This book 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.
Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.
Join the community of couples on Facebook who are committed to intentionally growing their marriage and learning how to have a marriage that honors God. Here you can post photos of the different activities as you do them, ask questions of other couples, share how God is using this book to strengthen your marriage, and grow with other Christian couples. We’ll see you in the community.
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Jesus had already ascended into heaven and the disciples were busy growing the Church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, thousands were coming to faith in Christ and the church was growing faster than the apostles could keep up. Every pastor and church leader would like to see the same thing happen in their local body of believers. But with growth comes growing pains and in Acts 6 we find some growing pains that gives birth to a new role in the church: the role of deacons.
The apostles believed that prayer and preaching were their primary duties. It was their ministry that God had called them to do. As with most growing pains, some complaints started being filed. The Hellenists criticized the Hebrews because they felt their widows were being neglected in the early church’s charity distribution. While this neglect could have been caused by logistical challenges and the rapid addition of Hellenistic Jewish to the Christian faith, the current church structure proved unable to meet the growing demands.
Time for a Change
Some of us have real problems with change. Personally, I have a problem with routine. Change is exciting and an opportunity for something new. An opportunity for growth. While change also brings with it a certain level of stress for the unknowns, overall, I like change and I enjoy challenges. I admit that makes me somewhat abnormal by most people standards – but it’s the way God made me. But if the average person doesn’t like change, that was probably a true statement in the days of the early church as well. Can you just imagine the committee meetings? Committee A says, “we need a new way of doing things so we can meet all the needs. We propose to add deacons to the leadership team” Committee B says, “Yes, we need to meet the needs of all the saints but what’s wrong with our current model?”
(Incidentally and nothing to do with this devotion, last Sunday the pastor that spoke at our church went through the trouble of asking the congregation what different groups of animals are called. For example a group of fish is known as a school. A group of wolves is known as a pack. But, do you know what a group of vultures is called? I don’t think anyone got the answer. I certainly didn’t know it. However, if you google it, you’ll find that Wikipedia states a group of vultures is called a committee.) Now back to the devotion.
Deacons: The New Church Model
In Acts 6, we find the roles within the church taking shape and being defined. As a result, duties are divided and two roles emerge: The pastor and the deacons. In verses 2-4 a distinction is made between those responsible for preaching the word of God and those responsible for distribution of food.
During the early days of the church, the apostles believed prayer and preaching were their primary duties and to be taken away from those duties violated the command Christ gave them to spread the gospel message. Yet, as leaders of the early church, the apostles recognized it was time to appoint a new role in church leadership and the birth of deacons emerged. The apostles said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, seek out from among you seven men…whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Qualifications of the Seven
The seven men appointed over the business of food distribution were not men from local pub. The apostles gave some specific qualifications for these seven men. Verse 3 says they were to be men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. At this time these seven men would be responsible for seeing that everyone received of the charitable donations. And these simple qualification of the first seven deacons were ample requirements for the role they would play.
Expanding the role of deacon and growing qualifications
As time goes by this role would grow to look more like the role of deacon we know today. Paul would go on to expand these qualification in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 and gives nine qualifications for deacons. We still use these qualifications today when appointing deacons without our churches.
Paul’s Qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Dignified (v. 8):
A deacon is to be honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy
Not double-tongued (v. 8):
Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something else to others, or say one thing but mean another. They are two-faced and insincere. Their words cannot be trusted, so they lack credibility.
Not addicted to much wine (v. 8):
A man is disqualified for the office of deacon if he is addicted to wine or other strong drink. While drugs are not listed in the Bible, by principle, if a deacon is to not be addicted to alcohol, they should not be addicted to or misuse drugs, including nicotine, prescription pills, or over-the-counter medications. Such a person lacks self-control and is undisciplined.
Not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 8):
If a person is a lover of money or not honest in the way he handles financial affairs (personally or in business or in the church) he is not qualified to be a deacon, especially since deacons often handle financial matters for the church.
Sound in faith and life (v. 9):
Deacons need to hold firm to the true gospel without wavering. If so, then it goes without saying that a deacon should be a student of the Word, active in daily Bible reading and prayer, and willing to share his faith with others. He should demonstrate continual spiritual growth and the desire to every grow closer to God. His behavior must be consistent with his beliefs. He can’t teach the Word of God on Sunday but then live like the world at home or work.
Blameless (v. 10):
Paul writes that deacons must “be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless” (v. 10). “Blameless” is a general term referring to a person’s overall character. At a minimum, the deacon’s personal background, reputation, and theological positions should be examined. He should also have a tried and true track record of service in the church. .
The Deacon’s Role at home:
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:11 that the deacon should have a Godly wife. According to Paul, the deacon’s wife must “be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things” (v. 11). She must be dignified or respectable. She must not go around spreading gossip and she must be able to make good judgments. The deacon’s wife must be “faithful in all things” (1 Tim. 5:10) and be above reproach.
Husband of one wife (v. 12): The best interpretation of this difficult phrase is to understand it as referring to the faithfulness of a husband toward his wife. He must be a “one-woman man.” That is, there must be no other woman in his life to whom he relates in an intimate way either emotionally or physically.
Manage children and household well (v. 12): A deacon must be the spiritual leader of his wife and children
The Deacon’s Role
The Decon’s role in the church is not to control the church – or even the pastor. The Bible clear that the pastor is to be the shepherd of the flock. In the early church, the role of the deacon was intended to aid the apostles by taking care of some of the physical needs of the congregation. That is still their role today.
Strong’s uses the word diakonos and holds the idea of attendant, waiter, or servant. So clearly the role of the deacon is to serve the people. They can serve by teaching a small group or helping the pastor by visiting the senior adults and those in the hospital. A deacon can sever by mentoring a young or teen boy whose father is not around. They can serve by keeping the building and grounds in top condition. Deacons should serve by being witnesses and willing to evangelize the lost. They can serve by praying for the pastor and the leadership he provides to the church. And they can serve by ensuring the integrity of the gospel is taught throughout the church.
Change for the Good is Good Change
Sometimes we can be guilt of change just because we’re bored. Other times we can be guilty of holding on to traditions and stubbornly refuse to change to change is needed. But in Acts 6, the apostles recognized a change was needed and then implemented a new role within the church leadership team. The result was good for the entire body of believers. Growing pains often means that a change is required. At times the change itself can be painful – but that doesn’t mean change is bad or not needed. As leaders of Christ’s church every change should be prayerfully considered and when a change is needed, make sure the change is a good one.
#qualifications #deacons
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Will you pray and fast with us and lead your church to pray for God to send a revival to America?
This week, we are preparing for a day of fasting and prayer by focusing on seeking God’s face.
#revival #America #seekingGod #prayandfast
Do you have a daily Bible Reading plan?
If not, come join us as we read the Bible through in one year. Each day we post the scripture reading along with links to read it online.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Do you serve in ministry? Great! The self-care blogs are here for you.
In this series of blogs, we breakdown why people in ministry need to practice self care. We explain the differences between stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Drawing from both psychology and Biblical principles, we teach self-care to keep ministry servants living out God’s call. These self-care principles are for any ministry staff, volunteer, or lay-leader. Regardless of the ministry service God called you to, self-care is crucial to continuing God’s work.
Test your Bible smarts and see if you can answer our trivia questions. We post a trivia question every other day and the correct answer on the next day. Stop by the trivia page and grab a question and see if your friends and family can answer it.
You can check out our Christian t-shirts for men, women, kids and infants in our Teespring and Spreadshop stores. Also available on mugs, bags, aprons, hats, and more. We also have some Christian themed canvas art available at Teespring. Browse the stores with the links below:
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage. As you work through the various activities, you will strengthen your 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
Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.
Join the community of couples on Facebook who are intentionally growing their marriage. Discover together how to have a marriage that honors God. Here you can post photos of the different activities as you do them, ask questions of other couples, share how God is using this book to strengthen your marriage, and grow with other Christian couples. We’ll see you in the community.
Need a speaker for your next church or ministry event? We’re booking!
(Due to COVID-19, we are only tentatively booking speaking engagements for events after September 2020. We will continue to follow the recommendations as issued by the CDC and our government officials.)
Regardless of size, we are eager to be part of your next church or ministry event. We can bring one of our ministry programs to your church, or we can tailor a message to your event theme. To request more information or schedule a booking, fill out the online form at the link below. Or call us at 904.239.8937.
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My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. — John 10:27-29
Think for a moment about your hand. What is it’s purpose? What does it represent? Certainly we use our hands to grasp things and pick them up. We use them to work, get dressed, type, etc. Hands can be used for communication through sign language or just waving them around when we are talking. We can communicate emotions with them, such as a soft caress. We use them to care for others. These hands God gave us, are quite useful for life.
In the Bible, the word “hand” is used in several ways:
A physical body part, such as when Noah reached out his hand to bring the dove back into the ark in Genesis 8:9
A period of time, such as “the day of the Lord is at hand” (Isaiah 13:6, Joel 1:15, Joel 2:1, and Zephaniah 1:7)
The hand of the Lord, such as “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not to short, that it cannot save.” (Isaiah 59:1)
In John 10, Jesus teaches several things about the hand of God to teach us that we saved, safe, and secure in His hand.
What do you think of when you think of a hand? When you think about your Father’s hand, think of his provision, his power, his presence, and his protection.
There is provision in the hand of God
In verse 28, Jesus that He gives. Specifically in this verse, His provision is for eternal life. There is no possible way that we can give ourselves eternal life. Instead, it can only be received as God graciously gives us eternal life as gift. Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
God also supplies our every need out of His own riches. Philippians 4:19 tells us: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That doesn’t mean He gives us our every want – but He does give us what we need.
In Matthew 7:11, we find that God’s hand of provision gives us good things: “your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him“
In 2 Peter 1:3, we find “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” These include spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit.
All this is graciously provided from the very hand of Almighty God.
There is power in the hand of God.
Jesus tells us in verse 29, “My Father…is greater than all.” There is no one more powerful than God. The story of Job is a great example. God allowed Satan to test Job and some rather awful things happened to him. He lost all of his children, wealth, crops, health. He basically lost everything except for some nagging friends who were insistent that God was punishing him for some reason and a nagging wife who wanted him to just curse God and die.
Job was a righteous man, and still these things happened to him. But what we learn is that Satan couldn’t do anything to Job that God didn’t first allow to happen. And at the end of Job’s story, we find that God blessed Job even more so than before. So there is nothing on this earth or in the spiritual realm that remove us from the powerful hand of God. In verse 29 Jesus said, “no man is able to pluck you out of my Father’s hand.” The power of God’s hand, means eternal safety and security for those who place their faith and trust in Him.
Being held in the Hand of God means His Presence is always near to us
Jesus wanted us to know that God is always near us. Jeremiah 23:23 says, “Am I a God near at hand…and not a God afar off?” Sometimes it feels like God is way up there in heaven and so far removed from our struggles, but we need to remember that he holds us in the palm of His hand. So we are never far from His presence. In Psalm 139, David asks, “Where can I go that you, God, are not there?” In Hebrews 13:5, we have the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us. What’s more, there’s fullness of joy in the presence of God. Psalm 16:11 tells us, “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.“
There is protection in the Hand of God.
In verse 28, Jesus said, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” We can’t lose our salvation once we give our lives to Christ. We are eternally protected and secure. Peter tells us our salvation is “reserved in heaven” for us. He also wrote that it is “undefield, it cannot change or decay.” (I Peter 1:4-5.) Paul let us know that once we are adopted into God’s family He will never disown us (Ephesians 1:5). Jesus said in John 6:39 that every one of us who trusts Him for salvation is give to Him by the Father and they he loses none. And here in John 10, Jesus says that He is the giver of eternal life and no one who accepts this gift will perish. We are eternally protected from the condemnation and wages of sin.
As you go about your day today, whenever you notice your own hand, think about the hand of God and remember He gives us His provision, power, presence, and protection. Remember that He holds us in His Hand and no one can remove us from it. Remember that the same hands that created the universe and keeps it perfectly orbiting around the sun keeps you saved, safe and secure in his Son. The result: His sheep “shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” This is the security the sheep enjoy.
A priest was preaching to his congregation concerning heaven and hell. To emphasize the difference between the two, he asked that all who wanted to go to heaven stand up with him. All the congregation rose. He then asked that all who wanted to to go hell stand up with him. No one rose. For the full dramatic impact he waited for several seconds before continuing. The silence was broken by a small boy who slowly rose to his feet. The astonished priest spoke to the boy, “Surely son, a fine young man like yourself does not want to go to hell.”
The boy answered, “Maybe not sir, but I just couldn’t stand the sight of you standing there all alone.”
Jesus can’t stand the thought of any one of going to hell. So he came to earth to serve us by being our ransom. As He ministered to others throughout His life and then paid the price for our sins, He became the greatest example of being a servant leader.
The foundation and basis of servanthood is giving – and Jesus gave His life as a ransom for all who believe in Him. No one “took” His life – He willingly gave it up. Jesus, with all of His power and might did not come to be served as He deserves, but by His love and grace, came down to serve us. He served us by giving us a way to spend eternal life with Him even though we do not deserve it, nor can we earn it on our own merit. He gave His life freely so that we might have eternal life. He served us by being the payment for our sins. Romans tells us that the wages of sin is death, but Jesus paid the price for us. He was our “ransom.”
The word “ransom” refers to the price one paid in Jesus’ day to release a slave. We are slaves to sin, but Jesus’ life became our ransom that set us free from the bonds of sin. To be a servant of Jesus, means we must be willing to give up all rights to our life and to do anything God wants us to do.
When we look at Jesus’ ministry, we can see how Jesus served others, just as the disciples had seen Him do: they saw Him touch those that were unclean. They saw him heal the sick, deaf, blind, and mute. They saw Him raise people back to life. They saw him feed thousands with just a small amount of bread and fish. They saw Him wash their feet. They saw Him beaten and nailed to a cross. They saw Him die – for them. Over and over again Jesus – the only Son of God – placed Himself in humble service to others. Jesus. He had ten thousand angels at His disposal. He was the creator of the world. He shared in the glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Yet He gave up all of Heaven to come to earth, born to a poor virgin girl in a stable with only an animal feeding trough for a bed. He gave up his own majesty for the humility of needing his diaper changed. He willingly accepted the humiliation and torture of the cross. Why would He do that for you and me? His only reason for doing so, was to minister and serve all of humanity throughout all the ages through His willing sacrificial death in our place so that we could one day spend eternity in Heaven with Him. The greatest servant of all gave us the greatest gift of all because of His love for us.
We often talk today about our desire to “serve” God. And certainly we should be obedient to do what He asks us to do. But we also need to remember that Jesus did not come to earth to be ministered to. He came so that he could minister to us. He still wants to minister to us today. We don’t have to do life on our own. He ready to help us. When we are exhausted or anxious or fearful, He tells us to cast all our care on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). When we need wisdom, He tells us to ask Him for it and He will give it to us generously (James 1:5). When life gets busy and overwhelming, Jesus says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Whatever it is we face in life, Jesus stands ready to minister to us. If He loves us enough to die for us, you can bet He stands ready to help us through every moment of life. How humbling it is to think that the Son of God longs to serve one like me.
Jesus, thank you for you dying in my place so that my sins could be forgiven. Help me to live my life so that it bring honor and glory to you. May I learn from your example of servanthood to serve others that you have placed in my life so that your love shines through every act of service and every spoken word. Help me to remember that you stand ready to serve and minister to me in every situation I face in life.
#ransomforall #cametoserve #SonofGod
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
1 Chronicles 28:9
Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him.
Meditate and apply:
Will you commit to praying with us in 2020 that God will revive His people, renew our faith, and redeem our land? We feel such an urgency and desperation for revival. If God is moving your heart for revival, write your revival prayer in the comments along with your state or country.
This week’s featured design is taken from Matthew 17:20. A mustard seed is tiny; yet that is all the faith it takes to move mountains. Don’t be afraid to use your faith.
You’ll find this week’s design in two formats: a floral and a “mustard label.” Available in tees for men, women, kids, mugs, bags, and other products. The design is also available in white print or black. Check them out in the Spreadshirt shop.
All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.
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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This powerful series is ideal for personal study, small groups, Sunday school classes, family devotions, and discipling others. Days One through Six provide approximately 15 minutes of guided lessons to help you discover God’s precepts, purposes and promises on your own. Questions for group discussion or individual study are provided on Day Seven along with commentary and a memory verse. Find the wisdom you need to address the issues of life and grow closer in your relationship with God.
By Beth Moore, Kay Arthur & Priscilla Shirer / Lifeway
The Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still Member Book is a versatile study guide that can be used in a retreat setting or for a seven-session study. Beth, Kay, and Priscilla each present two weeks of study in a brief format that will take most women 15 to 30 minutes daily. As a bonus, Faithful, Abundant, and True Member Book includes a partnership with HomeLife Magazine in which each of the three speakers’ section also includes an article from HomeLife that illustrates faithfulness, abundance, and truth. The Member Book includes 6 Weeks of Guided Study, a Retreat Plan (great for a Friday evening – Saturday evening schedule), and Group Leader Helps.
Each workbook in Charles Stanley’s Life Principles Study Series features ten lessons that include Scripture study, questions for discussion or reflection, and application. In Develop a Closer Relationship with God, Stanley shares God’s invitation to grow in a heart relationship with Him, to hear His voice speaking to your spirit, and to feel a deep assurance that you are locked into a forever relationship that cannot be severed. Perfect for small group studies, a Sunday school class, or individual study.
How’s your faith? Is it strong or weak? Is it steady or stretched? It’s an important question, because there’s a lot riding on your answer. More importantly, would you like your faith to be stronger? That’s what this six-session video study from ‘America’s most influential spiritual leader’ is all about. Faith, according to Pastor Rick Warren, is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised and developed.
And God uses a predictable pattern and process to build your faith. It’s what Warren calls the Six Phases of Faith. Once you understand these six phases, you can cooperate with God in the process of strengthening your faith and building your character. The Six Phases of Faith is a groundbreaking small group video study with participant’s guide that will help you uncover and participate in God’s unique plan and purpose for your life.
Mustard seed pendant features seed surrounded by clear acrylic. 1″ pendant on 18″ nickel free chain with 2″ extender.In the story of the Mustard seed, even with faith the size of this tiny seed, you can still move mountains. These real seeds are reminders that with just a little faith, anything is possible.
Mustard seed pocket stone features Faith with seed surrounded by clear acrylic. 1.25″.In the story of the Mustard seed, even with faith the size of this tiny seed, you can still move mountains. These real seeds are reminders that with just a little faith, anything is possible.
Pastor Jim Cymbala calls us back to a fiery, passionate preoccupation with God that will restore what the enemy has stolen from us: our first love for Jesus, our zeal, our troubled children, our wounded marriages, our broken and divided churches.Born out of the heart and soul of Brooklyn Tabernacle, the message of Fresh Faith is illustrated by true stories of men and women whose lives have been changed through the power of faith.
The same faith that can transform your life – starting today, if you choose.
Jesus was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company, and drinking. He had a sense of humor; his generosity was scandalous; his anger was fearsome; and he said outrageous things. Eldredge replaces our 2-dimensional picture of the Savior with a brilliant portrait—and invites you to experience an intimate relationship with a colorful Christ! 240 pages, softcover from Faithwords.
Chunky fashion bracelet of purple and silvertone beads with mustard seed cross charm and engraved Scripture tag If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20.Textured and engraved beads add style on stretch bracelet with toggle clasp; 7″ stretch bracelet designed to fit the wrist of most women; A unique and beautiful Christian jewelry design to encourage you to trust God.
Please note: the faceted stones on this topselling bracelet may vary in shading depending on the light in which they are photographed.
Trace the path of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable. (8 sessions)
Features:
Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups
Personal study segments to complete between 8 weeks of group sessions
Interactive teaching videos, approximately 35 minutes per session
Benefits:
Place your hope in the God who is with you.
Learn to trust God’s purposes when life doesn’t make sense.
Recognize how God is working in your waiting.
Rest in the sufficiency of God’s presence in every circumstance.
Embrace a stronger understanding of God’s nature—and transform your faith into a living, breathing relationship with him! Jeremiah’s daily devotions feature Scripture; a brief meditation on topics including trusting in God’s faithfulness, the Lord’s plans for his children, and how to live in his peace; and insightful questions for reflection. Includes a ribbon marker. 400 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
Jesus calls us to chase after him—not cheer for his cause! Idleman invites you to take an honest look at your relationship with the Lord. He believes Christian faith isn’t about walking a comfortable and reassuring path, but stepping into a new identity as a follower of Christ. Based on his bestseller Not a Fan. 160 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.
There are times in life when the giants seem too big and the game gets too intense. We want to throw in the towel, preserve ourselves, and hide. But we are called to more!
In Don’t Give Up, Kyle Idleman explores the seasons of life where we feel as if we are hanging by a thread. Through relatable stories and Biblical encouragement, he encourages us to cast our concerns on God, trust in his love and timing, pray for patience and strength, and seek out support in the family of God.
It’s the ultimate invitation! Christ is calling you to a lifetime of unpredictable adventure. Now you must decide whether to accept. As you study the stories of Jesus’ disciples, you’ll be challenged to step back from your day-to-day worries and “to do” list; and move toward the One who promises to delight and surprise his people.
What does Jesus mean by “Follow me”? Your answer is crucial to your understanding of the Christian gospel! MacArthur explores what the Bible says about who this Galilean is, defines saving grace, clarifies why Christ must be savior and lord of your life, and more. An update and abridgment of The Gospel According to Jesus. 173 pages, 4.5″ x 7.25″ hardcover from Zondervan.
Is there a right way to pray? Why doesn’t God always say yes? Is he listening? Countering the idea that prayer’s purpose is to seek divine intervention, Eldredge shows that it’s actually about partnering with God. Discover your role in breaking sin’s strongholds, bringing about healing, and more as you claim your authority as God’s child! 256 pages, softcover from Nelson.
Walking with God moves through a year in the life of John Eldredge, showing and teaching what an intimate relationship with God looks like day-to-day. Among other important points, it will teach you how to make decisions aligning with God’s will, understand barriers and “agreements” keeping you from the life God intends, and how to fight spiritual battles for yourself and others. Learn how walking with God intimately can be a normal part of the Christian life.
* Discover the truth of God’s Word for yourself! The Book of Romans is Paul’s clearest presentation of the gospel—and includes answers to some of life’s most important questions. How can I have peace with God? How can I know God’s will? Does being religious make me a Christian? For personal or group study. 144 pages, softcover from Harvest.
Every Tuesday night the Brooklyn Tabernacle is standing room only—for a prayer meeting! In this expanded edition, Pastor Cymbala shares updated stories of what God continues to do there. You’ll be led on your own journey to spiritual awakening; and be inspired to listen more closely for his voice and pray with utter dependence on him. 224 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
• Scripture to memorize and meditate on
• Conversation Starters
• Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
• Romance Builders
• Relationship Builders
• Personal reflections
• Date ideas
• Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples
We live in a world filled with turmoil, lies, deceit, murders. There are gang wars, national wars, family wars, even wars within many churches. Yet, Jesus said, “Peace I give unto you.” (John 14:27). So, why is peace so elusive?
In the 25th chapter of Numbers, we find that God’s people sinned by committing spiritual adultery, in other words, they left God to worship the idol, Baal. As a result, the anger of the Lord was kindled again them (vs.3) and God judged the idol worshipers harshly. Twenty-four thousand people died as a result of their sin.
When Phinehas, a priest, took action against the idol worshipers, God turned away His wrath (v. 11) and promised peace to Phinehas and his descendants “because he was zealous for his God and made an atonement for the children of Israel.” (vs. 13)
Peace can never be found in a heart with unconfessed sin. Isaiah 48:22 states, “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” If we put anything before God — wealth, position, family, pleasure, hobbies — we are guilty of idolatry. If we lie, steal, gossip, or do anything to dishonor God we commit sin. We cannot find peace when we have unconfessed sin.
But, God is also full of mercy and grace and eager to forgive confessed sin. True peace is found not in the absence of conflict, but often in the midst of conflict. Ephesians 2:14 teaches, “For He (Christ Jesus) is our peace…” and we learn in Galatians 5:22 that peace is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confession of and repentance from sin is the key to lasting peace.
Today, we are not much different than Israel. We may not worship Baal, but we are just as guilty of idolatry as Israel was. Our idols today might be our spouse, children, family, health, wealth, power, position, or jobs. Just as Israel experienced peace when they had a right relationship with God, our world today will only find peace from the wars and sin that plague us when we zealously turn our hearts back to God in true repentance and acknowledge Him as Lord. God stands just as ready to forgive us today as He did Israel when they repented. Only then can we experience lasting peace.
God, harden not our hearts against you. Remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. Place a new Spirit within us and may we search for You with all our heart, mind, and soul. Draw us to repentance and forgive us where we have turned away from you. Help us, o Lord, to be zealous for you. Restore peace to our land.
#Godspromises #manofHisWord #youcancountonit
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Meditate and apply:
Will you commit to praying with us in 2020 that God will revive His people, renew our faith, and redeem our land? We feel such an urgency and desperation for revival. If God is moving your heart for revival, write your revival prayer in the comments along with your state or country.
This week’s featured design is taken from our memory verse – Ezekiel 36:26.
You’ll find the design in tees for men, women, kids, mugs, bags, and other products. The design is also available in white print or black. Check them out in the Spreadshirt shop.
All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.
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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How would you describe your personal Bible study? Mundane or motivational? Lackluster or lively? Redundant or reviving? In their bestselling book and workbook, Howard and Bill Hendricks offer a practical 3-step process that will help you master simple yet effective inductive methods of observation, interpretation, and application that will make all the difference in your time with God’s Word!Please note that the workbook contained in this set is intended to be used with the book Living by the Book, not the DVD Study.
Join Howard G. Hendricks live as he shows you how to understand and apply God’s Word for yourself. Millions around the world have been captivated by this brilliant teacher’s highly energetic style, friendly manner, unforgettable illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor. In these series of 25-minutes sessions, Dr. Hendricks will walk you step-by-step through his signature model for self-study: Observation, Interpretation, Application. Your experience in Scripture will never be the same. And your life will be transformed as you begin Living by the Book!
Join Howard G. Hendricks live as he shows you how to understand and apply God’s Word for yourself. Millions around the world have been captivated by this brilliant teacher’s highly energetic style, friendly manner, unforgettable illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor.
In these series of 25-minutes sessions, Dr. Hendricks will walk you step-by-step through his signature model for self-study: Observation, Interpretation, Application. Your experience in Scripture will never be the same.
Ceramic bistro mug with the wonderful names of Jesus in vibrant color detail. A fantastic gift for anyone to celebrate their faith. 10 ounce capacity; microwave and dishwasher safe. Packaged in beautiful matching gift box.
Gifty mug with handtied grosgrain bow as the finishing touch, and a sweet and simple sentiment in black script on white.Ceramic bistro mug holds 12 ounces; heart shaped I love you tag. I love that you’re my mom with Scripture quote from Ephesians 1:16. Pink ribbon.
Exquisite photography alongside the heartwarming, meaningful devotions you’ve come to expect from Young make this a stunning keepsake for family and friends or an inspirational gift to yourself! Fifty themed selections for Lent and Easter with accompanying Scriptures keep the focus on the deep significance of this most blessed time of the year. Features include a padded hardcover binding, color printing throughout, a presentation page, and a ribbon bookmark.
Tabletop figurine of the Last Supper created by Joseph Studio in fine detail, portraying Christ and his disciples all gathered around the table.Freestanding figurine is 11.25′ long x 4.5″ tall; realistic facial and garment detail. Crafted of resin with smooth finish; stone pattern rectangular base. Renaissance Collection.
Priced to give away, this “investigation” into Christ’s death answers three crucial questions seekers ask: Was Jesus’ death a sham? Was his tomb really empty? Was he seen alive after his death on the cross? Strobel’s award-winning skills as a legal journalist will persuade even the most hard-boiled skeptics to reconsider Jesus’ death and resurrection. 95 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
Max Lucado invites you to examine the cross, contemplate its purpose, and celebrate its significance in He Chose the Nails. Go ahead and linger on the hill of Calvary and see just how much God did to win your heart. Paperback.
Every gift from God reveals his love, but no gift reveals his love more than the gifts of the cross. Have we taken time to open these? As we do, we find that Jesus did it all just for us. The He Chose Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions, and an additional session for churches and small groups using this study as part of Lent.
Note: Designed for use with the Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails: A DVD Study (SKU: 687849) which is packaged together. It has two DVDS, one for each study.
One of the most innovative teaching pastors in the country, Adam Hamilton unpacks Jesus’ last days on earth and how they turn upside down the conventional ideas about good and evil, justice and history, life and death. Filmed on location in the Holy Land, it portrays the Last Supper to Christ’s victory over the grave.Segments include:
Introduction (1:23)
1. The Last Supper (11:25)
2. The Garden of Gethsemance (6:57)
3. Condemned by the Righteous (9:15)
4. Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate (9:10)
5. The Torture and Humiliation of the King (9:06)
6. The Crucifixion (12:54)
7. Christ the Victor (11:10)
Bonus: What If Judas Had Lived? (4:56)
Preview: 24 Hours That Changed the World (1:07)
Jesus, while dying on the cross, uttered several statements that are often called “The Last Words of Jesus,” but his words on the cross were not the last words he uttered while on earth. After his resurrection, he spoke many words of encouragement to his disciples and followers. His conversations with these men and women truly are Jesus’ last words.
In this eight-session LifeGuide Bible study, The Risen Christ, you will meet the risen Jesus Christ and hear his words. Each of the 8 sessions focuses on a specific dialogue and passage of Scripture from the books of John and Acts. Discussion Questions follow the teaching and a “Now or Later” section helps you integrate the teachings into your personal life. Leader’s Notes included.
This bestselling 40-day devotional, based on The Jesus Creed (Jesus’ double commandment to love God and to love others), now comes with a Lenten study in the back of the book. Author Scot McKnight recites it throughout the day every day and challenges you to do the same. You may find that, if you do, you will learn to love God more creatively and passionately, and find new ways to love those around you.
Known for his stories, poetry, and art, Buckley—interim director of the Center for Native American Spirituality and Christian Study—delineates the crescendo of events leading to the crucifixion so that all can learn how to cope with the stresses and strains of a crumbling world where light is dying out. 64 pages, softcover. Abingdon.
This powerful 9-session study from author Tim Keller focuses on the meaning and significance of Jesus’ life, based on the gospel of Mark. Is he the promised Messiah? Keller highlights the cosmic, historical, and personal dimensions of the story, encouraging everybody to re-examine their relationship with God.
Rustic look wall plaque 16.5″ x 8.5″; distressed finish Family Scriptures. Our family will… live and accept one another, pray for one another, tell the truth to each other, be kind to one another, bring joy to each other, serve one another, be patient with each other, comfort one another, forgive one another, be generous with each other, honor each other. In a variety of artful typography styles, with Scripture references under each; mounted paper on laser cut MDF wood product. Faux distressed finish.
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
Purchase Julia’s Book, “God, Love and Marshmallow Wars”
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BOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:
