WellSpring Christian Center

09/18/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
18 September 2023
Topic: Our Daily Bread: Any Questions?
By: Dave Branon

Scriptures/Quotes:
“As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”
-Luke 18:35-43

Hello WellSpring Family,
Ann was meeting with her oral surgeon for a preliminary exam—a physician she’d known for many years. He asked her, “Do you have any questions?” She said, “Yes. Did you go to church last Sunday?” Her question wasn’t intended to be judgmental, but simply to initiate a conversation about faith.

The surgeon had a less-than-positive church experience growing up, and he hadn’t gone back. Because of Ann’s question and their conversation, he reconsidered the role of Jesus and church in his life. When Ann later gave him a Bible with his name imprinted on it, he received it with tears.

Sometimes we fear confrontation or don’t want to seem too aggressive in sharing our faith. But there can be a winsome way to witness about Jesus—ask questions.

For a man who was God and knew everything, Jesus sure asked a lot of questions. While we don’t know His purposes, it’s clear His questions prompted others to respond. He asked his disciple Andrew, “What do you want?” (John 1:38). He asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51; Luke 18:41). He asked the paralyzed man, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). Transformation happened for each of these individuals after Jesus’ initial question.

Is there someone you want to approach about matters of faith? Ask God to give you the right questions to ask.

*Reflect & Pray*

Why can questions be better conversation starters than direct statements? What questions can you ask those who need spiritual help?

Dear Jesus, please help me to reach out to others in a way that can lead to transformation.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

09/04/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
04 September 2023
Topic: Our Daily Bread: The BLESSED Mask
By: Katara Patton

Scriptures/Quotes:
“Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
-2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Hello WellSpring Family,
As the mask mandate requirements during the pandemic loosened, I struggled to remember to keep a mask handy for where they were still required—like my daughter’s school. One day when I needed a mask, I found just one in my car: the one I avoided wearing because it had blessed written across the front.

I prefer to wear masks without messages, and I believe that the word on the mask I found is overused. But I had no choice, so I reluctantly put the mask on. And when I nearly showed my annoyance with a new receptionist at the school, I caught myself, partly because of the word on my mask. I didn’t want to look like a hypocrite, walking around with blessed scrawled across my mouth while showing impatience to a person trying to figure out a complicated system.

Though the letters on my mask reminded me of my witness for Christ, the words of Scripture in my heart should be a true reminder to be patient with others. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “You are a letter from Christ, . . . written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3). The Holy Spirit who “gives life” (v. 6), can help us live out “love, joy, peace” and, yes, “patience” (Galatians 5:22). We’re truly blessed by His presence within us!
--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

07/31/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
31 July 2023
Topic: Our Daily Bread: Staying on Track with God
By: Marvin Williams

Scriptures/Quotes:
“Hear, Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.”
-Deuteronomy 5:1

Hello WellSpring Family,
Years ago, a train carrying 218 people derailed in northwestern Spain, killing 79 people and hospitalizing 66 more. The driver couldn’t explain the accident, but the video footage could and did. The train was going far too fast before it hit a deadly curve. The allowable speed limit had been created to protect everyone on board the train. Despite being a thirty-year veteran of Spain’s national rail company, however, the driver had for whatever reason ignored the speed boundary and many people lost their lives.
In Deuteronomy 5, Moses reviewed God’s original covenant boundaries for His people. Moses encouraged a new generation to regard God’s instruction as their own covenant with Him (v. 3), and then he restated the Ten Commandments (vv. 7–21). By repeating the commandments and drawing lessons from the previous generation’s disobedience, Moses invited the Israelites to be reverent, humble, and mindful of God’s faithfulness. God had made a way for His people so they wouldn’t wreck their lives or the lives of others. If they ignored His wisdom, they would do so at their own peril.
Today, as God leads us, let’s make all of Scripture our delight, counselor, and the guardrail for our lives. And as the Spirit guides us, we can keep on track within His wise protection and devote our lives wholeheartedly to Him.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

07/25/2023

WCC Zoom Bible Study
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07/25/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
24 July 2023
Topic: Continually Surrounded

Scriptures/Quotes:
“The LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD
and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”
Psalm 32:10-11

Hello WellSpring Family,
God controls and allows every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval.

Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him. For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray.

We can complain, or we can rejoice.

May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God’s unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

07/17/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
17 July 2023
Topic: A Disney Devotions: Hercules
Scriptures/Quotes:
"A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart."
-Hercules

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
-Proverbs 10:9

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
-1 Corinthians 15:33

Hello CAP AL-032 Sq. Senior Members and Cadets,
I think being strong is pretty cool! I like watching CrossFit, Strong Man, and Olympic Weightlifting competitions. Something is extremely impressive to me that these competitors are capable of those physical feats. However, I am more impressed when people do the right thing or stand against things that are wrong. While physical strength is important, we must not forget that scripture says, “For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). It is great to be in good physical shape, but to is more important that a person be of strong moral character. In the same way that you get “reps” in the gym making you physically stronger; we must get “reps” in doing the right things. In life this will make your moral character stronger, and in the same way that after weight training picking up a light weight will be easy. When you consistently do the right thing, you build what I call “holy habits” that make doing the right thing easy to the point you won’t even have to think about it.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

07/10/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
10 July 2023
Topic: Watering Again

Scriptures/Quotes:
“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
- John 4:10 NIV

Hello WellSpring Family,
If you have ever lived in a house with an automatic sprinkler system it can be an eye-opening experience, especially when you no longer live in a house with an automatic sprinkler system. It has made me realize just how often grass needs to be watered and it helped me learn the hard way that grass will simply die without a continual water supply.

As I watched the sprinkler system in the past, it occurred to me that, much like grass, we continually need water, a WellSpring if you will 😊 We need to be watered each and every moment of our lives. We need to draw from God’s Living Water and only as we continually draw from Christ will we be able to grow strong amid the scorching heat and searing winds of life.

So, are you drawing from Christ, your Living Water, today? Or are you trying to live on your own? Let Him water your soul over and over again each day.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

07/04/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
03 July 2023
Topic: And Today?

Scriptures/Quotes:
"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…."
- Hebrews 3:15, NIV

Hello WellSpring Family,
In the above scripture, the author of Hebrews pulls the church back to a message first given in the Old Testament. Psalms 95:8, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness…." When the nation of Israel did not get what they thought they needed/wanted, they hardened their hearts against the Lord and complained. Today when we (the church) do not get what we want, do we act the same way? The Lord gives us many blessings, and God can be trusted in the good and the stormy seasons of life. Let's ask ourselves some questions.

Are we living in God's presence today, in this moment? Are we drawing from His strength?
Are we seeking to know Him and the power of His resurrection today?

Leave the past and the future with the Lord and resolve to cling to Him and dwell in His presence today. He truly has the whole world in His hands, and His strength is perfect—moment by moment.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
"Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!"

05/29/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message

29 May 2023
Topic: Memorial Day: A Day to Honor Life
By Beth Patch

Hello WellSpring Family,
Memorial Day – to some it’s merely the beginning of summer and to others it’s a solemn day to remember those who have passed from this life. However, to the war veteran and to the families of fallen soldiers, Memorial Day carries significance so deep that words cannot express their hearts.

When we look into the eyes of those who still mourn these once vibrant men and women, we often sense their loneliness and pain. We hear them choke back tears as they simply say the ranks and names of their military brothers and sisters at a Memorial Day service. White gloves, dress uniforms, rigid posture, and perfectly precisioned salutes represent the reverence and respect flowing from within. Those who have been personally affected by war understand and appreciate this day of remembrance.

What should we say to those who sincerely honor this day? "Happy Memorial Day" doesn't seem fitting. "I'm sorry for your loss" may be closer to appropriate. What would the fallen soldier want from their comrades and the rest of the country on this day?

In an often quoted Memorial Day speech given in 1884 by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., the speaker ended his address with these words, “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death -- of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will.”

The American soldier who gave his or her life for U.S. citizens to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness won’t be telling us how to observe the holiday. But I believe that Holmes’ proposition to “think of life, not death” would honor the fallen soldier. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom. It's selfless love for others – not so others can mourn forever, but live!

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16)

Notice that in scripture and in military service, the willingness to give up one’s life is not dependent on the worthiness of the people who benefit from the honorable act. In a perfect world, all who receive freedom and grace would be worthy of such a sacrifice and full of gratitude. But that’s not the way it is anywhere on Earth or in Heaven.

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8)

We are blessed to be living in a free society. May we honor our American soldiers for the liberty we have in this country. May we also give thanks to Almighty God for the freedom we have to spend eternity with Him because of His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

04/24/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
24 April 2023
Topic: When You Don’t Feel Like It!

Scriptures/Quotes:
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.”
- Psalm 119:89-95

Hello WellSpring Family,
We all struggle with spiritual discouragement and lethargy. Some days our circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, and we struggle just to pray. Many times we just don’t feel like doing the things we know we should. For one reason or another, God sometimes seems far off and unreachable.

David faced times like these in his life. The Psalms are filled with verses that express his despair and feeling of abandonment. Yet the Psalms also give us the key to living victoriously during the dark periods of life. Let’s take a quick look at Psalm 119:89-95.

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances…”

My circumstances or feelings have not changed God. He is the same God today as He was when He hung the stars in the sky, led the Israelites through the Red Sea, and fed the five thousand.

“For all things are Your servants…”

All things, even the things affecting me right now, are God’s servants. The circumstance, people, and events around me are all under God. They are His servants, designed to help and bless me spiritually.

“If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.”

Recalling God’s faithfulness and control over everything that touches us gives us strength to walk with God even when we feel like giving up in despair. After all, our feelings and circumstances have not changed God. He is perfectly capable of sustaining us if we will only let Him. We simply need to choose to delight in and diligently consider God’s precepts (His principles and character) despite how we feel. Choosing to delight in God might not be easy. It might even involve hard work. But only God can revive and save our soul from spiritual lethargy.

Next time you feel spiritually drained or inadequate, remember that you have a choice. You can wrap yourself up in excuses and self-pity, or you can choose to draw your strength from an unchanging God.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

04/17/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
17 April 2023
Topic: Press On!

Scriptures/Quotes:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 3:14

Hello WellSpring Family,
Of all the Israelites, perhaps no one strove harder to please God than Saul of Tarsus. Every area of his life conformed strictly to the Law. No one could accuse this respected Pharisee of lacking zeal. He was a man with a mission-a mission to please and serve God. But on the road to Damascus, Saul’s life changed entirely. From now on, he would no longer try to please God himself. Instead, he would press on with the goal of knowing Christ. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.” Philippians 3:8 (NIV emphasis added). Saul (now called Paul) had a new mission-a mission that remained constant amid ever-changing circumstances. It didn’t matter whether he was preaching to a crowd or sitting in a damp prison. Paul now had one goal before which everything in his life bowed. Paul wanted to know his Lord.

How about you? Is knowing Christ–fellowshipping, trusting, and depending on Him-the goal toward which you’re striving? Ask God to help you press on to know Him today.

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”

03/27/2023

WellSpring Christian Center Motivational Message
27 Mar 2023
Topic: Lent: Clothe Yourself with Compassion
By: Scott Stoner

Scriptures/Quotes:
"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
—Colossians 3:12

Hello WellSpring Family,
Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. His call is one of the two great commandments, to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

While Jesus does direct us, as his followers, to do this, we are wise to realize that not only is offering compassion to others central to our faith, but it is also foundational to our well-being.

The practice of compassion is both a fruit of, and a contributor to, well-being. To realize the truth of this, we need only think of a time when our hearts and emotions have been tense, anxious, angry, and constricted. When we feel like this, this is our smaller, ego-based self. And when our smaller self is dominant, it is important to recognize that our well-being is compromised and that we are not in a place to enhance another’s well-being.

Now think of a time when your larger, spiritual self was dominant. This is the self that responds from an expanded heart and soul. From this expanded place, as the words of the Scripture above say, we are able to clothe ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” We experientially recognize that our well-being, as well as the well-being of others, is truly enhanced when living from this larger, spiritual space. Just as we can decide how to dress ourselves each day in order to look our best, we can also decide to clothe ourselves with loving actions, including compassion, in order to respond from the heart.

Making it Personal: Read the verse from Colossians above and notice what speaks to you. Can you recognize when your smaller, ego-centered self is activated vs. when your larger, spiritual self is present? What might help you to make a choice to clothe yourself with more compassion each day?

--
Grace and Peace,
Min. Chris Thompson
WellSpring Christian Center
“Where All are Welcome, and the Fountain is Full!”