Sweet Treat
By Jen Wollner

“…his love endures forever.”
Psalm 107:1

In my opinion, October is one of the best months of the year here in Wisconsin. The air is crisp, the leaves are colorful and fall festivities are in full swing. I look forward to our family tradition of going to a farm to pick out pumpkins, eating caramel apples, drinking cider and riding in a wagon full of hay. Actually, I’m not sure who loves it more…my husband and I, or our kids! There’s another October tradition that kids love. It comes at the end of the month and involves costumes and candy. Children of all ages get to dress up as their favorite superhero or princess or animal and run around the neighborhood in the dark, ringing doorbells and collecting candy. What’s not to love, right?

For a lot of us, though, pretending to be someone we’re not doesn’t end with childhood trick-or-treating. Many of us wear costumes of some kind or another throughout our whole lives. This seems particularly prevalent amongst us women. We often feel that we won’t be liked if we aren’t wearing our June Cleaver pearls and housedress. We wonder if others will accept us if we haven’t put on our Martha Stewart mask. And we fear that if people knew that we were really more like Peg Bundy than Claire Huxtable, they would look down on us. So, we carry on the charade, hoping that no one will discover the real us…or should I say, the vulnerable, imperfect side of us.

How good to know there’s Someone who doesn’t care what we look like without our make-up and hair done (or house clean, or kids perfectly behaved or marriage without kinks or…). As a matter of fact, He created each of us and knows exactly how many hairs we have on our beautifully-styled head. His name is Jesus. He can see right through our get-ups of perfection and poise…and He loves us just the same. His affection for us is higher than any mountain, deeper than any sea and wider than the heavens. His desire to have a relationship with us took Him to the cross. He simply adores us! That’s just the kind of unconditional love we are longing for, isn’t it?

No matter what kind of costume we’ve been hiding behind, today is the day to take it off and be real with the Lord. Let’s admit our struggles and imperfections and find freedom in His love and acceptance. He’s crazy about us, just as we are. No tricks here...just sweet treats!

Going Deeper:
1. What kind of “costumes” do you put on each day? Why?
2. Do you believe that the Lord loves you unconditionally and treasures a personal relationship with you? Do you seek Him and His acceptance or rely on the approval of others?
3. What are some ways that He demonstrates His love for you each day?

Further Reading:
Psalm 9:10; Psalm 45:10-11; Psalm 108:4; Romans 5:8

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.

Keeping Anger in Check
By Susan Klein

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Ephesians 4:26-27

When my son was a little boy, he struggled for a period of time with angry outbursts. As a young mom, I wasn’t quite sure how to deal with this flaw in my “little angel’s” character. Surely my sweet five-year old son couldn’t be exhibiting selfishness or pride, could he? As I pored through many well-meaning parenting books trying to decide the best way to handle this undesirable behavior, my son developed a unique way of his own to deal with his anger. Whenever he felt the rage coming on, he would go outside, jump on his swing, and pump as hard and as high as his little legs would take him. As I’d sneak a peek out the window, I could always gauge the intensity of his anger by how high and how long he swung. Only when he was physically exhausted, and his anger depleted, would he come back in the house.

I remember sharing this with another mom one day while our boys shared a play day at the park. Her response caught me a little off guard. She told me her boys were taught that anger is sin. She also said that she did not allow them to express their anger, not even in a positive way. If they felt angry about something they were told to confess that anger to God right away and ask for forgiveness. While I understood her desire to avoid wrong behavior and teach them about repentance, I couldn’t help but wonder if she might be somewhat mistaken about what Scripture has to say about the emotion of anger.

Nowhere does it say that we are being sinful just by feeling angry. Scripture tells us that God created our inmost being which includes a full spectrum of emotions. He expects us to experience anger just as we experience joy or sorrow or any of our other emotions. The Bible does, however, tell us that we are not to sin in our anger. It’s our response to it that determines whether or not we are sinning. If, when we are angry, we respond by striking out verbally or physically, bringing harm to someone or something, then our actions (and the thoughts behind them) are sinful. If we take rightly-motivated anger and channel it positively like exercising, journaling or trying to promote change, we have not sinned. Let’s keep our anger in check by finding God-honoring ways to respond!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what areas of your life does anger become a problem for you?
2. What are some tangible, positive steps you can take the next time you feel angry?

FURTHER READING:
James 1:19-20; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 29:11; Ephesians 4:26

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.

His Workmanship
By Shelly Schumacher

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

Ask my parents and they will surely tell you, Shelly Connors was not created as a quiet and demure little girl. As a child, I was loud, boisterous and was often scolded for talking in class. My mouth regularly got me in trouble as I often said the most inappropriate things at the most inopportune times.

When I first became a Christian and started attending Bible studies, I felt like a fish out of water. As a young mother, I sat around the table with a group of wonderful women. Each seemed to have just the right thing to say and knew exactly when to add it to the conversation. I felt that every time I opened my mouth, I spewed forth the most uninspired drivel. I honestly believed that in order to be a true Christian woman, I must fit into a mold of quiet, soft-spoken and reserved.

As I have grown in my faith, God has clearly showed me that He wants me just as I am. He created me to fill a part of the Body of Christ and to complement the other parts. My personality is not a coincidence – it is exactly the way I am supposed to be. With that being said, God has also taught me that within my personality there is a gentle spirit. And he has shown me when this quiet spirit should be utilized.

When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, his goal was to build them up in their faith. He wrote to encourage them and let them know of the great love that God has for His creation. Paul spoke of God as a master artisan. Like any artist, God’s work is inspired. Each thing He creates has its own unique attributes and characteristics. The plan for creation, however, is not haphazard. God creates each person with special gifts and abilities so that he or she can serve the entire body of believers.

As I learn about the gifts that God has given me, I have become more comfortable in my “less than dainty” Christian womanhood. I realize now that God desires to utilize me just as I am, loud mouth and all.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What special attributes has God given you that don’t seem to fit the “Christian mold”? How do/could you use these qualities to serve God?
2. Praise and thank God for your uniqueness.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:14; Psalm 40:5; Job 5:9; Isaiah 55:8

Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional, and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.

Friends Don’t Let Friends…
By Elizabeth Cole

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…”
Hebrews 10:24-25

One of 1991’s highest grossing films, with six Academy Award nominations, was Thelma and Louise. Billed as a female road movie, the story follows the liberation of two repressed women who begin the movie going on a fishing trip, but end up on the lam. One critic waxes, “Thelma and Louise become fully realized human beings who share a powerful and authentic friendship. Their transformation into two outlaws is also made entirely believable by the actresses…” In the end, cornered at the Grand Canyon and wanting to avoid capture, “they make a final decision to drive off the cliff into the canyon. The film ends with a freeze frame of the car in midair and the credits begin over a montage of their happiest moments together during the weekend.” The movie has become an iconic classic celebrating friendship between women. My response? You gotta be kidding…give me a break!

As we read Paul’s letters in the New Testament, we learn a lot about how to build real friendships and godly relationships. To the Thessalonian believers, he writes, “Encourage one another and build each other up.” To the Colossian church: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…” When he addresses the Ephesians, he writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another...”

The kind of relationships God calls us to develop includes extending “kindness with a backbone.” True kindness in friendship means we wouldn’t dream of looking the other way while a precious friend heads down a path guaranteed to cause her heartache. True kindness means being willing to gently ask the “hard question.” True kindness prays diligently for a friend’s heart-change. True kindness risks being misunderstood, and sacrifices being “nice” for being loving.

A real friend models her kindness after God Himself: It’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). She humbly evaluates her friendship on the basis of whether her actions and words help her friend move closer toward the Lord Jesus.

Listen, according to Scripture, friends don’t let friends drive over cliffs!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what ways has God’s kindness led you to a greater awareness of your sin and its potential consequences? Thank Him.
2. Are you resisting the Holy Spirit’s prompting to extend “kindness with a backbone”? Ask Him for His compassion, strength, timing and words.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-3,32; I Thessalonians 5:11; Colossians 3:16

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus
By Susan Klein

“But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord”
Psalm 141:8a

I pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store the other day, dreading the task at hand. “Fill a few bags with groceries, pay an arm and a leg, and return next week to do the same. Ugh!” As I shifted into park, I noticed the approaching black clouds in the not-too-far distance. My already sour attitude was rapidly heading south! “Great! It’ll be raining by the time I get back out to the car to load up the trunk. I’ll be soaked and so will all my bags!”

I reached over to feel for my umbrella under the passenger seat when I noticed the red pickup truck parked in front of me. Actually, it was the Golden Lab in the driver’s seat of the pickup that caught my attention. Though it’s hardly unusual to see a dog in a parked car, there was something about his demeanor that caused me to stop and take notice. He was sitting, statuesque, with his eyes fixed on the front door of the store. Not a muscle twitched in his perfectly-still body. Every person coming out met with his watchful gaze. Occasionally his eyes would turn to look in the direction of some unfamiliar sound, but only for the briefest of seconds, always returning immediately to the store’s entrance. At one point, a man even got into the car next to the truck but the dog never flinched. Faithfully he watched, patiently he waited, eagerly anticipating the return of his master. He never left the driver’s seat, he never stopped watching the door. His eyes were fixed!

As I pondered this scene before me, I realized that my eyes had been fixed on everything but my Master that morning. The grocery shopping, the expense, the coming rain...I was letting every little irritation cloud my vision. How could I be so blind? “Oh Lord, forgive me for fixing my eyes on the insignificant things, and not on you!” I took a deep breath, sat back, and said a little prayer before leaving my car:

“Thank you for putting this dog in my path today, Lord. I’m sorry I haven’t had my eyes on you. Help me to not get distracted by life’s little issues. But even when I occasionally do, like today, let me turn quickly back to focus on You. May I be reminded of this faithful canine, casting aside all other distractions and eagerly awaiting the return of his master.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are your eyes presently fixed on?
2. Do you need to clear the haze of distractions so that you can see the Lord more clearly? If so, what can you do today to be more focused on Him?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 12:1-2

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.

Living in True Unity
By Susan Klein

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1

Imagine my delight when I opened my email to find an adorable photo of two young girls playing on the porch with their dolls! They looked so precious in their summer dresses, feeding their babies like any proud mother would. Now, imagine my surprise when I read the caption below the photo: “Sophia and Kadynn crushing up a beetle and feeding it to their babies.” Yikes! You’re probably asking, “What would make them do this?!!” Well, these two girls are daughters of tribal missionaries in Papua New Guinea. The tribal women there crush up toads, boil them, and feed them to their babies when they are sick. The girls couldn’t find any toads so they used a beetle instead.

Recently, our pastor preached a sermon on walking in unity, and the importance of unity in our church body. Some definitions of unity that he took from Scripture were: maintaining the same love, being united in spirit and intent on one purpose (Philippians 2). Webster’s Dictionary includes those mentioned above, but adds, “harmony, agreement, a union of related parts.” Interestingly enough, neither source listed, “always agreeing with each other,” or “being conformed to the same customs” in their definitions. Achieving unity with others means loving each other regardless of differences, living in harmony with one another and regarding one another as more important than ourselves.

These dear missionary families go into the tribes desiring to establish unity with the tribal people, while leading them gently to Christ. They don’t try to conform them to American standards. They simply share the love of Christ. Missionaries show love and respect for tribal customs and traditions, just as the tribal people show them love and respect in return. They are united in a team spirit of building relationships, learning together and worshiping together. They are intent on one purpose: to glorify their Creator. It takes great courage and selflessness to live in unity amidst a culture so vastly different from ours. What a wonderful example they are for our local church to follow!

By the way, if the boiled toad is not soft enough, the mother will chew on it first before giving it to her baby. A custom this missionary mom made sure her girls didn’t follow!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you’ve ever experienced disunity in a body of believers, you know how much it can hurt! Ask God to show you tangible ways to help build unity in your church.
2. Perhaps you have disunity in your family, or in another relationship. Ask God to show you what is causing it and how/if it can be resolved. Seek guidance from your pastoral staff if necessary.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2: 1-11; Ephesians 4: 1-6; Colossians 3: 12-14

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.

Believing Prayer
By Peggy Kleckner

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”
Acts 12:5

The church was praying for Peter. They couldn’t physically free him, but they could pray to the One who could. They probably had their own ideas of how God would answer and none of them included Peter knocking, angel-released, at the door (Acts 12:13)! We read through this account and think, “That’s nice, Peter is free.” But if we take the time to really enter into the situation – WOW! He was chained to two guards, there were sentries at the entrance and an iron gate to get through…but earnest prayer to the One True God freed him from his captivity.

Have you ever been faced with an impossible situation, and then just known in your heart that you were to believe God would answer your earnest prayer? I have. I was sitting on the couch with my husband, when I realized the diamond was missing from my wedding ring. Now, this is no small annoyance for any woman, but our marriage had just survived some very dark waters (by the grace of God!), and this seemed to be just too much to bear. So I prayed, and I called on my family and my friends to pray. I knew that our God is the God of the Impossible. Finding a loose diamond is hard enough when you know where you lost it, but I didn’t even know that! Since a clean home is not where I live, that just added to the impossibility of the situation. So, we hunted and we prayed and I just kept believing that God was going to put that diamond in the palm of my hand. It was almost a week later that my son bent down in the kitchen, picked something up off the floor and placed it in the palm of my hand – yep, my diamond! What a joy to share answered prayer! Not only was my faith stretched and confirmed, but so was the faith of all of those who had joined me in prayer.

Over and over again prayer seems to be the Lord’s lesson to me. No matter the dire circumstances – God says pray. When we see no way out – too many guards and iron gates – He tells us to pray…and trust His sovereignty. He is looking for those who will believe, for those who have the faith to cry out in earnest prayer for Him to act on their behalf.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What impossible situation are you ready to turn over to God?
2. What friends and relatives do you have who are being held captive physically or spiritually? Are you praying for their release?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:13-18; Matthew 21:22

Peggy is a wife and mother of two sons and two step-sons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

Remarkable Devotion
By Karen D’Amore

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and then turn back.
I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people
will be my people and your God will be my God. I will die where
you die and will be buried there. May the Lord punish me severely
if I allow anything but death to separate us.’”
Ruth 1:16-17

Our first glimpse into the life of Naomi looks something like the famous opening line from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Naomi and her family were living in a season of plenty. When her sons both married, life was even sweeter. But tragedy loomed around the corner and a dark season dawned with the death of her husband, followed by the death of her two sons.

Bereaved widows, stripped of the earthly security of husbands, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth, found comfort in sharing one another’s sorrows. Their lives became so entwined that it is difficult to focus on one without touching upon the life of the other.

As Naomi returned home to her friends and family in Bethlehem, Ruth chose to journey with her. Leaving the comforts of her own family, Ruth sacrificially chose a road leading to a new life of hard work, uncertainty and unforeseeable dangers. Ruth and Naomi’s cultures, family backgrounds, and ages were very different. As mother-in-law and daughter-in-law they probably had as many opportunities for tension as for tenderness. And yet their commitment to each other and to God kept them bound to each other. Though they depended on each other greatly, they also gave each other freedom in their commitment to one another. Ultimately both widows found joy—Ruth in remarriage and motherhood and Naomi in her role as a grandmother.

We live in an age that promotes individualism and independence; Ruth and Naomi’s relationship of selfless devotion serves as a remarkable role model for us to emulate. In the worst of times…born out of adversity…an unlikely friendship formed by the hand of God, left two women sharing…the best of times!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life, like Ruth, has been loyal to you in times of need? Have you expressed your gratitude to her?
2. How can you be like Ruth to someone who needs your support and devotion?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Romans 12:1; Proverbs 17:17; John15:12-13

Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue hair salon, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.

Seeing Clearly
By Jen Wollner

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”
Psalm 119:18

A few years ago, my husband had Lasik eye surgery. There was a lot that needed to be done to prepare for the procedure, including checking, re-checking and triple-checking his eyes. But none of that compared to the intensity of the surgery itself. Although it was completed quickly, it was traumatic for his eyes. But, as they healed, the results were unbelievable! I was blown away on our drive home as I listened to my husband explain that he could already see better than he ever could before. We were both in awe! But, it didn’t end there. As the days and weeks passed, his vision became crisper and more refined until, eventually, it was better than 20/20.

The decision to have this procedure has proved to be life-changing for my husband and, literally, affects him daily. It’s like the process we experience when we come the point in our lives where we realize that we are sinners and in need of a Savior. We reach out to Jesus and express our need for Him and our desire to belong to Him. Although that time of confession and acceptance of His gift of salvation is short, the results are dramatic and miraculous. It’s a decision that is life-altering.

See, just as a laser re-shapes the lens of an eye to correct the vision of that eye, the Holy Spirit begins changing the “eyes” of our heart the moment we accept Jesus. There is an immediate change in our vision as we start to see ourselves and the world around us differently. But, that’s not where it ends. As our relationship with Him becomes stronger, He changes our heart, mind and soul to be more like Him. As we study His Word, fellowship with believers, have intimate prayer time with Him and serve others, our focus changes – our opinions and priorities become clearer and our vision is slowly refined so that we see life from His perspective.

Now is the perfect time for us to praise Him for the work He has done on our vision and thank Him for the precious gift of clarity His truth brings. But, we shouldn’t stop there. Let’s allow Him every opportunity to continue to re-shape the lens of our hearts. Let’s get to know our “surgeon” intimately so that our vision can be refined…by His grace and for His glory!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How has your heart changed as a result of the Holy Spirit? How do you think or act differently than you did in the past?
2. What sin areas does He want to continue to work through in you so that your heart, mind and soul are more like Him?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 119:33-37; Psalm 139:23-24; Hebrews 12:2

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.

Lonely, but not Alone
By Elizabeth Cole

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.”
John 14:15-16

When I watch Spiderman II, I’m touched by the loneliness Peter Parker feels day after day. He’s not like those around him. While his childhood friends chase financial and theatrical success, Peter’s busy chasing bad guys. While his peers enjoy fame, he hides in the night’s shadows with a strange-looking mask over his head and no money to pay the rent. Very little in common with those around him. Thinking thoughts no one can understand. Choosing a lifestyle others find odd at best, or freakish at worst.

Not so far off from the life of a Christ-follower, is it? Becoming a citizen of God’s heavenly Kingdom turns everything upside-down, making us “aliens and strangers” no longer of this world. He calls us to spend our time differently, to spend our money differently, to fill our thoughts differently, to care about others selflessly, to step out beyond our own comfort, to take daring risks for His sake and for His glory…the list goes on. It can be a place where we’re misunderstood, mistaken and subtly maligned. Ever spent time with old friends from years ago and you have nothing to add to the conversation at hand? Ever sat at a family Christmas gathering wondering if anyone even knows it’s Someone’s birthday? Ever been surrounded by a crowd of people and felt completely, utterly alone?

Praise God, we are not alone in our loneliness. Most importantly, praise Him as He makes it clear that His presence is with us “forever.” There is nowhere we go that He is not there. There is no cry of our hearts that He does not hear. There is no point at which He doesn’t understand our thoughts before they’re formed. We are not alone.

In His precious generosity, God goes even further and gives us His people, the other citizens of His Kingdom, as our encouragers. Listen to Paul in his letter to the Romans, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” And to the Thessalonians, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” You are not alone…We are not alone.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What could you do today to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit?
2. Who, in your life, needs your spiritual encouragement today?

FURTHER READING:
II Corinthians 1:22; I Peter 2:11; John 15:19; John 17:16

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Reflection
By Shelly Schumacher

“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 John 2:17

Being female in today’s culture can be a difficult task. When my daughter was in second grade, one of her classmates told her she probably should not eat dessert during lunch and she could stand to give up a few sweets. While she does not turn down an ice cream sundae today, she does compare herself to those around her. Today’s girls long to measure up, to fit in and to be just like the airbrushed images they see in the pages of a tabloid. Even at the tender age of eight, it seems so much better to be Hannah Montana than the person God created.

As an adult it is easy to see folly in this childlike longing. I know it is not likely that they will be rock stars (if for no other reason than their father is not Billy Ray Cyrus!). However, as I examine my own behaviors, I see that my daughters are simply a reflection of the woman modeled before them.

How often do I desire to be someone else? Not necessarily a different person, but a better form of me. I yearn for the legs of an Olympic runner and the toned body of an elite athlete. When I examine it based on my example, my daughters’ desire to change their personas simply shows the discontent I mirror in my own life.

In his first letter, John is writing to fellow Christians in an effort to build up their faith in Christ Jesus. Much like the Christians today, they struggled with worldly values and found it hard to be set apart. In a gentle and fatherly way, John reminds them that this life is temporary and fleeting. Instead of focusing on the pull of the world, they should set their sights on eternal things, knowing that the rewards of doing God’s work will last forever.

As my husband and I guide our daughters in their faith, I often need to remind myself to look in the mirror to see the example with which I am leading. My hope and desire is that, as their mother, I will help them to see their actions with an eternal perspective knowing that they will find prizes far greater than front row seats at a Hannah Montana concert.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what ways do you measure your life against the barometer of the world?
2. Do you struggle with being content with who God created you to be? If so, in what area(s) of your life do you struggle?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 7:31; Mark 3:35; Ephesians 6:6; Hebrews 10:36

It All Goes Back To The Tree
By Susan Klein

“And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.’”
Genesis 2:16-17

When my husband and I used to teach Sunday school to young children, we often sang songs with them. One of my favorites went like this: Oh, be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see. Another verse started with: Oh, be careful little ears what you hear...

We were trying to convey the message, even to little ones, that God doesn’t want us to intentionally expose ourselves to things that are bad for us. As children ultimately turn into adults, this concept, if firmly cemented in their minds, promotes good decision making when faced with the world’s constant temptations. As a teen, I made some unwise decisions, including horror movies and books which portrayed evil images. I didn’t know at the time that those evil images would remain in my mind and cause me to have disturbing thoughts and dreams for many years to come.

When God told Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, He didn’t say, “sometimes eat...” or “only eat if...” He said, “You must not eat...,” and with good reason! God created Adam without the knowledge of evil because He wanted to protect him from it. He loved him so much that He did not want Adam to have to be exposed to all the hurtful things that come with knowing about evil. The same is true for us today. Granted, we are born into a sin-filled world, but we don’t have to purposefully expose ourselves to things that are evil. Yes, some exposure to evil will always be unavoidable: the news, conversation and real-life experiences. But given a choice, we don’t have to choose to “eat of that tree”!

God wants to protect us from evil, but at the same time to be informed about evil. We can do that through the reading of His Word. We don’t need to look elsewhere to be informed about such things as there is plenty of wisdom to be gained from the Scriptures. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. I will have nothing to do with evil. Psalm 101: 3a, 4b

GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you protecting yourself from what God has said is evil?
2. Are there any areas of your life that need to be spiritually reinforced so they don’t become a door for evil?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 11:27; 1Thessalonians 5:21; John 17:15

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.

Just a Spoonful of Sugar
By Elizabeth Cole

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24

Do you know any woman anywhere in your life that didn’t at least once pretend to be Julie Andrews singing in Mary Poppins or Sound of Music?! I don’t. And one of the most beloved of her songs is “Just a Spoonful of Sugar.” Remember how sweetly she sang that to the Banks children right before she gave them their medicine? My recollection of performing that song (and many others) was standing on her living room hearth with my best friend Kristen, using hairbrushes as microphones, while we sang along with the record. Girls, for your historical knowledge: a “record” was followed by a “cassette tape,” which was followed by a CD, which was replaced by your itty-bitty Ipod.

“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…in a most delightful way.” I wonder if Ms. Andrews knew she was singing a basic biblical principle of parenting and relationships and life. Without our bidding, a whole lot of circumstances have come into our lives that we didn’t choose. And, in fact, as we look back on past circumstances, we often change their names from “problems” to “healthy opportunities” – quite a bit like medicine. Nonetheless, a goodly number of those circumstances were completely outside of our control. But, according to Scripture, one of the things we do have control over is our attitude. We do get to choose whether we’ll sing, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and, snap, the job’s a game.” We do get to decide which part of the circumstance is going to get our fullest attention: what’s wrong, what doesn’t please me, what isn’t according to plan, what’s drudgery...or where there’s hope, where God is clearly at work, where I can smile and add a bit of delight.

We also have control over our words. Hmmm. We do get to choose how we’ll deliver the “medicine”: with an emphasis on my rights, with harshness, with shaming…or with lovingkindness, with gentleness, with a heart focused on God’s best. I can’t help but wonder how many conflicts we’ve had with others that would never have occurred if right and accurate content had been delivered with a “spoonful of sugar.”

So, please pass the sugar…and while you’re at, could you grab a hairbrush and join me and the perky nanny in a rousing musical rendition…

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a time that someone’s loving words made all the difference for you in a given circumstance.
2. Identify a specific circumstance in your life right now that needs an attitude sweetening, and then ask God for His guidance and power to make the change.

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3; Proverbs 15:1

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Unexpected Answers To Prayer
By Karen D’Amore

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

Everyday for five months I prayed for a job for my husband. Knowing the financial challenges which lay ahead, I began to grow weary and impatient. God was not answering my prayers according to my timetable, so I figured it was time for me to help Him out! Without praying, I took on a second job, in addition to the beyond-full-time job that I was already working.

As I sat through the four-hour orientation, I squirmed with restlessness and guilt. This was not from God…it was my impatient fix to a situation I should have trusted Him to fix. Now I had committed to something that would prove to be impossible…or would kill me in the process of proving that it was possible. Regardless, I needed to swallow my pride, turn down the job and commit to staying in the center of God’s will.

Outside of God’s will there is no peace. And a day without His peace is like a day without air. Begging for mercy and forgiveness, I repented for not trusting Him to provide for our needs. I pleaded to Him the need for a specific amount of money to cover upcoming financial responsibilities. It was a deliberate and specific prayer that I shared with no one other then Jesus. It was a prayer (in my limited thinking) that I thought He would possibly answer with a job offer for my husband.

Thanksgiving followed just days after my pleading prayer, and it would conclude with expressions of gratitude and an unexpected gift to us of the exact amount of money I had requested from God.

During this entire process, God was telling me that He would provide for my needs and that He would do it in ways that I wouldn’t expect. Certainly, I know that in other Christ-followers’ lives a second job could be God’s answer and gracious provision. But in my particular situation, had I continued in my disobedience and taken that second job, I would have hindered God from showing me His faithfulness, robbing myself of one of the richest faith lessons I have ever experienced. In this microwave society of quick fixes, the concept of waiting on Jesus is a true faith challenge. But I encourage each of us to wait on Him, to trust Him, to believe in the promises of His Word and allow Him to build our faith with unexpected answers to prayer.

GOING DEEPER:
1. For what in your life are you praying...but with unbelief? Will you ask God to help you change?
2. Ask someone to pray with you a very specific request. Learn to trust God and to expect the unexpected, beyond all that you think or ask.

FURTHER READING:
1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Peter 3:9; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 6:17

Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue hair salon, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.

Encouraging our Faith
By Jen Wollner

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 1:41

Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist) were not only relatives, but also appear to be friends. Almost immediately after learning that she was to be the mother of the Savior, Mary made the trip to visit Elizabeth. The Scripture actually says that she “hurried” to see her. Why the haste? Was it because the angel Gabriel had told her that Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy and she wanted to confirm it herself and celebrate with Elizabeth? Or, was it because she couldn’t wait to share the news of her own pregnancy? Exactly why she so quickly went to Elizabeth’s side isn’t clear, but I’m guessing her decision involved these reasons and many more. Her mind must have been spinning as she made the journey to Elizabeth’s town.

What is really amazing about the story of Mary going to Elizabeth is how God used both women to encourage the other. Scripture says that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, John leapt in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed with joy the truth of Mary’s pregnancy and that she was, in fact, carrying her Lord. She continued by praising Mary’s trust in the Lord to accomplish what He said He would. Imagine Mary’s heart the moment she heard Elizabeth’s words and saw the joy on her face. The faiths of both women were encouraged that day by what God had done for each of them…and the world.

As with Mary and Elizabeth, God uses the women in our lives to speak to us. Our girlfriends encourage us to persevere, motivate us to action and challenge us to change. They laugh with us and cry with us. They share in joys and sorrows. They act as God’s hands and feet in our lives. But, best of all, they point us to God.

God knew that Mary and Elizabeth needed spiritual encouragement. And, He knows that we need that, too. Sometimes He sends heavenly angels with messages…and sometimes He sends a girlfriend.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a woman in your life whom God has used to encourage you. What little act of thanks could you do to let her know how much she is appreciated?
2. Who in your life could use godly encouragement from you today? What could you do to encourage her?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 1:39-56; Psalm 10:17; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.

Being “Lavished” Upon
By Susan Klein

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1

Yesterday, while sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, my teen-aged daughter and I paged through a back issue of People Magazine. The cover story featured a pop music star and the birth of her firstborn son. As we paged through the periodical we were amazed by the opulence and lavishness of her home. The nursery looked like a scene from an artistically crafted fairy tale. It took a full design team over four months to complete the $35,000, 600-square-foot room! In another photo the star posed elegantly, cradling her baby to her chest, in a full-length designer evening gown next to her in-ground pool shaped like a blue lagoon with a cascading waterfall. Many additional photos in the article boasted extravagantly furnished rooms and upscale clothing. I couldn’t help but wonder how long she would be able to maintain such a luxurious lifestyle, afforded her by her currently adoring fans. When her fame has dwindled, will she lose it all?

Recently, I heard a different message on what it means to be “lavished upon.” My pastor was reading from Ephesians chapter 1, and was speaking about our “new possessions in Christ.” In verses 7 & 8 it states, In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us (emphasis mine) with all wisdom and understanding. In this passage, the word “lavished” means to “superabound, exceedingly, abundantly, above.” The tense of the verb suggests that it is being accomplished by the subject, which is God, and that it is an assertion of fact. God has indeed given the believers in Christ great spiritual riches of forgiveness, redemption, wisdom and understanding, above and beyond anything the world has to offer! Verse six of the same passage says that God has freely given them to us through the One he loves. We don’t have to earn them!

The extravagances of this world must be earned, are dependant on other people and circumstances, and are temporary. They can be lost! We, as believers, have the security of knowing the riches that God has freely lavished on us are not dependant on anyone else and are permanently ours. Beginning right now and throughout this day, let’s focus on His gifts, and enjoy being lavished upon by Him!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you affected by the extravagances of the world?
2. Ask God to make you more aware of the gifts He has already lavished upon you.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 1:3; Luke 12:13-21; Romans 5:17; Ecclesiastes 5:10-14

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.

The Body
By Elizabeth Cole

“Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body…But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
I Corinthians 12:14-15, 18-19

There’s a scene toward the end of the kids’ movie Sky High in which the dastardly villain is trying to overtake the superhero high school, and ultimately, the world. The only hope for mankind lies with a group of high school students deemed the “sidekicks.” They didn’t pass the “superhero” test, and therefore were relegated to their current roles of helpers/assistants. With time of the essence (when isn’t it at this point in the movie?!), this ragtag group of sidekicks devises a plan. A plan that will only work if every single one of them contributes his or her unique superpower at a given point in the process. The guinea pig girl does her transformation and is small enough to travel through the ducts of the school; the turn-into-a-tree girl becomes a forest of vines that blocks a window exit….you get the picture. As a result, the villain is conquered, the turn-everyone-into-a-baby machine is captured, the protagonist discovers his hidden superpower and all’s well with the world. By the way, this movie was never nominated for an Academy Award…

I wonder how often we decide, on our own, that we’re just the sidekicks. I wonder how often that becomes a reason to sit it out…to watch those with “greater” gifts from the sidelines.

I wonder what would happen if we fully believed, in the deepest parts of our souls, that God really is God. That He knew exactly what He was doing when He made each one of us. That His intention was truly to make each of us an integral part of His body of believers. And even more, that it’s rather presumptuous on our part to judge God’s work and His plan. We smile at the thought of the I Corinthian 12 foot wishing she were a hand, or the idea of the whole body being one big ear (talk about a weird visual…). Yet, to quote (a little loosely) the prophet Nathan in the Old Testament, “Dear ones, we are those women…”

Here’s the point: “If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?” The body needs every one of its parts. In fact, it is lacking in function without each one. Will you take God at His Word and trust that He made you the way He did for a reason? Will you not only value, but contribute, who you are to His cause?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which of your skills, abilities or spiritual gifts have you been devaluing?
2. What might the Holy Spirit be prompting you to do about that?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:13-16

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Our Shield
By Shelly Schumacher

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults and with my song I shall thank Him.”
Psalm 28:7

From the earliest age, my daughter had a very tender heart. She found it difficult to understand when other kids said mean things. On more than one occasion in her elementary years, she has come home with tears in her eyes because of the hurtful words of another child.

It is sad to say, but my daughter’s experience is not atypical; many kids are bullied. You can see it on almost any playground you visit. Bullying knows no racial barriers or economic status. No one is immune from its stinging barbs. Seeking to prey on the tenderhearted, bullies know they will enjoy a delightful surge of power as they dominate others and crush their spirits. Because of this, the victim often feels alone, unprotected and with nowhere to turn for help or comfort.

Once adults, the bullies we face are typically less blatant than the ones of our childhood playground; however, the venom they inject is no less painful. And while these conflicts don’t normally send us home in tears, they can leave permanent stains on our hearts and cause us to feel just as isolated as a bullied child.

In Psalm 28, David declares from whom his strength is derived. He testifies to the incredible power and protection he receives from the Lord. As Christians, we often forget the power we have in God. We forget that He is our strength and shield and that, by His power, we are protected.

David demonstrates the abundant blessings we receive by stepping out in faith and placing our trust in the Lord. In His goodness, the Lord helps each of us through adversity and guards us from the bullies we face. And, because of this blessing, just as David demonstrated, we get to offer up our humble worship and thanksgiving.

There is no greater pain for a parent than knowing her child is hurting. In my humanness, I know that I cannot always make it better. I have often found it difficult to send my daughter into this world knowing that her heart could be broken at any time. And then I take the time to remember these words of David, and I am comforted in knowing that she is in the care of One who is far greater than I.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever been the victim of a bully? How did you reacted to his/her attack?
2. What would it look like for you to daily live out these words of David: concerning yourself, concerning your loved ones?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 18:2, 59:17, 3:3; Proverbs 30:5, 2:7; 1 Samuel 2:2

Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional, and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.

Seasons of Life
By Karen D’Amore

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Driving along the quiet country road, I found myself distracted by the intense colors of the changing autumn leaves. Deep hues of red, orange and yellow are painfully pleasing to the eyes. Born and raised in the “concrete jungle” of L.A., I find the concept of changing seasons completely foreign. A recent transplant to the Midwest, I am fascinated with this new (to me) phenomenon of visibly changing seasons. Driving has become a challenge as I find myself surrounded by Kodacolor snapshots of serenity. Each new day I watch and study as autumn is birthed with such boldness, and then creeps out slowly one falling leaf at a time; leaving behind a cemetery of barren trunks and branches. In quiet reflection, I am disturbed by the transition from such intense beauty to that of barren desolation.

As followers of Christ we will experience different seasons in our life and in our walk with Christ. And, as is seen in the changes in time, the seasons in our life can go from moments of beauty to moments of desolation. These seasons are not random, but rather, they all fit together. They are a composite of definites: joys and sorrows, gains and losses, giving and keeping, laughing and grieving, loving and losing, and so on until our final day. Quite a list of plusses and minuses! I think it goes without saying that most everyone would rather live a life of all plusses!

As I reflect back on recent seasons in my life, I am awed by how God carried me – not delivered me from – but carried me through the valleys of minuses. It was in those times of desolation and desperation that I pressed into Him and fell limp into His loving arms. It was in those dark cold “winters” and barren “autumns” that my faith and trust in Him grew deep and I learned to believe and live the promises of His word…And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Life seasons and timing are important to God! He is never early and He is never late! The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept and appreciate His perfect timing in ALL things.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What season of life are you in? Are you in a season where you need to allow Jesus to carry you?
2. Who in your life who is going through a tough time and could use your encouragement?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Isaiah 30:18; Psalm 27:14; 2 Timothy 4:2

Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue hair salon, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.

Happy Birthday
By Peggy Kleckner

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17

A good gift giver knows his or her recipient well, so it stands to reason that God knows just what gifts we need and when we need them.

I guess I have never been a woman with friends. Oh, I had acquaintances and women in my life who knew me fairly well, but not deep, abiding friendships. I never really recognized my need for them, nor did I take the time to cultivate that type of relationship with anyone. Perhaps, like many women, I kept myself too busy. Or perhaps, more truthfully, I was afraid of close relationships. Whatever the reason, I was not well-connected in the “girlfriend” department. This was not a good place to find myself as I entered a very difficult and spiritually challenging portion of my life.

I was separated from my husband, living in someone else’s home as a guest and about to face a birthday. What can be “happy” about that? What “good and perfect” gift would God send to His daughter in the midst of that? He sent girlfriends. Only a God like ours could look down from heaven, see a need that I didn’t know I had and provide for it. Not only provide, but provide abundantly!

That day of my birthday, seven women gathered together complete with gifts, cake and laughter to extend the hand of God’s grace to me. They all knew me in varying degrees, but I know they answered God’s call to be a gift that day. It didn’t end up just that day though. These women were the women of faith God called together to pray with me and for my family. They encouraged me, strengthened me and stood with me until God moved in a mighty way to redeem my marriage. I could not have walked that portion of my life without these women, my gift from my Father’s hand.

God truly is the giver of every good gift! Not only did He handpick friends for me, but He also instructed me as to their value. I now see not only the worth of girlfriends, but also my need for them. What a gift!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who do you count as a “girlfriend” in your life? To whom are you a “girlfriend”?
2. Search your heart. Are you afraid to let anyone close? If so, why? Ask God to reveal your true fear and then ask Him to heal it.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139; Matthew 6:8, 7:9-12

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult sons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

Preparing a Place
By Jen Wollner

“In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
(John 14:2)

It’s a picturesque scene straight off a magazine cover. A beautiful nursery for a precious baby girl. Not a single detail is missing. The crib skirt is ruffled, just so. The pink gingham sheet and plaid bumper are without wrinkle. The sailcloth curtains hang with precision. All the decorative pieces on the walls are perfectly coordinated. And the closet…ah, the closet…filled with all of the lacey, flowered, pastel-colored clothes. It’s a room any girl would love.

Hours, ok months, of preparation went into creating this special place for my daughter. And, as I sit on the rocker and look around the room, I’m very aware that there is one key element missing…my baby! At the moment, she is thousands of miles away in Guatemala City, Guatemala waiting for us to pick her up and bring her here to be a permanent part of our family. The time hasn’t come yet, but it will. And, when it does, we will be ready to welcome her home. She is already part of our hearts, but we can’t wait for the day when she will also be in our arms. Our love for her is indescribable. The anticipation of her arrival is almost unbearable.

Many of you can relate to the joy of welcoming a child home, but have you ever thought about what the scene will be like when our Heavenly Father welcomes us home for eternity with Him? I can’t even begin to imagine that moment. I can’t fathom the preparation that has gone into creating our heavenly rooms. And, my heart can’t comprehend the love our Father feels as He longs for us to be with Him forever in this perfect place. Just think about it…the absence of sin and sorrow, a glorious new body, streets of gold, the light of the Lord shining so brightly that the sun isn’t needed. The image of it makes me want to be there right now…you, too?

But, it’s not time yet. Our work here isn’t finished. So, we will wait, and so will He, until that perfect moment comes for us to go home. Until then, though, there is much to be done. There is truth to be spoken, praise to be given, people to serve, hearts to be touched and souls to be won. The excitement and satisfaction of doing His work here cannot be described in words. But, those emotions don’t come close to comparing with the joy we will experience when we are no longer aliens in this foreign land. The day we see our Father, face to face…oh, what a homecoming celebration that will be!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Sit quietly with your eyes closed for just a moment and try to imagine what it will be like to see Jesus in heaven someday.
2. What specific work does God has for you to do in the meantime? If you aren’t sure, ask Him!

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 21:1-4; 22:3-5

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.

A Lady of Impact
By Elizabeth Cole

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
I Corinthians 12:4-6

Have you ever wondered what people will say about you at your funeral? Will they be able to articulate your heart? Would they have something to show for your time in their lives? The book of Acts in the New Testament records a situation in which one woman wouldn’t ever have to wonder. Instead, I imagine she heard it firsthand…just after God used Peter to raise her from the dead.

Acts 9:36-42 shows us the summary of a life lived for God. A woman who used her heart’s passions and her God-given skills to impact the lives of those around her. Take a look. Scripture tells us that Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. Upon her death, widows were quick to show Peter the robes and clothing Dorcas has made for them.

In our culture of star worship, in a society that tracks every Starbucks latte a celebrity drinks, is there any possibility that we, the Church, have bought into “the more public, the better” assessment of believers and their gifts? Completely contrary to that mindset, here stands this dear woman living out God’s Plan, God’s Purpose, God’s Power. And the result? A life of impact for God. Look at the end of this passage in Acts (9:42): This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Every aspect of her life – both the daily and the dramatic – served to bring glory to the Lord.

What about us? Any chance we’re devaluing our part, our gifts, in God’s Kingdom because they seem to be less important? If at all, let God speak to your heart today through Dorcas.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who specifically did Dorcas have a heart for serving? Who is that for you? (Think either an individual or a type of person.)
2. What ability do you have that God might use to bless others? Ask God to give you one opportunity today to use that ability to serve that person (or type of person) today…and then do it!
3. What would you like to be remembered for? Do you think that would be the case? If not, what do you need to do to change that?

FURTHER READING:
I Corinthians 12

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Fresh Starts
By Susan Klein

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentation 3:22-23 NLT

What image comes to your mind when you hear the words “fresh start”? Perhaps it is a picture of a farmer in the springtime, tilling the earth to cultivate the hard, dry, top crust and bringing up the rich, dark, nutrient-laden soil beneath before planting his new crop. Or, maybe it’s that of a person relocating to a new city and a new job, getting a fresh start in a different place. It could even be the image of a prisoner who has been incarcerated for many long years, has finally served his term, and is now walking through the gate to freedom. He has paid his debt to society and has been given the chance to have a fresh start in life.

Have you ever longed for a fresh start in your life? Maybe you’ve had a broken relationship that was never mended and you wish you had another chance to work things out. Or, perhaps you’ve made some costly decisions or choices, and you wish you could make them over again. I think we’ve all had times like these in our lives. Sometimes we get past them, but occasionally the regret hangs on so tight that we feel as if we might just suffocate! We wonder how God could possibly love us or forgive us when we’ve made such a mess of things.

“If only I could have fresh start...”

God’s Word tells us that His mercies begin afresh each morning! Not just once a year or once in a lifetime, but He wipes the slate clean each and every morning. What a wonderful way to wake up each day! We don’t have to be burdened with the transgressions of our past, but rather, like the incarcerated man who has been released, we can walk through the gate to freedom! Unlike that man, though, we have no sentence to serve. Jesus served it for us when He chose to hang on the cross in our place. We were forgiven of all our sins - past, present and future. We were given a “fresh start.” All we have to do is believe it, and accept it. It’s that simple!

GOING DEEPER:
1. As soon as your eyes open tomorrow morning, while you are still snug under the covers, focus your mind on God’s mercies that are fresh for the day! Have a little pre-getting-up chat with the Father. In what specific way do you need to experience His mercy today?

FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 1: 3-4; Numbers 6: 24-26; Ezekiel 36: 26-27; Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 25:6-7

Susan is a wife and mother of two. At Oakwood, she leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.