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2 Kings 12:2-3. A Compliment…But Not A Compliment

May 15 2 Kings 12 2-3 MSG

One of my favorite Disney stories is Cinderella. I’ve always been a person that roots for the underdog, so perhaps that’s why this story has always been a favorite. In the animated movie, there is the scene where Cinderella and her step-sisters learn of the upcoming ball. They are all full of excitement – as any young girl would be – especially when they learn that the prince is to choose a bride from all the eligible young ladies. The mean step-sisters flit around, each thinking so highly of themselves that they would be the chosen girl to marry the prince. As Cinderella mentions going, her step-mother gets an evil glean in her eye and says, “Yes, of course, you can go…” and then she drops a bombshell with one two letter word – “if.” If she got all the chores done. If she had something suitable to wear. If. The evil-step mother sabotaged Cinderella with just the word “if.”

Joash (also called Jehoash) was only seven years old when he was crowned king of Judah. And in our verse for the day, the young king receives a great complement from the writer. The Bible tells us that as long as the priest, Jehoiada, instructed him, the young king did what was right in the sight of the Lord. In the midst of many evil kings, this young king wears the crown and did what pleased God. But then the bombshell drops with “Even so.” The New King James uses just one word – “But.” Joash did what pleased God – Even so, he left the fertility shrines.

As soon as Jehoiada had Joash crowned king, he made a covenant between God, the king, and the people that they would be God’s people and they all went to the temple of Baal and tore it down, broke the altars and images and killed the priest of Baal. They started out well – but they didn’t finish the job. They left the shrines in place and the people still sacrificed and burned incense there, along with many immoral, sexual sins. By not May 15 cttridding that nation of all the idol worship, Joash left a door cracked open for the people to return to idol worship. We might say, “yes, but he was a better king than others that ruled before him.” And that is true. However,anytime we leave the door of sin cracked open, Satan will stick his foot in the crack and swing the door wide open – and that’s what happens to Joash and the people. In 2 Chronicles 24 we learn that as soon as Jehoiada died, Joash and the people “left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their trespass.” (verses 17-18). As a result, Joash’s servants take action and they assassinate him and make his son king in his place (2 Kings 12:20-21).

What started out as a compliment ended up being critical. We should never underestimate the power of small words such as “if,” or “but” or “even so.” We’ve all had those kinds of moments.

She had felt called to be a missionary, but she had to get married and he wouldn’t go.
He would have been promoted, if he had better work attendance.
They could have avoided divorce. Even so, he couldn’t stop flirting with his secretary.
She tried losing weight, but couldn’t resist chocolate.
He felt God called him to the ministry. Even so, he was too afraid to quit his well-paying
job and go to seminary.

If someone were writing this verse about you and said: “[Insert your name] did what May 15 ctt 2pleased God all the days of his/her life. Even so…” how would the sentence be finished for you? We can live all the days of our lives in a way that pleases God, but then not do that one thing or not finish the task and in doing it, we invite sin into our lives. Would you confess the “even so” to God now and ask for His forgiveness? Would you repent and turn away from your “even so?” Would you close the door to it and never go back?

We should also never underestimate the people that God puts in our lives to help steer us in the way we should go. Can you identify a “Jehoiada” in your life? Do you listen to this person of Godly wisdom? If that person was somehow no longer a part of your life, would you continue in the wisdom he or she planted in you – or would you return to the life you had before they entered your life?

ctt verse of the day

#finishwell #evenso

may divider 2020

revive renew redeem

news and events

Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

memory verse logo

Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

This week’s memory verse:

Hosea 14:1-2

Israel, return to Yahweh your God,
for you have stumbled in your sin.
 Take words of repentance with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to Him: “Forgive all our sin
and accept what is good,
so that we may repay You
with praise from our lips.

 #unfailing love #repentance #COVID19 #revival #WCM

Related image

teespring spreadshop logos

This week’s featured design:

Remember those who sacrificed all so that we could live with the freedoms we so richly enjoy. This week’s design features a patriotic them for Memorial Day.

memorial day samples

 

 

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

 

All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view this design in the Teespring store. 

Click here to view this design Spreadshop Store.

#noprobLlama #teespring #spreadshop

Related image

Christian book logoThis week’s featured items from Christian Book Distributors will help you get ready for the Memorial Day weekend. Order early as shipping times are taking a little longer than normal.

Memorial Day Weekend 2020: Event at the Fredericksburg ...

Memorial Day is May 25th: ORDER NOW

At Christian Book Distributors you will find Bible Studies, books, gifts, and more to help you grow your faith and often at discounted prices from other places.
Our organization receives an 8% commission on any item you purchase through these links. However, the product price is the same for you. There is no increase in your cost for us to receive the commission. All commissions received support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries. Enter the site through any of the links below and browse the online store. Any item you purchase through ones of our links will qualify for us to receive the commission.
385361: God Bless the USA Heart Plaque God Bless the USA Heart Plaque

By Barbara Lloyd / Blossom Bucket Inc

Red, white and blue Americana Patriotic heart wall sign

  • Names of all the states on the stripes
  • Designed by Barbara Lloyd
  • Bold star embellishment
  • 12″ x 11.75″
  • For home, office, cottage; Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Patriotic event
  • God Bless the USA
46467X: One Nation Under God, Land of the Free, Canvas Framed Art One Nation Under God, Land of the Free, Canvas Framed Art

By Carpentree, Inc

464691: God Bless America, Canvas Framed Art God Bless America, Canvas Framed Art

By Carpentree, Inc

Vintage Patriotic Collection of fine wall art, with frayed natural canvas above a striped art backdrop.13″ x 19″ clean and contemporary dark frameVintage style in trend, patriotic look. Textured appeal. Star-printed shape of the United States of America; God bless AmericaPowerful patriotic wall accent.

254977: Soldier"s Prayer Figure Soldier’s Prayer Figure

By Dicksons

Beautifully detailed figurine, kneeling soldier in prayer on realistic wood-look base, features a plaque with engraved prayer by Alda Maria. Resin figure; 4.5″ x 5.75″; packaged in colored gift box. Hear Our Prayer Collection.A Soldier’s Prayer
When I put on my uniform Lord, please help me be a soldier who’s commited to life and liberty. As I pray for this great nation, and for every soul’s salvation, please equip me, Lord, I pray to fight the good fight every day. Give our leaders wisdom, Lord, if war becomes a must, may they only choose to fight for a cause that’s just. When the day is over, Lord, most of all I pray, that You will keep in perfect peace Your servants in harm’s way. Amen.

035431: John 8:36, Liberty Cross with American Flag John 8:36, Liberty Cross with American Flag

By Carpentree, Inc

Printers’ Block Collection of fine inspirational gifts; wall decor with the raised, dimensional detail of lettering in artisan styles, combined creatively for display in your home.

  • Wall cross with patriotic American flag
  • John 8:36 Liberty
  • 10″ tall
461418: God Bless America, Small Flag God Bless America, Small Flag

By Tina Wenke / Carson Home Accents

  • Art flag God Bless America
  • Tina Wenke
  • Garden Flag; 13″ x 18″
  • Durasoft fabric is extremely durable; Indoor or outdoor use
  • Readable from both sidesPlease note: We have displayed this flag on a stand so our customers can see how it will look. Please order a flag stand separately since it is not included with the flag.
553412: God Bless America, Small Applique Flag God Bless America, Small Applique Flag

By Carson Home Accents

  • God bless America
  • Carson
  • Small Applique Flag; 13″ x 18″
  • Durasoft fabric is extremely durable; Indoor or outdoor use
  • Readable from both sides
  • American pride colorsPlease note: We have displayed this flag on a pole so our customers can see how it will look. Please order a flag pole separately since it is not included with the flag.
089104: God Bless America Tie God Bless America Tie

By Eagles Wings

Proudly show-off your love for God and country with this beautiful patriotic tie! Features God Bless America on a stars and stripes background; 100% silk; dry clean only.

9115250: God Bless America, Photo Frame God Bless America, Photo Frame

By Carson Home Accents

Photo frame in patriotic stars and stripes design

  • Wood composite with glass
  • Velvet easel back for desktop display; sawtooth hanger for wall display
  • 8″ x 8″
  • For 4″ x 6″ horizontal photo
  • God Bless America
243171: God Bless America Pie Plate God Bless America Pie Plate

By Divinity Boutique

Serve up Americana at your summer table. Glossy blue 10″ fluted ceramic pie plate with red, white and blue inspirational design. God Bless America…”Bless is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12. Microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.American as apple pie, or whatever your favorite is; rustic farmhouse charm for the kitchen.

Patriotic pie plate

243233: America, God Shed His Grace On Thee Hanging Jar America, God Shed His Grace On Thee Hanging Jar

By Divinity Boutique

Decorative mason jar with vintage wire hanger handle, trimmed in rustic red white and blue with stars; patriotic quote God Bless America. Glass jar is 6″ x 3″; may be used as a tealight holder, snacks, or home decorNot for microwave or dishwasher, but a country accent for your counter, shelf, or desktop

043680: God Bless America Wall Cross God Bless America Wall Cross

By Carpentree, Inc

491422: Bless Our Nation (Constitution) Small Flag Bless Our Nation (Constitution) Small Flag

By Russ Cannizzaro / Carson Home Accents

Garden-size flag design, readable from both sides

  • Patriotic motif with checkered border
  • Primitive American flag with quote from the preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
  • Bless Our Nation
  • By Russ Cannizzaro
  • 12.5″ x 18″ garden size art flag
  • Flag stand shown is for display purposes only.

And of course we’ve included our CEO’s book:

Cover_m

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

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

Related image

We’re booking for church and ministry events. (Due to COVID-19, we are only tentatively booking for events after September 2020 based on the recommendations as issued by the CDC and our government officials.)

004

Julia Bruce is an engaging speaker, CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, and author of God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars. Julia’s book is for Christian couples who seek a closer relationship with each other and with God. The book contains 365 activities for couples to work through together for a year of intentionally growing their relationship. The activities include scripture memory, conversation starters, personal reflections, guided Bible studies, romance builders, relationship builders and date night ideas. The book started out as daily posts on Wellspring’s website to encourage couples to develop Godly marriages and they quickly became the most viewed pages of the site. Julia feels God led her to organize the collection of posts into a book format that couples would be able to work through year after year. She enjoys going to churches and ministry events to talk about how the activities in the book will develop stronger marriages that are centered in Christ, which will then create stronger families.

Currently, Julia is finishing her second book, entitled: Help! No one said ministry was about spiritual battles and difficult people! In this book Julia uses her studies in psychology and professional counseling to take a Biblical approach to self-care to help people serving in the ministry not burn-out, give-up, and walk away from the call God placed on their lives. Whether your ministry position is volunteer or the senior pastor, this book will help you recognize the areas in your life that are depleted and need a little TLC so you can keep doing what God has called you to. You’re assignment in the Kingdom of God is vitally important! Keep an eye out for this book when it is released and see how Biblical self-care can keep you serving God. Julia can bring these concepts to your next ministry staff retreat to help your ministry team refill, recharge, and renew their heart for their area of ministry.

After years of envisioning the idea and concept of Wellspring Christian Ministries, Julia decided to take a leap of faith and merge her vocational, collegiate, and life experiences and make the dream God put on her heart a reality.  Today we reach people world-wide through blog posts, speaking events, and devotionals. With a strong burden for our nation, Julia has a passion to see a revival sweep across our land and many of her writings and speaking events have a theme of calling God’s people to humble themselves and pray, and seek God’s face as they repent of sin and tune their hearts to following God’s will and His commandments.

Her message will engage individuals, inspire teams and transform the heart that is prayerfully seeking to live a God-first life. As the Holy Spirit speaks through her messages, He will work in every willing heart to create a life that is wholly sold out to God.

green divider

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 
Follow us on:

Facebook Logos PNG images free downloadLinkedin Logo Png - Free Transparent PNG Logos Twitter Bans Animated PNG Image Files After Attackers Target Users ... NEW INSTAGRAM LOGO 2020 PNG

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John 5:19. Eye on the Father

May 14 John 5 19

Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus made it clear that everything He did was an act of obedience. In John 5:19, Jesus stated that He could do nothing on His own. He watched for where God was at work, listened to what God told Him, and followed in obedience – even when obedience might not have made sense to those around Him.

How many times do we feel “called” to something and then we jump in and start making our plans? If we have not taken the time to sit in prayer and listen to God’s full instructions, then we risk failing at the task God has called us to do or at least making a May 14 cttbig mess of it. Then we begin to question the call or we start looking around at others doing a similar task and wonder how they got there. In reality, it doesn’t matter how they got there because their road “there” might look totally different than the road God places you on.

Sometimes we feel called to something and begin to research it and get advice from others. That’s not a bad thing, unless we skip the step of seeking God first. If God has called us to something then He already has a plan for how to get us there. Jesus knew that the whole point of coming to earth was His death, burial, and resurrection so that we would have the hope of salvation. What if when He started His ministry on earth He went straight to the cross? If He had, how many people would have missed out on being healed? How many people would have missed out on having May 14 ctt 2demons tossed out of them? The woman at the well would have never met the living water. The 5000 would have missed out on being fed with just five loaves of bread on two small fish. There would have never been disciples to spread the gospel. There would have been no sermon on the Mount. There would be no Lord’s Prayer as a model to teach us how to pray. There would be no parables to teach us how we should live. And the New Testament would have been whole lot shorter! If we try to take the fast track to get where God is taking us, then there will be many people who would miss the impact God wants to make on their lives through us.

John 5:19 is a verse that we all should all should apply to ourselves. Read the verse again and this time, insert your name in the blank: Most assuredly, Jesus says to you, _______ can do nothing of him/her self, but what he/she sees the Father do, for whatever the Father does, _________ also does in like manner. Can you truly say that about yourself?

ctt verse of the day

#dontgetaheadofGod #eyeonGod

may divider 2020

revive renew redeem

news and events

Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

memory verse logo

Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

This week’s memory verse:

Hosea 14:1-2

Israel, return to Yahweh your God,
for you have stumbled in your sin.
 Take words of repentance with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to Him: “Forgive all our sin
and accept what is good,
so that we may repay You
with praise from our lips.

 #unfailing love #repentance #COVID19 #revival #WCM

Related image

teespring spreadshop logos

This week’s featured design:

Remember those who sacrificed all so that we could live with the freedoms we so richly enjoy. This week’s design features a patriotic them for Memorial Day.

memorial day samples

 

 

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

 

All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view this design in the Teespring store. 

Click here to view this design Spreadshop Store.

#noprobLlama #teespring #spreadshop

Related image

Christian book logoThis week’s featured items from Christian Book Distributors will help you get ready for the Memorial Day weekend. Order early as shipping times are taking a little longer than normal.

Memorial Day Weekend 2020: Event at the Fredericksburg ...

Memorial Day is May 25th: ORDER NOW

At Christian Book Distributors you will find Bible Studies, books, gifts, and more to help you grow your faith and often at discounted prices from other places.
Our organization receives an 8% commission on any item you purchase through these links. However, the product price is the same for you. There is no increase in your cost for us to receive the commission. All commissions received support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries. Enter the site through any of the links below and browse the online store. Any item you purchase through ones of our links will qualify for us to receive the commission.
385361: God Bless the USA Heart Plaque God Bless the USA Heart Plaque

By Barbara Lloyd / Blossom Bucket Inc

Red, white and blue Americana Patriotic heart wall sign

  • Names of all the states on the stripes
  • Designed by Barbara Lloyd
  • Bold star embellishment
  • 12″ x 11.75″
  • For home, office, cottage; Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Patriotic event
  • God Bless the USA
46467X: One Nation Under God, Land of the Free, Canvas Framed Art One Nation Under God, Land of the Free, Canvas Framed Art

By Carpentree, Inc

464691: God Bless America, Canvas Framed Art God Bless America, Canvas Framed Art

By Carpentree, Inc

Vintage Patriotic Collection of fine wall art, with frayed natural canvas above a striped art backdrop.13″ x 19″ clean and contemporary dark frameVintage style in trend, patriotic look. Textured appeal. Star-printed shape of the United States of America; God bless AmericaPowerful patriotic wall accent.

254977: Soldier"s Prayer Figure Soldier’s Prayer Figure

By Dicksons

Beautifully detailed figurine, kneeling soldier in prayer on realistic wood-look base, features a plaque with engraved prayer by Alda Maria. Resin figure; 4.5″ x 5.75″; packaged in colored gift box. Hear Our Prayer Collection.A Soldier’s Prayer
When I put on my uniform Lord, please help me be a soldier who’s commited to life and liberty. As I pray for this great nation, and for every soul’s salvation, please equip me, Lord, I pray to fight the good fight every day. Give our leaders wisdom, Lord, if war becomes a must, may they only choose to fight for a cause that’s just. When the day is over, Lord, most of all I pray, that You will keep in perfect peace Your servants in harm’s way. Amen.

035431: John 8:36, Liberty Cross with American Flag John 8:36, Liberty Cross with American Flag

By Carpentree, Inc

Printers’ Block Collection of fine inspirational gifts; wall decor with the raised, dimensional detail of lettering in artisan styles, combined creatively for display in your home.

  • Wall cross with patriotic American flag
  • John 8:36 Liberty
  • 10″ tall
461418: God Bless America, Small Flag God Bless America, Small Flag

By Tina Wenke / Carson Home Accents

  • Art flag God Bless America
  • Tina Wenke
  • Garden Flag; 13″ x 18″
  • Durasoft fabric is extremely durable; Indoor or outdoor use
  • Readable from both sidesPlease note: We have displayed this flag on a stand so our customers can see how it will look. Please order a flag stand separately since it is not included with the flag.
553412: God Bless America, Small Applique Flag God Bless America, Small Applique Flag

By Carson Home Accents

  • God bless America
  • Carson
  • Small Applique Flag; 13″ x 18″
  • Durasoft fabric is extremely durable; Indoor or outdoor use
  • Readable from both sides
  • American pride colorsPlease note: We have displayed this flag on a pole so our customers can see how it will look. Please order a flag pole separately since it is not included with the flag.
089104: God Bless America Tie God Bless America Tie

By Eagles Wings

Proudly show-off your love for God and country with this beautiful patriotic tie! Features God Bless America on a stars and stripes background; 100% silk; dry clean only.

9115250: God Bless America, Photo Frame God Bless America, Photo Frame

By Carson Home Accents

Photo frame in patriotic stars and stripes design

  • Wood composite with glass
  • Velvet easel back for desktop display; sawtooth hanger for wall display
  • 8″ x 8″
  • For 4″ x 6″ horizontal photo
  • God Bless America
243171: God Bless America Pie Plate God Bless America Pie Plate

By Divinity Boutique

Serve up Americana at your summer table. Glossy blue 10″ fluted ceramic pie plate with red, white and blue inspirational design. God Bless America…”Bless is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12. Microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.American as apple pie, or whatever your favorite is; rustic farmhouse charm for the kitchen.

Patriotic pie plate

243233: America, God Shed His Grace On Thee Hanging Jar America, God Shed His Grace On Thee Hanging Jar

By Divinity Boutique

Decorative mason jar with vintage wire hanger handle, trimmed in rustic red white and blue with stars; patriotic quote God Bless America. Glass jar is 6″ x 3″; may be used as a tealight holder, snacks, or home decorNot for microwave or dishwasher, but a country accent for your counter, shelf, or desktop

043680: God Bless America Wall Cross God Bless America Wall Cross

By Carpentree, Inc

491422: Bless Our Nation (Constitution) Small Flag Bless Our Nation (Constitution) Small Flag

By Russ Cannizzaro / Carson Home Accents

Garden-size flag design, readable from both sides

  • Patriotic motif with checkered border
  • Primitive American flag with quote from the preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
  • Bless Our Nation
  • By Russ Cannizzaro
  • 12.5″ x 18″ garden size art flag
  • Flag stand shown is for display purposes only.

And of course we’ve included our CEO’s book:

Cover_m

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

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

Related image

We’re booking for church and ministry events. (Due to COVID-19, we are only tentatively booking for events after September 2020 based on the recommendations as issued by the CDC and our government officials.)

004

Julia Bruce is an engaging speaker, CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, and author of God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars. Julia’s book is for Christian couples who seek a closer relationship with each other and with God. The book contains 365 activities for couples to work through together for a year of intentionally growing their relationship. The activities include scripture memory, conversation starters, personal reflections, guided Bible studies, romance builders, relationship builders and date night ideas. The book started out as daily posts on Wellspring’s website to encourage couples to develop Godly marriages and they quickly became the most viewed pages of the site. Julia feels God led her to organize the collection of posts into a book format that couples would be able to work through year after year. She enjoys going to churches and ministry events to talk about how the activities in the book will develop stronger marriages that are centered in Christ, which will then create stronger families.

Currently, Julia is finishing her second book, entitled: Help! No one said ministry was about spiritual battles and difficult people! In this book Julia uses her studies in psychology and professional counseling to take a Biblical approach to self-care to help people serving in the ministry not burn-out, give-up, and walk away from the call God placed on their lives. Whether your ministry position is volunteer or the senior pastor, this book will help you recognize the areas in your life that are depleted and need a little TLC so you can keep doing what God has called you to. You’re assignment in the Kingdom of God is vitally important! Keep an eye out for this book when it is released and see how Biblical self-care can keep you serving God. Julia can bring these concepts to your next ministry staff retreat to help your ministry team refill, recharge, and renew their heart for their area of ministry.

After years of envisioning the idea and concept of Wellspring Christian Ministries, Julia decided to take a leap of faith and merge her vocational, collegiate, and life experiences and make the dream God put on her heart a reality.  Today we reach people world-wide through blog posts, speaking events, and devotionals. With a strong burden for our nation, Julia has a passion to see a revival sweep across our land and many of her writings and speaking events have a theme of calling God’s people to humble themselves and pray, and seek God’s face as they repent of sin and tune their hearts to following God’s will and His commandments.

Her message will engage individuals, inspire teams and transform the heart that is prayerfully seeking to live a God-first life. As the Holy Spirit speaks through her messages, He will work in every willing heart to create a life that is wholly sold out to God.

green divider

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 
Follow us on:

Facebook Logos PNG images free downloadLinkedin Logo Png - Free Transparent PNG Logos Twitter Bans Animated PNG Image Files After Attackers Target Users ... NEW INSTAGRAM LOGO 2020 PNG

Youtube Play Logo transparent PNG - StickPNGpintrist logo

Posted on Leave a comment

John 4:34. The Task: To Seek & To Save

May 13 John 4 34

Jesus had just had the encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. If we back up to the beginning of chapter 4 in John’s gospel, we find the Pharisees had heard that Jesus and his disciples were making and baptizing more disciples than John so He left Judea to go to Galilee, but he had to go through Samaria on His way for His destined meeting with the woman at the well. In verse five we find that Jesus was weary from His journey, so He sat by the well, positioning Himself in the exact location for His destined meeting. The disciples don’t arrive on the scene until verse 27, marveling that He is talking with a Samaritan woman. In verse 31, they demonstrate their concern for Jesus and encourage Him to eat something. His response was, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” The disciples totally miss what Jesus is talking about and wonder among themselves who could have brought Him something to eat. So Jesus explains – “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” What was the work that Jesus was sent to do? Luke 19:10 tells us, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Ultimately, for Jesus, that meant dying on a cross and rising again, but for this day, it meant talking to an outcast Samaritan woman who would bring her entire village to Jesus.

As Christians, each one of us has been given the same task: to seek and to save that May 13 cttwhich is lost and to make disciples. Jesus’ last words to the church before He ascended into heaven were, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20, HCSB). We all might do that in a different way. Some preach, some write books, some teach a small group, some tell coworkers, friends, and family about Jesus, some leave a gospel tract along with a tip at a restaurant, and some sing praise and worship songs. None of us are saved to just sit in a pew. As long as we are still on earth, we have a task, an assignment to do. What assignment have you been given?

May 13 ctt 2Jesus was committed to His task all the way to the cross. How committed are you? Jesus set His priorities by what His Father wanted Him to do. What do your priorities look like? Jesus was willing to go to Samaria, even though the devout, strict Jews avoided it due to fear of being defiled if they went through it. Instead, they would bypass Samaria and take much longer route around it just to avoid it. But God gave Jesus an assignment in Samaria – and He obediently went and won an entire village to belief in Him. Are you willing to go the places no one else will go?

For some who work in ministry, the question of commitment has not been about priorities or willingness – it is more about how much ministry takes out of person. Ministry is hard work. Not just because the task is hard, but also because people in ministry often invest themselves emotionally into the lives the people to whom they minister. If people in ministry do not practice self-care, they risk burnout and/or compassion fatigue. If this is you, then God is asking you, “Will you finish the work toMay 13 ctt 3 which you have been called?” For Jesus it wasn’t enough just to do the work His Father sent Him to do – He also had to finish it. Imagine for a moment if Jesus developed burnout and compassion fatigue. If anyone ever deserved a burnout and compassion fatigue moment, it was Jesus! But if Jesus sat down one day and said, “I’m too tired to go on. I think I’ll quit this business of working out everyone’s salvation.” Where would that leave us today? Dear person in the ministry – pastor, music minister, small group leader, deacon, conference speaker, children’s worker, nursery worker, youth pastor…whatever your ministry field is – what if you sit down and say, “I’m too tired to go on. I think I’ll quit.” How many people would die without Christ as Savior because you quit? Like Jesus, it isn’t enough that we do the will of God – we must finish the task to which we have been called.

ctt verse of the day

#makedisciples #seekandsave

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revive renew redeem

news and events

coronavirus prayer guide logo

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

As of May 12, there have been 81,663 deaths in the U.S. and 291,257 have died world-wide. For the most current data regarding the virus, visit the John Hopkins University website.

Today, pray for the US Territories:

Territories

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

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

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Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

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Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

This week’s memory verse:

Hosea 14:1-2

Israel, return to Yahweh your God,
for you have stumbled in your sin.
 Take words of repentance with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to Him: “Forgive all our sin
and accept what is good,
so that we may repay You
with praise from our lips.

 #unfailing love #repentance #COVID19 #revival #WCM

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This week’s featured design:

Remember those who sacrificed all so that we could live with the freedoms we so richly enjoy. This week’s design features a patriotic them for Memorial Day.

memorial day samples

 

 

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

 

All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries.

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view this design in the Teespring store. 

Click here to view this design Spreadshop Store.

#noprobLlama #teespring #spreadshop

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Christian book logoThis week’s featured items from Christian Book Distributors will help you get ready for the Memorial Day weekend. Order early as shipping times are taking a little longer than normal.

Memorial Day Weekend 2020: Event at the Fredericksburg ...

Memorial Day is May 25th: ORDER NOW

At Christian Book Distributors you will find Bible Studies, books, gifts, and more to help you grow your faith and often at discounted prices from other places.
Our organization receives an 8% commission on any item you purchase through these links. However, the product price is the same for you. There is no increase in your cost for us to receive the commission. All commissions received support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries. Enter the site through any of the links below and browse the online store. Any item you purchase through ones of our links will qualify for us to receive the commission.
385361: God Bless the USA Heart Plaque God Bless the USA Heart Plaque

By Barbara Lloyd / Blossom Bucket Inc

Red, white and blue Americana Patriotic heart wall sign

  • Names of all the states on the stripes
  • Designed by Barbara Lloyd
  • Bold star embellishment
  • 12″ x 11.75″
  • For home, office, cottage; Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Patriotic event
  • God Bless the USA
46467X: One Nation Under God, Land of the Free, Canvas Framed Art One Nation Under God, Land of the Free, Canvas Framed Art

By Carpentree, Inc

464691: God Bless America, Canvas Framed Art God Bless America, Canvas Framed Art

By Carpentree, Inc

Vintage Patriotic Collection of fine wall art, with frayed natural canvas above a striped art backdrop.13″ x 19″ clean and contemporary dark frameVintage style in trend, patriotic look. Textured appeal. Star-printed shape of the United States of America; God bless AmericaPowerful patriotic wall accent.

254977: Soldier"s Prayer Figure Soldier’s Prayer Figure

By Dicksons

Beautifully detailed figurine, kneeling soldier in prayer on realistic wood-look base, features a plaque with engraved prayer by Alda Maria. Resin figure; 4.5″ x 5.75″; packaged in colored gift box. Hear Our Prayer Collection.A Soldier’s Prayer
When I put on my uniform Lord, please help me be a soldier who’s commited to life and liberty. As I pray for this great nation, and for every soul’s salvation, please equip me, Lord, I pray to fight the good fight every day. Give our leaders wisdom, Lord, if war becomes a must, may they only choose to fight for a cause that’s just. When the day is over, Lord, most of all I pray, that You will keep in perfect peace Your servants in harm’s way. Amen.

035431: John 8:36, Liberty Cross with American Flag John 8:36, Liberty Cross with American Flag

By Carpentree, Inc

Printers’ Block Collection of fine inspirational gifts; wall decor with the raised, dimensional detail of lettering in artisan styles, combined creatively for display in your home.

  • Wall cross with patriotic American flag
  • John 8:36 Liberty
  • 10″ tall
461418: God Bless America, Small Flag God Bless America, Small Flag

By Tina Wenke / Carson Home Accents

  • Art flag God Bless America
  • Tina Wenke
  • Garden Flag; 13″ x 18″
  • Durasoft fabric is extremely durable; Indoor or outdoor use
  • Readable from both sidesPlease note: We have displayed this flag on a stand so our customers can see how it will look. Please order a flag stand separately since it is not included with the flag.
553412: God Bless America, Small Applique Flag God Bless America, Small Applique Flag

By Carson Home Accents

  • God bless America
  • Carson
  • Small Applique Flag; 13″ x 18″
  • Durasoft fabric is extremely durable; Indoor or outdoor use
  • Readable from both sides
  • American pride colorsPlease note: We have displayed this flag on a pole so our customers can see how it will look. Please order a flag pole separately since it is not included with the flag.
089104: God Bless America Tie God Bless America Tie

By Eagles Wings

Proudly show-off your love for God and country with this beautiful patriotic tie! Features God Bless America on a stars and stripes background; 100% silk; dry clean only.

9115250: God Bless America, Photo Frame God Bless America, Photo Frame

By Carson Home Accents

Photo frame in patriotic stars and stripes design

  • Wood composite with glass
  • Velvet easel back for desktop display; sawtooth hanger for wall display
  • 8″ x 8″
  • For 4″ x 6″ horizontal photo
  • God Bless America
243171: God Bless America Pie Plate God Bless America Pie Plate

By Divinity Boutique

Serve up Americana at your summer table. Glossy blue 10″ fluted ceramic pie plate with red, white and blue inspirational design. God Bless America…”Bless is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12. Microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.American as apple pie, or whatever your favorite is; rustic farmhouse charm for the kitchen.

Patriotic pie plate

243233: America, God Shed His Grace On Thee Hanging Jar America, God Shed His Grace On Thee Hanging Jar

By Divinity Boutique

Decorative mason jar with vintage wire hanger handle, trimmed in rustic red white and blue with stars; patriotic quote God Bless America. Glass jar is 6″ x 3″; may be used as a tealight holder, snacks, or home decorNot for microwave or dishwasher, but a country accent for your counter, shelf, or desktop

043680: God Bless America Wall Cross God Bless America Wall Cross

By Carpentree, Inc

491422: Bless Our Nation (Constitution) Small Flag Bless Our Nation (Constitution) Small Flag

By Russ Cannizzaro / Carson Home Accents

Garden-size flag design, readable from both sides

  • Patriotic motif with checkered border
  • Primitive American flag with quote from the preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
  • Bless Our Nation
  • By Russ Cannizzaro
  • 12.5″ x 18″ garden size art flag
  • Flag stand shown is for display purposes only.

And of course we’ve included our CEO’s book:

Cover_m

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

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

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We’re booking for church and ministry events. (Due to COVID-19, we are only tentatively booking for events after September 2020 based on the recommendations as issued by the CDC and our government officials.)

004

Julia Bruce is an engaging speaker, CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, and author of God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars. Julia’s book is for Christian couples who seek a closer relationship with each other and with God. The book contains 365 activities for couples to work through together for a year of intentionally growing their relationship. The activities include scripture memory, conversation starters, personal reflections, guided Bible studies, romance builders, relationship builders and date night ideas. The book started out as daily posts on Wellspring’s website to encourage couples to develop Godly marriages and they quickly became the most viewed pages of the site. Julia feels God led her to organize the collection of posts into a book format that couples would be able to work through year after year. She enjoys going to churches and ministry events to talk about how the activities in the book will develop stronger marriages that are centered in Christ, which will then create stronger families.

Currently, Julia is finishing her second book, entitled: Help! No one said ministry was about spiritual battles and difficult people! In this book Julia uses her studies in psychology and professional counseling to take a Biblical approach to self-care to help people serving in the ministry not burn-out, give-up, and walk away from the call God placed on their lives. Whether your ministry position is volunteer or the senior pastor, this book will help you recognize the areas in your life that are depleted and need a little TLC so you can keep doing what God has called you to. You’re assignment in the Kingdom of God is vitally important! Keep an eye out for this book when it is released and see how Biblical self-care can keep you serving God. Julia can bring these concepts to your next ministry staff retreat to help your ministry team refill, recharge, and renew their heart for their area of ministry.

After years of envisioning the idea and concept of Wellspring Christian Ministries, Julia decided to take a leap of faith and merge her vocational, collegiate, and life experiences and make the dream God put on her heart a reality.  Today we reach people world-wide through blog posts, speaking events, and devotionals. With a strong burden for our nation, Julia has a passion to see a revival sweep across our land and many of her writings and speaking events have a theme of calling God’s people to humble themselves and pray, and seek God’s face as they repent of sin and tune their hearts to following God’s will and His commandments.

Her message will engage individuals, inspire teams and transform the heart that is prayerfully seeking to live a God-first life. As the Holy Spirit speaks through her messages, He will work in every willing heart to create a life that is wholly sold out to God.

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904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 
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John 4:34. Finishing His Work

May 13 John 4 34

Jesus had just had the encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. If we back up to the beginning of chapter 4 in John’s gospel, we find the Pharisees had heard that Jesus and his disciples were making and baptizing more disciples than John so He left Judea to go to Galilee, but he had to go through Samaria on His way for His destined meeting with the woman at the well. In verse five we find that Jesus was weary from His journey, so He sat by the well, positioning Himself in the exact location for His destined meeting. The disciples don’t arrive on the scene until verse 27, marveling that He is talking with a Samaritan woman. In verse 31, they demonstrate their concern for Jesus and encourage Him to eat something. His response was, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” The disciples totally miss what Jesus is talking about and wonder amongst themselves who could have brought Him something to eat. So Jesus explains – “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” What was the work that Jesus was sent to do? Luke 19:10 tells us, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Ultimately, for Jesus, that meant dying on a cross and rising again, but for this day, it meant talking to an outcast Samaritan woman who would bring her entire village to Jesus.

As Christians, each one of us has been given the same task: to seek and to save that which is lost and to make disciples. Jesus’ last words to the church before He ascended into heaven were, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20, HCSB). We all might do that in a different way. Some preach, some write books, some teach a small group, some tell coworkers, friends, and family about Jesus, some leave a gospel tract along with a tip at a restaurant, and some sing praise and worship songs. None of us are saved to sit in a pew. As long as we are still on earth, we have a task, an assignment to do. What assignment have you been given?

As Christians, each one of us has been given the same task as Jesus: to seek and to save that which is lost and to make disciples. –click to tweet

Jesus was committed to His task all the way to the cross. How committed are you? Jesus set His priorities by what His Father wanted Him to do. What do your priorities look like? Jesus was willing to go to Samaria, even though the devout, strict Jews avoided it due to fear of being defiled if they went through it. Instead, they would bypass Samaria and take much longer route around it just to avoid it. But God gave Jesus an assignment in Samaria – and He obediently went and won an entire village to belief in Him. Are you willing to go the places no one else will go?

Jesus was committed all the way to the cross. He set His priorities and went where others wouldn’t go – even for the sake of one outcast woman. How committed are you? What do your priorities look like? Will you go where no one else will? –click to tweet

For some who work in ministry, the question of commitment has not been about priorities or willingness – it is more about how much ministry takes out of person. Ministry is hard work. Not just because the task is hard, but also because people in ministry often invest themselves emotionally into the lives the people to whom they minister. If people in ministry do not practice self-care, they risk burnout and/or compassion fatigue. If this is you, then God is asking you, “Will you finish the work to which you have been called?” For Jesus it wasn’t enough just to do the work His Father sent Him to do – He also had to finish it. Imagine for a moment if Jesus developed burnout and compassion fatigue. If anyone ever deserved a burnout and compassion fatigue moment, it was Jesus! But if Jesus sat down one day and said, “I’m too tired to go on. I think I’ll quit this business of working out everyone’s salvation.” Where would that leave us today? Dear person in the ministry – pastor, music minister, small group leader, deacon, conference speaker, children’s worker, nursery worker, youth pastor…whatever your ministry field is – what if you sit down and say, “I’m too tired to go on. I think I’ll quit.” How many people would die without Christ as Savior because you quit? Like Jesus, it isn’t enough that we do the will of God – we must finish the task to which we have been called.

If Jesus had not finished His task, none of us would have the hope of salvation. How many people might die without Christ if you do not finish the task to which God has called you? –click to tweet

May divider

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.

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fill out the online form here.

 

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Or call us at 904.524.8073