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One Year Bible Reading Plan: January 3

Bible reading challenge

January 3

Genesis 6-8

Matthew 3

Clicking on the Scripture links above will open a new widow where you can
read the scripture from the English Standard Version at
Biblegateway.com or choose the Bible version you prefer to read.

ctt verse of the day

Share today’s Daily Bible Reading to your social media accounts using the following hashtags: #readyourBible #Genesis #Matthew #WCM

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2020 new year

Fundly

Would you consider giving a Christmas gift to Wellspring? We’re raising funds for some media equipment needed for our ministry. Click here to make your secure, tax-deductible contribution.

Related image

news and events

teespring spreadshop logos

T-shirt Fundraiser Event: If you missed getting one of our Christmas designs, be sure to check out all the other designs. We have some great Christian designs based on popular Scriptures that can be a testimony of your faith and a witness to the lost.

All Things New

New Year’s Day is just around the corner. Revelation 21:5 says that God makes all things new. You can get this shirt for New Year’s Day now. (Click the shirt to go to the store).

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 #Revelation21:5 #allthingsnew

All profits from these shops help support the work of this ministry. Thank you for supporting us. You can also support us with a year-end, tax-deductible contribution through Fundly. See the link below and thank you for helping us grow. 

FundlyWould you consider giving a Christmas gift to Wellspring? We’re raising funds for some media equipment needed for our ministry. Click here to make your secure, tax-deductible contribution.

Cover_mBOOKING 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

Related image

004

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.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

Related image

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.

Image result for Christian book distributors logoChristmas Items at Christian Book Distributors:

Here are a sample of items from CBD. We are an affiliate of CBD and receive an 8% commission on any product you purchase through these links which we then use to advance our ministry. If you need a Christian gift or looking for Christian Christmas decorations, go to CBD through any link below and search their website for books, Bibles, gifts, decor, and more.

224984: Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital

By Provident Films

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
794037: Waiting on God Waiting on God

By Charles F. Stanley / Howard Books

Are you waiting for God to answer your prayers? Does time tick by without any hint that things will change? You’re not alone! Drawing on personal experiences and biblical principles, Stanley offers a practical and encouraging guide to making the most of the “delays” and following God’s lead to the blessings he has planned for you.

776585: Letters to the Church Letters to the Church

By Francis Chan / David C Cook

If God had it His way, what would our churches look like?

In his most powerful book yet, Pastor Francis Chan digs deep into biblical truths, reflections on his own failures and dreams, and stories of ordinary people God is using to change the world.

As Chan says, “We’ve strayed so far from what God calls Church. We all know it. We know that what we’re experiencing is radically different from the Church in Scripture. For decades, church leaders like myself have lost sight of the inherent mystery of the Church. We have trained people sitting in the pews to become addicted to lesser things. It’s time for that to change.”

When Jesus returns, will He find us caring for His Bride-even more than for our own lives? Letters to the Church reminds us of how powerful, how glorious the Church once was … and calls us to once again be the Church God intended us to be.

Bonus Videos: The 4 videos from Francis Chan’s BASIC Study series (Fellowship, Communion, Teaching, Prayer) are included here as additional material for you to feel free to use in your church. They are not part of the “Letters to the Church” series.

537264: A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer

By John Piper / Crossway

Is your soul so stuffed with worldly desires that you have little room left for God? Piper invites you to turn from materialism and sharpen your appetite for God through prayer and fasting. His exploration of fasting will help you understand how this ancient biblical practice can nourish your spiritual life and satisfy your longings. 201 pages, softcover from Crossway.

407250: Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We"ve Made Up Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We’ve Made Up

By Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle / David C Cook

In Erasing Hell, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle take on the topic of hell and our eternal destiny, with a sense of humility and a deep respect for the inspired Word of God. They will address questions such as “Will everyone be saved?” and “Does God Get What He Wants in the End?” as well as reviewing in depth, everything Jesus said about Hell. Chan and Sprinkle lay all the evidence on the table and present all the facts from Scripture, so that people can decide what to believe for themselves.

291119: Double Blessing: How to Get It. How to Give It. Double Blessing: How to Get It. How to Give It.

By Mark Batterson / Multnomah

New York Times bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson believes the key to radically increasing your faith, joy, and abundance can be found in these three words:

Flip the blessing.

His discovery started with a simple experiment. Whenever he received a blessing, he would give a similar blessing away. If someone paid him a compliment or gave him a gift or went out of their way to help him, he would return the favor by doing something similar for someone else.

We flip the blessing by blessing others in the way God has blessed us. That’s how the blessing becomes a double blessing. It turns giving into a game–one we can’t win because God will always outgive us! It’s an ancient truth found within the Abrahamic covenant: “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing.”

In other words, we are blessed to bless. In a day and age where the idea of blessing has been reduced to a hashtag (#blessed), Batteron challenges readers to pursue true, God-glorifying blessing and experience an exponential impact by participating in the double blessing. Don’t settle for half of what God offers. Discover how you can both get it and give it.

632024: Not Safe: Discovering God"s Dangerous Plan for Your  Life Not Safe: Discovering God’s Dangerous Plan for Your Life

By Mark Batterson / Zondervan

As believers, we may feel tempted to “play it safe”—but God wants to make us dangerous on his behalf! In this inspiring message based on his book All In, Batterson explains that “holding the fort” was never Jesus’ plan for his followers. Instead, he dares you to choose a radical life of spiritual surrender—beginning today. 160 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

291089: Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God

By Mark Batterson / Multnomah

God still speaks today. His voice and guidance wasn’t only for the saints and prophets of old, but for followers of Jesus now. In Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God, author and pastor Mark Batterson shares seven ways that God communicates with His followers, if they’ll stop to listen. Through the tools of Scripture, Doors, Dreams, People, Promptings, and Pain, God weaves divine messages of love, encouragement and insight, into our lives every day. Hardcover.

588788: Zondervan"s 2020 Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide Zondervan’s 2020 Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide

By D. Busby, V. Laue, M. Martin & J. Van Drunen / Zondervan

One of the few resources offering advice to churches and nonprofit organizations on issues of financial accountability, receiving and maintaining tax-exempt status, and charitable gifts. Also includes a thorough description of tax laws, sample policies and procedures with easy techniques for simplifying them, insights on medical expense reimbursements, sound compensation planning, and examples of required IRS filings. 224 pages, softcover.

588795: Zondervan"s 2020 Minister"s Tax and Financial Guide Zondervan’s 2020 Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide

By D. Busby, V. Laue, M. Martin & J. Van Drunen / Zondervan

If you find April 15 taxing in more ways than one, let this easy-to-follow manual come to the rescue! The 2020 edition features a line-by-line explanation of Form 1040 and recent changes in the tax code—with valuable hints about how to reduce next year’s bill. Also includes guidance on compensation, retirement, and ways to maximize business expense reimbursements. 192 pages, softcover.

196846: 2020 Multiple Blessings Create It Planner 2020 Multiple Blessings Create It Planner

By Caroline Simas Simas / Perfect Timing Inc

Multiple Blessings Create-It Planner lets you plan out your schedule the way you want with pages for reminders, lists, monthly goals and special dates. Blank calendar grids in a perpetual 12-month format lets you start on any month you choose in weekly and monthly views. Includes additional space for project tracking, contact and password info, and drawing make this all-in-one planner a must-have!

Details:

  • Colorful art design by Caroline Simas
  • 120+ coordinating stickers
  • Color-coordinating elastic band closure
  • 218 pages of premium paper.
  • Spiral bound, Linen-embossed hardcover
  • Measures 7″ x 9″
520377: 2020 Planner Too Blessed to be Stressed 2020 Planner Too Blessed to be Stressed

By Debora Coty / Barbour Publishing

Ideal for personal or home use, the 2020 Too Blessed to be Stressed 15-month engagement planner, features memorable quotes from Debora M. Coty’s heartwarming devotional, Too Blessed to be Stressed, as well as specially selected Scripture quotations.

Other features include:

  • Weekly, monthly, and year-at-a-glance calendars
  • 17 months of inspiring readings from inspirational humorist Debora M. Coty
  • Pages for monthly goal-setting
  • 17 months of planning – August 2019 – January 2021
  • Address book for frequent contacts
  • Color coordinating pages
  • Elastic belly band to all your notes contained
  • Scripture from various translations
  • Hardcover
  •  4.375” x 7.25”
354789: 2020 Mornings with Jesus 2020 Mornings with Jesus

By Zondervan

Begin each day with Jesus . . . and get to know him as your Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One! Designed to take just five minutes every morning, these 365 engaging readings include Scripture verses, meditations from 13 different authors, and challenging “Faith Steps” meant to inspire and encourage you in your daily walk. 379 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

866054: One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land, Member Book One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land, Member Book

By Priscilla Shirer / Lifeway

One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land – Member Book by Priscilla Shirer provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this discussion-driven women’s Bible study. Priscilla encourages participants to fully engage in the abundant life God has waiting for those who will allow Him to take the lead in daily living. One in a Million is an opportunity for you to experience your deliverance from strongholds, to conquer your wilderness living, and to claim your God-given inheritance. 6 Sessions. Includes Leader Guide.

12334X: Before Amen: The Power of Simple Prayer (Study Guide) Before Amen: The Power of Simple Prayer (Study Guide)

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

In Before Amen, Max Lucado, a self-professed “recovering prayer wimp,” reveals his personal struggles with prayer. He will show you how he discovered that prayer is not a privilege for the pious or the art of a chosen few but a simple tool all believers have been given to have a conversation with God. Through the use of a simple, easy-to-remember, pocket-sized prayer that he distilled from the prayers in the Bible, he will lead your church members in building a prayer life that is stronger, better and deeper.

Designed to be used with the Before Amen 4-session small group DVD study, this study guide includes leader helps, discussion questions, conversation starters, and between-session activities to enhance your understanding and application of Max’s teaching.

First Lesson Free! PDF Study Guide

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage  -     By: Julia M. Bruce God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage

By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press

Posted on Leave a comment

Test Your Bible Smarts

Test your Bible smarts and see how much of the Bible you can remember:

Jan 2 TC

If you know the answer, leave it in the comments and
check back tomorrow to see if you are correct.

#BibleTrivia  #WCM
 email with trivia logoSubscribe to get the Bible Trivia in your email in box:

 

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FundlyWould you consider giving Wellspring a year-end gift this year? We are raising funds to purchase media equipment need for our ministry and because we are a non-profit organization, your gift is tax deductible. Click here to make your secure, tax-deductible contribution.

2020 new year

news and events

 

teespring spreadshop logos

T-shirt Fundraiser Event: If you missed getting one of our Christmas designs, be sure to check out all the other designs. We have some great Christian designs based on popular Scriptures that can be a testimony of your faith and a witness to the lost.

All Things New

New Year’s Day is just around the corner. Revelation 21:5 says that God makes all things new. You can get this shirt for New Year’s Day now. (Click the shirt to go to the store).

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 #Revelation21:5 #allthingsnew

Related image

FundlyBecome 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.

Cover_mBOOKING 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

Related image

004

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.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

Related image

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.

Image result for Christian book distributors logoChristmas Items at Christian Book Distributors:

Here are a sample of items from CBD. We are an affiliate of CBD and receive an 8% commission on any product you purchase through these links which we then use to advance our ministry. If you need a Christian gift or looking for Christian Christmas decorations, go to CBD through any link below and search their website for books, Bibles, gifts, decor, and more.

224984: Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital

By Provident Films

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
794037: Waiting on God Waiting on God

By Charles F. Stanley / Howard Books

Are you waiting for God to answer your prayers? Does time tick by without any hint that things will change? You’re not alone! Drawing on personal experiences and biblical principles, Stanley offers a practical and encouraging guide to making the most of the “delays” and following God’s lead to the blessings he has planned for you.

776585: Letters to the Church Letters to the Church

By Francis Chan / David C Cook

If God had it His way, what would our churches look like?

In his most powerful book yet, Pastor Francis Chan digs deep into biblical truths, reflections on his own failures and dreams, and stories of ordinary people God is using to change the world.

As Chan says, “We’ve strayed so far from what God calls Church. We all know it. We know that what we’re experiencing is radically different from the Church in Scripture. For decades, church leaders like myself have lost sight of the inherent mystery of the Church. We have trained people sitting in the pews to become addicted to lesser things. It’s time for that to change.”

When Jesus returns, will He find us caring for His Bride-even more than for our own lives? Letters to the Church reminds us of how powerful, how glorious the Church once was … and calls us to once again be the Church God intended us to be.

Bonus Videos: The 4 videos from Francis Chan’s BASIC Study series (Fellowship, Communion, Teaching, Prayer) are included here as additional material for you to feel free to use in your church. They are not part of the “Letters to the Church” series.

537264: A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer

By John Piper / Crossway

Is your soul so stuffed with worldly desires that you have little room left for God? Piper invites you to turn from materialism and sharpen your appetite for God through prayer and fasting. His exploration of fasting will help you understand how this ancient biblical practice can nourish your spiritual life and satisfy your longings. 201 pages, softcover from Crossway.

407250: Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We"ve Made Up Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We’ve Made Up

By Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle / David C Cook

In Erasing Hell, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle take on the topic of hell and our eternal destiny, with a sense of humility and a deep respect for the inspired Word of God. They will address questions such as “Will everyone be saved?” and “Does God Get What He Wants in the End?” as well as reviewing in depth, everything Jesus said about Hell. Chan and Sprinkle lay all the evidence on the table and present all the facts from Scripture, so that people can decide what to believe for themselves.

291119: Double Blessing: How to Get It. How to Give It. Double Blessing: How to Get It. How to Give It.

By Mark Batterson / Multnomah

New York Times bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson believes the key to radically increasing your faith, joy, and abundance can be found in these three words:

Flip the blessing.

His discovery started with a simple experiment. Whenever he received a blessing, he would give a similar blessing away. If someone paid him a compliment or gave him a gift or went out of their way to help him, he would return the favor by doing something similar for someone else.

We flip the blessing by blessing others in the way God has blessed us. That’s how the blessing becomes a double blessing. It turns giving into a game–one we can’t win because God will always outgive us! It’s an ancient truth found within the Abrahamic covenant: “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing.”

In other words, we are blessed to bless. In a day and age where the idea of blessing has been reduced to a hashtag (#blessed), Batteron challenges readers to pursue true, God-glorifying blessing and experience an exponential impact by participating in the double blessing. Don’t settle for half of what God offers. Discover how you can both get it and give it.

632024: Not Safe: Discovering God"s Dangerous Plan for Your  Life Not Safe: Discovering God’s Dangerous Plan for Your Life

By Mark Batterson / Zondervan

As believers, we may feel tempted to “play it safe”—but God wants to make us dangerous on his behalf! In this inspiring message based on his book All In, Batterson explains that “holding the fort” was never Jesus’ plan for his followers. Instead, he dares you to choose a radical life of spiritual surrender—beginning today. 160 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

291089: Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God

By Mark Batterson / Multnomah

God still speaks today. His voice and guidance wasn’t only for the saints and prophets of old, but for followers of Jesus now. In Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God, author and pastor Mark Batterson shares seven ways that God communicates with His followers, if they’ll stop to listen. Through the tools of Scripture, Doors, Dreams, People, Promptings, and Pain, God weaves divine messages of love, encouragement and insight, into our lives every day. Hardcover.

588788: Zondervan"s 2020 Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide Zondervan’s 2020 Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide

By D. Busby, V. Laue, M. Martin & J. Van Drunen / Zondervan

One of the few resources offering advice to churches and nonprofit organizations on issues of financial accountability, receiving and maintaining tax-exempt status, and charitable gifts. Also includes a thorough description of tax laws, sample policies and procedures with easy techniques for simplifying them, insights on medical expense reimbursements, sound compensation planning, and examples of required IRS filings. 224 pages, softcover.

588795: Zondervan"s 2020 Minister"s Tax and Financial Guide Zondervan’s 2020 Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide

By D. Busby, V. Laue, M. Martin & J. Van Drunen / Zondervan

If you find April 15 taxing in more ways than one, let this easy-to-follow manual come to the rescue! The 2020 edition features a line-by-line explanation of Form 1040 and recent changes in the tax code—with valuable hints about how to reduce next year’s bill. Also includes guidance on compensation, retirement, and ways to maximize business expense reimbursements. 192 pages, softcover.

196846: 2020 Multiple Blessings Create It Planner 2020 Multiple Blessings Create It Planner

By Caroline Simas Simas / Perfect Timing Inc

Multiple Blessings Create-It Planner lets you plan out your schedule the way you want with pages for reminders, lists, monthly goals and special dates. Blank calendar grids in a perpetual 12-month format lets you start on any month you choose in weekly and monthly views. Includes additional space for project tracking, contact and password info, and drawing make this all-in-one planner a must-have!

Details:

  • Colorful art design by Caroline Simas
  • 120+ coordinating stickers
  • Color-coordinating elastic band closure
  • 218 pages of premium paper.
  • Spiral bound, Linen-embossed hardcover
  • Measures 7″ x 9″
520377: 2020 Planner Too Blessed to be Stressed 2020 Planner Too Blessed to be Stressed

By Debora Coty / Barbour Publishing

Ideal for personal or home use, the 2020 Too Blessed to be Stressed 15-month engagement planner, features memorable quotes from Debora M. Coty’s heartwarming devotional, Too Blessed to be Stressed, as well as specially selected Scripture quotations.

Other features include:

  • Weekly, monthly, and year-at-a-glance calendars
  • 17 months of inspiring readings from inspirational humorist Debora M. Coty
  • Pages for monthly goal-setting
  • 17 months of planning – August 2019 – January 2021
  • Address book for frequent contacts
  • Color coordinating pages
  • Elastic belly band to all your notes contained
  • Scripture from various translations
  • Hardcover
  •  4.375” x 7.25”
354789: 2020 Mornings with Jesus 2020 Mornings with Jesus

By Zondervan

Begin each day with Jesus . . . and get to know him as your Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One! Designed to take just five minutes every morning, these 365 engaging readings include Scripture verses, meditations from 13 different authors, and challenging “Faith Steps” meant to inspire and encourage you in your daily walk. 379 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

866054: One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land, Member Book One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land, Member Book

By Priscilla Shirer / Lifeway

One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land – Member Book by Priscilla Shirer provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this discussion-driven women’s Bible study. Priscilla encourages participants to fully engage in the abundant life God has waiting for those who will allow Him to take the lead in daily living. One in a Million is an opportunity for you to experience your deliverance from strongholds, to conquer your wilderness living, and to claim your God-given inheritance. 6 Sessions. Includes Leader Guide.

12334X: Before Amen: The Power of Simple Prayer (Study Guide) Before Amen: The Power of Simple Prayer (Study Guide)

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

In Before Amen, Max Lucado, a self-professed “recovering prayer wimp,” reveals his personal struggles with prayer. He will show you how he discovered that prayer is not a privilege for the pious or the art of a chosen few but a simple tool all believers have been given to have a conversation with God. Through the use of a simple, easy-to-remember, pocket-sized prayer that he distilled from the prayers in the Bible, he will lead your church members in building a prayer life that is stronger, better and deeper.

Designed to be used with the Before Amen 4-session small group DVD study, this study guide includes leader helps, discussion questions, conversation starters, and between-session activities to enhance your understanding and application of Max’s teaching.

First Lesson Free! PDF Study Guide

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage  -     By: Julia M. Bruce God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage

By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press

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Isaiah 52:7. Beautiful feet

by Julia Bruce

13 Isaiah 52 7

Have you ever said, “I have good new and bad news.” Well, there was one young man who picked up his wife from the airport. They had been trying for a while to get pregnant. As they drove away from the airport, the wife said, “Good news! I’m pregnant!” Delighted, the young father-to-be looked at the sonogram and said, “Wait, what’s that?” The expectant mom smiled and said, “That’s the other one…” After pulling over to prevent a wreck the young couple decided to name them Alexis and Zoe, A-Z.

Image result for good newsEveryone loves good news and we all dread bad news. This was even true back in the day of Solomon who wrote in Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” 

The Bible is full of good news – from cover to cover. And it is full of news that isn’t so good.

  • There is good news that God created the heavens and the earth; but there is bad news of Adam and Eve’s first sin.
  • There is good news of how to build a boat; but bad news that God is going to destroy the earth with a flood.
  • There is the good news to Abraham that God will give him a son; but bad news that God wants him to sacrifice his only son – followed by the good news of “WAIT! Here is a ram to sacrifice instead.”
  • There is the good news for Joseph who was promoted to head of house only to then get the bad news that he was on his way to prison even though he was innocent.
  • Joseph gave the king of Egypt the good news of 7 years of plenty, which was followed by the bad news of 7 years of famine, which resulted in the good news of Joseph becoming 2nd in command of all of Egypt.
  • There is the good news of the walls of Jericho that fall (seemingly) by themselves but before that came the bad news from the spies about giants too big, which then was followed by the bad news from God to turn around and wonder in the wilderness for 40 years.
  • There is the good news about how fire fell from heaven and consumed a drenched sacrifice, but then the bad news from Queen Jezebel that she would hunt down and kill Elijah.
  • There is the good news of Queen Esther saving her people from annihilation followed by the bad news of Haman being hung on his own gallows he had built for Esther’s uncle.
  • There is the good news of Ruth meeting and marrying Boaz; but first came the bad news of becoming a widow.
  • There is the good news of the city of Nineveh repenting of their sins and God changing his mind about destroying them; but before that was the bad news of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish and then barfed up. (EEWW!)
  • There is the good news of an angel telling Mary she was highly favored and chosen to be the mother of God’s son, followed by Mary having to explain to Joseph she was pregnant.
  • There is the good news given to the shepherds about the birth of Jesus which was followed by a decree from King Herod to kill on the male children 2 years and younger.
  • There is the good news of all the miracles and wonders that Jesus did, followed by the bad news of Him being betrayed by one of his own, crucified and died. But then there is the glorious news of his resurrection.
  • There is the good news of eternal life for those who believe by faith and accept Jesus as Savior and there is bad news for those who reject Him.
  • There is the good news of Jesus coming and again and the bad news for those who are left behind.

Today, we can turn on the TV, open an app, or browse the internet for all the news from around the world – some more reliable than others. But in Bible days, news traveled by word of mouth – which is only reliable as the mouth that is speaking and the brain that remembers what the mouth was supposed to say. As early as a few centuries before Jesus, the Romans began to release something similar to what we call a newspaper. They had the Acta Diurna that reported on what the Roman army was doing. The Acta Senatus reported on the Roman Senate. The Acta Publica reported on trials, sacrifices, obits, and the like. However, without the printing press, there was no Roman youth who went door to door every morning to toss the paper in a subscriber’s driveway. Instead they were posted in public places periodically. From there news-hungry humans and developed and grown the concept of the newspaper all the way up to today’s 24-hour continuous coverage on CNN and Fox News. Yet still, even today the reliability of the news depends only on the integrity of the reporter. And it seems that there is much more bad news reported than good news.

13 cttPerhaps the best news we could ever hear comes from one who says, “Repent, and believe the good news!”  In the midst of world full of bad news, how refreshing it is to hear good news. John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed the good news that the Kingdom of God was near. God’s message of the New Testament is “Good News.” The first four books of the Bible are called the Gospels. The word gospel means “Good news.” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines “gospel” as “a good or joyful message.”

We all find a birth announcement as good news. The birth of Jesus was such good news that an angel told the shepherds about it and then a multitude of angels sang from a heavenly choir. Obituaries, on the other hand, are not often seen as good news (unless you are just a cold-hearted person of an extremely rich relative). When Jesus died, his mother, friends and disciples grieved like anyone would. But then three days later Jesus rose from the dead and the news was the best news ever. This is the good news that is available to all of us today – salvation and everlasting life simply by having faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9-10 says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” To the church at Corinth, Paul wrote, “I told the Good News to you….For I delivered to you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he has been raised on the third day according to the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:2-4).

Since we have raised the question of the reliability of news – how reliable is the news of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection? The Bible gives us several eyewitnesses who saw Jesus alive after he was dead and buried:

  • Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-16)
  • Mary, the mother of James along with Salome and Joanna (Matthew 28:9)
  • Peter (Luke 24:34)
  • Two Disciples on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13-16)
  • The Disciples with Thomas Absent. (John 20:19-24)
  • All of the Disciples (with Thomas this time) eight days later (John 20:26-28)
  • Seven of the Disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-2)
  • The Eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-17)
  • Over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)
  • James, Jesus’ half-brother followed by all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7)
  • Saul after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 9:3-5)

Additionally, Luke, who wrote the book of Acts wrote in Acts 1:3, “To these he also presented himself alive after his suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Jesus also spoke of his own resurrection in Luke 24:39 and Revelation 1:18.

In Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Christ (which is also now a movie), he writes his own story of coming to faith. Strobel, a former editor at the Chicago Tribune and confirmed atheist begins to try to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was really the Son of God following his wife’s salvation. Using his reporter skills, he interviews biblical scholars seeking historical evidence (“Can the Biographies of Jesus be Trusted?”), scientific evidence (“Does archaeology confirm or contradict Jesus’ biographies?”), and psychiatric evidence (“Was Jesus crazy when He claimed to be the Son of God?”). Instead of proving the non-existence of Jesus, Lee becomes thoroughly  convinced that Jesus is truly the Son of God and that everything the Bible records is true and accurate. If you struggle with believing that Jesus is the Son of God, I encourage you to read the book and watch the movie, then reach a verdict of your own. (see links at the bottom of the page)

What about you? Will you have the beautiful feet of one who brings the good news of eternal life to someone else today? (click to tweet) 

ctt verse of the day

#verseoftheday #goodnews #Gosepl #WCM

October divider

news and events

growing into our future tree

If you would like to be a part of the God-sized dream we call Wellspring Christian Ministries, you can help with your one-time or monthly tax-deductible contribution. Now, with two ways to give, you can help us grow and expand our ministry. To donate to our general ministries, you can now make a contribution through our website. We are also seeking the perfect 200 (or more) acres of land on which we will build and do the various ministries God is leading us in. To make a donation towards Phase 1 of our Land and Building campaign, you can give at buymeacoffe.com. We like to think of ourselves as “Distributors of Living Water” …and for just the cost of a copy of coffee, you can be one too through your contribution that will have an eternal impact as we lead others to Christ, help Christians develop passionate relationships with God, and help couples connect and reignite their marriages. Who knew the cost of a cup of coffee could do so much? Donate today to become a Living Water Distributor

You can also make a contribution to our general ministries as we grow and expand our ministry as God leads through our website. To donate to our ministry expansion, click here.

  • Every gift will be acknowledged on our “Donor Wall” on our website. Just  leave your name the way you wish it to appear in the message box as you make your gift.
  • Every $50 will receive a free signed copy of Julia’s book, “God, Love & Marshmallow Wars”
  • Every $500 or more gift will receive the “God, Love & Marshmallow Wars” Couple Event for their church with Julia’s speaker fees waived (host site is still responsible for travel expense and other costs of the event).

give now

give now tree
Wellspring Christian Ministries is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization.
Thank you for helping us grow!

#growingintoourfuture #fundraiser #buymeacoffee #WCM

Cover_mBOOKING NOW to 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

#GLMWcouplesevent #GLMWbook #intentionalmarriage #Godlymarriage

teespring spreadshop logos

T-shirt Fundraiser: We have a new product line of Christian apparel and accessories available in our Teespring Store and our new Spreadshop Store. You’ll find tee shirts, hoodies, tanks, socks, leggings, tote bags, mugs, iphone cases and more.

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 #teespring #spreadshop

004

Looking for a 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.

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.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

Affiliate links for The Case for Christ by Lee Stroble:

350034: The Case for Christ, Updated and Expanded, Mass Market The Case for Christ, Updated and Expanded, Mass Market

By Lee Strobel / Zondervan

If you were a journalist, how would you investigate the top story in human history? Join the award-winning former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune as he cross-examines scholars to uncover incontestable evidence supporting Jesus’ claims. Includes updated archaeological material, an interview with Strobel, and more. A powerful defense of the Christian faith! 464 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

The Case for Christ, Blu-ray/DVD/CD Combo   - The Case for Christ, Blu-ray/DVD/CD Combo

By Pure Flix Entertainment, LLC

A hard-driving journalist, Lee Strobel was exactly where he expected to be at work: on top. His award-winning investigative reporting recently earned him a promotion to legal editor at the Chicago Tribune. But things weren’t going nearly as well at home where his wife Leslie’s newfound faith in Christ went against everything Lee believed—or didn’t believe—as an avowed atheist.

Utilizing his journalistic and legal training, Lee begins a quest to debunk the claims of Christianity in order to save his crumbling marriage. Chasing down the biggest story of his career, Lee comes face-to-face with unexpected results that could change everything he knows to be true.

Starring Mike Vogel (The Help, Cloverfield), Erika Christensen (Parenthood, Flightplan), Faye Dunaway (The Thomas Crown Affair, Chinatown), and Robert Forster (The Descendents, Jackie Brown). Rated PG. Approx. 113 minutes.

Includes Blu-ray, DVD and CD

Features:

  • “The Heart of The Case for Christ” Featurette
  • Intro to the Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC
  • 11 Music Videos from “The Case for Christ” Album
  • Interviews with Lee & Leslie Strobel, Cast, and Crew
  • Deleted Scenes
  • English and Spanish subtitles

Bonus CD included:

  • The Case for Christ – Songs Inspired by the Original Motion Picture

 

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Proverbs 1:7 The Beginning of Knowledge

boy in churchA small boy sat with his mother in church, listening to a sermon entitled, “What is a Christian?” The minister punctuated his talk at several key intervals by asking, “What is a Christian?” Each time he pounded his fist on the pulpit for emphasis. At one point, the lad whispered to his mother, “Momma, do you know? Do you know what a Christian is?” “Yes dear,” the mother replied, “now try to sit still and listen.” As the minister was wrapping up the sermon, once again he thundered, “What is a Christian?” and pounded especially hard on the pulpit. At that, the boy jumped up and cried, “Tell him, Momma, tell him!”

Knowledge. Facts, information, and skills acquired through one’s experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. We all have knowledge of something. Right now, I have a very real knowledge that Hurricane Dorian is spinning its way as a Cat 5 storm towards the coast of Florida – and I live in Florida. I know everything about the storm that the meteorologists have said and explained on television. But I don’t have the knowledge and wisdom they have. They can take all their knowledge and expertise on weather patterns, air streams, depth of the ocean, water temperatures in the ocean, and apply it Dorian and make a prediction of what they anticipate the storm will do and what path it will take. But they don’t have the knowledge and wisdom that God has. In Psalm 148:8, the Bible tells us that storms “do His bidding.” It was God that sent the flood in Noah’s day. It was God that sent the hailstorm to Egypt as one of the 10 plagues in Moses’ day. It was God that stirred up a great sea storm that resulted in Jonah being swallowed by a great fish. (Click to tweet)  And when the disciples were in a boat a storm came up on the Sea of Galilee – a storm so feirce that the seasoned fishermen thought they were going to die. They woke up Jesus who simply spoke and with just three words, “Peace, be still,” the wind and waves obeyed Him (click to tweet) . God knows exactly what is happening with Dorian. The weathermen, can only make and educated and well-informed guess. For Hurricane Dorian, one might could say that the fear of Dorian is the beginning of knowledge about Dorian.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise
wisdom and discipline.”  When we have fear of the Lord, it is not a shake-in-your-boots kind of fear where you crouch down just hoping God doesn’t zap you with a lightening bolt. While certainly, because of our choices and sin or refusal to accept Christ as Savior, there are times that we should be afraid, this is not the kind of fear that is meant in this verse. The fear of the Lord involves awe, reverence, love and trust in Him. If those are the feelings and emotions we have towards God, then it leads us to want to be near Him. To know Him on a very personal level. (Click to tweet)  The more we know and understand just who God is, the more humble we feel that such a holy and righteous God would ever love someone like me. As a result, I want to obey Him and do what brings Him joy. As I live in the fear of the Lord and have an ever-growing knowledge of Him, humbly submit to Him in obedience, then He sends His blessings. The fear of the Lord will always be accompanied by knowledge, humility, obedience and blessing. (Click to tweet)  

This is why Solomon wrote that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord has to come first – before wisdom. You can’t have wisdom without fear of the Lord. It is the prerequisite. It is the foundation of all true wisdom. (Click to tweet)  If all other knowledge, education, and learning is not built off of this foundation, it is worthless. Why? Because wisdom is seeing life from God’s perspective and responding as God directs. In Proverbs 16:16, Solomon advises, “Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — It is preferable to silver.” We should be seeking wisdom more than we seek anything else other than seeking Christ’s forgiveness for our sins.

I have grown up in Florida all my life and for every hurricane that comes through there are always those who refuse to evacuate and are determined to stay home with their homes and possessions. Almost every time, when the hurricane passes, the news tells of those who had to be rescued from their homes or even those who died because they were just too stubborn to leave. Even with Dorian, we’ve heard of people who refused to leave the Bahama Islands as the Cat 5 storm has blown over it for more than a day. The expectation is that there will be very little left standing when the dangerous storm has gone. How many lives have been lost because they just wouldn’t leave? Most of us would agree this is not the decision of a wise person. At the end of Proverbs 1:7, Solomon wrote, “But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” When we become self-sufficient, unheeding of the wisdom of others, detesting any advice or correction, we are a fool. And usually we end up paying for being the fool (click to tweet) – sometimes with our lives.

You may not have to face Cat 5 hurricanes where you live, but it might be tornadoes or earthquakes or volcanoes. Maybe for you being wise or a fool has to do with how you choose to spend your money or how you treat your spouse or how you prioritize your time. Maybe being wise or a fool has to do with a decision you have to make. Whatever it is that will give you the title of “wise” or “fool,” remember that the beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord. Start there – living in awe, reverence, love and trust in God. Then you will find the wisdom and knowledge that leads to humble obedience and blessings and then you will be wise indeed.

click to tweet

Click to tweet Proverbs 1:7

#fearoftheLord #wisdom

September divider

teespring spreadshop logos

We have a new product line of Christian apparel and gifts available in our Teespring Store and our new Spreadshop Store. You’ll find tee shirts, hoodies, tanks, socks, leggings, tote bags, mugs, iphone cases and more. 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 which has a 15% discount through August 9, 2019

Cover_m God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This 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 & Nobel

 

book now summer and fall

Looking for a 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.

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.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Image result for phone clipart png
Or call us at 904.524.8073

Posted on Leave a comment

Trivia Answer

Jan 3 TA

Snowmen-Divider-85442

Cover_mHave you seen Julie’s new book: God, Love and Marshmallow Wars? This 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.)

 

004Looking for a speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020. Book with us now.