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Did you remember to read your Bible?

One Year Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Today’s Bible Reading: May 22

Download the full one-year Bible reading plan here:

[Download not found]

1 Chronicles 6-7

John 8:21-36

A Slave to Sin

All sin holds us in bondage and makes us a slave to sin

May 22 ctt

Have you ever noticed how one sin often leads to another sin, which leads to another, and so on? Lying is a good example. We do something wrong (sin #1) then tell a lie to cover the sin up (sin #2). Before long we tell another lie to cover up the first lie so that that lie doesn’t get found out which would lead to the discovery of the sin we did in the first place. Some sins are addictive, such as pornography, overeating, sexual sins, drugs, and alcohol. Some sins are emotional such as anger, bitterness, jealousy, murder, physical abuse. Other sins are habitual such as cursing. Some sins occur out of laziness such as a Christian not attending and being active in their church or not being committed to regular Bible study and prayer. Regardless of the sin, all sin holds us in bondage and makes us slaves.

Sin becomes our master and we, the slave

May 22 ctt2

In John 8:34, Jesus uses the analogy of a master and his slave to demonstrate how sin owns us and keeps us in chains. Because the master owns the slave, the slave has no choice or will in what happens to him. When sin is our master, we are unable to resist the sin. In some instances, we might even nurture the sin because we enjoy it. Just as a slave lives in chains of bondage, our sin becomes the chains that hold us in bondage to them, making us slaves to our sin.

Everyone is a slave – either to Satan or Christ

The simple truth is that everyone of us is a slave. We are either a slave to Satan and our sin or we are slaves to Christ and His righteousness. In speaking to Christians, Paul writes in Romans 6:18, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” The moment we accept Christ as Savior and repent of our sin, we receive His forgiveness and the chains of sin are broken because the Holy Spirit moves in and gives us the power to resist Satan’s temptations and sin. In that moment we become dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus.

We choose to be a slave to either sin or righteousness

May 22 ctt3

The choice is ours. We can choose to be slaves to sin or we can be slaves to righteousness. The one that we choose to obey, is the one we become a slave to. Paul wrote in Romans 6:16-18, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”

What will you choose? Will you be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness?


Click here to listen to our devotions on Spotify be sure to follow us.

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.


Week 20: May 16-22, 2022


Visit our three retail experiences:

Bible study and Self Care Resources
Christian Tees, Bags, Mugs & More
We are an affiliate of CBD. We earn a commission on any purchase you make when you enter the store through this link. However, your CBD price is the same. Visit CBD for Bibles, Bible studies, gifts & more

New in the shop: He or She Who Kneels

Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Our victories come when we are on our knees praying.

True Story

Scatter Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness never goes out of style. Scatter some wherever you go.

Visit our YouTube Channels for Christian playlists and our short animated devotionals.

Animated Devotionals

Contemporary Christian Music Playlist

Southern Gospel Playlist

Just Hymns


God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars

by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars?

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

Now in the WCM Store! Buy your copy today for only $24.95

paperback edition

Also 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.

Westbow logo
Christian book logo
amazon logo
Barnes and Nobel logo
walmart logo


 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.


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.

Christianbook Distributors Search:
Christianbook.com

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.


See our other recent posts:

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

facebook logo link on Bible reading post
LinkedIn logo link on Bible reading post
Twitter logo link on Bible reading post
Instagram logo link on Bible reading post
YouTub logo link on Bible reading post
Pintrest logo link on Bible reading post

Posted on Leave a comment

A Slave to Sin

One Year Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Today’s Bible Reading: May 22

Download the full one-year Bible reading plan here:

[Download not found]

1 Chronicles 6-7

John 8:21-36

A Slave to Sin

All sin holds us in bondage and makes us a slave to sin

May 22 ctt

Have you ever noticed how one sin often leads to another sin, which leads to another, and so on? Lying is a good example. We do something wrong (sin #1) then tell a lie to cover the sin up (sin #2). Before long we tell another lie to cover up the first lie so that that lie doesn’t get found out which would lead to the discovery of the sin we did in the first place. Some sins are addictive, such as pornography, overeating, sexual sins, drugs, and alcohol. Some sins are emotional such as anger, bitterness, jealousy, murder, physical abuse. Other sins are habitual such as cursing. Some sins occur out of laziness such as a Christian not attending and being active in their church or not being committed to regular Bible study and prayer. Regardless of the sin, all sin holds us in bondage and makes us slaves.

Sin becomes our master and we, the slave

May 22 ctt2

In John 8:34, Jesus uses the analogy of a master and his slave to demonstrate how sin owns us and keeps us in chains. Because the master owns the slave, the slave has no choice or will in what happens to him. When sin is our master, we are unable to resist the sin. In some instances, we might even nurture the sin because we enjoy it. Just as a slave lives in chains of bondage, our sin becomes the chains that hold us in bondage to them, making us slaves to our sin.

Everyone is a slave – either to Satan or Christ

The simple truth is that everyone of us is a slave. We are either a slave to Satan and our sin or we are slaves to Christ and His righteousness. In speaking to Christians, Paul writes in Romans 6:18, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” The moment we accept Christ as Savior and repent of our sin, we receive His forgiveness and the chains of sin are broken because the Holy Spirit moves in and gives us the power to resist Satan’s temptations and sin. In that moment we become dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus.

We choose to be a slave to either sin or righteousness

May 22 ctt3

The choice is ours. We can choose to be slaves to sin or we can be slaves to righteousness. The one that we choose to obey, is the one we become a slave to. Paul wrote in Romans 6:16-18, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”

What will you choose? Will you be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness?


Click here to listen to our devotions on Spotify be sure to follow us.

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.


Week 20: May 16-22, 2022


Visit our three retail experiences:

Bible study and Self Care Resources
Christian Tees, Bags, Mugs & More
We are an affiliate of CBD. We earn a commission on any purchase you make when you enter the store through this link. However, your CBD price is the same. Visit CBD for Bibles, Bible studies, gifts & more

New in the shop: He or She Who Kneels

Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Our victories come when we are on our knees praying.

True Story

Scatter Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness never goes out of style. Scatter some wherever you go.

Visit our YouTube Channels for Christian playlists and our short animated devotionals.

Animated Devotionals

Contemporary Christian Music Playlist

Southern Gospel Playlist

Just Hymns


God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars

by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars?

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

Now in the WCM Store! Buy your copy today for only $24.95

paperback edition

Also 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.

Westbow logo
Christian book logo
amazon logo
Barnes and Nobel logo
walmart logo


 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.


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.

Christianbook Distributors Search:
Christianbook.com

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.


See our other recent posts:

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

facebook logo link on Bible reading post
LinkedIn logo link on Bible reading post
Twitter logo link on Bible reading post
Instagram logo link on Bible reading post
YouTub logo link on Bible reading post
Pintrest logo link on Bible reading post

Posted on Leave a comment

Did you remember to read your Bible?

One Year Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Today’s Bible Reading: May 21

Download the full one-year Bible reading plan here:

[Download not found]

1 Chronicles 3-5

John 8:1-20

Praying for God’s Blessing

In the midst of family trees found in 1 Chronicles, we find verse 10 of chapter 4, often called the “Prayer of Jabez.” This prayer is not a magical formula to receive God’s blessings. Rather, we should read it as an example of one man’s sincere and heart-felt prayer as he prays from the heart in honesty and fervency. Jabez was praying for God’s blessing.

Who is Jabez?

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about this man. In fact, other than his prayer to God, we only know a few things about him: the meaning of his name, that he has brothers, and that he is more honorable than his brothers.

Verse 9 is where we find that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, although the Bible doesn’t give us a clue as how his brothers were dishonorable or if they just were not as honorable as Jabez. What is apparent, is that Jabez took his faith in God seriously and knew that blessings came from God. If we want God’s blessing, we need to be honorable in God’s eyes as we obediently follow him.

So what did Jabez ask for? He asked for God’s blessing, to give him more land, that God’s hand would be with him, that God would keep him from evil and that he would cause no one pain.

What does it mean to ask God to bless us?

To ask God to bless us is asking God to give us good things. The Greek word translated blessed in the Sermon on the Mount means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor, regardless of the circumstances. Certainly there is an element of material blessings, such as wealth, successful career, a loving marriage relationship, health, good children, etc., but our true blessings are more spiritual in nature.

Earthly, physical blessings can come and go, but spiritual blessings are eternal. In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew chapter 5, we find that those who are blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and those who are reviled and persecuted. Doesn’t’ sound like much of a blessing, does it?

The blessing is not in the trail or suffering itself. We find the blessing as the trial we are going through opens the door for God to show us His love, protection, provision, and grace. We experience God’s blessing in our lives when He moves and works in us and his glory is seen through our lives.

Luke 11:28 says we are blessed when we hear the Word of God and keep it. Romans 4:7 says we are blessed when we are forgiven. James 1:12 says we are blessed if we stay steadfast under trials. And in Revelation 14:13, those who die in the Lord are blessed and in Revelation 19:9 those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are blessed. Spiritual blessings far outweigh earthly material blessings and spiritual blessing last for eternity where earthly material blessings only last for a while.

Enlarge my territory

Second, we find that Jabez asks that God would enlarge his territory, meaning he was asking God to give him more land. The Bible doesn’t tell us why Jabez needed or wanted more land. Maybe it was to plant more crops or because he wanted more land for his livestock to graze. Maybe his family was growing and they needed more room. Regardless, Jabez was asking God’s blessing by increasing his wealth.

May your hand be with me

Next Jabez asks that God’s hand would be with him. This is a prayer for both guidance and protection. 1 Chronicles 29:12 says, “Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.” The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 138:8, “The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” And Psalm 145:16, he wrote: “You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.” We also find in the Bible that God’s hand was on people and nations to bring judgment for sin. Perhaps this is why Jabez’s next request was for God to keep him from evil.

Keep me from evil

We should, like Jabez, ask God to keep us from evil. Satan roams the earth just looking for someone he can trip up. Sometimes it doesn’t take much for us to slip up. Why? Satan has been at his work for a very long time. He’s had from the time Eve bit into the fruit in the Garden of Eden to study the human race. He’s also had your lifetime to study you. He knows your likes, dislike, passions, desires, wants, needs…and he know the best way to tempt you.

Paul understood that Satan works this way and so Paul told us to put on the armor of God. Everyday there are unseen spiritual battles going on around us. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus gave a model for us to follow. Within the model prayer, Jesus included the phrase, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” So asking God to keep us from evil is something we should do every day – and probably often throughout the day.

That it might not bring me pain

Lastly, Jabez asked God to ensure that Jabez would cause no one pain. In verse 9, we find that his mother named him Jabez saying, “because I bore him in pain.” The name “Jabez” means pain. So it becomes more insightful that Jabez closes his prayer with a plea to God that he would cause no pain. It’s difficult to go through life and never cause ourselves or another person pain. Sometimes its intentional – other times we don’t mean to, but it happens. So we can ask God to bless us and others by ensuring we don’t cause pain to ourselves or others.

Jabez’ prayer is not a magical formula

While Jabez’ prayer is not a magical formula for riches and prosperity, we can use it as an example in our own prayers. There is nothing wrong with asking God for any of the blessings from Jabez’ personal prayer to God. We do find at the end of verse 10 that God granted Jabez’ requests. However, we also need to point back to the beginning of verse 9 that stated Jabez was an honorable person. God’s blessings often come with our obedience to Him and knowing what God’s will is for us and then trusting God to provide us with His very best, even if that does not match what we think it should be. Instead of looking for a magical formula to gain God’s blessings, focus on living a life of obedience to God. His blessings are sure to follow.


Click here to listen to our devotions on Spotify be sure to follow us.

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.


Week 20: May 16-22, 2022


Visit our three retail experiences:

Bible study and Self Care Resources
Christian Tees, Bags, Mugs & More
We are an affiliate of CBD. We earn a commission on any purchase you make when you enter the store through this link. However, your CBD price is the same. Visit CBD for Bibles, Bible studies, gifts & more

New in the shop: He or She Who Kneels

Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Our victories come when we are on our knees praying.

True Story

Scatter Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness never goes out of style. Scatter some wherever you go.

Visit our YouTube Channels for Christian playlists and our short animated devotionals.

Animated Devotionals

Contemporary Christian Music Playlist

Southern Gospel Playlist

Just Hymns


God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars

by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars?

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

Now in the WCM Store! Buy your copy today for only $24.95

paperback edition

Also 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.

Westbow logo
Christian book logo
amazon logo
Barnes and Nobel logo
walmart logo


 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.


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.

Christianbook Distributors Search:
Christianbook.com

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.


See our other recent posts:

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

facebook logo link on Bible reading post
LinkedIn logo link on Bible reading post
Twitter logo link on Bible reading post
Instagram logo link on Bible reading post
YouTub logo link on Bible reading post
Pintrest logo link on Bible reading post

Posted on Leave a comment

Praying for God’s Blessing

One Year Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Today’s Bible Reading: May 21

Download the full one-year Bible reading plan here:

[Download not found]

1 Chronicles 3-5

John 8:1-20

Praying for God’s Blessing

In the midst of family trees found in 1 Chronicles, we find verse 10 of chapter 4, often called the “Prayer of Jabez.” This prayer is not a magical formula to receive God’s blessings. Rather, we should read it as an example of one man’s sincere and heart-felt prayer as he prays from the heart in honesty and fervency. Jabez was praying for God’s blessing.

Who is Jabez?

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about this man. In fact, other than his prayer to God, we only know a few things about him: the meaning of his name, that he has brothers, and that he is more honorable than his brothers.

Verse 9 is where we find that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, although the Bible doesn’t give us a clue as how his brothers were dishonorable or if they just were not as honorable as Jabez. What is apparent, is that Jabez took his faith in God seriously and knew that blessings came from God. If we want God’s blessing, we need to be honorable in God’s eyes as we obediently follow him.

So what did Jabez ask for? He asked for God’s blessing, to give him more land, that God’s hand would be with him, that God would keep him from evil and that he would cause no one pain.

What does it mean to ask God to bless us?

To ask God to bless us is asking God to give us good things. The Greek word translated blessed in the Sermon on the Mount means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor, regardless of the circumstances. Certainly there is an element of material blessings, such as wealth, successful career, a loving marriage relationship, health, good children, etc., but our true blessings are more spiritual in nature.

Earthly, physical blessings can come and go, but spiritual blessings are eternal. In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew chapter 5, we find that those who are blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and those who are reviled and persecuted. Doesn’t’ sound like much of a blessing, does it?

The blessing is not in the trail or suffering itself. We find the blessing as the trial we are going through opens the door for God to show us His love, protection, provision, and grace. We experience God’s blessing in our lives when He moves and works in us and his glory is seen through our lives.

Luke 11:28 says we are blessed when we hear the Word of God and keep it. Romans 4:7 says we are blessed when we are forgiven. James 1:12 says we are blessed if we stay steadfast under trials. And in Revelation 14:13, those who die in the Lord are blessed and in Revelation 19:9 those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are blessed. Spiritual blessings far outweigh earthly material blessings and spiritual blessing last for eternity where earthly material blessings only last for a while.

Enlarge my territory

Second, we find that Jabez asks that God would enlarge his territory, meaning he was asking God to give him more land. The Bible doesn’t tell us why Jabez needed or wanted more land. Maybe it was to plant more crops or because he wanted more land for his livestock to graze. Maybe his family was growing and they needed more room. Regardless, Jabez was asking God’s blessing by increasing his wealth.

May your hand be with me

Next Jabez asks that God’s hand would be with him. This is a prayer for both guidance and protection. 1 Chronicles 29:12 says, “Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.” The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 138:8, “The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” And Psalm 145:16, he wrote: “You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.” We also find in the Bible that God’s hand was on people and nations to bring judgment for sin. Perhaps this is why Jabez’s next request was for God to keep him from evil.

Keep me from evil

We should, like Jabez, ask God to keep us from evil. Satan roams the earth just looking for someone he can trip up. Sometimes it doesn’t take much for us to slip up. Why? Satan has been at his work for a very long time. He’s had from the time Eve bit into the fruit in the Garden of Eden to study the human race. He’s also had your lifetime to study you. He knows your likes, dislike, passions, desires, wants, needs…and he know the best way to tempt you.

Paul understood that Satan works this way and so Paul told us to put on the armor of God. Everyday there are unseen spiritual battles going on around us. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus gave a model for us to follow. Within the model prayer, Jesus included the phrase, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” So asking God to keep us from evil is something we should do every day – and probably often throughout the day.

That it might not bring me pain

Lastly, Jabez asked God to ensure that Jabez would cause no one pain. In verse 9, we find that his mother named him Jabez saying, “because I bore him in pain.” The name “Jabez” means pain. So it becomes more insightful that Jabez closes his prayer with a plea to God that he would cause no pain. It’s difficult to go through life and never cause ourselves or another person pain. Sometimes its intentional – other times we don’t mean to, but it happens. So we can ask God to bless us and others by ensuring we don’t cause pain to ourselves or others.

Jabez’ prayer is not a magical formula

While Jabez’ prayer is not a magical formula for riches and prosperity, we can use it as an example in our own prayers. There is nothing wrong with asking God for any of the blessings from Jabez’ personal prayer to God. We do find at the end of verse 10 that God granted Jabez’ requests. However, we also need to point back to the beginning of verse 9 that stated Jabez was an honorable person. God’s blessings often come with our obedience to Him and knowing what God’s will is for us and then trusting God to provide us with His very best, even if that does not match what we think it should be. Instead of looking for a magical formula to gain God’s blessings, focus on living a life of obedience to God. His blessings are sure to follow.


Click here to listen to our devotions on Spotify be sure to follow us.

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.


Week 20: May 16-22, 2022


Visit our three retail experiences:

Bible study and Self Care Resources
Christian Tees, Bags, Mugs & More
We are an affiliate of CBD. We earn a commission on any purchase you make when you enter the store through this link. However, your CBD price is the same. Visit CBD for Bibles, Bible studies, gifts & more

New in the shop: He or She Who Kneels

Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Our victories come when we are on our knees praying.

True Story

Scatter Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness never goes out of style. Scatter some wherever you go.

Visit our YouTube Channels for Christian playlists and our short animated devotionals.

Animated Devotionals

Contemporary Christian Music Playlist

Southern Gospel Playlist

Just Hymns


God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars

by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars?

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

Now in the WCM Store! Buy your copy today for only $24.95

paperback edition

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Did you remember to read your Bible?

One Year Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Today’s Bible Reading: May 20

Download the full one-year Bible reading plan here:

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1 Chronicles 1-2

John 7:32-53

Streams of Living Water

When talking to the woman at the well, Jesus says he is the living water. Then in chapter 7, Jesus says that if we are thirsty we are to come to him. But just what does it mean? Jesus isn’t taking about physical thirst, but spiritual thirst. And when we are spiritually thirsty, we need to come to Jesus, who is the living water.

In order to understand John 7:38, we need to look at the verses before and after it. In verse 37, we find that it is the last day of a feast and Jesus stood up and cried out to the people, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” At times, God brings seasons of spiritual hunger and thirst as a way to draw us closer to Him. Just as when we are physically hungry or thirsty, we seek out food and water, if we are spiritually hungry and thirsty, we should seek out Jesus.

Experiencing spiritual thirst

Certainly, when we neglect to spend time in prayer, Bible study, and worship, we will experience a spiritual hunger and thirst. Other times, we might be reading out Bible every day, praying, and going to church every week, but we still feel some spiritual hunger and thirst. In some ways, the spiritual thirst for Christ should never really be quenched while we are living on earth.

When we experience spiritual hunger and thirst, we come to Jesus with a desire to know Him more. The more we know Him, the more we understand His deep, unfailing, unending, reckless love for us – a love that cost Him His life. The more we understand His love for us, the more we love Him. And the more we love Him, the more we want to get to know Him – and the cycle continues. So if you are experiencing a spiritual thirst, come to Jesus and He will give you living water.

Finding Rivers of Living Water

In verse 38, Jesus continues speaking to the people and says, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” If we are to believe in Jesus as the Scripture said, there are some questions we must ask ourselves and determine how we will answer them. We will look at how the Bible answers these questions, but each one of us must determine how we will answer them.

Who is Jesus? 

Jesus is fully God and He was fully man. In John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” In John 8:58, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!” In the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14), Moses asked God, “Who should I say sent me?” God replied, “Tell them I AM sent you.” So in John 8:58, when Jesus said, “I am” He was saying He was God. John 1:1 says, “the Word was God” and in John 1:14, it says, “the Word became flesh.” This indicates that Jesus was God…in the flesh.

Jesus came to earth as a baby, born to the virgin Mary, grew into a man and lived here on earth just as any of us do, but without any sin. Jesus felt hunger, thirst, anger, sadness, pain, compassion. He had friends, family, and enemies. Jesus is also the Son of God. In Matthew 3:17, God, speaking out of heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Even the demons that encounter Jesus understood that Jesus was God’s son. In Mark 5:7, a demon said to Jesus: “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” In Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered that Jesus was Christ, the Messiah. Today, Jesus is asking you, “Who do you say that I am?”

In Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered that Jesus was Christ, the Messiah. Today, Jesus is asking you, “Who do you say that I am?” 

What was the need for Jesus to come to earth? 

From the very first sin committed by Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world and every human other than Jesus has sinned. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” While God created humans to have a relationship with Him, sin keeps us separated from a righteous, holy God. Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you.”

Not only does sin separate us from God, but there is a penalty for sin. Romans 6:23 says that the wages we earned for our sin is death. It was because of our sin that Jesus needed to come to earth. He was sent here to pay the penalty in our place for our sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

How did Jesus meet this need?

Hebrews 9:22 tells us that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” If the wages of sin is death, then it was Jesus’ blood shed on the cross that cleanses us from sin. 1 John 1:7 tells us that “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Because Jesus lived a sinless life, He was the only one who could provide the payment for our sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” Jesus met the sin debt of our sin by his sacrificial death on the cross and then conquered death through His resurrection.

Where is Jesus today? 

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then his sacrificial death would not be enough. If he was still in tomb then he would be no different than Mohammad or Buddha. Luke 24:50-51 says, “Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. Today, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12 tell us, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,”

Why did Jesus do this for me?

There is only one reason that Jesus would sacrificially give His life in my place as payment for my sin – Love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 1 John 4:10 says, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Love is the only reason that Jesus offered His life in my place to pay my sin debt. When you think about it, before God created Adam and Eve, He knew they would sin and Jesus would have to pay their debt. Before He created you or me, He knew we would sin and Jesus would have to pay our debt. But he created us anyway. Why? Because God is love. And He loves you and me.

When did I realize I am a sinner?

In order to receive the living water that Jesus offered, we all must come to the realization that we are sinners, lost without Jesus, and have a need for Him to save us form our sins.

What must I do to receive living water? 

First we must admit that we are sinners and need a Savior. Second we must believe in our heart by faith that Jesus is the Son of God, that He lives a sinless life, died on the cross, was buried for three days, and then rose again. Third, we must confess our sin to God, asking Him to forgive us. Then we receive the free gift of God’s salvation by faith as we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” There is absolutely nothing you can do on your own to be saved. You can’t earn it. You can’t live “good enough.” You can’t buy you way into heaven. It is only by faith in Jesus that you receive God’s gracious and free gift of salvation. 

Only the Children on God can receive Living Water

Only as children of God are we able to receive the streams of living water that flows from deep within that Jesus mentioned in John 7:38. And in verse 39, we find that the living water Jesus was talking about is the Holy Spirit. Once we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, teaching us, guiding us, correcting us, encouraging us, and drawing us ever closer to God as we live our lives.

Are you spiritually thirsty today? Come to the well that never runs dry. Jesus is waiting. You can come just as you are.


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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.


Week 20: May 16-22, 2022


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Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness never goes out of style. Scatter some wherever you go.

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God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars

by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars?

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

Now in the WCM Store! Buy your copy today for only $24.95

paperback edition

Also 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.

Westbow logo
Christian book logo
amazon logo
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 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.


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.

Christianbook Distributors Search:
Christianbook.com

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.


See our other recent posts:

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 
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