The End of a Season

By Susan Klein

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Seasons end, new ones begin. We find this to be evident in our calendar year, in our jobs, in our personal lives… No season is infinite. As the writer of Ecclesiastes points out, there is an appointed time for everything.

Our Fresh Start blog began its season eleven years ago with just a handful of writers, each with a vision to share words of inspiration that God had placed on their hearts. Thanks to readers like you, this ministry grew, and morphed, and changed over the years of its existence, serving a specific purpose, for a divinely appointed time.

The season of Fresh Start has now come to an end. We sincerely hope and pray that you have found words that have encouraged you, given you hope, and even, on occasion, challenged you in your faith journey as you’ve opened your email each weekday morning.

Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your daily lives, and for blessing us with your kind responses and words of encouragement.

May our gracious heavenly Father continue to be your source of inspiration and encouragement as you navigate your own seasons of life.

With heartfelt love and gratitude,

The Fresh Start Team

(You may still find our previously written devotionals at: http://oakwoodfreshstart.blogspot.com/ )

Back to School Prayer

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

September is nearly here, and that means “Back to School”…new beginnings, filled with challenges for our students. What better way to impact the next generation than to be praying for them? Even if you don’t have children in your home, we all have a responsibility to support and love future generations. After all, the schoolchildren of today are the pastors, presidents, and parents of tomorrow.

Here are just a few ideas of how we can pray for our students:

1. Pray for their friends. “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26, NIV). Pray for godly friends, and separation from ungodly influences.
2. Pray for a close walk with God. “…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV).
3. Pray for your child to feel God’s love. “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39, NIV).
4. Pray for joy for learning. “Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights” (Proverbs 18:15, The Message).
5. Pray for good relationships with each family member. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NIV).
6. Pray for wisdom to meet all of the challenges ahead. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:6-7, NIV).

GOING DEEPER:

1. Commit to praying daily for a student for this school year.
2. Send an occasional note of encouragement to this same student.

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 1:9-11

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

Faithful Sufferers

By Susan Klein

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus said, “but this happened so that the work of God may be displayed in his life.”

John 9:2-3 (NIV)

The Gospels are filled with examples of people being miraculously healed by Jesus. In the above story, Jesus is walking along with His disciples when they come across a man who was blind since birth. The disciples assume (by their question) that surely someone in the man’s family had sinned greatly to bring on such a tragedy. But Jesus enlightens them with truth. His blindness was an intentional  act of God, happening so that others might see the work God was going to do through him. He was chosen to be blind. Jesus then does something peculiar, yet purposeful. He spits on some dirt, pats it into a wad of mud and smears it on the man’s eyes. He receives sight. Lives are impacted. The work of God is displayed.

But, what about the countless others who are not healed? We don’t read their stories in Scripture. Many suffer, not all are healed. It’s a difficult calling, to suffer for God’s purpose, but many are called to do just that. Maybe it’s you. Perhaps you (or someone you know) were born with a condition that you’ve had to endure your whole life. “Why not heal me?” you question. “You healed the blind man, and the bleeding woman, and the leper…” Why not? Same reason. So that the work of God may be displayed in your life.

This very message is conveyed in the Kutless song, “Even If.”

You are God, You are good

Forever faithful One

Even if the healing

Even if the healing doesn’t come

Lord we know your ways are not our ways

So we set our faith in who you are…

You’re still the Great and Mighty One

We trust you always

You’re working all things for our good

We’ll sing your praise (1)

Can you trust in Him?  Are you willing to accept the suffering you’ve been allowed, and trust that God is good, and always faithful? Even if you (or your loved one) are never healed, will you believe in and sing the praises of the Great and Mighty One who has allowed this to happen in your life so that His wondrous works might be displayed?

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Discover what happens when you sing a familiar praise song in the midst of your suffering.  Or use the song above by clicking on this link: “Even If” by Kutless.

2.    Recognize that your suffering may be preparing someone else for blessing, and be willing to be used.

FURTHER READING:

James 5:10-11; 1 Peter 5:10

(1) Even If lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

Where’s the Peck of Pickled Peppers?

By Elizabeth Cole

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

James 2:22 (NIV)

Remember this tongue twister from childhood?

Peter Piper picked a peck

of pickled peppers;

a peck of pickled peppers

Peter Piper picked.

If Peter Piper picked a peck

of pickled peppers,

where's the peck of pickled peppers

Peter Piper picked?

In the midst of all the laughter at humorous mispronunciation, I’m not sure I’ve ever paid much attention to the actual words. Poor guy. And by the way, were the peppers pickled at the point he picked them, or did he pick the peppers and then pickle them? (Try that one fast and out loud!) Inquiring minds want to know because the answer places him in either the grocery store or the field. But once more, I digress…

Bottom line, here’s this man who’s spent time acquiring eight dry quarts of peppers and yet, apparently, he has nothing to show for it and nothing to share. Depending on your childhood illustrator of choice, either the guy just carelessly lost all his peppers or else he’s sitting in a corner with a stomachache, having eaten all the pickled peppers himself. Either way, it’s terribly sad.

As Christ-followers, we have access to such abundance: multiple copies of God’s Word, an endless supply of Bible studies, great teaching, small groups, stirring worship music. We spend time acquiring spiritual knowledge and experiences…and yet, it seems that so often, we as God’s people have nothing to show for it and nothing to share.

A paraphrase of what James writes in his New Testament letter says, “Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!” True confessions: I’m one of those “inquiring minds.” I love to learn, and there are times that I digress from obediently applying what God’s taught me to just being all the more prideful about what I know. According to Brother James, that’s terribly sad.

The right-hearted response to knowledge and experiences is to let the Holy Spirit use them to change us, to cause us to humbly love our God all the more, to move us a step closer to looking like what He’s always had in mind for us…and then let Him use us to give God’s love to others, to share, to invest our lives in others!

Got anything to show for your time in the Word this week? Check out those pickled peppers…!

GOING DEEPER:

1. As you look back over the first two-thirds of the year, where do you see areas of spiritual growth in your life?

2. What would you need to change to reap and use greater spiritual fruit gleaned from your exposure to God’s Word?

3. Commit to apply one new principle from the Bible to your life this week.

FURTHER READING:

John 15:1-17; James 1:23-25; Hebrews 5:11-14

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and three sons-in-law and serves on the After-Service Prayer Team at Oakwood Church.

I Need It Now

by Jeannine Sawall

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Have you ever had a season where everything comes together to create the perfect storm? In a matter of two months, my mother-in-law, son and husband all had surgery. My goddaughter was getting married, and I wasn't just her spring wedding coordinator - - I also made her cake and veil, and did the flowers. As if there was not enough going on, my 31-year-old cousin unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind three young children whom my aunt asked if we would consider taking in. To say the least, I was feeling overwhelmed.

The day after the wedding, I traveled with my girlfriends to Florida before heading to Texas to care of my cousin's children. While in Florida, I ran into an old friend.

Wanting to catch up, she asked, "What's new?"

I rattled off my laundry list of life. She responded, "So...life's a little overwhelming right now?"

I told her that was an understatement! She then mentioned an October women's conference at her church and how our mutual friend Donna was teaching on "How to Deal with Tragedy and Crisis in Your Christian Life."

 I looked at my friend and said, "October? By June 1^st, I'm heading home and life should be gravy. I need Donna now...not in October!" 

When I got to Texas, I posted pictures on Facebook, and it wasn't long before I received a message from my friend Donna. It read, How long are you in Austin?  I responded that I was there another four days. Donna messaged back, So when are we getting together?  I knew she had moved to Texas, but I wasn’t sure where in Texas...and Texas is a big state! We were able to get together, and it was a refreshing time of loving encouragement. She poured into me and it was just what I needed. 

I told Donna about my reply to the invitation to her October conference, "‘I don't need Donna in October. I need her now.’  And here we are!” 

Donna laughed and said, "Wow!  God really loves us, doesn't He?!"  We took a picture together and texted it to our friend. 

She responded, "How did that happen?!" 

We laughed again, smiling at how God perfectly orchestrates our lives. He knew I needed the life-giving words Donna would speak into me right then, and He made it happen. God is always faithful to provide.  When life just doesn't make sense, keep walking and watch for His unfailing provision. 

 GOING DEEPER:

1. When has God provided for you - - just what you needed - - at the time you needed it?
2. Who do you know who needs some refreshing encouragement?  Connect with them.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 11:28, Psalm 34:10b, John 16:23-24

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Ordinary People

By Susan Klein

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.”

Isaiah 53:2b (NIV)

Have you ever felt just plain old “ordinary”? You get up every morning, amble through basically the same routine, and return to bed at night, only to repeat the process the next day. Oh sure, there are the occasional special events like weddings, funerals, vacations, and the like… but for the most part, your life seems fairly ordinary. Do you ever dream of accomplishing something more significant, something more “out-of-the-ordinary”?

Let me introduce you to someone rather ordinary. He grew up in a small town, lived in a modest house and didn’t wear designer clothes. There was nothing significant that would make him stand out in a crowd; no fabulous looks, special athletic abilities or business accomplishments to speak of. He worked as a common laborer with his dad, hung out with common folks, and never made a name for himself by amassing great wealth or entering into politics. He got up early, worked hard all day, and retired at night, only to do it again the next day. He just lived life. Sound familiar?

For the first 30 years of His life, our Lord, Jesus Christ, was an ordinary human being much like the majority of people today. God intended for Him to be that way. Though He posessed the power of God and could perform miracles in His latter years, He still spent much of his time having people look down at His “ordinary-ness.” He once dared to speak publicly in His hometown only to have the neighbors question, “Who does this guy think he is? Isn’t he just Mary and Joseph’s son, you know that carpenter guy? Where does he get these lofty ideas? He’s nobody special.” His disciples were ordinary men, too. He chose them that way. He came to earth to live among the common man. But, in each moment of His ordinary life, He wasted no opportunity to be somebody to someone. He spoke encouragingly. He ministered to those he encountered along the way. He took time out to just “hang” with other ordinary folk. Nothing and no one were insignificant to Him.

How about you? Do you find significance in the people and things God has placed before you? Can you see God at work behind the scenes of each seemingly ordinary day? Do you sense His presence in your boredom as well as your accomplishments? Will you recognize that each moment is a significant moment, and choose to be used by God in your “ordinary-ness”?

GOING DEEPER:

1. How has God used an ordinary experience in your life to do something extraordinary?

2. Are you watching for opportunities?

FURTHER READING:

Mark 6:1-4; Acts 4:13; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

Embracing the Here and Now

By Lexi Ellis

“For this God is our God for ever and ever;
    he will be our guide even to the end.”
Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

“It’s not a bad situation; there’s just a lot of unknown right now,” I told a friend. Life wasn’t bad. It wasn’t a crisis. And it wasn’t anyone’s fault. But there were a few things hanging in the air, left undone, still unknown…

Because I’m a planner, this season is clearly an opportunity for me to keep depending on God. I know that trusting Him during the waiting is right. But I’d been wanting the feelings of anxiety and “what ifs” to stop, as well.

And then, I received an email from Amy Simpson. She’s a mental health advocate/writer/speaker. I’d signed up for her newsletter when she spoke at our church several months ago. In it, she wrote:

What about you? Where has your journey through life brought you? Someplace unexpected? Your plans may be a distant memory; your life may look nothing like what you envisioned for yourself and the people you love. That doesn't mean you're in the wrong place. God is ready to teach you and use you wherever you are, in whatever you are walking through. Your life, and your choices, matter anywhere and everywhere. [1]

Yes, we sometimes need to be reminded that God uses every situation: the seasons of waiting, our individual unknowns, or the “How did we get here?” surprise. Because God uses the impossible for “…such a time as this.” And because God comforts and teaches us through whatever the season is - - a season of joy, of crisis or of the unknown. [2]

In Exodus 33, Moses has a powerful encounter with God. After feeling like there were still too many unknowns, Moses beseeches God to “…teach me Your ways.”  God replies in the next verse, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Moses’ response is not, “Great. Now it’s all better.”  Instead, Moses reveals his heart: a heart that longs to be in continued relationship and learning. He then asks, “Please show me Your glory.” And God responds to Moses with a reminder of His goodness, mercy and compassion. [3]

God doesn’t always reveal a solution to the unknown, but He always gives His very presence, comfort and teaching. The questions today remain: Will I let go of the knowing, and instead choose to embrace the here and now? Will I ask God to show me His glory instead of answers to the unknown?

[1] Amy Simpson, email subscription, July 19, 2017.

[2] Esther 4:14

[3] Exodus 33:12-19

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take the risk. Instead of praying for answers, pray for God to show you His glory.

2. Think back to times God has shown up in faithfulness and comfort.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 111:10; Jeremiah 17:7-8

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have a dog named Calvin and love to Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

Secret Places

By Jeannine Sawall

" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Genesis 41:1 begins by saying "When two full years had passed..." This chapter is telling the story of Joseph. Joseph had been falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison. He had sat in prison for a full two years before being called before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. As he sat in prison, it was probably the lowest point in Joseph's life. He had done nothing wrong, yet it hadn't kept him from suffering. And while Joseph's people skills had given him a better position in prison, he was still… in… prison. God had not orchestrated a quick release or quick justice to prevail. He sat there - - seemingly forgotten - - in that dark, secret place for TWO FULL YEARS.

Sometimes we experience the same thing in our lives. We are left in a dark, secret place of suffering for a long time…just waiting. We may feel forgotten or abandoned and wonder where God is? Why hasn't He rescued us? How long will we wait here? But God has a plan. He works out our "junk" in the secret places. God's ways are not our ways. Each of us has a different path that God calls us to, and sometimes that secret place is where we are called to wait for His plan to unfold.

As Joseph's story goes on, he is finally remembered by the chief cupbearer and is called before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. Joseph tells Pharaoh that he is not able to interpret his dreams, but that God is able to do it for him. He gives the glory to God. After hearing the interpretations, Pharaoh decides a wise man must be put in charge. Pharaoh then sets Joseph in a position of power lower only than that of Pharaoh himself. Joseph experienced a change in his circumstances that he had never imagined! Pharaoh recognized the work of God in Joseph's life and moved him from the pit to the palace!

When you are faithful to God, others will be blessed because you are in God's favor. People will seek you out because you are remembered by God. They will want to know what your secret is. It's Jesus! We can willingly walk through the dark places when we know we are walking it with the King. God does not want us to give up! He wants us to remain faithful in those dark, secret places. For it is there that He can work out our “stuff” and use it to His glory. Beloved, stay faithful. God has not forgotten you. He is orchestrating your freedom in ways you just can't imagine!

  GOING DEEPER:

1. Where in your life do you feel that you have been left waiting in a secret place?
2. How has your story of suffering been used to bring God glory?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 118:5, 2 Timothy 4:7, Romans 12:12,  Psalm 27:14

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Wisdom Rush

By Elin Henderson

“Incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding… if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God, for the LORD gives wisdom.”

Proverbs 2:2, 4-6 (NKJV)

I’m no history buff, but I do know that the Gold Rush of ’49 is responsible for the massive people movement that populated the western coast! When word first came out that “there’s gold in them thar hills!” people flocked by the score, mad with gold fever, willing to lose everything to strike it rich!! Many went, but only a few were successful in their search. Why is this? Well, I’ve never dug for gold, but from the stories I’ve read, it was no easy task. It took determination, courage, strength and persistence. The good stuff wasn’t on the surface, but way down beneath and nothing short of blood, sweat and tears, unearthed it. Everyone longed for it, but few found it. 

How many times in a day do we find ourselves crying out, “God, give me wisdom!” If only we had a Fort Knox of wisdom, we could access any old time! But it’s not that way. Wisdom is available, but we have to be willing to dig for it!! It’s valuable, not to be squandered, but to be cherished and utilized to its fullest.

Job found this to be true in his search for sense and wisdom in the midst of trial. The first 11 verses of Job 28  give us a lovely word picture of a mine and the intense work that goes into finding treasure in its depths. Then Job says, “But where can wisdom be found and where is understanding? Man does not know its value…” We search blindly for it, desperate to find it, but often unsure of where to start. Before we lose heart, he adds, “God understands its way and He knows its place.” He’s got the map of the mines! Then, in the final verse (28), God speaks directly to man and reveals that map. “Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding.” It’s like He’s saying, “Start here! Keep digging in this vein and you will find it!!”

Are we willing to dig, in order to find the wisdom we desperately need? It’s often in the midst of the struggle that we come upon the rich nuggets we’re longing for. So, pick up your map, start where He says to start and keep digging!  He has a whole cache waiting for you. Are you ready for a Wisdom Rush?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend some time in Proverbs noting wisdom verses.

2. How much time do you devote daily to wisdom fever?  

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 4:5; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 31:26

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to eighteen-year-old Callie and sixteen-year-old Elias.

UFO’s

By Elizabeth Cole

 “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

A friend told me she was expecting twins and, in excitement, I started stitching two beautiful blankets. Purchasing the pattern and materials needed, I anticipated how sweet it would be to wrap up each baby in the softest of colors. I worked diligently on those complicated projects, though there did come a point when I needed to set them aside for, well…27 years! Yes, they’re still unfinished…yes, I had to buy something else to celebrate their birth…yes, they’re even now tucked in a bin of “UFO’s” in my basement.

UnFinished Objects. Ugh. Am I the only one who enthusiastically starts projects, only to get distracted? Another object grabs my attention, until even another one moves me from the second, and on it goes. Case in point: We lived in a wallpapered bedroom for eight whole years that only needed one half of one last strip of wallpaper to be completed!

Sometimes, I confess, it has more to do with confusion. I’ve come to a point in a project’s instructions that I don’t understand, so I set it aside to try to figure it out later. MUCH later, because I have no idea how to proceed, nor do I have a clear vision of what it’s going to look like in the end. And, ultimately, it’s forgotten.

And then there are those UFO’s that I decided were simply unattractive. I’m quite clear on how they’re going to turn out…and I don’t really like them. My skills aren’t what I hoped they’d be; the idea isn’t playing out. Any further time spent on those projects is a waste of energy.

As a Christ-follower, ever considered yourself a UFO?

Beloved, be confident today. While you are, in fact, an unfinished object, you can be assured that your Maker will continue His good work in you until completion. No, He’s not found you to be too complicated. No, He hasn’t left you to move on to something/someone more interesting. He’s definitely not confused by what to do next, nor does He wonder how you’ll ever become the person He designed you to be. You are not forgotten. And yes, His skills are up to the task, He finds you worth His energy, and He delights in who you’re going to be when He’s done.

So, breathe. Believe Him. Say “thank you.” Cooperate with what He’s doing. Tell someone else. Love Him more. Repeat. Anticipating the day He returns or calls us home and we are, finally…complete.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How does knowing God’s promise of completion encourage you to trust Him more? To treat others differently?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and three sons-in-law, and serves on the After-Service Prayer Team at Oakwood Church.