Tag: time away

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

Commissioned and sent – but not on your own power

Let’s look back at Mark 6 once again where in verse 7 Jesus commissioned the twelve disciples and sent them out. The Bible tells us that Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority and then He sent the out. He didn’t send them out under their own power. He gave them His power. Whatever ministry God has called you to, He has given you His power to successfully complete the mission to which you have been called. But you must choose to tap into the power source and use it. The stress we feel in ministry is often because we forgot to tap into His power and we try to do ministry on our own power.

If the disciples went out afraid that God’s power was only meant for Jesus or were too scared that they would fail, how many lives would have missed out on being changed? What experiences would the disciples have missed out on? What kind of accounting would they have had to give to Jesus when they returned? Just as Jesus did not send the disciples out on an assignment without empowering them for the task, God will not send you out into ministry without giving you the power you need to accomplish His plan.

When you are stressed, you’re invited to rest with Jesus

Let’s skip down to verse 30 of Mark 6. The disciples are now returning to Jesus and they tell Him everything they had done and everything they had taught. Can you imagine the scene? They are so excited, and they are all talking over one another. Thankfully, our sovereign Savior hears every voice as if it was the only one speaking. They are pumped up and have been running on the power that Jesus gave them. In fact, they had been so busy that verse 31 tells us they had not even had time to eat. Can you imagine being that busy? I personally find that there is always time for pizza and Dr. Pepper! Yet, even in their excitement, Jesus knew they were exhausted and hungry. Remember that even eustress is stress. So, Jesus invites them to come away with him for a time of rest.

Jesus invites you to come away with Him

Did you catch that? Jesus invites them to come away with him for a time of rest. Jesus doesn’t tell them to take a vacation or to go get a nap. He doesn’t send them away and say, “Hey guys, I can tell you’re really tired right now. Why don’t you go home and get some rest then come back when you are refreshed and ready to do more ministry.” No. He tells them to come away with him.

Certainly, there are times when we need to take a vacation and take some time to rest, refresh, and renew ourselves physically and spiritually. But when we do, don’t do it without Jesus. Psalm 62:5-8 says, “Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your heart to him for God is our refuge.”

ISO: True Rest

Do you ever lay down at night and try to sleep, but you simply cannot fall asleep? Your mind spins with whatever is causing you stress. Or you are busy planning out all the task that need to be accomplished tomorrow. Perhaps you make mental checklists of the meetings and appointments you have tomorrow. You spend hours – maybe even all night – in search of true rest. Sometimes the elusive physical rest we need escapes us because we need to first find spiritual rest.

Whatever it is that keeps you awake at night, you will never find true rest apart from Jesus. Only when we get alone with Jesus will we find the place where we can renew our strength. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” We won’t find it fretting and worrying about the various things that cause us stress. We won’t find it in frantically trying to solve the problem on our own power. Rest comes when we get alone with God, be still, and bask in His presence. When we find true rest in His presence and trust Him to work out our problems, cares, and concerns for our good, then our minds will relax and we will be able to sleep and find physical rest.

Just when you think there is time for rest, there is more ministry to do

So, the disciples go away with Jesus, looking forward to some much needed rest. Can you imagine, then, as they get to this place of rest that there is a multitude of people there waiting for them? Can you see them each looking around and asking, “I thought He said we’d get away to rest? Yet – here is another multitude of people.”

Because Jesus is God, he already knew the multitude would be there waiting for them. He was not surprised by it. But Jesus promised the disciples a time of rest, renewal, refreshment. So, if Jesus knew the multitude would be there and this is where Jesus took his disciples for rest, what was it about the multitude of people that would meet the need the disciples had?

Because of their hunger and exhaustion, the multitude was a very big stressor through the eyes of the disciples. But through the eyes of Jesus, the multitude would meet a need. The multitude had a physical need of hunger. The disciples were hungry also, but they also had a need of spiritual hunger. As Jesus met the physical need of the multitude, he would also meet the spiritual need of his disciples.  And, in doing so, Jesus will teach the disciples yet another lesson that will equip them and prepare them for spreading the gospel once Jesus is no longer with them. And Jesus uses the stress the disciples were faced with to teach them this lesson.

When rest is elusive, all you see is the stress

As the exhausted, hungry disciples look out over the multitude, probably with also some feelings of disappointment that that elusive rest Jesus promised is not quite yet coming, all they see is a problem – the people are hungry and there is nothing they have that could feed them all. They tell Jesus to send them away. Don’t we do that with our stressors? We pray and ask Jesus to remove the stress from our lives. The disciples just walked right up to Jesus and said, “Send them home, Jesus. They are all hungry.” (They were probably also thinking, “And so are we!”) But Jesus had a plan for them and for the multitude.

Jesus tells the disciples, “You feed them.” Can you imagine their stunned faces? As they survey the crowd to see what food was around, all they found was five loaves of bread and two small fish. They inform Jesus of what was available. Jesus tells them to have the people sit in groups of about fifty people each. So, they get the people to sit down. Jesus blesses the food and begins to break it apart. Every single person there had not just something to eat – they ate until they could eat no more and when they were done, they took up twelve baskets of leftovers.

Stress with a spiritual lesson from Jesus

What was the spiritual lesson for the disciples, and us, to learn? That our “available little bit” is more than enough when it is placed in the hands of Jesus. Like the disciples you have been supernaturally equipped for Your calling. Like those seated on the grassy plain were empty and hungry, when we are stressed out, we are also empty and hungry, spiritually. Just as Jesus fed the multitude of people with five loaves of bread and two fish, along with 12 baskets of leftovers, Jesus stands ready to fill you today, along with leftovers to carry you through to the next battle you face.

When it comes down to it, every single one of us who profess to be a child of God, is in ministry. You have been equipped and called to serve God and to minister to the lost. Every single one of us have an assignment, a battle mission, and there will come a day for when we must give an account for what He has called us to do. Will Jesus say “well done”? The key to avoiding stress, burnout and compassion fatigue is getting alone with Jesus and placing our little bit in the palm of his hand and watch the miracle that Jesus will do with it.

$399.00 $199.50

Coming December 2021!

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you get in this self-care course:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

True Story-John 3:16

Three nails that make a cross tells the true story of Jesus’ unfailing love for us and that true story is summed up in John 3:16.

See our fall designs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

904.239.8937

---

Help support our ministry:

---

7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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

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

[Download not found]

What Satan Does Not Want You To know

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

[Download not found]

Stress Journal

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

[Download not found]

2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]

The Path to Sin

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

[Download not found]

One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

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

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904.239.8937
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by Julia M. Bruce, MSPC, Mental Health Coach,
CEO, Wellspring Christian Ministries

A Spiritual solution – God will make a way

The most important perception to any stress is on a spiritual level. When we look at 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul writes: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” There is a spiritual solution to managing stress.

Stress management begins with identifying what your stressors are, which you have done in an earlier post, or you make a list of your stressors now. You may have been editing them as you learned more about eustress and distress. Take a moment to review your list and add any new stressors that have come up since then or cross through ones that are no longer in the picture. For stressors that have been solved, write out how God provided for that situation and take time to give Him praise. Now let’s look at some spiritual solutions to managing stress.

What will you do with your stressors?

Now that you have a good picture of what your current stressors are, you must choose what you will do with them. You can either choose to gripe, complain, and struggle beneath their weight or we can take a Biblical perspective and allow our stress to become something God can use to grow us and draw us closer to Him. We may not be able to go through life without stress, but we can chose how we will respond when stress comes calling. If we take a spiritual solution to managing stress, we can be certain that how we respond will honor God.

A spiritual solution – take your stress to God

If we want the result of our stress to be something that honors God, our first step to a spiritual solution of stress management is to remember that no matter what we are going through we can take it to God. He does not want us to live a life full of worry, stress, and anxiety. Philippians 4:6 tells us to make our requests known to God.

Certainly, we want to pray about the things that bring us stress and seek God’s best answer to how we should deal with each stressor. However, we can also pray that God would help us better understand ourselves so that we can better understand any role we played in causing stress. For example:

• We can ask Him to help us take responsibility for any role that we might have played in contributing to the stress.
• We can ask Him to help us know where our limitations are and where we need to bring about a healthy balance in our lives in the areas where we have overextended ourselves.
• As we pray, we can ask Him to help us learn habits that will increase resilience.
• We can ask Him to give us courage to say no when we are asked to take on yet another ministry when that ministry is not God’s plan for us.
• And we can look for the ways that God is using the stress in our lives as an opportunity for growth that will prepare us for the next mission He has for us.

A spiritual solution – seek God’s wisdom

Because God loves us and He is faithful, God will give us the grace we need to overcome any situation. But we have the responsibility to seek God and His wisdom. It can be difficult to know what we need to do when stressful situations arise, but James 1:5 tells us, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” So, if we want to respond to stress with a spiritual solution, we must seek God’s wisdom before we seek the wisdom of friends and family. He can know that God’s wisdom will never mislead us. Praying for wisdom includes asking God to:

• Give us His grace for the situation.
• Show us the skills and abilities He has given us to handle the situation.
• Show us what He is trying to teach us in the situation.
• tell us how might He be trying to grow us through it or teach us something new about Himself?

Taking time to seek wisdom from God can both help us stay out of stressful situations and to better handle stress when it does come. James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.”

There is no better source for wisdom than our omniscient, loving Father who knows what’s around the next corner and how the stressful situation we experience today to prepare us for what’s to come tomorrow. Trust Him and trust that He only has your best interest in mind. So, we can fully rely on Him to give us wisdom to know the best way to handle any stressor.

A spiritual solution – seek God’s will

As Christians, a spiritual solution to stress always involves seeking God’s will through prayer. And there has to be a willingness on our part to surrender to His will and be obedient to whatever He asks of us. If something is not His will or part of His plan for our life or the ministry He has called us to, then there needs to be some pruning that takes place. At times, stress management means cutting out the obligations you’ve committed to that are outside His will and plan. Learn to become comfortable with saying “no” to any activity that does not align with God’s plan. Then you will have more time and energy to focus on His perfect plan for you and the ministry He has called you to.

A spiritual solution – remember stress can have a purpose

Colossians 1:16 says, “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible, and invisible,…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him” (MSG). A spiritual solution to stress is know that stress can have a purpose. That thing or person causing you stress has a purpose. That crowd of church members opposing you has a purpose. The financial debt has a purpose. The difficult child has a purpose. That troubled marriage has a purpose. That health crisis has a purpose.

What’s the purpose? To bring honor and glory to God. That honor and glory can manifest itself in multiple ways, such as bringing the lost to God, or growing our faith, deepening our relationship with God, teaching us to humbly wait and depend on Him. God can work through all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

When we look at the world, it’s like looking from the sidelines of life. But God is all knowing, all sovereign. There are no surprises for Him. He sees yesterday. He sees today. And He sees tomorrow. He sees the circumstances. He sees what Satan is up to the spiritual realm. The point is, He sees and knows what we do not. Therefore, we can know that when we allow God to work through our stress, He can use it to effectively shape us, grow us, and bring Him glory in the process.

A Spiritual solution – Is God trying to get your attention?

At times, we hear God, but we don’t listen and God needs to get our attention. We can sense that maybe this isn’t the direction we need to go, but we think it’s what we want, so we go. A spiritual solution to stress is understanding that God can use the stress we experience when we step out of His plan to get us back on track. The path may not have been a bad path, but it wasn’t His absolute best for us. He can use stress to draw us back to His best plan for us. Therefore, when we are feeling stress we need to stop and ask God if He is trying to get our attention.

A Spiritual solution: Realigning misplaced priorities

Some stress in our lives is the result of misplaced priorities and God can use the stress to help us rediscover and align our priorities in a way that honors Him.  God is clear in His Word that He should always be our top priority (Deuteronomy 6:5). If you are married, your second priority should be to your spouse and the third to your children. Our ministry then follows. Too often, we think because we serve God, that the ministry takes priority over our families. But we cannot allow our spouse and children to feel neglected.

In the New Testament church, leaders were required to demonstrate faithfulness at home before they were considered eligible for leadership (Titus 1:5-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-13). Yet, we are often guilty of considering ministry to be so important that it’s worth neglect of home life. And that is dangerous because it’s built on the assumption that “without me, God’s church can’t survive.” But God says, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). It’s God’s church – not ours.

We definitely need to spend some time with God asking Him if we have our priorities in the right order and if they are in line with what He wants for us. God warned the Israelites in Haggai 1:5-11 to “give careful thought to your ways.” How might God want you to move things around so that your priorities are in line with His?

Tomorrow, we will look as some additional spiritual solutions to manage stress in your life.

$399.00 $199.50

Coming December 2021!

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you get in this self-care course:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

True Story-John 3:16

Three nails that make a cross tells the true story of Jesus’ unfailing love for us and that true story is summed up in John 3:16.

See our fall designs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

904.239.8937

---

Help support our ministry:

---

7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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

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

[Download not found]

What Satan Does Not Want You To know

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

[Download not found]

Stress Journal

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

[Download not found]

2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]

The Path to Sin

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

[Download not found]

One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

---

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

---

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

---

Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

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

Christianbook Distributors Search: Title Author/Artist ISBN CBD Stock # Keywords Publisher

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

---

Here’s some of our recent posts.

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 

Follow us on:

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

In Matthew 6:27-33, Jesus tells us not to be anxious. Being anxious is experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It typically comes with a feeling of unease. Anxiety is persistent and excessive. It does not go away, even in the absence of a stressor. Yet stress and anxiety often go hand in hand. And the impact of stress on our bodies and our spiritual lives can be great.

At times, however, not being anxious or stressful is easier to say than do. In verse 27, Jesus points out that being anxious about life will not add one single hour to our life. Neither will being stressed out. In fact, medical science tells us that stress can shorten our life because the impact of stress takes it toil on us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So, in this post we will examine the impact that stress has on us.

The impact of stress affects us differently

Something that is stressful for me, may not necessarily be stressful for you. For example, someone might find it extremely stressful to drive across a bridge, but I do not. I find taking a test of any kind is stressful. Someone else might not be stressed at all by taking tests. Some people find social setting extremely stressful while others thrive in them.

Timing of events can also play a role in how much an event can cause stress. Something that is stressful for me in this moment, may not be as stressful at a later moment in time when I am more rested or don’t have as many stressors piled up at once. When I am feeling well, I’m more capable of handling stressors and they do not cause as much difficulty as when I am not healthy.

Regardless of how stress affects us, both eustress and distress can serve to motivate us toward change, but they can also have the potential to have a very harmful impact on our health and wellbeing.

The impact of stress requires a change of Focus

The simple truth is that many times when stress creeps in to the point of becoming distress, we have changed our focus. When stressed out, our focus is on the stressor. We’ve stopped seeking first the kingdom of God. When we put on our Kingdom lenses, we then focus on God and remember that all things work together for our God when we love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This does not mean we will never experience stress or difficult times, but that we can know that through the difficulty God is at work in our lives for our good. Perhaps He is teaching us something. Maybe He is disciplining us to bring us back into His way. He could be growing our faith or preparing us for the next chapter of ministry. The important thing to remember is to lean into Him, seek Him out and ask Him where He is at work in your life. With our Kingdom lenses on, we are more likely to seek Him first, find our strength to endure the stress through Him, and watch for where He is at work in our lives.

Stress can be a motivator

Since our bodies are not able to distinguish a stressor as something as either distress or eustress, both create very similar symptoms. These symptoms have the potential to motivate us to change habits and move us closer to the plans God has for us if we are able to recognize them and then wisely consider our options.

If we did not ever feel stress, there would be nothing to motivate or compel us to do something different. So, while the symptoms are generally unpleasant, if we are paying attention to the warning signs, we will be able to know when we need to make adjustments in our lives to protect ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, as well as protecting the ministry that God has called us to. However, if we ignore the symptoms and do not make any adjustments, we take a great risk to our physical, mental, and spiritual health and the ministry God has called us to will suffer.

The impact of stress manifests in symptoms

People under stress experience mental and physical symptoms, such as irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive troubles, and difficulty sleeping. A list of symptoms of eustress and distress can include the following:

• Headache
• Muscle tension or pain
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Change in sex drive
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Lack of motivation or focus
• Dizziness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritability or anger
• Sadness or depression
• Over/Underreacting
• Social withdrawal
• Drug/alcohol/tobacco abuse
• Exercising less
• Spending less time with God
• Panic disorders
• Grinding teeth/clinched jaw
• Increased heart rate
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Digestive Disorders
• Ulcers
• Upset stomach
• Abdominal pain
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Weight gain/loss/obesity
• Muscle tension/body aches

The impact of stress also creates spiritual symptoms

Stress doesn’t just leave its mark with physical symptoms. It also has spiritual symptoms that include:

• loss of love toward others
• lack of joy
• loss of peace
• impatience
• short tempered/angry outbursts
• a lack of self-control
• disinterest in Bible study and prayer
• loss of enthusiasm for the ministry calling
• the temptation to walk away from God’s calling on one’s life

In other words, when stress moves in, the fruit of the spirit are pushed out.

How does the impact of stress manifest in you?

Look through the list of physical, mental, and spiritual symptoms above and write down the ones that you most often experience when you are stressed. Can you think of any other symptoms you experience that are not listed? If so, write them also. By acknowledging what our symptoms are, we are better able to recognize when we are in moments of stress and begin to take necessary actions to minimize the effects that stress has on us.

A Rapid Stress Test

To help you determine just how stressed you are, I want to give you a rapid stress test. This is a very serious, scientific test. Please pay close attention. In a moment, I want you to scroll (not yet!) to the very bottom of this page and there you will find a photo of two dolphins. If you see anything except two dolphins, it will give you an idea of your own personal level of stress. After viewing the photo, return to this point in the post. Ready? Take a deep breath in….breathe out and focus on the photo at the bottom of this page. Scroll now….

­                 .

What did you see? Ok, so maybe it wasn’t exactly scientific or serious. But the Bible says that “A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22, HCSB) so hopefully it gave you a chuckle and helped lower your stress levels.

Understand your stressors

So now that you understand eustress and distress, you need to understand your stressors. The more you understand your stressors, the better you will be able to manage them. This means you need to understand how you perceive the stressor.

While it may often seem that there is nothing you can do about the stress in your life, there are strategies to help you work through and cope with stress so that you can have a more balanced life and develop resilience so that you are able to hold up under the pressures and challenges. You may not always be able to stop the stressor from being a part of your life, but you can determine how it will affect you. The more you understand how to manage stress, the better you will be able to cope with it and find solutions. In the next two posts we will look at spiritual solutions to stress and physical solutions.

$399.00 $199.50

Coming December 2021!

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you get in this self-care course:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

True Story-John 3:16

Three nails that make a cross tells the true story of Jesus’ unfailing love for us and that true story is summed up in John 3:16.

See our fall designs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

904.239.8937

---

Help support our ministry:

---

7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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

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

[Download not found]

What Satan Does Not Want You To know

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

[Download not found]

Stress Journal

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

[Download not found]

2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]

The Path to Sin

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

[Download not found]

One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

---

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

---

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

---

Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

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

Christianbook Distributors Search: Title Author/Artist ISBN CBD Stock # Keywords Publisher

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

---

Here’s some of our recent posts.

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 

Follow us on:

“Scientific” stress test photo:

You see two dolphins…..right?

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

Distress: The stress you know best

You are probably most familiar with bad stress. When you are experiencing eustress, you probably don’t recognize it as stress since it can be associated with good things in life, such as planning a wedding or receiving a promotion. Bad stress, however, is the opposite. This type of stress is known as “distress.”  

Reaching the point of distress

We reach a point of distress when stress becomes too much for us to bear. When the tension builds to the point of distress, there is no longer any fun in the challenge. We see no forthcoming relief. There is no end in sight.

In extreme cases, it can result in both anxiety and/or depression. It causes tension to build to the point that the situation or task suddenly seems overwhelming. When distress kicks in, it feels as if it will never end.

If eustress acts as a motivator, than distress becomes a de-motivator. When we are in distress, our performance decreases, we tend to make poor decisions, we experience anxiety and it can lead to mental health problems, physical health problems, and spiritual health problems.

Examples of distress

Examples of distress can include the following:

• Death
• Divorce
• Separation from spouse
• Conflict in relationships
• Hospitalization
• Illness/injury
• Abuse/neglect
• Legal problems
• Changes
• Unemployment
• Sleep problems
• Problems with children
• Financial problems
• Wars
• Natural disasters
• A car breaking down in rush hour
• Infertility

Internal factors that lead to distress

As we all know, not just outside factors play into stressful moments. Sometimes the stressors we deal with are our internal thoughts, feelings, and habitual behaviors. These can include:

• Fears such as fear of flying, public speaking, spiders, heights, etc.
• Worrying about things outside of our control, such as a job restructuring or waiting for the results of a medical test.
• Maintaining unrealistic or perfectionist expectations for ourselves or others.
• Constantly overscheduling ourselves
• Consistently procrastinating
• Failing to plan ahead

Now that you have a clearer picture of both eustress (see the previous posts) and distress, how would you adjust your list of stressors? Would you say there is more distress or eustress in your life right now?

Whether we see stress as eustress or distress can be subjective, but either way, it is still….

In tomorrow’s post, we will talk about ways to protect ourselves from distress through self-care.

$399.00 $199.50

Coming December 2021!

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you get in this self-care course:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

True Story-John 3:16

Three nails that make a cross tells the true story of Jesus’ unfailing love for us and that true story is summed up in John 3:16.

See our fall designs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

904.239.8937

---

Help support our ministry:

---

7 FREE Downloadable Resources

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

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

[Download not found]

What Satan Does Not Want You To know

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

[Download not found]

Stress Journal

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

[Download not found]

2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan

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

[Download not found]

The Path to Sin

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

[Download not found]

One Year Bible Reading Plan

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Self-Care Wheel

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

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

[Download not found]

---

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

You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel

---

God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce

What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?

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

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

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

---

Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More

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

Christianbook Distributors Search: Title Author/Artist ISBN CBD Stock # Keywords Publisher

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

---

Here’s some of our recent posts.

904.239.8937
A non-profit ministry located in Jacksonville, FL 

Follow us on:

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

Like Jesus, we need to make sure we are taking time to retreat to a place to be alone, spending time in prayer. Jesus understood the limitations of our physical endurance. This is why he told his disciples to come away and rest. So, give yourself permission to retreat, recharge, and rest…even when life is both stressful and when experiencing eustress.

Each year schedule time away in your calendar for a spiritual retreat, whether that means going away or spending quiet time at home. Make a planned time away with a personal Bible Study that will renew your mind, strengthen your soul, and prepare you to keep on ministering. Then during the rest of the year, here are six ways to help you manage stress and eustress

Exercise to burn off excess eustress

Exercise is another way you can burn off some excess adrenaline when you are caught up in eustress. That might be a trip to the gym or exercising to a cardio online workout or DVD. It could be going to play a game of basketball or tennis with friends. Any type of exercises that will get your heart pumping and your body sweating can help get rid of the adrenaline so that you can then begin to relax.

Manage eustress by taking time to calm down before going to bed

Eustress is exciting, but it is also exhausting. Although when you are in the height of eustress, you may not feel the exhaustion because of the adrenaline pumping through your body. So even if you do not feel tired, you need to make sure you are getting enough rest. You should plan for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. However, this can be difficult when you’re excited so you might need to spend 30 minutes before going to bed doing something that will help you calm down.

Practical ways to calm down before bed when eustress is high

You might try listening to some calming music or taking a hot shower or bath. Aromatherapy is helpful for some people and you can light a candle or use some oils in a diffuser. Another suggestion is using an audio Bible app with a timer and listen to the Bible as you are going to sleep. There are also various sleep apps you can download and utilize, such as Abide, a Christian app.

Take a moment write down some of the things you do to relax. Then go back and number them on a scale of 0 to 5 how effective each one is for you. (Zero is not effective and five is most effective). The more stress or eustress you are experiencing, the more effective you will want your relaxing activity to be.

Using meditation to manage eustress

Another way to manage eustress is to meditate. According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, the word meditate means, “to engage in contemplation or reflection.” (Merriam-Webster) Simply put, it means that we take time to think carefully and deeply about something. The world has lots to say about meditation, but so does the Word of God and that is the meditation we want to focus on to help you manage stress and eustress. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

What the Bible says about meditating

Read the following verses in your Bible and circle the word “meditate” every time it appears.

• Psalm 1:2. Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
• Psalm 63:6. When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches.
• Psalm 77:3. I think of God; I groan; and I meditate; my spirit becomes weak.
• Psalm 77:6. At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart and my spirit ponders.
• Psalm 77:12. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.
• Psalm 119:15. I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways.
• Psalm 119:27. Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts so that I can meditate on Your wonders.
• Psalm 119:48. I will lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and will meditate on Your statutes.
• Psalm 119:148. I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on Your promise.
• Psalm 143:5. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; and I reflect on the work of Your hands.

What did the Psalmist meditate on?

From these verses, on what did the Psalmist meditate? The Lord’s instruction, God, music, on God’s actions, God’s precepts and ways, God’s wonders, God’s commands, God’s promise, all that God had done, and the works of God’s hands. How can meditating on these things help you manage stress and eustress? It’s a matter of where you focus your mind. As we shift our thoughts and focus to God, our mind can calm and begin to rest.

From the list above, what are some of the things you can meditate and reflect on when you need to manage eustress? Can you think of other things to meditate on?

Journal your gratitude for some “down time” to manage eustress

Another way to take some “down time” and manage your stress and eustress is to keep a journal of the blessings that God has given you. You can create a journal that expresses your gratitude to God for how he has worked in your life, for how He has supplied for your needs, and for His eternal, unconditional and unfailing love for you. Be sure to journal your thankfulness about the little things as well as the big things.

Enjoy nature to relax when eustress is high

Nature can also help us begin to relax. So, take time to take in the sunset or sit on the porch and admire the starry sky. Open the window and listen to the rain or the birds singing. Take a walk through a garden. Burry your toes in the sand at the beach and listen to the waves crash. There are many apps that have nature sounds and they can be helpful, but all your senses can become stimulated in the actual experience of being in the midst of nature. If nature helps to quiet and calm you, use the apps if you are not able to actually experience nature, but try to get out and enjoy the world God created for us.

Prayer walk to calm your mind and manage eustress

Prayer walks can also help to calm your mind and it can also be exercise. You can prayer walk anywhere. You can pray through your neighborhood, in the mall, around your church, at the kids’ school, along the beach shore, or wherever you feel God tugging at your heart to pray. As you listen to the Spirit’s leading as you pray, you mind will begin to quiet.

If we don’t take down time, eustress turns into distress

Eustress can be exhilarating and exciting. But without time to relax between these experiences, eustress can turn into distress. Our bodies need time between the exciting and fun things in life to rest in a relaxed state. We need time for our minds to process and moments to enjoy the exciting parts and then time to rest. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says there is a time for everything. We need to make sure we take time to both enjoy the exciting parts of life and take time to rest so that we can focus on the next thing in life. It is important for us to maintain a healthy balance of excitement and rest.

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Coming December 2021!

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you get in this self-care course:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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