to do next. So we run from whatever God wants us to do and sit under the broom tree and have a pity party. We constantly want to see God move in big, powerful ways – after all He is a big, powerful God. But more often than not, God reveals Himself when we simply be still. It’s then we can hear His voice.

The still small voice of God reveals to Elijah that he was not the last prophet alive. God told him there were still 7000 people alive that had not bowed down to Baal that He could choose to work through. And if you are sitting under a broom tree today – God wants you to know that you are not alone. It’s time for you to get up and eat – get re-nourished spiritually. Maybe you need to return to the place where God first called you. Maybe you need to take a weekend away and get alone with God and just be still. Whatever you need to do to breathe life back into the ministry God has called you to do – God will meet you there. What will He reveal to you? It’s time to find out – arise and eat! Be still in His presence. Listen for His still small voice. 

#arise #stillsmallvoice #stopsittingunderthebroomtree #WCM

Download the full 52-Day prayer guide by clicking here.

As of May 8, there have been 76,908 deaths in the U.S. and 274,385 have died world-wide. For the most current data regarding the virus, visit the John Hopkins University website.

Today, pray for Hawaii:

The prayer guide is available for free download to individuals and churches and may be reproduced in any quantity both printed and electronically through websites, email, social media, apps, or any other method. 

#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM

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 memory verse:

1 John 3:4

^{“Everyone who practices sin 
also practices lawlessness;
and sin is lawlessness”}

 #sin #COVID19 #prayer #revival #WCM

 

This week’s featured design:

No prob-Llama too big for Jesus. Nothing is impossible for God. He wants us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. This adorable llama helps you remember that no problem is too big for God to handle.

 

 

Available in tees for women and girls, mugs, bags, and other products. Here’s a sample of a few of the products you can choose with this design. Check out all the available products in the Spreadshirt shop. Also available in the Teespring shop

 

All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view this design in the Teespring store. 

Click here to view this design Spreadshop Store.

#noprobLlama #teespring #spreadshop

 

 

Check out these items from Christian Book Distributors.

 

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. All commissions received support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries.

God Has More In Store Mug By Carpentree, Inc Gift mug with uplifting words and upscale design Ceramic, with accent color inside Graduation Collection 3″ x 4″ x 4″; rounded style God has more in store for you than you can even imagine. Ephesians 3:20 12 ounce capacity

Mother’s Day, Mug and Journal Gift Set By Christian Art Gifts Boxed gift set for mom, makes gift-giving so easy Two-piece set includes mug, and faux leather legacy journal, where Mom can follow the prompts and share her story Beautifully packaged in floral gift box, cover design Mom, you are loved; lavish florals Box is 9″ x 7″ x 4.5″ Mug, ceramic 14 ounces; white with pink interior and sentiment:Monm, you are loved Faux leather journal is 192 pages, gilt edging; 8.75″ x 5.75″ approx Ready to give

Mug Ceramic Love You Mom By Christian Art Gifts Soft touch pink and white Mom Collection of fine gifts she’ll love Endearing sentiment I love you mom Create a mix of her favorites to surprise her on her day Rounded coffee mug in white ceramic is lined with pretty pastel florals 14 fl ounces; not for mw/dw/freezer Boxed for giving

Mom, Thank You Ceramic Mug By Dicksons Ceramic gift mug Features floral design with heartfelt sentiment 11 ounce capacity Microwave and dishwasher safe Boxed Mom, I’ve learned so many things from you, what to say and what to do, but most of all you taught me who loves me even more than you. -Robin Fogle

Love You Mom Glass Water Bottle By Christian Art Gifts Soft touch pink and white Mom Collection of fine gifts she’ll love Endearing sentiment I love you mom Create a mix of her favorites to surprise her on her day Clear glass water bottle with carry handle lid Holds 20 fl ounces Not for mw/dw/freezer Gift boxed Ringed in a wreath design of pink roses

Power Prayers for Moms By Rachel Quillin / Barbour Publishing Struggling to talk with God? In this concise yet spiritually powerful guide, Quillin offers solid biblical foundations, powerful prayer starters, Scripture verses, and the life experiences of historic and contemporary mothers. In 21 chapters, she covers key areas of life including children, home, church, career, marriage, goals, and more. An ideal gift for Mother’s Day! 192 pages, 4.25″ x 6.75″ softcover from Barbour.

Mom, Written on My Heart Photo Frame By Grandparent Company Written on my Heart memorial gift brings comfort to those who lost someone special. Black frame with heart shaped photo opening, features heartfelt sentiment for Mom written in white. 8″ x 10″ frame for wall or tabletop display; holds 4″ x 6″. Mom… written on my heart She was the sculptor of my heart and the song beneath my wings. She moved mountains with an unbreakable spirit and undeniable love… She treasured our time, and cherished my soul. Her smiles brightened my days, and her hugs made everything right. Her legacy is the beautiful memories she composed and the love she left written on my heart.

Dear Mom Plaque By Dicksons Heartwarming gift for mom, perfect for birthdays, mother’s day, or special occasion. Plaque in vintage postcard design with colorful flowers and heartfelt sentiment. 8″ x 10″. Dear Mom, You mean so much to me, more than words could ever say. No one else could take your place for even a single day. From my earliest memories your love has always been there. Even when you scolded me, you were really saying “I care”. You’ve helped through the bad times and shared my joy in the good. You have given so much for me as only a mother could. It’s a precious gift from God to have a mother like you, because in your special love I can see His love shine through.

God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart: A Bible Study for Moms By Bobbie Wolgemuth / Thomas Nelson Formatted to suit a mom’s busy schedule, God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart provides mothers at any stage of life with thoughtful, biblical encouragement for each and every day.

Creative Counterpart: Becoming the Woman, Wife, and Mother You’ve Longed to Be By Linda Dillow / Thomas Nelson Scripture says a good wife is trustworthy, industrious, faithful, charitable, wise, kind . . . much more than just a helper! In this biblical and entertaining bestseller, Dillow shows you how to grow in all the areas of your chosen vocation as partner and parent. Includes study and project guide for individuals or small groups. 262 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Mary: Seeing God through the Eyes of a Mother By Eugene H. Peterson & The Navigators / NavPress Get to know Mary, a modest young woman in a forgotten town under the shadow of empire, who mothered Jesus from childhood to crucifixion. Mary: Seeing God through the Eyes of a Mother is a four-session coloring Bible study for adults. It incorporates beautiful illustrations, coloring, the text of The Message, and a mix of study and reflection questions to help you understand both the text of the Bible and your own connection to Mary’s story.

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study By Lisa Whelchel / Howard Books The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study is a 3-month guide to help frazzled moms interact with God’s Word in just 15 minutes a day! During the first month (each week is five days), Lisa teaches twenty fun Bible-study methods which you’ll take turns applying to Scripture passages. Months two and three contain less and less teaching as you learn to mine the gems hidden in Scripture and apply them on your own. Scripture reading and space for journaling your insights and prayers are included so you won’t require extra materials or resources. Paperback.

Building Circles of Grace: A Joint Bible Study for Tween Girls & Their Moms By Catherine Bird / Leafwood Publishing In Building Circles of Grace, moms and daughters will explore what it means to build and sustain Christ-centered relationships that we develop beyond our relationship with God. Some of the toughest experiences we encounter as young girls (and moms, too) are a result of the people we choose as friends. How do you respond with grace to a bully? How do you cope with the loss of a friendship? Can you really make a difference by putting Jesus first when it is not the cool thing to do? Building Circles of Grace invites moms and daughters to discuss all of these questions and more.

Hoodwinked Study Guide: Ten Myths Moms Believe and Why We All Need to Knock It Off – eBook By Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk / Zondervan This six-session video-based study from Karen Ehman, author and speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Ruth Schwenk, of http://www.thebettermom.com, will encourage and inspire women to embrace their roles as mothers wholeheartedly yet realistically, whether they work outside the home, have a home business, or are stay-at-home moms. Study Guide Only.

Unlocking the Treasure: A Bible Study for Moms Entrusted with Special-Needs Children – eBook By Bev Roozeboom / WestBow Press

Rest: Finding Stillness in the Midst of Busy By Kara-Kae James / David C Cook

 

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