Wellspring

We are to respond to the gospel through obedient surrender. This does not come naturally to us, since in the garden mankind chose their own will over God’s. We chose disobedience for the sake of our own desires. We chose not to trust, not to surrender. However, true salvation, true freedom can only be found in obedience, in surrender of our will to His, only this leads to the life that is truly life.  ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)   “...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)   “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matthew 26:39)   “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” (Matthew 16:24)   “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)   “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)   “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance…” (1 Peter 1:14)   “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)   “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)   “I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60)   Quotes: “The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice - any choice will be the right one.” (A.W. Tozer)

We are to respond to the gospel by studying Scripture, immersing ourselves in the Word of God. And we do this not out of obligation, because we’ve been told to, but because in His Word we know Him, we are changed by Him, we gain wisdom, we gain confidence, we receive direction, correction, clarity, love, vision for His glory and plan for His people. Everything we need we find in Him, and He is found in His Word.  ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.” (Romans 11:36)   “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3)   “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16)   “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)   “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)   “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)   “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-14)   “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:7-9)   “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)   “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

We are to respond to the gospel by speaking to God through prayer. We were designed to be in the presence of God, in intimate relationship with Him, and though we chose sin, a life apart from God, His desire is still for us. Relationship with God, made possible by the blood of Christ, requires daily investment in Him, daily listening to Him, speaking to Him, growing toward Him as we follow Jesus. ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)   Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)   And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)   ​​Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)   But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6)   Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)   Quotes: "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"(Corrie ten Boom)

We are to respond to the gospel by sharing the Good News that has transformed our lives, evangelizing the light to those lost in darkness. This should not be a dreaded obligation, but rather a precious privilege, as we have been transformed by God’s grace, may we love Him enough, and love others enough to share what we’ve been freely given. ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: “...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15)   “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)   “...preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)   “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)   “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” (Mark 16:15-16)   “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)   “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:19-20)   “And you will say in that day: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.’” (Isaiah 12:4   “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)   “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)   Articles: “9 Marks: Why Should We Evangelize?” https://www.9marks.org/answer/why-should-we-evangelize/   “Desiring God: The Need for Evangelism”  https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-need-for-evangelism “Ours is an age that is sensitive to human suffering…The suffering we are sensitive to is physical suffering and it will end. But the lost will be tormented as long as God is good.”   “Jesus Film Project: 40 Verses About Evangelism” https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/40-verses-about-evangelism/  

We are to respond to the gospel with a life of service, as a humble reflection of Christ’s ultimate example as the Servant King. As we look at the way Christ was born, lived, died, and was resurrected back to glory, we see the beauty and power of living as a servant, and are compelled to do the same.  ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)   “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)   “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)   “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)   “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)   “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29)   “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)   “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26)   “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”( Romans 8:32)   “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (1 Peter 1:3)   “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)   “...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2)   Quotes: “The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is.” Phillips Brooks   Articles: Jesus’ Pursuit of Joy https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/jesuss-pursuit-of-joy

We are to respond to the gospel with generosity, living a life of sacrifice. We must combat the idea that sacrifice is some foreign, outdated, barbaric Biblical ritual, and look to Christ as the example of the ultimate sacrifice. His generosity extended to the point of giving up His life for those He loves, and we are called to follow Him. ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22)   “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)   “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)   “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)   “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver..” (2 Corinthians 9:7)    “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)   “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11)   “But the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” (2 Samuel 24:24) Quotes: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." (Jim Elliot)   “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” (C.S. Lewis)   Articles: The Sacrifice of Praise  https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-sacrifice-of-praise

We are to respond to the gospel in song, using music to glorify the One who Himself sings over us. We sing because He is worthy, we sing because our hearts are overflowing with gratitude, we sing to tell Him and the world of His greatness. ~ SHOW NOTES   Scriptures: “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1)   “...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 5:18-20)   “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” (Psalm 105:2)   “Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!”(Psalm 150:2-5)   “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)   “...and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,’ the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud…” (2 Chronicles 5:13)   “All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” (Psalm 66:4)   “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” (Psalm 104:33)   “And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)   “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)   “Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalm 96:1-4)   Hymns: Great is Thy Faithfulness Rock of Ages Before the Throne Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow Because He Lives In Christ Alone On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand   Quotes: “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” -Martin Luther   Articles: The Glory of God and Why We Sing https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-glory-of-god-and-why-we-sing

Today is about the hope of heaven. The ultimate beauty of heaven is the presence of God, being able to worship Him fully, talk to Him, walk with Him, free from guilt and shame. And not only do we get to exist forever with our Savior in heaven, we have the added benefit of being reunited with loved ones. I think of this daily, as I have eight little ones I have lost during my pregnancies here on earth. Each time I lose a child my heart breaks, and it seems more than I can bear, but God faithfully draws me back to the hope I have of seeing them again some day. In this bonus episode, I am sharing a song I wrote for all the little ones I have lost. It is a song of loss, yes, but mostly a song of hope. A song of longing for what is to come. May it bless you as you seek to keep your eyes and your heart set on hoping for heaven.  -- SHOW NOTES: Scriptures Referenced: “...as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV) -- Song Referenced: “Made for Jesus” by John Mark Pantana

Today we redefine freedom, moving back to Biblical freedom. Our world, our culture, puts a huge emphasis on “freedom”, whether it’s freedom of speech, or freedom to choose the outcomes of your own life, or financial freedom, and the list goes on. These are not bad things. There are freedoms worth fighting for. However, if we call ourselves Christians, our freedom is actually bondage to Christ. Our freedom allows us to look at this world and realize there is nothing it can take away from us that we have already gained in Christ, which is everything! Our freedom allows for true joy, and true hope, and true peace in this broken world.  -- Scriptures Referenced: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8) “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) -- Quotes Referenced: “Then the property owner will probably respond, ‘Do you want my house? Do you want my farm? Well, if you do, then you need to talk to Jesus, because I gave this property to Him.’ The security police will not know what to make of that answer. So they will say, ‘We don’t have any way to get to Jesus, but we can certainly get to you! When we take your property, you and your family will have nowhere to live!’ And the house-church believers will declare, ‘Then we will be free to trust God for shelter as well as for our daily bread.’ ‘If you keep this up, we will beat you!’ The persecutors will tell them. ‘Then we will be free to trust Jesus for healing.’ The believers will respond. ‘And then we will put you in prison!’ The police will threaten. By now the believers’ response is almost predictable: ‘Then we will be free to preach the good news of Jesus to the captives, to set them free. We will be free to plant churches in prison.’ ‘If you try to do that we will kill you!’ The frustrated authorities will vow. And, with utter consistency, the house-church believes will reply, ‘Then we will be free to go to heaven to be with Jesus forever.’” -The Insanity of God by Nik Ripkin (p. 263)

Today is all about love, but not the parts of love you might expect. Our perception of love is warped and limited by our humanity, as we tend to focus on the parts of love we like: acceptance, feel-good emotions, comfort, and bliss. Love is those things, but that is only part of the picture. Love is also discipline, and obedience, and dying to yourself. To be fully loved we must acknowledge these things, and be grateful that we serve a God who loves us enough to have given us an example of perfect love through His son Jesus.  -- Scriptures Referenced: “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8) “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6) “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)