Tag: repentance

by Julia M. Bruce, MSPC, Mental Health Coach,
CEO, Wellspring Christian Ministries

The Spiritual battlefield

Of all the battlefields on which we fight, when we serve in ministry, the spiritual battlefield is the most important. It is on this battlefield where the battles of all the other battlefields find strength to win. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10, “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” No matter which battlefield we are on, we must remember that our strength is in the Lord. It is only in His might that we can be victorious and overcome the wiles of the devil. If we are going to fight the good fight, finish our race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7), then we must fight in the strength of the Lord.

The Spiritual battlefield: The fight for eternal life

Certainly, the most important battle that takes place on the spiritual battlefield is the one that determines our eternity. It is the battle over eternal life or eternal death and separation from God. Each one of us takes a stand on the spiritual battlefield. We either line up on the side of the kingdom of darkness or we stand on the side of the King of kings.

We all start out on the side of the kingdom of darkness and as long as we remain on that side, we are slaves to sin. Paul wrote in Romans 6:16, “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?” When you defect from the kingdom of darkness and join the King of Kings, Satan loses the battle for your soul.

The Spiritual battlefield: The fight between the flesh and the Spirit

Just because you accepted Christ does not mean that the battle is over. Satan may have lost you for eternity, but that doesn’t mean he won’t trip you up and make you fall flat on your face time and time again. You may have traded in your one-way ticket to hell for The Way, The Truth, and The Life that grants you access to heaven, but Satan does not want you to live in joy and victory. He does not want you to be a witness for Christ so that you take more souls away from him. So, you still fight battles day after day.

Paul put it this way: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17) Doesn’t that sound like a battle? It is a battle between the flesh (our sinful nature) and the Spirit that dwells within us. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:27, “give no opportunity to the devil.” But let’s face it – that is often easier said than done.

Do not give opportunity to the devil

So how do we not give opportunity to the devil? Paul tells us how to overcome the flesh. In Galatians 5:16, he says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. So not only must we fight in the strength of the Lord, but we must not fight alone. We must “walk by the Spirit.” If we are going to battle spiritual battles, we better have the Holy Spirit with us!

If you think these spiritual battles are hard, then you can bet that when you begin to work in a ministry role, you will draw the attention of Satan and his minions, and you better believe the battles are going to heat up. Even when your ministry is fully surrendered to God, it doesn’t make the battle any easier…if anything, it becomes harder as Satan fights back even more. Satan is always at work in the unseen, spiritual realm to fight every person God calls and sets apart to a ministry position. Behind the scenes in the heavenly realm, he is always at work in each of the battlefields we face. The spiritual battlefield is only one of six battlefields we fight on. Let’s discuss the other five.

The Sensory battlefield

We find ourselves standing on the sensory battlefield any time Satan’s flaming darts are aimed at one of our senses: what we see, hear, taste, smell, touch.

Satan attacks our visual sense through what we see around us, on TV, on the internet, at the movies, in magazines that can cause us to stumble.

He attacks our sense of hearing through TV, movies, radio, music, and conversations around us.

He attacks our sense of taste through the foods we like but aren’t good for us or if there is a past problem with addictions, he will use temptation of drugs and alcohol again and again.

Satan can also use our sense of smell in the same way. Have you ever noticed how good a pizza smells when you’re trying to lose weight? Or if you have given up smoking, what is your reaction to smelling a cigarette as someone walks by you?

Even the sense of touch can be used. The simple touch of someone’s arm around you could be used as a sexual temptation.

The simple fact is our senses are triggers to memories and emotions and they act as stimulants every day of our lives. Satan sees them as opportunities for attack.

The Emotional battlefield

There is also the emotional battlefield that takes place within our own mind and emotions. Satan will use every emotional gift God gave us against us – making our mind another battlefield. The more exhausted we are, the more prone we are to succumb on the emotional battlefield.  On this battlefield, Satan plants seeds in our minds – the seeds of depression, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, sadness, anxiety, guilt, shame or embarrassments. He then uses the people around us or our circumstances or our financial situation as the fertilizer to make those seeds grow. As a result, we doubt.

The emotional battlefield called “Doubt”

We doubt…

• …if we are qualified.
• …if we were really called.
• …that we have the money needed to do what God has called us to do.
• …if we have the skills needed.
• …if we would be willing to be like Abraham and leave our father and mother and go where God is sending us.
• …like Moses, if we can speak well enough.
• …because we have a past that was so totally against God that the seed of doubt is “God can’t use me.”

Whatever it is that God is asking us to do, Satan will plant seeds of doubt and then he will use people in our life to water them and make them grow. Every step we take he will plant a new seed of doubt. Those seeds of doubt, in turn, will stir up every negative emotion available and we find ourselves standing on the emotional battlefield.

The emotional battlefield called “self-esteem”

Such attacks are directly against our self-perception. Satan tries to get us to focus on how we see ourselves instead of how God sees us. We get caught up in our “self-esteem” instead of our “God-esteem.” We need to change our self-perception to God’s perception of who we are. We forget that God doesn’t look at the outward appearance but at our heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

The world judges us by what we wear, the color of our skin, how we talk, how we live our lives, the mistakes we’ve made, how smart we are, or how financially sound we are, and we form our “self-esteem” in how we perceive the way the world sees us. Instead, we need to form “God-esteem” and learn to see ourselves in the way God sees us – we need to be reminded of God’s perception of us. He sees us as chosen, loved, a new creation, reconciled and redeemed, righteous, holy, set apart, a child of God, gifted and fully equipped for the task He sat before us.

The Social battlefield

There is yet another battlefield that Satan uses in his arsenal of “flaming arrows” (Ephesians 6:16) against us: the social battlefield.  Since those of us in ministry are imperfect people and those whom we minister to are imperfect people, we can find ourselves on a battlefield made up of human problems, such as differences of opinion, selfishness, hurt, disappointment, and well…sin of all kinds. Even though we (and hopefully them) are saved by grace, as long as we are in human bodies, we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  

The social battlefield called “church members”

The social battlefield might manifest itself as those moments where the church members argue over which side of the stage the piano belongs on or if there should or should not be a pulpit on the stage. It’s the arguments over the color of the carpet or if it’s okay for the preacher to preach from his iPad rather than a Bible in his hand. It occurs around the Sunday lunch table, business meeting, or in the conference room when you are criticized for every flaw and every decision you make. It’s those moments where you look around at the squabbles, tired of mediating, and wonder how church ever got to be about these things instead of saving souls from an eternity in hell and helping Christians develop passionate relationships with God.

People in ministry, especially pastors, are so often putting out these flaming arrows that there isn’t enough time to devote to the discipleship of Christians. Consequently, our churches never mature and grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

The social battlefield called “family and friends”

The social battlefield doesn’t end with our relationship with the people to whom we minister. Satan will use the relationships we have with family and friends, tearing them down and destroying them, effectively pulling out the blanket of support from under our feet. These are the people who know us well. They know our past, our personality, our failures, and our faults. They wag their finger saying, “How could God ever use you? He didn’t really call you. You’re just a ‘dreamer.’”

The social battlefield called “social media”

And then there is social media where we can get caught up in how many people “liked” or “shared” my post. Or the public shaming of people and cyber bullying through social media that has made people commit suicide. As a result, we are more “connected” to other than ever before. We can have thousands of “friends” without every actually meeting them or having a single conversation with them and still feel lost, lonely, and sad.

The social battlefield called “mass shootings”

Another social battlefield takes shape in the growing concern of mass shootings within the walls of churches and the questions begin to rise of how to protect the congregation. Should we be concerned about public ministry events at parks or stadiums? Should we be afraid of prayer walking the community where we serve? How do we reach the lost world and still protect the people in our churches?

The social battlefield called “COVID”

As this book is being written, we are in yet another social battlefield that we probably never thought we would have to deal with: the COVID pandemic. As we looked at isolating at home, ministry leaders had to discover new ways of doing ministry. But even isolation itself presents a battle on the social battlefield because God created us to be social beings. As a result, we saw more battles on the emotional battlefield as people became depressed, anxious, and fearful. We have seen enormous grief as people lost the battle against COVID and the number of infected people and deaths continue to soar with no end in sight. At this point, the churches have opened their doors again, but we do ministry around the CDC recommendations for safety of the people to whom we minister.

The social battlefield called “the appearance of evil”

Social battlefields also arise as we try to make sure we protect ourselves, our families, and our ministry from even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). There are always those who are watching and waiting for us to mess up so they can point their fingers. They might accuse of inappropriate conduct with someone of the opposite gender or inappropriate misuse of funds. They might say the message you delivered was not Biblical.

The social battlefield called “The pointing, accusing finger”

Satan loves nothing more than to see a minister (whether that is a pastor, missionary, Christian Counselor, or someone in a non-profit ministry organization) of God fail or give up or walk away because of the pointing, accusing finger. It’s one of his best flaming arrows! It doesn’t even matter if the pointing finger of accusation is verified, or all lies. It doesn’t have to hit the bullseye. Accusations are much like hand grenades and horseshoes – you just have to get close to the target to have an effect.  Once the finger is pointed, damage has been done. Credibility is loss. Effectiveness diminished. And Satan scores a point.

The Physical battlefield

Then there is the silent battlefield of dangers that lurk about in the dark waiting to sneak up, kill and destroy those in ministry. These dangers are fought on the physical battlefield and include health issues, burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress. As a result, pastors, missionaries, and others in ministry professions walk away from the calling. Instead of standing firm, steadfast, immovable and always excelling, they call it quits and leave the task of ministering for someone else to do.

Sometimes they quit but find a different way to minister. If they do decide to stay in their ministry field, they no longer have the passion and zeal to serve. Ministry becomes a “have to” rather than an opportunity to serve our God. They risk facing depression, lack of motivation, and anxiety. Their relationships decline and many physical symptoms begin to emerge.

But Satan doesn’t stop with just your own physical health. For some of us, an attack on a spouse of family member’s health can have a bigger affect than if Satan attacked our own health. Most of us would do more to protect the health of those we love than ourselves and spend countless hours getting them doctors, possibly surgery, therapy, or whatever is necessary to get them healthy again. If we are so caught up in caring for a loved one, there is little time or energy left to carry out the ministry we’ve been given.

The Intellectual battlefield

Another silent battlefield is the intellectual battlefield. Here Satan attacks our intellect either by making us believe we don’t know enough to do the ministry God has called us to, or by stirring up our pride in how much we know.

Another way this battlefield comes into play is when a person believes they don’t need to attend seminary or any type of training for the ministry God has called them to. They believe that because God called them, He will equip them. But sometimes equipping comes from learning and to say that you don’t need the training to do your calling is like saying you know more than God, and this is another form of pride.

God may still use you and you might be somewhat effective because God has gifted you for the ministry He has called you to, but you will never be as effective as God intended without the proper training. It would be like going into battle without ever having learning how to use a sword. Remember that the Sword in the Armor of God is the Bible. If you are going to effectively wield your sword, you need to learn how to use it.

$399.00 $199.50

Coming December 2021!

Pre-order for a 50% discount. You will get the complete set of downloadable self-care video-based course plus 10 group coaching sessions.

Pre-order now to receive a 50% discount! (Releasing December 2021)

You will get the complete downloadable self-care video-based course plus 10 group coaching sessions.

We know that ministry is hard! When you serve in ministry as staff or volunteer, you are on a spiritual battlefield 24/7. As you serve God, you fight for the Kingdom of God and our adversary is constantly attacking. He wants you to either lose your effectiveness in your ministry role or get you to quit. We must be sure we are reconnecting to the Vine (Jesus) so that we can refill, renew, and recharge. Then we can keep on pouring into others.

If you are feeling like you are losing the fight or struggling to stay in the fight, Jesus says to you, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) Self-care is both Biblical and necessary, if you are going to stay in the fight and be effective in the Kingdom of God. Stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue are real weapons that the adversary uses against us.

Even if you do not serve in ministry, if you are a Christian, you too are in a spiritual battle. Every Christian fights the same adversary and our Biblical self-care principles are for every Christian.

What you get in this self-care course:

In Part 1 of this video-based course, you will learn about the spiritual dangers in ministry, discover if God is testing you or is Satan attacking you, understand that ministry is battlefield and how to be steadfast, immovable on the battlefield, learn how the devil uses his wiles and schemes against us, and remember how to use your Spiritual Armor. We will also breakdown stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

Part 2 is all about Preventing and Recovering from Burnout and Compassion Fatigue as we go through six areas that need self-care. In this part of the course we will provide you with practical ways that you can immediately begin practicing self-care. As you continue to serve God in whatever way He has called you, self-care is vital if you are not going to grow weary in doing good so you can reap at the proper time (Galatians 6:9).

Additionally, this packaged deal will provide 10 group coaching session where we will discuss the weekly assigned videos and do check-ins on where you are in each of the six areas of self-care that include: Spiritual, Sensory, Emotional, Social, Physical, and Intellectual.

Releasing in December 2021, this packaged deal will include the complete video-based course plus 10 group coaching sessions with the author, Julia Bruce. In the 10-week program you will complete weekly videos and assignments and then meet virtually for a group coaching session to help you apply self-care where you need it. 

But wait! That’s not all! Check out this Bonus to the self-care course and coaching program.

BONUS: While this course and group coaching is not releasing until December 2021, if you’re purchasing this material, we know you need help now. So, if you purchase before the release date, we’ll place you in our new private Facebook membership page for free through the end of 2021. In January, this group will require a monthly subscription of $19.99. But it will be yours free through the end of year when you purchase the pre-release of the course and group coaching sessions.  

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Sweater weather

See our other fall designs:

<<<NEW>>> In the Spreadshop Store:

Here in Florida, it does not feel like fall yet, but September is here and that means we are growing our fall line of t-shirt designs. Check out these two new designs:

Sweater weather

See our other fall designs:

The slide show below highlights some of our favorite Christian Tees designs available in our Spreadshop and Teespring stores.

See our Canvase prints in the Teespring Store: All Things New

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store. These prints make great gifts or for decor in your home.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from our sin, He takes our old, sinful self and makes us new in Him. This beautiful canvas is a great reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

See our Canvase prints in the Teespring Store: All Things New

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store. These prints make great gifts or for decor in your home.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from our sin, He takes our old, sinful self and makes us new in Him. This beautiful canvas is a great reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

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We’re offering 30% discount on our speaker fees if booked by October 31, 2021. Call today and use the discount code: FALL2021.

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7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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

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

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What Satan Does Not Want You To know

This trifold document includes Scripture verses that Satan does not want you to know about. As you hide these verses in your heart, you’ll be able to defeat the lies of Satan when he tries his wiles and schemes on you.

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Stress Journal

We all face stress. How we handle stress, however, has many variables. Learning how to recognize stress, coping with stress, and creating a self-care plan during times of stress can begin by journaling. Taken from our series on Biblical self-care for people in ministry, we’ve created this free download to help you through the things that cause you stress.

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2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

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The Path to Sin

Satan is constantly trying to trip us up and he doesn’t even play fair because he uses our own desires as bait to get us to sin. James tells us the five steps that lead us down the path to sin in James 1:14-15, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” This download helps you identify your desires so that you can better recognize when Satan is baiting you and you can avoid falling into sin. When used along with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to identify the desires that Satan baits you with, you can then ask the Holy Spirit to help you not become a victim to the bait of your desires. Download the worksheet today.

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One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

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God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

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by Julia M. Bruce, MSPC, Mental Health Coach,
CEO, Wellspring Christian Ministries

When Satan drives you to your knees, you are not defeated.

If Satan drives you to your knees in the battle, then fight on your knees as you pray.  As Phil Wickham reminds us in his song, “Battle Belongs”, the battle belongs to God and we do our best fighting when we are on our knees, praying, and allowing God to fight for us.

Whenever we reach the point that we feel as Satan has driven us to our knees, its often because we feel trapped. Israel found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. Let’s look at their story.

Trapped between the Sea and the Army

After the Israelites left Egypt, they found themselves right smack in the middle of pressure and trouble. In front of them was the pressure of how to cross the Red Sea. Behind them was the trouble of a very angry Egyptian army. And the Israelites did what every human being would do – they panicked.

Moments earlier they were standing at the bank of the Red Sea while the idea of freedom from slavery kicked in. I’m sure that somewhere in the mix of the crowd there was a certain group who stood at the bank of the Red Sea wondering how they would get all the people across to the other side. But as they stood around problem solving, someone stopped and listened. Then he began to quiet the others. “Shhh. Listen.” They heard it too.

They turn around and off in the distance was a terrifying sight! The Egyptian army riding hard and fast towards them, a cloud of desert sand stirring up around them. Slowly, more and more of the people get quite and they look. Before long there is full-blown panic from the entire group. They are trapped. There is nowhere to go. (Can you imagine Satan snickering in the spiritual realm thinking he would finally win when the Egyptian army wipes out God’s chosen nation that would one day bring the Messiah to earth?) They began blaming Moses.

Moses’ response

Our omniscient God was not surprised that Pharaoh sent his army after them. He knew they would come. And he knew his chosen people would be trapped between the sea and the army. He already knew what he was going to do.

Moses knew that God had told him He would bring His people to the Promised Land. So Moses had faith that God had plan. Moses responded to them: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Be quiet

It is interesting to me that Moses tells them to “be quiet.” Probably because he was tired of their complaining. But the truth is when we are trapped and feel driven to our knees, we panic, just like Israel. Often we are also guilty of complaining about our situation. But if we are not complaining about it, then we are probably questioning God. And questioning God, is exactly where Satan wants us.

When Paul told us to “pray without ceasing,” I don’t think he had in mind a constant chatter of complaints and questions so that God can’t even get a chance to speak a single word. You see, if we want to hear from God, then we have to be still and be quiet in His presence. God tells us in Psalm 46:10 to “Be still, and know that I am God.”

When do you see the hand of God at work?

Think for a moment about the times you’ve seen the hand of God at work in your life. You don’t usually see it in the middle of pressure and trouble. We see it in hindsight. After we’ve gone through the trouble, then you can look back and see where God was at work. But what if in the midst of pressure and trouble we stopped panicking, sit quietly, and look for God’s hand at work?

So, if you are experiencing pressure and trouble and Satan has driven you to your knees, Moses calmly and quietly says to you, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation. The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” When you are driven to your knees, do not let it be the in defeat. Rather fall on your knees in prayer.

Daniel’s spiritual battle

When Satan drives you to your knees, you are not defeated – you’re just starting to win the battle. Prayer activates all of heaven. We see this in Daniel 9. As Daniel is praying and interceding for his nation, the angel, Gabriel, appears in response to Daniels prayers. In verses 20-21, the Bible says, “While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.”

Do spiritual battles happen when you pray?

If you ever wondered if there was a battle going on when you pray, then let’s look at Daniel 10:10-14. Here Daniel has had a terrifying vision and he wonders what it means. Let’s read what happens:

“And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. Then he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.

”And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”

Keep praying until the battle is won

For 21 days there was a spiritual battle going on. Satan was trying to prevent the answer to Daniels prayer from coming to him. This messenger had to have help. If Daniel had stopped praying, that help may not have arrived. So pray and keep on praying until the battle is won.

We fight spiritual battles on our knees

Satan bring all kinds of pressures and troubles, but our prayers have the power to summon the forces of heaven. So, you don’t have to wait for Satan to drive you to your knees. As soon as an attack begins is the time to get on your knees and activate the power of heaven. That is where we fight spiritual battles!

$399.00 $199.50

Coming December 2021!

Pre-order for a 50% discount. You will get the complete set of downloadable self-care video-based course plus 10 group coaching sessions.

Pre-order now to receive a 50% discount! (Releasing December 2021)

You will get the complete downloadable self-care video-based course plus 10 group coaching sessions.

We know that ministry is hard! When you serve in ministry as staff or volunteer, you are on a spiritual battlefield 24/7. As you serve God, you fight for the Kingdom of God and our adversary is constantly attacking. He wants you to either lose your effectiveness in your ministry role or get you to quit. We must be sure we are reconnecting to the Vine (Jesus) so that we can refill, renew, and recharge. Then we can keep on pouring into others.

If you are feeling like you are losing the fight or struggling to stay in the fight, Jesus says to you, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) Self-care is both Biblical and necessary, if you are going to stay in the fight and be effective in the Kingdom of God. Stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue are real weapons that the adversary uses against us.

Even if you do not serve in ministry, if you are a Christian, you too are in a spiritual battle. Every Christian fights the same adversary and our Biblical self-care principles are for every Christian.

What you get in this self-care course:

In Part 1 of this video-based course, you will learn about the spiritual dangers in ministry, discover if God is testing you or is Satan attacking you, understand that ministry is battlefield and how to be steadfast, immovable on the battlefield, learn how the devil uses his wiles and schemes against us, and remember how to use your Spiritual Armor. We will also breakdown stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

Part 2 is all about Preventing and Recovering from Burnout and Compassion Fatigue as we go through six areas that need self-care. In this part of the course we will provide you with practical ways that you can immediately begin practicing self-care. As you continue to serve God in whatever way He has called you, self-care is vital if you are not going to grow weary in doing good so you can reap at the proper time (Galatians 6:9).

Additionally, this packaged deal will provide 10 group coaching session where we will discuss the weekly assigned videos and do check-ins on where you are in each of the six areas of self-care that include: Spiritual, Sensory, Emotional, Social, Physical, and Intellectual.

Releasing in December 2021, this packaged deal will include the complete video-based course plus 10 group coaching sessions with the author, Julia Bruce. In the 10-week program you will complete weekly videos and assignments and then meet virtually for a group coaching session to help you apply self-care where you need it. 

But wait! That’s not all! Check out this Bonus to the self-care course and coaching program.

BONUS: While this course and group coaching is not releasing until December 2021, if you’re purchasing this material, we know you need help now. So, if you purchase before the release date, we’ll place you in our new private Facebook membership page for free through the end of 2021. In January, this group will require a monthly subscription of $19.99. But it will be yours free through the end of year when you purchase the pre-release of the course and group coaching sessions.  

<<<NEW>>> In the Spreadshop Store:

Here in Florida, it does not feel like fall yet, but September is here and that means we are growing our fall line of t-shirt designs. Check out these two new designs:

Sweater weather

See our other fall designs:

<<<NEW>>> In the Spreadshop Store:

Here in Florida, it does not feel like fall yet, but September is here and that means we are growing our fall line of t-shirt designs. Check out these two new designs:

Sweater weather

See our other fall designs:

The slide show below highlights some of our favorite Christian Tees designs available in our Spreadshop and Teespring stores.

See our Canvase prints in the Teespring Store: All Things New

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store. These prints make great gifts or for decor in your home.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from our sin, He takes our old, sinful self and makes us new in Him. This beautiful canvas is a great reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

See our Canvase prints in the Teespring Store: All Things New

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store. These prints make great gifts or for decor in your home.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from our sin, He takes our old, sinful self and makes us new in Him. This beautiful canvas is a great reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

Do you have an event on the calendar and need a speaker?

We’re offering 30% discount on our speaker fees if booked by October 31, 2021. Call today and use the discount code: FALL2021.

We’re excited to be a part of your ministry and can’t wait to see you – no matter what size your event.

904.239.8937

---

Help support our ministry:

---

7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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.

[Download not found]

What Satan Does Not Want You To know

This trifold document includes Scripture verses that Satan does not want you to know about. As you hide these verses in your heart, you’ll be able to defeat the lies of Satan when he tries his wiles and schemes on you.

[Download not found]

Stress Journal

We all face stress. How we handle stress, however, has many variables. Learning how to recognize stress, coping with stress, and creating a self-care plan during times of stress can begin by journaling. Taken from our series on Biblical self-care for people in ministry, we’ve created this free download to help you through the things that cause you stress.

[Download not found]

2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]

The Path to Sin

Satan is constantly trying to trip us up and he doesn’t even play fair because he uses our own desires as bait to get us to sin. James tells us the five steps that lead us down the path to sin in James 1:14-15, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” This download helps you identify your desires so that you can better recognize when Satan is baiting you and you can avoid falling into sin. When used along with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to identify the desires that Satan baits you with, you can then ask the Holy Spirit to help you not become a victim to the bait of your desires. Download the worksheet today.

[Download not found]

One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

---

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

---

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

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Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

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

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

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Here’s some of our recent posts.

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 

Follow us on:

by Julia M. Bruce, MSPC, Mental Health Coach,
CEO, Wellspring Christian Ministries

The father of lies and the great deceiver

In John 8:44, Jesus said that there is no truth in Satan. Jesus not only calls him a liar, but the father of lies.[1] From the moment that Satan comes onto the scene in Genesis in the Garden of Eden, he has been deceiving humans. Its part of His battle plan. He started with Eve, and he has never stopped.

Revelation 12:9 says, “and the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” That is who he is and how he operates – through lies and deceit. He has always operated this way and he always will. He will try to sneak into our lives without us even realizing he is there – it’s just part of his scheme.

Satan’s battle plan is based on lies

If we can’t recognize him, we won’t be prepared for battle and we won’t have a chance to defeat him. His battle plan is very simple. He lies to us – and he’s had many centuries to hone his craft. Satan lies to us about himself, about God, about ourselves, about God’s promises, about who we are in Christ, about how we perceive others and events in life, and about the areas of ministry in which we serve.

Satan wants us to believe that God could never call someone like us to serve Him. He throws up every past sin and failure in our face so that we feel totally and completely inadequate and unworthy of any calling. He wants us to believe we are not qualified to serve God. Satan wants us to be so engrossed in busyness that we think we don’t have time to serve God. He wants us so busy fighting the skirmishes of pressure and trouble that we become bogged down and lose sight that we are on a battlefield fighting a spiritual battle more so than an earthly one.

The enemy knows our weaknesses and uses them in his battle plans

What’s more, he knows exactly what our weaknesses and vulnerabilities are and that is where he attacks and throws in a few crafty, well-constructed lies mixed with a half-truth to manipulate the truth of God’s Word so that we fall into sin. He is not going to craft his wiles against us where we are strong. No. Satan is an opportunist. He studies us, looks for our weakest and most vulnerable areas and that is where he attacks us by whispering the kind of evil suggestions that will tempt you the most. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” He is always on the prowl, watching, studying, seeking for the right moment when we are most likely to succumb to sin.[2]

Sin breaks our fellowship with God, which is exactly what Satan wants

The minute we fall for his lies and succumb to the trap of sin, the fellowship that we enjoy with our heavenly father is broken and we lose His power in our lives. That is a win for Satan. It is exactly what he wants to happen. 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 so that he does not hear” (ESV). At the moment of salvation, all my sins are forgiven, and I am justified through Christ. But Romans 7:14-25 and Galatians 5:17 tells us that salvation does not do away with my sin nature. I still sin. However, when I do, it does not affect my eternal security. I’m still saved. John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.” However, when I do sin, it does hurt my walk with Jesus (1 John 1:5-10) and hinders or stifles the work of the Holy Spirit who lives within me (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Confession and repentance restores our fellowship with God

We restore our fellowship and receive a re-charge on heavenly power by confessing and repenting of sin and asking God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 confirms this. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Psalm 51:10-12 says, “God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation to me and give me a willing spirit.”[3] The longer we take to seek forgiveness, the longer we are unplugged from God’s power and the weaker we become.

We must understand the enemy’s battleplan and how he operates but we also must be honest with ourselves and God about where our weaknesses are and depend on the Holy Spirit to strengthen those areas by teaching us the truth of God’s Word and empower us to fight the wiles and schemes of the devil. When we do succumb to the trap of sin, we should be quick to seek God’s forgiveness and restore our fellowship with Him.

To successfully fight a spiritual battle we must know the truths of God’s Word. 

Because the Bible is God’s Word (not Satan’s Word), we need to realize that it is a book about God. Certainly, it gives us information we need to know about the devil, which prepares us to stand against his wiles. It is information that Satan does not want us to have. Why? Because it is through Scripture that we discover his battle plan, and it is through Scripture that we are able to defeat Him. It is how Jesus defeated him in the wilderness temptations.

However, we also need to remember the focus of the Bible. God gave us the battle tools to overcome Satan and to let us know who he is, but the Bible’s focus is on God, His plan of redemption for us, and His desire to have a relationship with us. So, if we are going to successfully fight a spiritual battle, we need to know the truths of God’s Word. We need to hide His Word in our heart. We need to meditate on it day and night. The Bible is a lamp for our feet and a light for our paths.

Sinners under the wrath of God

As we study the Bible, we learn that Satan is a real and very big problem – but it isn’t our only problem. We also have a sin problem. Let’s look at Ephesians 2:1-3.

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.

The first thing I want to point out from these verses is at the end of verse three in Ephesians 2. Before coming to Christ and accepting Him by faith as our Savior, we were by nature children under wrath. In other words, by nature, we are sinners. As sinners, we are under the wrath of God. But Jesus took God’s wrath on Himself and paid the penalty for our sins. He redeemed us and restored us to God when we asked Him to forgive us and save us from our sins and God’s wrath against us.

We are all children

This verse also tells us that we are all children. We are either children of God or children of Satan. We each choose the battlefield on which we plant our feet. If we are children of God, we fight for the Kingdom of God. If we are children of Satan, we fight for the kingdom of Satan.

Satan’s three main battle tactics

From these verses we also learn that Satan has three main tactics in his warfare strategies:

1. Himself – the father of lies
2. the world in which we previously walked,
3. and our fleshly desires.

The devil tempts us and deceives us through lies.[4] Satan uses world to tempt us with immorality, love of money, love of power and position. He even uses our own flesh to tempts us through lusts, pride, and selfishness.

The temptation of Jesus

Now let’s look at the temptation of Jesus to see how Satan combined all three tactics together to try to get Jesus to fail in His intended purpose for coming to earth and why knowing the Bible is our greatest weapon.

When Satan tempted Jesus, Satan made sure all three tactics in his arsenal were involved. Enemy number 1 was there in person. He crafted his lies, twisted scripture, and offered Jesus options for alternative obedience.

Enemy number 2 was all around Jesus. He used nature itself to tempt Jesus. Specifically, Satan tempted Jesus to turn the rocks into bread. He also tempted Jesus saying he would give to Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would fall down and worship him.[5]

Enemy number 3 was within Jesus. After forty days of fasting, Jesus was hungry. That feeling of hunger, in that moment, was his enemy. It was a temptation of the “lust of the flesh.” The Bible tells us that the Sprit led Jesus to the wilderness. God had a purpose for the 40 days of testing in the wilderness and it would require Jesus’s absolute trust and dependence on His Father. Satan was not only suggesting that Jesus satisfy his hunger, but he was tempting Jesus to doubt that His Father would provide all that He needed. Satan also wanted Jesus to doubt the purposes of God and attempted to get Jesus to act based on His doubts.   

We resist temptation the same way Jesus did

Just as Jesus resisted the Satan, the world, and the flesh, so can we. Jesus resisted by knowing Scripture. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” If we are going to resist the schemes of the devil, we must memorize scripture and understand the truths of the Bible. Then when Satan comes knocking with temptations, we will be prepared to recognize the attack, put on our spiritual armor, and rely on the power of God to defeat him just as Jesus did.

In the Appendix section of this book, I’ve given you a list verses that Satan does not want you to know. These are verses you can hide in your heart by memorizing them so when he comes at you with his wiles, you can win the battle and overcome him.

To successfully fight a spiritual battle we must put on our spiritual armor. 

We need to understand that God intends for us to be on the offense in the battle – not the defense. Paul said that we are to stand against Satan…that’s offense. In fact, in this one chapter (Ephesians 6), Paul tells us “to stand” three times.  So, God provided spiritual armor so that we would be able to stand. Its purpose is not for us to defend ourselves, but so that we can march into the battle and do the work that God has called us to do – make disciples.

The moment we begin witnessing, helping Christians grow, plant new churches, and serve God, is the moment we begin encroaching into the enemy’s territory and you can bet he and his forces will attack.  This is why Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. A soldier that goes into battle with only part of his armor can expect defeat – and most likely death. We need every piece, and we need to know the purpose of each piece.

We find a description of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-18. It includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. So, we know what is included in our armor, but what is the purpose for each piece? When Paul compares the armor of God with Roman military gear, each piece represents a part of God’s strength that He extends to us when we become His children. Let’s break down each piece.

Don’t go into battle without the Belt of Truth

Paul said we should have our loins girt about with the belt of truth. The roman soldier’s belt held all the other pieces of his armor in place and without it, the rest would fall off. Remember how Satan operates? Through deception and lies. The only way to get rid of lies is by shining the truth on them. Like the belt on the roman soldier, the truth of God’s Word holds our spiritual armor in place.

Without God’s truth, there is no righteousness. There is no peace between man and God and no need to go and tell others of the Gospel. There is no need for faith if God and His Word is not true. Without God’s truth, there is no salvation from sin. There is no Word of God to contain His truths.

Titus 1:2 tells us that our hope for eternal life is that God, who cannot lie, promised it before time began. Because He cannot lie, we know He is true. However, you can’t know the truth if you are not studying and memorizing God’s Word. We must know it, believe it, and speak it if we are to defeat Satan’s lies.

Don’t go into battle without the Breastplate of Righteousness

In Paul’s day, the Roman soldier wore a breastplate made of bronze or chain mail. Its purpose was to cover the heart. For the Christian, the breastplate is the righteousness of Christ. The moment you became a Christian, Christ clothed you in His righteousness. This breastplate is meant to protect our hearts and souls from the deception of the evil one.

We need the righteousness of Christ because Isaiah 64:6 says, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” So, because our righteous deeds do not measure up to protect us from Satan, Christ gives us His righteousness to wear.

Don’t go into battle without the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

The gospel of peace is the message that Jesus gives to those who trust in Him. Prior to salvation, we were enemies with God, but when we chose to believe in Christ and asked Him to be our savior, we became at peace with Him. It tells us how to become a child of God and it includes promises such as we can know we are His children (John 10:29) and that nothing can snatch us out of His hand (1 John 5:13).

In writing about this piece of armor, Paul says we are to shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. If we are to be “prepared” we must always be on guard with our feet firmly planted and ready to hold our ground whenever the enemy attacks. 2 Timothy 4:2 says we are to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” We must always be prepared.

The Roman soldier often had shoes that contained nails or spikes much like football cleats, so that he could dig them into the ground for a firm stance and better balance. If he lost his footing and fell, he lost the battle. For the Christian, the gospel of peace shoes allows us to dig down and plant our feet on the solid ground of the truth of God’s Word to fight back and defeat Satan’s flaming darts of doubt and lies.

Go and make disciples

As servants of God, we answered the call of ministry as a fulfillment of the Great Commission: “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. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” We were given the Gospel of Peace shoes because we are to go and proclaim the gospel. We are to advance the battle line in favor of the kingdom of God.

Don’t go into battles without the shield of faith

Paul tells us that with the shield of faith, we will be able to quench all the fiery darts of Satan. We are not to waver in our faith no matter how strong Satan’s attack. James 1:6 says, “let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” Imagine for a moment what it would be like trying to hold a shield in front of you if you are on a boat in the Atlantic in the middle of a hurricane. That’s what it would be like to use the shield of faith if you are wavering in your faith or having doubts. For our faith to be a shield, it must be firm. Our faith is firm when we fully trust God’s promises.

Roman soldiers carried a shield that was as big as a door, providing him with complete cover. He could also use it to push his way through the battle line and push his enemies back. Often, the shield was painted with identifying marks.

As a Christian, our shield of faith carries the identifying mark of Christ and distinguishes us as a soldier in the Lord’s army. Remember the Great Commission? The first part tells us to go, but the end of it says, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus is our commander, and our shield of faith carries His identifying marks. When Satan attacks with his lies that fuels doubts, it is faith that prompts us to believe God’s promises so that the lies of Satan lose their power and we overcome his attack. This is how our faith shields us from Satan’s attacks.

Don’t go into battle without the Helmet of Salvation

The Roman soldier wore a helmet to protect his head. As a Christian the helmet of salvation protects our mind where Satan will attack us more than any other way. He will twist his lies into a tangled mass that become difficult to unravel if we do not view them through the lens of the Word of God. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” And in 1 Corinthians 2:16 we are told that we are to have the mind of Christ.

The helmet of salvation gives us the power to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5). We utilize the helmet of salvation through the renewing our minds (Romans 12:1-2) by:

• exchanging ungodly ideas, thoughts, and opinions with the truths and promises of God’s Word
• rejecting the doubts that Satan whispers by choosing to believe in God’s love for us and His promises to us (Hebrews 11:6, 1 Peter 1:8-9)
• keeping our perspective on the eternal by keeping our eyes on Jesus and determining what’s important through the lens of eternity.  (Matthew 6:20, 1 Corinthians 3:11-13)
• remembering that Jesus already won the victory and that we are a new creation (Romans 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 3:9)
• remembering our hope is in Christ. (Psalm 73:25)
• choosing to guard our minds from the influences of the world by dwelling our thoughts on things that honor God (Philippians 4:8)

Don’t go into battle without the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God

While all the other pieces of armor are protective, the Sword is the only offensive weapon. Paul makes it clear that our sword is the Word of God. However, if you are not daily studying the Word of God and memorizing it then you are going into battle with no weapon. Remember that Jesus defeated the temptations of Satan by saying, “It is written…” He didn’t have to say, “Hang on a minute Satan and let me look that up in my scroll.” Jesus had the Word of God hidden in His heart and memorized in His mind. When the temptations came, He already had the tool He needed to fight the battle.

No matter what the enemy attacks us with, God has prepared us to withstand the attacks, but we must choose to put on the armor – every day. So, soldier, suit up! Sharpen your weapon by memorizing the Word of God. And pray up to have the power of God. Only then can we “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

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Footnotes:

[1] When you think about Satan as the “Father of lies” and the fact that hell was created for him, it gives new meaning to the childhood statement of “Liar, liar pants on fire.”

[2] Thankfully, the book of Job teaches us that Satan is not always right in his assumptions. He knew that Job, in his misery, would curse God, but he was wrong. Job certainly questioned God, but he never cursed Him. Satan misjudged Job.

[3] Notice the psalmist doesn’t say, “restore your salvation to me.” He says restore the joy of your salvation. When we are out of fellowship with Christ, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and we feel guilt. But when we confess our sins and God creates a clean heart within us, our joy is restored.

[4] Satan loves playing mind games and he is a master manipulator.

[5] Incidentally, Satan offered to Jesus all the kingdoms of the world that were created by Jesus. They already belong to Him. Satan may have temporary rule and reign, but 1 Corinthians 10:26 says, “for the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it.”

<<<NEW>>> In the Spreadshop Store:

Here in Florida, it does not feel like fall yet, but September is here and that means we are growing our fall line of t-shirt designs. Check out these two new designs:

Sweater weather

See our other fall designs:

<<<NEW>>> In the Spreadshop Store:

Here in Florida, it does not feel like fall yet, but September is here and that means we are growing our fall line of t-shirt designs. Check out these two new designs:

Sweater weather

See our other fall designs:

The slide show below highlights some of our favorite Christian Tees designs available in our Spreadshop and Teespring stores.

See our Canvase prints in the Teespring Store: All Things New

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store. These prints make great gifts or for decor in your home.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from our sin, He takes our old, sinful self and makes us new in Him. This beautiful canvas is a great reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

See our Canvase prints in the Teespring Store: All Things New

We’ve added a new canvas print to the Teespring Store. These prints make great gifts or for decor in your home.

When we ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from our sin, He takes our old, sinful self and makes us new in Him. This beautiful canvas is a great reminder of what Jesus has done for us.

Do you have an event on the calendar and need a speaker?

We’re offering 30% discount on our speaker fees if booked by October 31, 2021. Call today and use the discount code: FALL2021.

We’re excited to be a part of your ministry and can’t wait to see you – no matter what size your event.

904.239.8937

---

Help support our ministry:

---

7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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.

[Download not found]

What Satan Does Not Want You To know

This trifold document includes Scripture verses that Satan does not want you to know about. As you hide these verses in your heart, you’ll be able to defeat the lies of Satan when he tries his wiles and schemes on you.

[Download not found]

Stress Journal

We all face stress. How we handle stress, however, has many variables. Learning how to recognize stress, coping with stress, and creating a self-care plan during times of stress can begin by journaling. Taken from our series on Biblical self-care for people in ministry, we’ve created this free download to help you through the things that cause you stress.

[Download not found]

2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]

The Path to Sin

Satan is constantly trying to trip us up and he doesn’t even play fair because he uses our own desires as bait to get us to sin. James tells us the five steps that lead us down the path to sin in James 1:14-15, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” This download helps you identify your desires so that you can better recognize when Satan is baiting you and you can avoid falling into sin. When used along with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to identify the desires that Satan baits you with, you can then ask the Holy Spirit to help you not become a victim to the bait of your desires. Download the worksheet today.

[Download not found]

One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

---

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

---

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

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

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

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