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Hope for Hopeless Sinners

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

Week 2 of Advent: Hope

Grace and Mercy over Justice Equals Hope

Richard J. Needham said, “Many of those who cry so loudly for justice would soon beg for mercy if justice were done to them.” When it comes to standing before God, I don’t know about you, but it’s mercy that I want – not justice. The Bible is clear that every one of us are sinners (Romans 3:23) and that the justice we deserve for our sins is death (Romans 6:23). If God were only a God of justice – none of us would have any hope. It is only by His grace and mercy that the invitation of salvation was given to us and Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us that we sinners are made acceptable by God’s grace and because of His love for us. It is the very essence of our hope.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

Our hopeless situation

hopless sinner screen bean

As sinners, we each find ourselves in a hopeless situation. One where we are spiritually dead and enslaved in our sin as we walk among the disobedient and under Satan’s dominion. As such, we are objects of God’s wrath and His justice demands payment and the payment is a debt we are not able pay. It is impossible for us to do enough good works to change our hopeless situation. There is no amount of money large enough to donate to the church to buy your way into eternal life. There is absolutely nothing we sinful humans can do on our own to change the justice we deserve. On our own, our situation is hopeless.

But God is a God who turns hopelessness into hope and abundant life. Here’s how…

We have hope because God is Rich in Mercy and Grace

Mercy is simply God’s compassion for our hopeless and helpless situation and spares us from the justice we deserve. Instead, He shows pity, compassion, and kindness in that He made it possible for us to trade in our hopelessness for His abundant life. However, we must understand that God does not owe us mercy. In fact, mercy cannot be owed because it is given to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

Another aspect of God’s mercy, is that He is rich in mercy – or in other words, He is very patient with us. If God handed out justice immediately upon our first sin, none of us would ever get passed our toddler years. Instead the holy and righteous God chooses to hold off pronouncing judgement to a later time to give us the chance to experience His mercy, repent of our sins, and accept Christ as our Savior. William Farley wrote in Outrageous Mercy: Rediscovering the Radical Nature of the Cross, “The cross displays God’s mercy and grace, and justice, and does so with startling clarity.” Because God’s wrath and mercy met at the cross of Christ who paid our sin debt for us, we have hope and can become a new creation and a child of God.

James 2:13 tells us, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Mercy triumphs over justice, but if we choose to refuse God’s mercy, our hopelessness remains and instead of abundant life, we face eternal damnation. Rejecting God’s mercy is choosing justice and judgement instead of hope and eternal life. But if we reject what He freely offers, then we can expect to receive the justice and wages of our sin – eternal separation from God and an eternity in hell.

God’s Love is Great; therefore our Hope is Great

To see the greatness of God’s love, we only need to look at the cross. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave is only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus, the sinless son of God, took our place. It should have been us on the cross – but Jesus bore all of our sins on himself and willingly went to the cross so that we could receive God’s forgiveness and accept His mercy. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made the One [Jesus] who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” As Jesus shed His blood for us, His blood covers all of our sins and God sees us as righteous.

God’s Love is Great, Even while we are still hopelessly lost sinners

Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinner, Christ died for us.” We often hear stories but soldiers who throw themselves on a grenade to save the platoon or a parent or spouse who steps in front of a bullet. But how often do you hear a story where someone sacrifices their life for their enemy? This is exactly what Jesus did for us. As a lost sinner, we are God’s enemy, but even then Christ loved us enough to die in our place.

Because of God’s rich mercy and great love, He extends grace rather than justice and hope rather than eternal death

saved by grace screen bean

If mercy is God not giving us the punishment and justice we deserve, then grace is God giving us blessings we do not deserve. Instead of justice, God extends his favor towards us when we choose to accept his free gift of salvation by faith in Christ. It is only by His grace that we receive the blessing of salvation and eternal life. It is impossible to earn it.

If I should give you a gift, but you want to pay me for it, it ceases to be a gift. If you work for the gift’s value, it ceases to be a gift. And if you refuse and reject it, then it is no longer a gift. It is only a gift when you reach out and accept it. Christ already paid the price for the gift of salvation – with His life – so that once we accept the gift of salvation our sin debt is marked “paid in full” with the very blood that Jesus shed on the cross in our place. The grace God offers, is the unmerited gift of eternal life.

Justice = Dead in Sin or Grace = Alive in Christ

When we accept God’s generous and loving offer of mercy and grace, He makes us alive together with Christ and gives us abundant and eternal life. Instead of being spiritually dead in our sin, God’s grace and mercy makes us a new creation that is now spiritually alive and when we pass on into eternity, there is a place waiting for us in heaven where we will dwell with Christ.

The work of salvation cannot be accomplished by our works. We can’t earn it and we can’t buy it. The entire process of salvation is an act of God’s goodness and only by His unmerited favor and only for His glory. When we truly see ourselves as the sinners we are and the grace and love that God has for us despite our sinfulness, we must then choose to accept or reject His gift of salvation. Accepting it by faith leads to eternal life in heaven with Christ. Rejecting it leads to the justice we deserve – eternal separation from God in hell. What will you choose?

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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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Rules vs. Relationship:

The difference between religion and Christianity

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

The Nature of God’s Love

Love is the nature of God. 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love.” It is who He is. God loves you and there is nothing you can do to change it. God loves you and there is nothing you can do to make God love you more, and there is nothing you can do to that will cause God to love you less. You can’t earn his love because God is love. It’s His nature and you can’t change that. And because He loves you, He wants to have a relationship with you.

You Can’t Change the Fact that God Loves You

We all go through moments of life wondering if a parent, spouse, child, or friend loves us. Maybe we did something to disappointment them and the relationships with them was broken and now we doubt how they feel about us now. Maybe that someone you disappointed was God and you find yourself wondering, “How could God possibly love someone like me?”

There are also those who go around trying to do every good work in an effort to get God to love them or to love them more. They pay penance, fast, live moral lives, give to the poor, or any number of things they believe will earn them God’s love. However, the simple fact is God loves you and there is nothing you can do that will cause God to love you more or less.

You Can’t Make God Love You Any Less

Because love is God’s nature, we find that the prophet Jeremiah writes, “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” But God doesn’t just tell us that He loves us. He acted out his love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Even though God knew that each one of us was born in sin, an enemy of God, God still sent His Son to die and pay the debt of our sin for us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves His own love fore us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” When did God prove His love? When did Christ die for us? While we were still sinners. So there is nothing you can do to make God love you any less.

You Can’t Do Anything to Make God Love you More

Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that we are dead in our trespasses and sin. But in verses 4-5, Paul wrote, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” It is because of God’s love and grace that He offers you the free gift of salvation. Not anything you have done. There is absolutely nothing you can do that will cause God to love you more. He loves you so much that even when you were a filthy, dirty sinner, He sent His only Son to die for you. Jesus told us in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” There is no greater love than the love of Jesus, who died for you.

Christianity is about a Relationship

There are many religions that tell you you have to do this or that in order to be a Christian. But faith is what sets Christianity apart from religion. Faith in Jesus. Faith that believes He is the Son of God who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, was buried for three days and then rose again. And because of that faith we have a relationship with Him. 1 John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” As Christians, we have a relationships with God because Ephesians 5:1 tells us  we were adopted as sons and daughters into the family of God by Jesus Christ for no other reason than because it was according to the good pleasure of His will.

Religion is about Rules

Religion on the other hand is about rules. Some religions will demand a person to pray a certain number of times per day or to fast for a whole month each year.

Another religion says its followers must use separate sinks for preparing dairy and non-dairy foods.

Another religion requires its followers to get up 3 hours before dawn every day to wash and pray.

There is another religion that requires its followers to make an offering at a household shrine 3 times every day.

One religion requires the men to wear special underclothes and when couples of that religion have children, they begin saving for those children because when they become young adults, they are supposed to spend 2 years serving as missionaries to that religion.

And we are all familiar with the religion that requires its follows to spend a certain amount of time each month going door-to-door, sharing their literature and signing people up for their religious studies.

Religious Rules of Jesus’ Day

Rules. Things were no different in Jesus’ day. The religious leaders of His day had developed a religious system with 613 laws. They chose the number 613 because that was how many separate letters were in the text containing the 10 Commandments. They found 613 commandments in the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy). Then they divided the list into affirmative commands (do this) and negative commands (don’t do this).

There were 248 affirmative commands, one for every part of the human body, as they understood it. There were 365 negative commands, one for each day of the year. They further divided the list into binding commands and nonbonding commands. Then they spent their days debating whether the divisions were accurate and ranking the commands within each division. [John MacArther, Matthew 19-23 (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1988), 337-38.]

Religious Rules of Today

We see the same trend happening in Christianity today. There are people who try to add rules to Christianity that are not there. Things like, not eating meat on Fridays, or doing without something for 40 days during Lent. Some folks measure their religious zeal by the length of their skirts, or how long their hair is. Even things like having a quiet time can become a legalistic, religious rule, if you let it.

Jesus isn’t into all of that measuring, one-up-man-ship, and rules. When someone came and tried to get Jesus’ opinion on what the great commandment was, He answered, “Love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Jesus says, “Y’all go around measuring and comparing and think you’re doing well. But all of godly living comes out of these two simple commands.” No wonder Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” You see, religion is about rules.

Christianity is about a relationship

Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, “Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.” What does Jesus say, in this verse, was necessary in order to have a relationship with him? You hear Him, and open the door. You hear His voice, and you invite Him into your life.

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” My friends, Christians – disciples of Christ – are people who have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The disciplines we have in our lives flow out of the relationship we have with, and our love for their Savior. Nothing you do will make God love you any more. Nothing you do will make God love you any less.

The disciplines we practice, we do so because we want to become more like our Savior. Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Relationship. We have a relationship with our Savior which makes us children of God and therefore we have a relationship with our Heavenly Father who loves us with an everlasting love. Not because we earned or deserve it, but because of his lovingkindness, mercy, and grace. As His children, we practice the disciplines of our faith as a joy, not an obligation or to earn His favor.

Has religion become a burden?

If your religion is burden, I invite you to tell Jesus right now that you want a relationship with him.

Admit to Him that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Tell Him that you believe He is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for you, and rose again. John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Confess Jesus as the Lord of your life and commit yourself to a life of following Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Are you following a religion, or do you have a relationship with God you loves you with an everlasting love?

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    Revive us again, Lord
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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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Bible Reading Plan Download

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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Darkness at the Cross

A Full Solar Eclipse

Have you ever experienced a full solar eclipse? In such an eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking out all or part of the sun for up to about three hours, with the moon completely blocking the sun creating total darkness for about two minutes and forty seconds (nasa.gov). The last time the U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 2017 and the one before was in 1979.

Darkness at Noon

The Bible tells us about another day where it was about noon and darkness covered the land until three in the afternoon because the sun stopped shining. (Luke 23:44-45a) On that day, Jesus Christ hung on a cross, bearing the sins of every person throughout all time. As he bore our sin, God could not look upon his own son as he suffered for you and for me. In that moment, God turned his back on his son.

As a mother with a 25 year old son, there is no way I could ever turn my back on my child and certainly not in his biggest moment of pain and suffering. Yet, God did because he loves you and me enough that no matter what sin we may have committed or currently are involved in, He wanted to have a relationship with us. Our sin, however, keeps us separated from Him because He is Holy. Jesus willingly endured the torture of the cross and willingly gave His life to pay the penalty for our sin.

The wages of sin is death and eternal darkness

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Our sin has consequences and there is a price to be paid for it. Just as you are paid a wage for the work you do each week, God has a paycheck to give you for the sins you commit and that paycheck is…death.

Before sin entered the world, people would not have died. Death is the consequence of sin. But not just physical death. There is also spiritual death in that when you physically die without accepting Jesus a your Savior, you experience eternal darkness, torment, and separation from God in Hell. God never sends a person to hell. Every person that ends up in hell chooses hell by rejecting Jesus. So, if you have not placed your faith in trust in Jesus – you are on your to hell. But don’t panic yet!

Good News! There is an alternative to death and eternal darkness

There is good news! Jesus took payment we earned on himself in our place. Jesus’s death on the cross covered our sin debt and because he died in our place, he is able to offer us the gift of eternal life. If I hold in my hand a beautifully wrapped present and extend my hand to you, how does the gift become yours? It is a gift, because you did nothing to earn it. And if you pay me for it, it ceases to become a gift. There is only one way the gift can become yours. You must reach out and accept it.

It’s your choice as to what you will do with the gift of eternal life and only you can make that choice. Infant baptism or any other kind of baptism can’t save you. Having a father who is preacher won’t get you out of going to hell. You can’t do enough good works to earn your want into heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) He is the way into heaven as we accept the truth about who He is and the truth of our sinfulness. When we accept His free gift, we then experience an abundant and eternal life in His presence in Heaven.

How do you receive the free gift of eternal life and escape death and eternal darkness?

How do you accept the free gift of eternal life? You must receive it by faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and it’s not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: not of works, so nobody can boast.”

You begin by acknowledging that you have a sin problem. Romans 3:23 say, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That little word “all, “means you. It means me. It means every single person that has ever lived with the exception of Christ. Because Jesus lived a sinless life, He was able to offer His life in place of ours.  

Ephesians 2:1-3 says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” Deserving of God’s wrath. Our problem is sin.

Our problem is sin, but there is an answer

Like any other problem, there is an answer. Ephesians 2:4-10 gives the answer. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

The Answer to our Sin Problem is Jesus

The answer to our sin problem is God’s grace extended to us through the death, burial and resurrection of his only son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16 tells why God allowed Jesus to die for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God loves all of us. It doesn’t matter what color skin we have, what our past looks like or what our present life looks like. It doesn’t matter how “big” your sin is because we are the only ones that puts value on sin. To God, a little small sin as just as big as the worst sin you can think of.

Sin is sin and only one sin will keep you from eternal life. But because of his love and grace, he allowed his Son to take the punishment we deserve. The Bible says, “Christ died for our sins…and rose (from the dead) on the third day” (1 Corinthian 15:3,4). “But God showed His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) It also tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us so that we can be made righteous in the sight of God and this is what makes eternal life possible.

God’s Extravagant Gift Requires a Response

Just as the only way you could possess a wrapped present from me is to reach out and take it, there also has to be a response from you towards the gift that God offers you. You reach out and accept His gift of eternal life by acknowledging your sin, asking him to forgive you of your sin and placing your faith and trust in Christ alone. Acts16:31 tells us, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” In John 6:47, Jesus said, “Truthfully I say unto you, He that believes on Me has everlasting life.

For Christians, I hope the next time you experience an eclipse it will serve as a reminder to you of what it cost Christ for your gift of eternal life. For non-Christians, I hope you will think of this moment in time when the sun did not shine as Jesus hung on a cross in payment for your sin. As he hung in total darkness, separated from God, so you too are in spiritual darkness and separated from God. Jesus went to the cross so that you could have eternal life with God rather than everlasting separation from God.

You Can Receive God’s Free Gift Right Now

If you wish to accept the free gift of eternal life right now, you can simply pray the prayer below with a sincere heart and God will hear you.

“Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. Right now, in this moment, I trust you as my Savior. I believe that you died for me and rose from the dead as payment for my sins. I accept your free gift of eternal life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, let us know in the comment sections or send us a note through the contact us page. Also, find a local evangelical church in your area and talk with the pastor and let him know of the decision you have made. He can then help you as you follow in obedience to God and grow as a Christian.

click here to listen to our daily devotions on Spotify and be sure to follow us.

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Our Newest Download! The Path to Sin Worksheet

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

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

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Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

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Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Download our Free Self-Care Wheel

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

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

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The Joy of the Lord

No matter what we face in life, Jesus gives up peace and laughter because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

The Joy of the Lord

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

  • Every Knee Will Bow
  • Godfidence
  • Prayer Warrior
  • Way Maker
  • Living for the world to see Jesus
  • Raise a Hallelujah
  • Faith Can Move Mountains
  • Don’t Quit
  • Walk by faith
  • Battle Isn’t Over
  • Just Pray
  • Jesus is our Peace
  • Fight on my knees
  • Giants
  • I’m only talking to Jesus today
  • Known Loved Worthy Enough Chosen Child of God
  • Grace wins
  • Walk by Faith
  • Script Unstoppable God
  • Print Unstoppable God
  • Unstoppable Force
  • Run with perseverance
  • Steps of a Good Man
  • Something New
  • Seek and Find
  • Revive Us Again
  • Resist the Devil
  • Beloved- Mr and Mrs
  • Mr and Mrs – God’s Plan
  • Man of God
  • He Left 99 for Me
  • Cast All Your Cares
  • Faith over Fear
  • Don’t Worry
  • Created to Praise
  • All things are Possible
  • What the Lord Requires
  • All Things New
  • Anything is possible
  • With my song I will praise Him
  • Names of God
  • All things are possible
  • Revive Us Again, Lord
    Revive us again, Lord
  • Blessings head to toe-hearts
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  • Blessings head to toe – roses
  • Be Still
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  • Three In One

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

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.

Find the canvas print here
  • All thing new
  • Amazing Grace Sunset
  • Armor of God
  • Amazing Grace
  • As the Deer
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  • Lord is my Rock
  • New Mercies
  • Pray
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  • Seek and Find
  • Wings like Eagles
  • Stand Firm
  • Teach the way of Wisdom
  • New Song
  • Prayer of Blessing

To see the collection of Canvas and Poster Prints

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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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The Most Deadliest Virus

Did you know there is a much more deadlier virus than COVID-19 on the loose – One with 100% mortality rate? While the variants of COVID-19 is once again in the spotlight, acting the lead role of a villain in a horror movie, there is a more deadlier and contagious problem than Covid-19 on the loose. It has stolen, destroyed and killed so many lives and devastated families since the dawn of man kind. It started in the Garden of Eden and continues to today. No one is exempt. Every single person has it.

What is this deadly virus?

It is the SIN of mankind which eventually results in DEATH. The ever increasing COVID-19 death totals truly scares us. Little do we realize that worldwide, aside from these virus-related deaths, even in normal times 3 people die every second, 180 die every minute, almost 11,000 die every hour, and more than 250,000 perish every day. These statistics are shocking, aren’t they?

We are all living in a fallen, infectious, contaminated world dominated by SIN and all it’s ramifications which ultimately results in DEATH.

Symptoms of the SIN virus

Similar to cancer, the SIN virus spreads silently. Many people lead normal lives with cancer, without seeking treatment, because they don’t know they’re carrying a root of death within themselves. Those who live in sin often lead normal lives as well, without seeking reconciliation with God, because they don’t know they’re also carrying a root within that will lead them to hell.

But, just as cancer and other fatal diseases display symptoms, sin also has its symptoms. And the symptom of sin is disobedience.

A sin can be very well hidden, but the actions and reactions of a disobedient person show that sin is in their heart. The same way an internal disease manifests itself externally, in a visible form, through strange signs in the body, sin will also manifest itself externally through rebellious attitudes, in such a way that, what was invisible becomes visible.

Disobedience may be the tip of the iceberg of pride, malice, envy, racism, arrogance, lack of fear, being apart from God, selfishness, spiritual weakness, greed, sexual immorality, idolatry, and all other sins. 

Who has contracted the SIN virus?

The symptoms of SIN may or may not be visible on the outside, but the Bible tells us that every single person on the earth has tested positive for the SIN. There’s traces of it in our head, heart, and hands, and its effects cut across our body, soul and spirit. Globally, as of July 30, 2021, there have been 196,553,009 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4,200,412 deaths, reported to WHO. That means that of those who contracted the COVID-19 virus, 2.14% died from the virus world wide. Here in the U.S. the CDC reports a total of 34,926,462 confirmed cases with 610,873 deaths. So, for the U.S 1.75% of those who contracted COVID-19 died from the virus.

But the Bible tells us that every single person that has lived, other than Jesus, has contracted the SIN virus. Romans 3:23 says, “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In fact, Adam and Eve were the first to contract the SIN virus and then they passed the virus down to every other person. One could say it’s in our DNA. Each one of us were born with it.

What is Sin?

Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). Genesis 3 describes Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God and His command. Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin has been an “inheritance” for all of their descendants. Romans 5:12 tells us that, through Adam, sin entered the world and so death was passed on to all men because all have sinned. This passed-on sin is known as inherited sin. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature from Adam.

So, 100% of the world population is infected with the SIN virus. Not only does 100% of the population have the SIN virus, 100% of the world-wide population will eventually die because of SIN. No one is immune and no one can escape the plague of SIN and DEATH.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death…”

The Origin of the SIN Virus

Since Covid 19 was discovered, there has been much research into where and how the virus started. But the Bible is very clear about the origin of SIN and DEATH. In the beginning God created a beautiful home full of potential for His creation of mankind and He placed the very first family in the Garden of Eden. Looking at everything God created, God Himself declared it all “GOOD.” It was all pure without any contamination. So what happened?

God didn’t create Adam and Eve as puppets on a string, they had A CHOICE, either they could trust and obey God to rule the world according to God’s standard OR they could eat from the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil and rule the world according to their own standards. Using their free will they decided to cease living God’s way and chose to live their own way. As a result SIN, and consequently DEATH, starts leaking out into the world. Apostle Paul summarizes it in Romans 5:12. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”

Notice the progression in Romans 5:12: sin entered the world through Adam, death follows sin, death comes to all people, all people sin because they inherit sin from Adam.

The SIN Virus is a weapon against humanity

Satan is God’s enemy – but he is also our enemy. In the Garden of Eden, man was deceived to unleash a weapon against himself using his free will by disobeying God. And Satan has dedicated himself to continue deceiving mankind so that we will remove God from our lives. But the result is always the same – death. Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Consequences of the SIN Virus

Every choice comes with a consequence. But when we choose to live our way, instead of God’s way, things start falling apart and we begin falling into a downward spiral of moral corruption and rebellion. Generation after generation the intensity and the magnitude of human rebellion increases until it reaches its the results that we see in our world today. The whole world is drowning again in a vicious cycle of Sin and death. It all started with a single act of disobedience and multiplied over the generations to a more destructive and resistant variants. Now what is the status of the good, perfect and uncontaminated world God created. It is all infected with the SIN virus and moving towards eternal DEATH.

God’s plan to rescue humanity

As hard as people have worked to find a vaccine effective against COVID-29, there is no one who can create a cure for the SIN Virus. Nor is there any person who save himself from it. So who is going to bring salvation to mankind? What kind of cure is powerful enough to neutralize the adverse effects of the poison released by the Sin virus? Who is the virologist who can calculate the correct genetic code for the right antivenom to confront and neutralize Sin and cure humanity of its effects? Thankfully, God had a plan to rescue humanity.

Who is capable to save humanity from the SIN Virus?

Even after repeated failures on the part of man, God is faithful to keep His promises. The moment the Sin birus entered into humanity in the Garden of Eden, God promised man that He himself will solve this problem, that God himself will provide THE WAY out for man. Through a promise which will never change God shows mankind a great light at the end of the dark tunnel of sin. God promised to raise THE SEED OF THE WOMAN who will put an end to the SIN and DEATH.

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15

No matter how hopeless the situation seems our God can deliver us. A deadly contagious virus has invaded the whole worth but we still have hope. No matter how messed up humanity may seem God is able to bring the answer. And that answer demonstrates the total reckless and extravagant love of God for all mankind. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That’s right! His Only Son – Jesus – was sent into the world to save humanity from the SIN Virus.

The Antidote to Sin and Death

Yes, Jesus is God’s antidote to the Sin Virus and the death it brings. To understand this, let us refresh our memory on what we learned about producing antibodies for a venom in our science class. For example let’s consider how the antigen is produced to fight snake venom. The venom from the snake is obtained and injected to the host animal. When the uninfected host is injected the venom it’s pure blood forms the antivenom to fight the snake’s venom. The blood from the animal is drawn out the produced antibodies separated then concentrated and injected into the infected person.

Let’s unlock the principle here. An uninfected, pure host has to be injected with the venom of sin and the host’s blood which contains the antidote needs to be drawn out. What do you think would be the status of the host when all this happens?

2 Corinthians 5:11 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The Antidote was made on the Cross

This is what happened on the cross. Jesus lived a perfectly holy life in obedience to God and all His commandments. He never sinned. If He had sinned even once, then He could not have paid the penalty for our sin and become the sacrifice for us. He died as God’s chosen sacrifice to take away the sins of mankind. Our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to counteract the deadly poison of sin.

The only antidote for sin and death is God’s gift of eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus our Lord. Because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we need a perfect, sinless sacrifice to wash away our sin, something we are powerless to do on our own. Thankfully, Jesus Christ is the Savior from sin! Our sin has been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now “in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). God, in His infinite wisdom, has provided the remedy for the sin we inherit, and that remedy is available to everyone: “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38).

The Antidote is sufficient

He rose from the grave and proved that His sacrifice alone was sufficient. He ascended to the Father’s right hand and He freely gives the VACCINE, eternal life, to all who repent of their sins and trust Him as Lord and Savior and receive Him by faith. It’s all provided freely, we don’t have to be in the waiting list, stand in line, make an appointment, bribe someone to get it, be scared of the side effects or worry about a second dose. It’s all given to humanity free of charge because Jesus paid the price for us.

So this is it. God provided the WAY, the cure, Jesus the Messiah. God provided the spotless lamb to die on our behalf. He died and His sacrifice gave us life. Humanity is no longer doomed to eternal destruction but we have a WAY out.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Our only hope against the SIN Virus

It is obvious the whole world is drowning in a sea of SIN virus. Humanity, along with the whole of creation, is groaning for salvation. I’m afraid the COVID 19 vaccine can’t fix this problem. The only hope for this dying world is to receive salvation, the cure provided by God Himself. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There is no other way.

The only question is, have you received the free gift Jesus offers to you that will save your from the SIN virus? There’s no time to waste, now is time to receive Jesus into your heart and give your life to Him. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” It is a decision and step of faith that you take in this life. Once you die, it will be too late to decide then. Romans 10:9-19 says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

What will you do with the free antidote for the SIN Virus?

Remember earlier we said that every choice has a consequence? What you chose to do with the free antidote to the SIN Virus that God has provide has eternal consequences. When you accept by faith that Jesus is God’s antidote and that Jesus paid the price of death for you because of your sin, you will have the victorious consequence of eternal life. But if you chose to reject Jesus as the antidote that saves your from your SIN virus, your consequence is eternal separation from God in Hell. God has graciously provided the antidote. It is His give to us. You only have to reach out and accept it by faith. What will you do with the free antidote for the SIN Virus?

click here to listen to our daily devotions on Spotify and be sure to follow us.

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

We’re offering 15% off our speaker fees if you book by July 31, 2021. Call today and use the discount code: SUMMER2021.

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:

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Monthly
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Make a monthly donation

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Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

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]

Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]
Bible Reading Plan Download

Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Download our Free Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

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

Three In One

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – Three in One.

Every Knee Will Bow

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

  • Every Knee Will Bow
  • Godfidence
  • Prayer Warrior
  • Way Maker
  • Living for the world to see Jesus
  • Raise a Hallelujah
  • Faith Can Move Mountains
  • Don’t Quit
  • Walk by faith
  • Battle Isn’t Over
  • Just Pray
  • Jesus is our Peace
  • Fight on my knees
  • Giants
  • I’m only talking to Jesus today
  • Known Loved Worthy Enough Chosen Child of God
  • Grace wins
  • Walk by Faith
  • Script Unstoppable God
  • Print Unstoppable God
  • Unstoppable Force
  • Run with perseverance
  • Steps of a Good Man
  • Something New
  • Seek and Find
  • Revive Us Again
  • Resist the Devil
  • Beloved- Mr and Mrs
  • Mr and Mrs – God’s Plan
  • Man of God
  • He Left 99 for Me
  • Cast All Your Cares
  • Faith over Fear
  • Don’t Worry
  • Created to Praise
  • All things are Possible
  • What the Lord Requires
  • All Things New
  • Anything is possible
  • With my song I will praise Him
  • Names of God
  • All things are possible
  • Revive Us Again, Lord
    Revive us again, Lord
  • Blessings head to toe-hearts
  • Isaiah 41:13
  • Blessings head to toe
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Blessings head to toe – roses
  • Be Still
  • Blessings head to toe – floral
  • God’s starting point
  • Revive us Again
  • God bless the USA
  • As far as the east is from the west
  • Hem of His Garment

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

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.

Find the canvas print here
  • All thing new
  • Amazing Grace Sunset
  • Armor of God
  • Amazing Grace
  • As the Deer
  • Be still and know
  • Come thou Fount
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Look to the Lord
  • Lord is my Rock
  • New Mercies
  • Pray
  • Redeemed
  • Seek and Find
  • Wings like Eagles
  • Stand Firm
  • Teach the way of Wisdom
  • New Song
  • Prayer of Blessing

To see the collection of Canvas and Poster Prints

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

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

Click here to watch the animated devotionals

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

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Matthew 9:12-13. Why Jesus Came

Jan 10 Matthew 9 12-13

Children in a Sunday school class were asked to write down what they liked best about Sunday school. One little boy, who also happened to be the pastor’s son, thought for a moment and remembered all the songs the class sung during the year. His spelling was not a good as his memory, and he wrote: “The things I like best about Sunday school is the sinning.”

The Bible tells us that sin does bring forth pleasure for a season, but it’s consequences have an eternal outcome: eternity in Hell. Sin keeps us separated from God but Jesus came to bring sinners to repentance, restoring the relationship between mankind and God. If there were no sin, there would be no need of a Savior – just as a person who is healthy has no need of a physician. Since the Bible tells us that all of has sinned (Romans 3:23), then we all need a Savior and we all need repentance.

Repentance occurs when there is a change of heart and mind. Once we realize just how much sin breaks the heart of God, we can feel regret or remorse and we make a complete turn about in our thoughts, actions, and words. In its biblical sense, repentance refers to a deeply seated and thorough turning from ourselves to God. It is an experience in which God is recognized as the most important fact our existence. This is what Jesus came to do – the change our sinful nature to repentance and faith in Him so that we can restore the relationship with our heavenly Father. If you have not come to Jesus in repentance, believing by faith that He is the Son of God, perfect, holy and without sin who died in your place and rose again, conquering death, sin, and the grave, what’s holding you back. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.”

Even after salvation, we constantly fight our old nature and sin. Some of our “pet sins” we have a hard time letting go of. We want to cling to some of them because we enjoy them or because we are comfortable with them. Jesus says, “Let it go!” What is it in your life that Jesus is calling you to repentance today? Why not give it over to Him now?

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Please share today’s Devotion to your social media accounts. We’re using the following hashtags: #ask #seek #knock #Godswill #Matthew #WCM 

 

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FundlyWould you consider giving Wellspring a Christmas gift this year? We’re raising fund for some media equipment needed for our ministry.  Click here to make your secure tax-deductible contribution.

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T-shirt Fundraiser Event: If you missed getting one of our Christmas designs, be sure to check out all the other designs. We have some great Christian designs based on popular Scriptures that can be a testimony of your faith and a witness to the lost.

 

In 2020, we are praying for a revival in America. The path to revival is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves…” As we focus on humbling ourselves, we created this design based on James 4:10 to help us remember to humble ourselves before the Lord. (Click the shirt to go to the store). The design is also available in mugs, mousepad, apron, backpacks, poster, pillow case cover, canvas and more.

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view the Teespring store. 

Click here to view the Spreadshop Store 

#fundraiser #tshirt #WCM #teespring #spreadshop #Revelation21:5 #allthingsnew

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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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We are praying and seeking God for Revival in America in 2020. The path to revival can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Watch the video on this verse created by our CEO.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves….” This week we have featured several resources on what Biblical humility looks like. We hope you’ll choose one for your own personal Bible study and join us in seeking God with a heart of humility and pray with us for God to send a revival to America in 2020.

Check out the Christian Book Distributor resources below.

Our organization receives an 8% commission on any item you purchase through these links. However, the product price is the same for you. There is no increase in your cost for us to receive the commission. All commissions receive support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries. 
453542: Humility Humility

By Andrew Murray / Aneko Press
639405: Humility & Absolute Surrender Humility & Absolute Surrender

By Andrew Murray / Hendrickson Publishers

For over a century countless readers have found in Andrew Murray a trustworthy guide to the deeper Christian life. As a pastor, evangelist, educator, and writer driven by concern for the spiritual guidance of new converts–and for revival in long-time believers–Murray penned some of the most enduring devotional classics of Christian literature. Though he ministered in a deeply-divided nation, his vision seemed blind to race, class, or political persuasion. And from a remote corner of South Africa, his preaching, teaching, and writing would eventually fuel spiritual awakening with a worldwide impact.

This edition pairs Humility and Absolute Surrender in one volume. Together these classics reflect Murray’s longing for a closer walk with Christ, and call us to a life of holiness and virtue, empowered not by our own strength but by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Hardcover.
280322: Great Lives: Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility Great Lives: Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility

By Charles Swindoll / Thomas Nelson

Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility is the fifth volume in the best-selling Great Lives from God’s Word series by Charles Swindoll. Swindoll presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed to be His personal spokesman against evil and idolatry in the ancient world. He was a man who walked courageously with his peers, and walked humbly with his God. His is a life worth emulating.
25600: Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, Updated Edition Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, Updated Edition

By Andrew Murray / Bethany House

When Jesus “made himself nothing … taking the nature of a servant,” He modeled for all believers true humility. Murray calls this “our true nobility” and “the distinguishing feature of discipleship.” In twelve brief but powerful chapters, Murray journeys through Scripture and Christ’s life, underscoring the utmost need for humility—as opposed to pride—in the Christian’s life. With insightful, penetrating clarity, Murray calls all Christians to turn from pride, empty themselves, and study the character of Christ to be filled with His grace. Often called the best work on humility ever written, this edition has been edited for today’s reader.
868423: True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All-About-Me World, Member Book True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All-About-Me World, Member Book

By Erin Davis / Lifeway

A True Princess is special because she is the daughter of someone special. Everything she does points back toward her Father. If a princess acts recklessly, it isn’t just her reputation that suffers. The honor and image of the throne is at stake. Help girls understand that their sense of entitlement won’t get them anywhere in the kingdom of God. Humility is essential, and True Princess will guide girls in grades 6-12 through Scripture as a group and individually to help them understand the importance of living as a daughter of the King. (7 Sessions)
904379: From Pride to Humility: A Biblical Perspective From Pride to Humility: A Biblical Perspective

By Stuart Scott / Focus Publishing

God has given us a model to follow, in order to be what he wants us to be, and that model is the person Jesus Christ. We must first want to glorify God with our lives and realize that it is Christ likeness that will help us to do that. The humility of Jesus Christ is his most stunning attribute, and the sin of pride is probably the most detestable to God. Pride is a form of self-worship and is often manifested in the most subtle ways.

Contained in this small volume is an exhaustive list of manifestations of pride, which we must put-off, followed by the challenging attributes of humility, which Christians can put on through the spirit.
517825: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: Fourth Edition / Special edition How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: Fourth Edition / Special edition

By Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart / Zondervan

Enjoy God’s Word to the fullest! This classic reader-friendly manual, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Fourth Edition, explains the different kinds of biblical literature – such as prophecy, Gospels, poetry, and history – so you can get the most from them. The revised fourth edition includes updated language for today’s generation of readers, a new preface, bracketed Scripture references, and redesigned diagrams.
344292: The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life

By Rick Warren / Zondervan

The Daniel Plan teaches simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into a reader’s current lifestyle and helps them understand the kind of foods God created to keep them fit and strong. The book is categorized around five key concepts for optimal health that promote success: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. These concepts encourage readers to deepen their relationship with God and offer inspiration as they make positive choices each and every day.
003680: NKJV Beautiful Word Bible, hardcover NKJV Beautiful Word Bible, hardcover

By Zondervan

Be drawn into God’s Word through a fresh, creative expression of the beautiful words of God. Crafted on high-quality paper and balanced with inspiring full-color art and blank space, the NKJV Beautiful Word Bible will encourage a deeper and more authentic quiet time. With 500 verses illustrated to help you see the rich diversity of stories, characters, prophecies, rewards, and hope contained within Scripture, you will discover wisdom to sustain you in every season, drawing you deeper into God’s life-changing and inspired Word.

Features include:

  • Single-column text of the New King James Version (NKJV)
  • Words of Jesus in red
  • 500 full-color illustrated verses
  • 2″ wide lined margins and high-quality paper for notes, journal entries or artwork
  • Single-column layout
  • Index of illustrated Scripture passages
  • Presentation page for gift-giving
  • Ribbon Marker
  • 8-point text size
  • 8.25″ x 6.50″ x 1.50″
632054: Storming the Gates of Heaven: Prayer That Claims the Promises of God Storming the Gates of Heaven: Prayer That Claims the Promises of God

By Anne Graham Lotz / Zondervan

In this adaptation of her bestselling book, The Daniel Prayer, Anne Graham Lotz unlocks a powerful pattern of prayer for claiming the promises of God.

What is the secret to praying prayers that really “work”? In Storming the Gates of Heaven, a plan for praying effective prayers that God answers is presented through unpacking the ancient prayer of the prophet Daniel, a prayer that moved heaven and changed a nation and one that even today can deliver on God ‘s promises. It’s a prayer birthed under pressure. Heartache. Grief. Desperation. It can be triggered by a sudden revelation of hope. Here is the secret to answered prayer, a promise freshly received, a miracle that lies just over the horizon.
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. 240 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
78578: 3:16 The Church Experience Leader Kit 3:16 The Church Experience Leader Kit

By Max Lucado / Lifeway

Based on Max Lucado’s bestseller 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, this six-session Leader’s Kit is a Parade of Hope, with enough resources to support a church-wide campaign, yet versatile enough to use for a weekend retreat or a six-session group study. Guided by Max’s warm and gracious storytelling style, each participant is encouraged to truly value the 3:16 verse, to form and share their own 3:16 story, and to begin living a 3:16 life.

To help your church experience John 3:16, this Leader Kit contains:

  • 2 DVDs with 6 25-30 minute videos of Max Lucado sharing his 3:16 message at Crossroads Tabernacle in The Bronx and featuring riveting 3:16 stories from people on the streets of New York City
  • 1 CD-ROM that includes leader helps, an interview with Max, 3:16 stories, a 3:16 retreat plan, and additional church resources
  • 1 Workbook
  • 1 Copy of the best-selling book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope
  • A Worship Musical CD based on the book
  • Bonus Materials including essential resources to help promote and launch a community outreach program
950480: What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: *Live More Fully *Love More Deeply *Experience God"s Best for You What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: *Live More Fully *Love More Deeply *Experience God’s Best for You

By Lysa TerKeurst / Harvest House Publishers

Total obedience to Christ can transform an ordinary walk into a remarkable journey. Sharing personal experiences and biblical insights, TerKeurst shows you how to discern God’s voice, follow his direction, and discover a life of joy and purpose as you partner with him. Includes a Bible study. Previously titled Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed. 192 pages, softcover from Harvest.
960832: Unburdened, Bible Study Book Unburdened, Bible Study Book

By Vance Pitman / Lifeway
213328: Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith

By Susie Larson / Bethany House

Here’s a humbling thought to ponder: the all-powerful king of the universe loves you and wants to talk with you! Drawing from her own spiritual journey, radio host Larson shares the secrets to effective communication with God. Learn to pray specifically and persistently; overcome common hindrances; replace “begging and pleading” with “praying and believing”; and more. 208 pages, softcover from Bethany.
354789: 2020 Mornings with Jesus 2020 Mornings with Jesus

By Zondervan

Begin each day with Jesus . . . and get to know him as your Redeemer, Friend, and Faithful One! Designed to take just five minutes every morning, these 365 engaging readings include Scripture verses, meditations from 13 different authors, and challenging “Faith Steps” meant to inspire and encourage you in your daily walk. 379 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

 

970111: Overcomer DVD Bible Study Kit

Overcomer DVD Bible Study Kit

By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick / B&H Books

Many people feel they are less than who God says they are. We get our identity from our careers, our political positions, family roles in the family, and other things. This small group study uses clips from the film Overcomer to examine how we determine our identity and how we can find our true identity in Christ.

The Bible study is geared for adult groups to use prior to the movie or just after seeing the movie. The study includes clips from the movie.

The Overcomer Bible Study Kit has five sessions and includes:

  • one Bible Study Book
  • one DVD with a promotional video and five 2-4 minute video sessions

Session Topics:

  1. Who Are You?
  2. You Are Broken
  3. You Are Chosen
  4. You Surrender
  5. You Declare
224984: Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Overcomer, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital

By Provident Films

From the creators of War Room, Courageous and Fireproof. Basketball coach John Harrison’s high school team is crushed by the closing of the town’s largest employer. Hundreds of families move, leaving him running a struggling cross-country program. But then he meets Hannah and begins helping this unlikely runner attempt the impossible in the year’s biggest race. Starring Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, and Aryn Wright-Thompson. Rated PG. Dove approved (12+). Approx. 119 minutes.

Blu-ray Exclusives:

  • The Heart of Overcomer
  • Creating the Opening Drone Shot
  • Working with the Kendricks
  • Post-Production Behind-the-Scenes: Editing, Scoring, Coloring, and Sound Design
  • “Enough” (Lyric Video) Featuring Koryn Hawthorne
  • Don’t Mess with the Editors

Special Features:

  • The Making of Overcomer
  • Bloopers
  • 10 Minutes of Additional Scenes
  • Commentary with Director Alex Kendrick and Producer Stephen Kendrick
  • Overcomer in 60 Seconds
  • The Theme of Identity
  • The Power of Forgiveness
  • “Overcomer” (Lip Sync Music Video) Featuring Mandisa and More!

Other Features:

  • Audio: English, French (PAR), Spanish, Thai
  • Subtitles: English, English (SDH), Spanish, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Tagalog, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese

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