Tag: John 14:27

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Why is Peace So Elusive?

by Guest Writer, Fran Coffield
(Mom)

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?

Spiritual Adultery Kindles God’s Wrath

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.

Zealous for God made Peace with God

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)

A heart with unconfessed sin cannot find peace

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.

Finding True Peace

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.

We are just as guilty of Idolatry

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. 

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Now you can enhance your Bible Reading with the Verse Mapping Template

Our Verse Mapping download is FREE and includes 6 pages: 3 pages of instructions for using the template and the 2 page template, plus the cover page. If you’re looking to go deeper into God’s Word, learn more about God and develop a stronger spiritual life, Verse Mapping will help you dig into the scriptures. As you apply God’s Word to your life, you will develop a more intimate knowledge and relationship with God.

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Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

We’ve put together 52 memory verses for you to hide God’s Word in your heart! You can download the full document for free and then print a new verse each week and as many copies as you’d like. Each verse prints four times on a page so that you can then cut them into index size cards and place them in prominent places where you will see them frequently throughout the day to help you remember to memorize them. Just because you visited our site, they’re yours for free! Download today.

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Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan

With just 30-40 minutes per day, you can read the entire Bible in one year. The One-Year Bible Reading Plan consists of both Old Testament and New Testament readings for each day of the year. The Bible is God’s personal Word to you. What is He saying to you today? Open your Bible and find out!

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Download our Free Self-Care Wheel

The Self-Care Wheel provides ideas for practicing self-care in six dimensions of yourself: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Sensory, and Social. NOTE: You will need 11X14 paper to print the wheel.

Want to know more about self-care? Our Self-Care blog series targets people who serve in any ministry position and takes a Biblical approach to self-care.

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This week’s new Christian Tees design:

Micah 5:5

The prophet Micah, foretold about the birth of Jesus in Micah chapter 5, including that he would be born in Bethlehem. He also prophesied that Jesus would be our peace. In a chaotic world, it’s good to remember that Jesus is our peace. He has reconciled and redeemed us as he paid the penalty for our sin. Because he did, we have peace with God. But we can also have peace no matter what happens in the world around us. Jesus said in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Rest in the peace that Jesus offers to you.

Jesus is our peace. Micah 5:5
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    Revive us again, Lord

New in the Teespring Store: The Prayer of Blessing

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store.

God instructed the Israelite priests to pray the prayer of blessing every day over the people. The prayer is found in Numbers 6:24-26. Hang the canvass in your home or carry the mug, tote bag, or water bottle and let the prayer of blessing impact all those who you meet throughout the day.

Find the canvas print here

We’ve also put this design on a poster, coffee mug, a stainless steel water bottle, phone cases, and a few other products.

Need some music to get you through the day? Check out one of our Playlists on YouTube

Click here for the Contemporary Christian Playlist
Click here for the Southern Gospel Playlist
Or Click here for the Hymns Playlist

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

Click here to watch the animated devotionals

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

  • Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
  • Conversation Starters.
  • Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
  • Romance Builders.
  • Relationship Builders.
  • Personal reflections.
  • Date ideas.
  • Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.

Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.

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Joy in Trials

by guest writer: Fran Coffield

When Trials Come

The year 2020 was a year of struggles, trials, doubts, and fears. Like many of you, I often felt confused and questioned “where is God in the midst of my pains?” There is a plaque on my desk that reads, “When life gets too hard to stand, kneel.” So, I knelt in many earnest prayers, and the more I prayed, additional trials arose. I sought answers from God’s Word.

Count it all Joy – even in the trials

James 1:2-3 says to “count it all joy when [not if…when] you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. However, my patience was so thin it could snap at any time. Should life be so hard for a Christian?

Lacking Wisdom

James 1:5 says, “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” This I did and immediately John 16:33 came to mind where Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation.” Not very encouraging to a hurting soul! However, the end of His statement says, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Still, there was little cheer to be found when each day brought a new dilemma. The husbands of two different friends died, a friend was in ICU with Covid 19, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer requiring a mastectomy, a family member with multiple medical conditions was put on dialysis which put a strain on each family member in the household, and the list continues…

Trials of people in the Bible

I recall the lives of many Biblical persons called by God for specific tasks and the trials each faced in their daily lives:

  • Joseph was sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime, thrown into prison.
  • David was anointed king as a young shepherd boy but spent years hiding in fear from King Saul.
  • The apostle Paul was shipwrecked, bitten by a deadly snake, beaten and left for dead.
  • Naomi was left alone with no income after her husband and three sons died.
  • Mary was hailed as “highly favored,” yet had to witness the crucifixion of firstborn child.

Every Bible “hero” faced days of trails, doubts, and fears.

Is peace and joy possible in a world of trials?

So, is it possible to find peace and joy in this troubled world? Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” Worldly peace is not the absence of trials. God’s give is peace in the midst of trails, heartaches, and confusion.

The Purpose of Trials

I found the answer to my questions while reading the MacArthur Study Bible. 1 Peter 1:1-9 reveals the purpose of God in allowing us to undergo difficulties, sorrows, and trials of many kinds is for me to test the reality of my faith. These verses say:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

English Stand Version Bible

Five things to remember about trials

Once I come through the trial by trusting in God alone, I have the assurance that my faith is genuine and God’s word is truth. There are some points to remember that will give strength while the trials are present:

  1. Verse 6 reveals that troubles are for “a little while.” It may seem like forever, but the trouble will end.
  2. Every trouble has a purpose. Verse 6 says, “if need be.” There is a lesson to be learned in every trial.
  3. Verse six also tell us the trial will bring grief.
  4. There are various forms of trials. Not every person has the same trouble, nor need to learn the same lesson.
  5. The trouble should not lessen our joy. Joy is a gift of God that is possible for us even in the midst of sorrow and trials.

Our Testimony to the World when faced with Trials

The eyes of the world are upon the Christian. We have a great testimony when we can find joy through the grace of God in the midst of life’s storms. We can find strength by knowing Jesus is in the storm with us and will carry through it. I cling to the words of Isaiah 41:9b-10 which state, “Thou art my servant, I have chosen thee. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am THY God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (KJV)

Do you have the eyes of a friend, a neighbor, a relative or a co-worker upon you to witness how you handle the storms in your life?

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Revive Us Again, Lord

Our nation and our world need to experience a revival. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.” Revival begins with the people of God. We invite you to join us in praying for revival for America and our world.

Revive Us Again, Lord
Revive us again, Lord

Here are some of our favorite designs

  • Godfidence
  • Anything is possible
  • With my song I will praise Him
  • All Things New
  • Joy of the Lord
  • Way Maker
  • Walk by Faith
  • Script Unstoppable God
  • Print Unstoppable God
  • Unstoppable Force
  • Steps of a Good Man
  • Something New
  • Seek and Find
  • Revive Us Again
  • Resist the Devil
  • Raise a Hallelujah
  • Path of His Commands
  • Prayer Warrior
  • Beloved- Mr and Mrs
  • Mr and Mrs – God’s Plan
  • Man of God
  • He Left 99 for Me
  • Cast All Your Cares
  • Giants
  • Faith over Fear
  • Faith Can Move Mountains
  • Don’t Worry
  • Don’t Quit
  • Created to Praise
  • All things are Possible
  • What the Lord Requires
  • Living for the world to see Jesus
  • Face Masks now available!

Need some music to get you through the day? Check out one of our Playlists on YouTube

Click here for the Contemporary Christian Playlist
Click here for the Southern Gospel Playlist
Or Click here for the Hymns Playlist

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

Click here to watch the animated devotionals

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

  • Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
  • Conversation Starters.
  • Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
  • Romance Builders.
  • Relationship Builders.
  • Personal reflections.
  • Date ideas.
  • Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.

Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.

WestBow Press logo

Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

Christianbook Distributors logo
Everything Christian for less!

Looking for a Bible Study, Bible, book or Christian gift? We are an affiliate with Christianbook Distributors and receive an 8% commission on any item purchased through one of our links. However, the commission never increases your cost of any item. View some of our favorite items by clicking on the logo and thank you for supporting our ministry.

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Wellspring Christian Ministries receives an 8% commission on any purchased made from Christian Book Distributors through any affiliate link on this site. Your price for any item is the same as purchasing from CBD directly.

Here’s some of our recent posts.

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 

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Numbers 25:12-Why is Peace So Elusive?

Mar 01 Numbers 25 12 KJV

by Guest Writer, Fran Coffield
(Mom)

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. 

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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.) Also available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel

 

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Looking for a speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is booking for 2019 and 2020 events. Book with us now. Click the link and fill out the online form or call us at 904.524.8073.

 

 

 

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John 14:27

John 14 27