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This week’s featured design: Resist the Devil

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This week’s featured design: Resist the Devil

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Memory Verse: James 4:7-8

Take the Wellspring 2020 Memory Verse Challenge: 

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

memory verse logoIn 2020 our emphasis is on revival for America with three key words: revive, renew, and redeem. You will begin to see the elements of our website and posts reflect this emphasis. We hope you’ll join us in praying for God to pour out the Holy Spirit with a mighty rushing wind of revival for our nation and around the world.

 

Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  Our verse last week focused on praying. For the next few weeks, we will be focusing on repentance.

This week’s memory verse:

James 4:7-8

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Meditate and apply:

Will you commit to praying with us in 2020 that God will revive His people, renew our faith, and redeem our land? We feel such an urgency and desperation for revival. If God is moving your heart for revival, write your revival prayer in the comments along with your state or country. 

click to tweet #revive #renew #redeem #revivalinAmerica #revivalin2020 #WCM

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Cover_mBOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:

This event helps couples understand why the daily activities found in the book will equip them to build a stronger marriage and the book provides them with 365 intentional activities to take what they learn at the event and apply it on a daily basis. Through the event, couples will discover the Biblical “why” behind the categories of activities found in the book and the “how” these activities are important to building a stronger marriage. Focus points of the event includes :

  • How memorizing scripture together and studying God’s Word together as they study, meditate and apply scriptures related to marriage and life issues will help them develop marriages that honor God.
  • Why utilizing fun conversation starters that spark meaningful conversations will keep interest alive as they continually learn new things about each other.
  • Why keeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
  • How making memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and how these investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
  • How they can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as how they might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
  • Why it is important that couples never stop dating and how group dates with Christian friends can be both an encouragement and accountability to their own relationship.

During the event, couples will be given an activity from each focus point to do together, making this event an interactive, fun, and engaging event with practical, hands-on learning. Unlike other couple events that are over when the event ends, couples who attend the GLMW event will be able to apply what they learn when utilizing the book on a daily basis for a year. Since the book is not dated, couples are able to reuse the activities year after year to continue being intentional in strengthening their relationship with each other and with God as they strive to live out God’s design for marriage every day.

Learn more about hosting this event at your church or conference site by clicking here.

About the book: The GLMW book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

#GLMW #couplesevent #GLMWbook #intentionalmarriage #Godlymarriage

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Looking for a keynote speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.

Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants. Today, Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.

With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities, regardless of size.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

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445756: Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life, Exclusive Edition Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life, Exclusive Edition

By Beth Moore / Tyndale Momentum

Does the field of your life feel like rocky soil? Beloved Bible teacher Moore explores what it means to abide in the vine of Christ—and bear abundant fruit! Loaded with just-for-you extras, this special edition features insightful discussion questions and life application takeaways so you can dig deeper into God’s plan for human flourishing. Includes a Study Guide for group or individual reflection. 336 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.
723831: I Wish He Had Come with Instructions: The Woman"s Guide to a Man"s Brain I Wish He Had Come with Instructions: The Woman’s Guide to a Man’s Brain

By Mike Bechtle / Revell

Discover what he is REALLY thinking! In I Wish He Had Come with Instructions, relationship expert Mike Bechtle offers you an insider’s guide to the sometimes puzzling male brain. He explains how men think, act, communicate, and grow in relationships. Simple and practical, this book is a road map for better conversations and improved relationships.
971490: Experience the Power of God"s Names: A Life-Giving Devotional Experience the Power of God’s Names: A Life-Giving Devotional

By Tony Evans / Harvest House Publishers

“Elohim,” the strong Creator; “Jehovah,” the relational God; “Adonai,” Master over all. . . . The many names of our Lord reveal his characteristics and contain powerful promises to you as a believer! In each of these 85 life application devotions, Evans introduces you to one of God’s unique names and reveals its spiritual significance. 176 pages, hardcover from Harvest.
094341: It"s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Study Guide It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Study Guide

By Lysa TerKeurst / Thomas Nelson

What do you do when your reality is so different from the vision you had for yourself. In the 6-session video Bible study with Lysa TerKeurst, she offers fresh biblical insight to get you through painful situations, and life-giving perspectives for living in between Eden and eternity. In the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Study Guide, you will dig a little deeper and apply the teaching to your individual circumstances.

Session Titles:

  1. The Birthplace of Disappointment
  2. Living Between Two Gardens
  3. Problems Placed On Us and Problems Within Us
  4. The Four Steps of Restoration
  5. When the Enemy Comes Against Us
  6. Kingdom Minded, Eternally Focused

Designed to be used in conjunction with the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way DVD and the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Book.
088264: Twelve Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories for Women Today, Study Guide Twelve Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories for Women Today, Study Guide

By Lysa TerKeurst, Elisa Morgan & Amena Brown / Zondervan

In this 12-session small group Bible study, Twelve Women of the Bible, Lysa TerKuerst, Elisa Morgan, Jeanne Stevens and others look at the spiritual lessons learned from twelve biblical women and their implications in life today. Now revised and expanded in a larger format from the original for easier note taking and deeper study of the Bible’s most empowered and iconic women.

The Participant Guide features discussion questions, background information on each character, space to write down thoughts, and a helpful Leader’s Guide. Revised and expanded in a larger format from the original for easier note taking and deeper study of the Bible’s most empowered and icononc women.

First Lesson Free! PDF Study Guide
080916: Ten Women of the Bible, Study Guide Ten Women of the Bible, Study Guide

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

Their actions stood out to the writers of Scripture, even though society overlooked their contributions. In Ten Women of the Bible, a 10-session workbook, Lucado tells the stories of 10 pivotal biblical women, including Sarah, Rahab, Abigail, Esther, Sapphira, Mary Magdalene, and others. Each session features insights and study questions that explore their lives – and help you apply the lessons to yours.
147047: The Woman God Sees Mug, ESV The Woman God Sees Mug, ESV

By Christ to All

Reflections: The Woman God Sees, 11 ounce ceramic gift mug in white and purple with swirl design and features Bible reference to Isaiah 62:4, The Lord delights in you. Dishwasher and microwave safe; packaged in sturdy matching gift box.
669925: Embroidered Scripture Quilt, Pink Embroidered Scripture Quilt, Pink

By Comfort in The Word

Unique Baby Gift Bible verse quilt with nine squares embroidered with words of Scripture.All cotton quilt is 40″ x 45″ in an array of pretty pink colors and patterns. For baby gift, baby shower, baptism, christening, or dedication. A beautiful quilt for baby’s nursery. Topselling baby gift.

The verses chosen are meant to encourage mom and dad, as well as teach to your children as they are growing up.

Quilt is packaged in reusable zipper case; it’s hypoallergenic; easy care machine wash and dry.

Verses included:

  • Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5
  • With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
  • Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
  • For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13
  • If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7
  • Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
  • As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13
  • In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
  • Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Personalization is available!
To order with embroidered personalization, just add to your cart and follow the prompts.
All personalization is done on the premises at Christianbook.com.
Please Note: Font and thread colors cannot be changed.
052903: Wash Your Hands and Say Your Prayers Soap Dispenser Wash Your Hands and Say Your Prayers Soap Dispenser

By Dexsa-the Giving Company

Trending words of inspiration on glass soap dispenser for kitchen, bath, or powder room; clear glass with typography design screened on; pump top. Fill with your favorite detergent, soap, or lotion. 8 ounce capacity.Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere.
036973: When God Doesn"t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can"t Live Without When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without

By Laura Story with Jennifer Schuchmann / W Publishing

Grammy Award-winning songwriter Story had a fairy-tale life—until her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Can blessings arise from broken dreams? Tackling common myths about God and hardship, she examines what happens when life doesn’t turn out as we expect—and offers assurance that although our situation may never get better, we can grow because of it. 224 pages, softcover from Nelson.
214695: Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

Come and meet the One at the center of the greatest story ever told! Inviting you to reflect on the heart of Christ, this updated edition of Lucado’s best-selling work introduces you to Jesus as Immanuel, friend, teacher, miracle worker, Lamb of God, returning king, and the God who knows and loves you. Includes never-before-published material. 230 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage - By: Julia M. Bruce

God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage

By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press

There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
• Scripture to memorize and meditate on
• Conversation Starters
• Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
• Romance Builders
• Relationship Builders
• Personal reflections
• Date ideas
• Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples

95962: Musician"s Mug Musician’s Mug

12 ounce ceramic mug features lines of music and Scripture verse; Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Psalm 100:1. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Perfect gift for any musician. Boxed.

 

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Psalm 119:10-11

Aug 21 Psalm 119 10-11

Has God ever seemed distant to you and you begin searching for Him? When we seek the Lord, we are seeking His presence. Maybe it we just need to feel His presence around us or maybe we are seeking Him because we need wisdom, strength, joy, peace, understanding, guidance, or salvation.

Since God is omnipresent, He is always near us. In Deuteronomy 31:6, God says that He will never leave us or forsake us. And In Matthew 28:20, Jesus said, “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” So then, why do we need to seek Him?

Throughout life, there are times when we neglect our relationship with God. We get busy with life or life is going great and we just don’t think we need God right that minute. Instead of trusting Him, we begin to do life on our own. We neglect Bible study and prayer or going to church. But then the minute we need His help, we want to pull Him out of the box we stored Him in and we look for a miracle or answer to some problem. Even when we are doing all the “right things” (i.e.: Bible study, prayer, church attendance, etc.) there are just times when it seems as if God is not as close as He does at other times.

To help us understand, think for a moment about a marriage relationship or friendship. The relationship may be going well. You’re not angry with each other, but yet your spouse or friend just doesn’t seem as close as they once did. If you don’t invest in the relationship, cultivating and nurturing it constantly, then the closeness fades away and in place of closeness we find staleness. We feel “out of touch” with each other. The same is true for our relationship with God.

In Psalm 105:4, we are told to seek His presence continually. But the question becomes…How do we seek his presence? 1 Chronicles 22:19 says, “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.” Colossians 3:2 tells us that we are to set our minds on things that are above, not things in the world. And In Psalm 119:10-11, the psalmist writes that he sought God will all his heart. If we set our mind to something, we become determined to achieve it. So instead of just coasting through life, we become determined to do life with God as we align our will to His. If we are seeking Him with all our heart, then we want and desire the presence of God more than anything else. (click to tweet)

As in any relationship, a close, intimate bond occurs when both people are working together to create a close relationship. In 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul prayed, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” On God’s part, He draws us to Him, inviting us into relationship with Him. Whenever we begin to slip away, God invites back into the close relationship He desires to have with us. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7) In the book of Jeremiah, the God said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” (Jeremiah 29:13-14). In the New Testament, Jesus gave the highest priority to seek God. He said in Matthew 6:33 “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

God always wants to be close to us and He is never lost. He never wanders away. It is us that moves away in the relationship. But even still, God desires to have a relationship with us so much that even when we neglect our relationship with Him, he draws us in so that we begin to yearn for Him, which causes us to seek Him. (Click to tweet) He loves us beyond anything we could ever imagine and He patiently waits for us to seek Him – with all our heart. We can see throughout the Bible how God constantly wants to be near to the people He created. In the very beginning, He planted a garden and he would come in the cool of the day to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve and talk with them. As the Israelites leave Egypt, God leads the way with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. At Mt. Sinai, the people hear him, describing His voice like thunder. God met with Moses on the mount and gave him the 10 Commandments.  Later, God gives instructions for building the tabernacle where He would commune with the priest in the Holy of Holies. Later, Solomon built a temple. But then came the New Testament and God Himself took on the form of man as Jesus was born and came near to mankind for the purpose of taking our sin debt on Himself so that we could have eternal life where we will be with Him forever. Without the Jesus’ sacrifice of His own life on the cross, we would never be able to draw near to God. But as a Christian, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and God sees us as if we’d never sin.

God provides ample ways to reveal Himself to us. Psalm 97: 6 says, “The heaven declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.” When we see a beautiful sunrise or the expanse of the starry sky on a cloudless night, our minds are drawn to Him. We see God as he works in the lives of others around us or even in our own life. We reveals Himself to us through the Bible. He reveals Himself to us through the work of the Holy Spirit within as He convicts us of sin. He reveals Himself to us through answered prayers. We can see the fingerprints of God all around us and as we recognize Him, we feel drawn to Him.

So God did his part of drawing us to Him and we must do ours. James 4:7-10 is the recipe for revival that will bring us back into the close relationship with God that we so often find ourselves seeking:

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hand, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Drawing near to God begins with us submitting ourselves to God – to His will for our lives, to obeying His commands, living for Him and serving him with all our heart. We must also resist the devil. We cannot understand God or know how he expects us to live if we do not read His word. Neither can we resist the devil if we do not know the Word of God. In Psalm 119:10-11, the psalmist wrote: “don’t let me wander from your commands. I have treasured your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Jesus set the example of this. When he was being tempted in the wilderness, he resisted the devil but quoting scripture to Satan. God’s Word should be like a great, costly treasure that we store up within ourselves by committing it to memory, meditating on its meaning, and seeking out how the Holy Spirit is leading us to apply it to our lives.(Click to tweet) Then when we have stored God’s treasured Word in our hearts and the devil comes knocking, we are armed and ready for the fight. He might hurl fiery darts at us, but we can hurl back the Word of God at him and the Word of God is much more powerful! (click to tweet)

So James tell us to submit and resist – but next he says, that if we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. But to draw near to a holy, righteous God, we must cleanse our hands and purify our heart. We do this through deep, soul-searching repentance. (Click to tweet)  This is what James meant when he tell us to “lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.” Repenting is more than saying your sorry. If someone close to you hurt you through words or actions and said, “I’m sorry” yet they continue to do it over and over again, are they really sorry? When there is true repentance and one is truly sorry, then there is a heart change and a desire to not do the action that caused them to be sorry. Without a change of heart, there is no true repentance. (Click to tweet) 

True repentance, then leads to humility. The closer we get to God and see His righteousness, the more of our own unrighteousness we see. We then can see and understand the extent of His love for us that caused Him to send His only beloved Son to die on the cross as payment for our sin. Once we understand the depth of God’s love for us, pride and arrogance is vanquished and we are able to draw near to God with clean hands, pure hearts, and humility. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul wrote: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So if you are seeking the presence of God – seek Him continually and earnestly with all of your heart. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

 

 

click to tweet Click to tweet today’s verse of the day.

 

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We have a new product line of Christian apparel and gifts available in our Teespring Store and our new Spreadshop Store. You’ll find tee shirts, hoodies, tanks, socks, leggings, tote bags, mugs, iphone cases and more. All proceeds go to the advancement of Wellspring Christian Ministries. Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view the Teespring store. 

Click here to view the Spreadshop Store which has a 15% discount through August 9, 2019

Cover_m God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel

 

book now summer and fall

Looking for a speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.

Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants.

Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.

With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Image result for phone clipart png
Or call us at 904.524.8073

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Acts 7:51. Stiff-necked and Resistant

Jun 26 Acts 7 51 hcsb

When I was in my mid-twenties, I was the passenger in an auto accident that resulted in my neck and back being broke. I still have days of my back and neck hurting. Recently I discovered I had two herniated discs in my neck for which I have had a series of shots for. But this is not what the Bible is talking about when it refers to a person being stiff necked.

At the end of Acts 6, we find that Stephen is accused of blasphemy even though the wonders and signs he did pointed to the work of God. In Acts 7 we find Stephen’s address to the high priest in which he emphasizes Israel’s disobedience throughout the Old Testament. He told of how God had been at work from the beginning of time and made Israel His chosen people with the calling of Abraham. He then went through the time they spent in Egypt, Moses delivering them through the miracles of God, and the years of Israel’s rebellion against God. He sums up his sermon by saying, “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.”

Stephen made four observations about his audience: they were stiff-necked, had uncircumcised hearts, uncircumcised ears, and they always resist the Holy Spirit.

stiff necked

  • To say they were stiff-necked was saying they were stubborn, hard-headed, and unyielding. Israel’s history proved this to be true. They were so stubborn and unyielding that finally God said, “Enough!” and the nation of Israel was conquered and the people were carried off to spend then next 70 years in captivity.
  • An uncircumcised heart is one that is closed and impervious to God’s attempts to affect it.  In Deuteronomy 30:6, it says, “The Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and all your soul that you will live.” Circumcision of the heart, then, goes clear down to a person’s soul, the very essence of who he or she is and is expressed through his or her attitudes and relationship with God. An uncircumcised heart does not love God with all its soul and does not have a relationship with God. For many in Israel (and in our world today), they had a head-knowledge of who they thought God was but they never had the heart-experience of who God is.

For many in Israel (and in our world today), they had a head-knowledge of who they thought God was but they never had the heart-experience of who God is. — click to tweet

  • To have uncircumcised ears means they heard what they wanted to in regards to God’s Word or that they had such a strong prejudice to how they interpreted it that it was impossible for them to ever change their way of thinking even when the truth was right in front of them with the signs and wonders that Stephen had been doing.
  • Resisting the Holy Spirit was to ignore what the Spirit was saying. Throughout Israel’s history, God would sent a prophet with a message and the prophet would be rejected. Now that Jesus had returned to heaven and the Holy Spirit has come to indwell the believer, when we ignore what the Spirit is saying to us, we are resisting Him. As Stephen spoke to the crowd, the Holy Spirit was speaking to them through Stephen. It was if the Holy Spirit had a personal message for them and they rejected it. We know they rejected the Holy Spirit because in verses 54-47 we find the people were so furious that they gnashed their teeth at Stephen, covered their ears, and yelled at the top of their voice. They rushed at Stephen, dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death. Any time we reject what the Holy Spirit is saying to us, we are resisting Him and the work He is trying to do in our lives. It is as if we stand guard at the door to our heart and refuse to surrender our will to God.

Any time we reject what the Holy Spirit is saying to us, we are resisting Him and the work He is trying to do in our lives. It is as if we stand guard at the door of our heart and refuse to surrender our will to God. — click to tweet

What about you? Would God say you are stiff-necked, stubborn and unyielding person? Are you closed and impervious to God’s attempts to change your heart? Do you hear what you want to hear from God’s Word and ignore the rest or twist it to mean what you want it to mean? Do you resist the Holy Spirit when He is trying teach you something or correct something in your life? Do you resist Him when he prompts you to witness to someone? Its really all about control. Are you willing to surrender and give total control of your life to the God who created you and loves you?

Israel had a problem in that they could not learn from the mistakes of their ancestors. Stephen told them that just as their fathers had been stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ears, and resisted the Holy Spirit, they were doing so now too. But we can learn what they did not and yield ourselves to God and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

 

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Cover_m God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel

 

book now summer and fall

Looking for a speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.

Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants.

Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.

With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities.

Image result for form pngTo request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

 

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Or call us at 904.524.8073