All We Like Sheep...
By Susan Klein

“He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
Isaiah 40:11

Throughout Scripture, we read about Jesus being our “shepherd,” and we are called his “sheep.” Though I’ve always trusted it to be a good analogy, I’ve never given it a whole lot of consideration. Have you ever wondered, “Why sheep?” Why not, Jesus is the goat herder and we are his goats? Let’s take a look at the behaviors of the ones we are likened to.

Sheep, by nature, tend to congregate close to other members of a flock. However, some can be stubborn and want to go off in their own direction in search of greener pastures (always motivated by their appetites!). Unaware of possible harm, if one strays, a few others tend to follow. At the first sign of danger, sheep will generally flee, but can actually become paralyzed with fear and unable to move, needing their shepherd to rescue them, lest they perish. When cornered, they often resort to foot-stomping and snorting. They can become stressed when separated from their flock and suffer from great anxiety. Gee, doesn’t sound at all like humans, does it?

Now, let’s look at the shepherd. If one little lamb strays from the flock, he is quick to search for her and discipline her to avert further straying and possible danger. The shepherd cares so much that he will actually inflict pain upon that lamb, often by injuring her in the leg. The lamb will be unable to walk for a time and be totally dependent upon the shepherd for all her needs. The shepherd will carry her around on his shoulders and feed her by hand until she is strong enough to walk and graze again. He speaks to his sheep often, whether disciplining or just walking along, so they will know their master’s voice. They listen for it and trust it. The shepherd always lies at the gate to his sheepfold at night, protecting its entrance from predators who might try to sneak in and devour one from the flock.

Isn’t this an amazing picture of our Lord, The Great Shepherd, and his interaction with us, His sheep? He cares about each one of us individually. He nurtures us, He carries us in our time of need, He disciplines us when we walk away from Him, and He speaks to us. Are we listening and trusting, or are we straying into dangerous situations? All we like sheep...

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you in search of greener pastures, straying from the safety of your Shepherd?
2. In what ways can you learn to distinguish the sound of His voice from the voices of others?

FURTHER READING:
John 10:1-30; Isaiah 53: 4-8

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

More is More
By Jen Wollner

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much.
But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Luke 7:47

This isn’t just an ordinary woman…she has a “reputation.” Everyone in the room knows about her sinful ways. They all look on as the woman stands behind Jesus, weeping uncontrollably. Her tears fall, wetting his feet. As she cries, she crouches down and wipes his feet with her hair, kissing them and pouring expensive perfume on them. She is judged, criticized and looked down on…but Jesus honors her faith and commends her actions of love.

When I first read the story about this “sinful” woman and her worship of Jesus, I misunderstood it to mean that if a person sins more, Jesus forgives more; and if a person sins less, He has less to forgive. As I studied it further, though, I realized that the point of the story wasn’t that the woman sinned more than others or that her sin was somehow worse in Jesus’ eyes, but rather that she recognized her sin more completely. Consequently, she was more aware of the deep mercy Jesus had for her. She treasured His forgiveness because she had an accurate view of her sin. She was overcome with gratitude for His love that was freely offered to her, in spite of her shortcomings and poor choices. Because of the love He lavished on her, she was able to reciprocate and love Him in an extravagant way, sparing no expense to worship Him as He deserved. Her actions spoke volumes about her faith and love for her Savior.

What about us? Is our view of our sin realistic based on the truths of God’s Word? Do we love much because we recognize how much we are forgiven and loved by Jesus? We can’t appreciate the mercy Jesus offers unless we recognize our dire need for that mercy. We can’t accept Jesus’ grace and forgiveness if we don’t acknowledge that a Savior is absolutely essential. And we can’t reciprocate Jesus’ love for us, much less show that love to others, if we don’t confess and repent of our mistakes, humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross. Only when we know what we are saved from, do we overflow with love for our Savior.

As Easter approaches and we reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord, let’s allow the truth of His forgiveness to wash over us and fill our souls. Then, let’s pour our whole hearts out to Him and love Him abundantly and unrestrained.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever taken time to truly contemplate the depths of your sin…and the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness and love? Meditate on this two-part reality throughout the day today.

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 John 3:1a

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

Running by His Power
By Shelly Schumacher

“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Holy Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3

Most runners will tell you that the sport is very empowering. Through it, the athlete can gain strength, focus and, in some cases, great success. However, when done by our own power, that success is worthless.

Olympic Marathoner, Ryan Hall, spoke of a time when he was struggling in his running career. He said, “Running had become my god.” It was the thing in which he drew his satisfaction. Any joy or self-worth he had was dependent on his success when running. He said, “I never found the satisfaction I was looking for, even though I was leading what most people would consider a sucessful life.” This turbulant time in Ryan’s life caused him to refocus his thoughts. He said that God taught him, “It wasn’t the record, championships or medals that make life fulfilling. It’s the life of following Christ.”

When we try to do things on our own power, we are destined to fail. We become like the foolish Galatians that Paul addresses in his letter. Like Ryan, the Galatians knew the truth of Jesus, but were being led astray. Gently and lovingly, Paul admonishes them to turn from their current ways and return to their life with the Spirit of Christ.

As Christians, our lives will only have true meaning and purpose if we live them depending daily on God’s power and refocus our ambitions to His. And, while our accomplishments may not be the world’s view of success, our lives will be fulfilled because we are experiencing the most important kind of victory – victory in Jesus.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you define a successful life? Is this definition in line with God’s view of success?
2. Is there an area of your life that you are holding back from God, not allowing Him to be in complete control? Are you willing to lay it down today?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 9:10; Philippians 1:19; 1 Corinthians 12:10

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

Groaning
By Peggy Kleckner

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Romans 8:26

I often walk my two dogs in a small wood just through the park near my home. They consider these times quite a treat as they can roam freely off their leashes and I enjoy the freedom to ponder. Such was the case this particular day.

It was quite a windy day, which was the reason for my choice. That wood acts as a shield for me against the nippy spring wind. As I walked further into its protection, I heard the trees “groaning.” What a mournful, deep, almost lonely tone it had to it. The trees had no leaves to mute the sound. They were being buffeted by a cold, strong wind. They had stood through the cold and wet of winter. They had bent under the weight of ice and snow. They had been pushed by harsh, winter winds, but they were still rooted and standing. God brought to my mind the above verse. He reminded me, that when I am being buffeted by change and adversity (my own cold, strong winds), I too will groan, but it will be the Holy Spirit within me interceding for me. When I don’t know what to pray or can’t seem to put words to my inner struggle, He does it for me. What a comfort to know that as truth.

I have hit “winter” seasons in my life. There have been times when my finances seem hopeless, when so many friends are suffering with no relief in sight, when my children are struggling with issues that I had hoped they would never have to face, and when relationships seem cold and lifeless. These are the times that I have to turn over my prayers to the groaning of the Spirit. I have no words to express my anguish. I don’t know what to pray, but I trust the Spirit to intercede for me with “groans that words cannot express.”

Just like those trees I observed that day in the woods, we may feel barren, vulnerable and buffeted, but the Spirit intercedes for us and reminds us that spring will indeed come again. God will refresh us and we will sprout yet again.

Is your heart buffeted by strong winds? Take courage, the Spirit intercedes for you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you frustrated that you can’t seem to put voice to your struggles? Are you willing to believe the truth--that the Holy Spirit does indeed intercede for you? Will you relax in the secure arms of God today, resting in that truth?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:22-27; Psalm 121; Isaiah 40:10-31

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

Our Human Value
By Susan Klein

“Consider the ravens: they do not sow nor reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Luke 12:24

According to the Indiana University School of Medicine, the human body, when broken down into its basic elements and minerals, is only worth about $4.50. However, when broken down into fluids, germ-fighting abilities and tissues, it goes up in value to over $45 million! (These figures are based on cost-estimates from hospitals and insurance companies.) Bone marrow can fetch up to $23 million, DNA--$9.1 million, a kidney--$91,000, a heart--$57,000...the list goes on!

So, does that mean the healthier you are, the more you’re worth? Or, perhaps the older you get, the more your value decreases? By these estimates, this would seem to be the case. Doesn’t our society value young people who are healthy and productive more so than elderly or disabled people who may be less productive and more financially taxing on our economy? Professional athletes, movie stars, and models draw exorbitant salaries compared to teachers, nurses and plumbers. Why? Are they somehow worth more? That seems to be the message we are hearing from our world and culture today.

God’s Word gives us a much different message. He values all of mankind. God values mankind so much that He created both male and female in His own image, and He blessed them. God values us before we are even born in that He personally knit us together in our mother’s womb and He ordained each one of our days on this earth before they even came into being. God values the aged. We see this in His allowing Simeon and Anna the privilege of seeing the Christ child before they died, and Sarah to conceive at her very old age. He values the orphans and the widows, instructing His people to care for such as these. He values the poor and the needy, telling us that whatever we do for these people, we have done for Him. He even values the dead, as we see when Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. He also values the lost sinner, not desiring that anyone should perish.

With all our faults, weaknesses and imperfections, we’re probably not worth much more than a few bucks by the world’s standards. But I am oh so thankful that we are of great value in our heavenly Father’s eyes!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What worldly teachings may be causing you to struggle with feeling valuable? What will you do with those feelings in light of God’s truth about your value?
2. Are there any people that you have thought to be “less than valuable,” that you may need to reconsider in light of God’s Word?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 10:29-31; 2 Peter 3:9; James 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16

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

Washing Feet and Flipping Pancakes
By Peggy Kleckner

“…so he [Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:4-5

What a picture the above verse brings to mind. The teacher humbly serving His students during the last meal they would share together before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. He goes on to explain that in doing this, He was setting the example for His disciples to follow…an example of servant leadership. So, what would that look like today? Have you seen a leader washing feet lately?

I haven’t seen a leader washing feet, but I have seen one flipping pancakes! It was a cold Monday morning. My start time at work is later than most of the other employees. I came in the back door, walked down the hall, turned the corner and headed for the time clock when I saw tables set up in the hallway. And, behind the first one was the CEO of our company. In fact, he was the only one behind the table. He was stirring the pancake batter, pouring it out and flipping pancakes on and off of the griddle. What a wonderful surprise! Hot, fresh pancakes on a Monday morning. Our leader seemed quite at ease and happy with the work. I asked him why we were being treated to pancakes and he said they were a thank you to the employees. Work had been a bit tough lately…hours had been shortened and some perks had to be cut as the company tries to weather the unsteady winds of the economy. Apparently, he saw this as a way to encourage us. There was no prior “hoopla” about how management was going to cook for us. It wasn’t even a team effort. It was just one man’s way of saying, “We’re in this together.” It was his way of making the workday a bit brighter than expected.

Looking on this scene, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus wrapped in a towel washing the disciples’ feet. My leader chose an apron and pancake batter, but he was still serving.

What about us? Are we willing to don an apron or a towel to be a servant leader to those around us?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life do you recognize as a servant leader? How does that person demonstrate this kind of leadership?
2. How can you be an example of servant leadership to those around you?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 20:25-28, Philippians 2:1-11

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

What Did You There?
By Elizabeth Cole

“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 105:2-4

Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?
I’ve been to London to visit the queen.
Pussycat, pussycat, what did you there?
I frightened a little mouse under her chair.

Can you imagine the thrill of it all? The long trip to London, the anticipation of entering the throne room, the privilege of being in the same place at the same time with the queen herself. I have to think that not every pussycat has had the chance to rub shoulders (or ankles, in this case) with royalty.

And yet, upon further query, we find that our little tabby’s focus appears to have been far more on her potential prey than on her potentate. Thinking only of her next meal, she misses out completely on the honor before her. Did she ever once lift up her eyes from floor-level and behold the face of the queen? What a waste of a trip. What a squandered opportunity.

Unlike the pussycat, there’s no long trip required for us to enter the throne room of our King. As His dearly loved children, we have the privilege of His presence always. And we are told in Scripture that we are able to confidently approach the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The prophet Isaiah gives us a vision of the throne room, “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” He goes on to describe angels flying and calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” What an achingly beautiful picture of our King, what an incredible privilege…I wouldn’t want to miss it for the sake of counting tiles on the floor.

Look in His face. Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Look up!

GOING DEEPER:
1. My aunt, a college professor, uses this nursery rhyme to emphasize the concept of focus. On what are you focusing the eyes of your heart today?
2. What can you do to avoid wasting the privilege of being in the presence of the King today?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 4:16; Isaiah 6:1-3; Psalm 121:1

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

Here’s the Plan
By Kari Lyles

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Planning comes very naturally to me. So much so, that when my spontaneous husband and I were first married, he often threw my quiet evening into a tailspin when he would suggest we go to a movie. “Tonight?” I would ask rather annoyed. “I didn’t think that was the plan.”

When we had our first daughter, planning became a necessity. I was usually the one that could offer extra wipes at play dates, hand my crying daughter her blanket at a moment’s notice and sooth tummy grumblings with Cheerios or Goldfish. Planning brings me peace and I am always ready for anything. Or, so I like to think.

Recently, I have found myself unsure of “the plan” in certain areas of my life and that has me in a scary place…the questioning. “What’s next?” “How long will this season last?” “Should I be making other plans?” Ultimately, I know this is when I need to run to the Father, but in my humanness, I try to prepare myself for the answers I think He may give, in order to save myself from disappointment and hurt. Maybe you can relate? There are times in all of our lives when we are unsure of what lies ahead and we question what our next “plan” should be.

The Bible gently reminds us, though, that we are created in God’s own image, so certainly some of our best personality traits could reflect His. While our verse for today is a specific promise made through Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, it tells us about God’s character. Our Lord is a planner! Imagine that! He also assures us that “no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).” We don’t always have all the information, but we can rest assured that God has something incredible in mind for us.

Truly believing that the Lord has a unique and distinct plan for our lives brings us peace, joy and comfort. That doesn’t mean that we don’t sometimes question it; and it certainly doesn’t mean we always understand it. But, His faithfulness to us and His perfect will are far better than anything we could plan.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a situation in your life that isn’t going as you planned? Ask God to help you trust Him as He reveals His plans to you.

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:27; Proverbs 19:21; Romans 8:28

Kari is a wife, mother to two girls, and has her own marketing consulting business. Kari is involved in Oakwood’s drama ministry, and serves in Women’s Ministries as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

Following the Master
By Shelly Schumacher

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”
Jeremiah 17:7

Running a marathon is not an easy task, but imagine running the entire thing without being able to see. When I competed in my third marathon, I was running behind a middle-aged couple. I had woken up that morning with a cold and did not have high aspirations for the results of my efforts. So, as I came up on mile eight, I was already in a bad mood.

It was then that I noticed from behind that the couple was holding hands. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I thought to myself. “Are they going to run this whole race holding hands? Give me a break.” In an effort to focus my attentions elsewhere, I made my move to pass them. Suddenly I noticed that they were not holding hands. She was, instead, tethered to him by a rope that was wrapped around her wrist. I also noticed that her eyes were closed and they were constantly talking to each other.

She was blind, and he was her guide through the throngs of runners! He told her what was coming up ahead, what was beneath their feet and where they were on the course…and she put her complete faith in his leading. Further along in the race, the same couple, the blind woman and her guide, passed me and I never saw them again. I later learned that they had run over 50 marathons together.

This is such a beautiful picture of the faith walk our heavenly Father desires for each of us. As we have complete faith in Him, we can be like that blind woman, with our hearts tethered to Him in complete submission to follow where He leads us.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Try this exercise with a friend -- Place several obstacles around your room. Close your eyes and have her hold your hand. With her hand and words only, try to maneuver your way around the obstacles. What were you thinking during the exercise? Did you trust your friend to help you through? Did you bump into anything or trip?
2. What real life obstacles get in your way as you attempt to fully trust the Lord and follow Him with your whole heart?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 2:12; Psalm 34:8; Proverbs 16:20

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.

Strength in Weakness
By Susan Klein

“My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a

As my husband and I strolled through the butterfly exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum, I was in awe of the winged beauties that gracefully flitted about in rainbows of color. Toward the back of this delightful exhibit, I was drawn to a glass enclosure on the wall filled with cocoons of various sizes. As I gazed at these tiny suspended marvels, I noticed that some of them were moving! One in particular had a partially-emerged butterfly, wriggling and squeezing, trying to force its delicate body from its protective wrapper. It seemed to struggle greatly, not making much progress in the few minutes that I watched. Several of the other cocoons were alive with activity as each butterfly went through this painstakingly long ordeal of trying to free itself.

When my daughter was younger, I remember reading a story to her about a girl who had tried to “help” one such butterfly emerge from its cocoon. She felt sorry for the poor little creature, struggling so greatly to escape. She decided to gently tear the cocoon open to ease its pain. Much to her dismay, the butterfly immediately fell to the ground, unable to move its wings. Her grandmother came upon the sight and had to explain that the little butterfly needed to go through this painful struggle to help strengthen its wings for flight. Having been spared of the struggle, it would unlikely be able to fly now.

As our Creator has uniquely designed this process for the butterfly to strengthen its wings and prepare it to fly, so He has also allowed us to go through struggles to strengthen us and prepare us for our journey. As we wiggle and squirm, trying to escape the pressure of our painful circumstances, we become weak and weary. But God tells us that His strength (or power) is made perfect in our weakness. Unlike the butterfly, we don’t have to depend upon our own strength to emerge from our difficulties. God not only equips us with His mighty power, but in the process He also strengthens us and develops perseverance in us.

Just as the butterfly perseveres through struggle to mature into a beautiful winged creature, James tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, so that we might be mature and complete, not lacking anything! Take joy in knowing that your Creator is watching you grow into a mature beauty!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What struggle(s) are you dealing with that are causing you to feel weak? Are you trusting in the power of God to get you through?
2. Can you recall past struggles that you have emerged from, now strengthened and having persevered?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 41:10; 1 Corinthians 1:27-31; Hebrews 11:32-34

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

Thankfulness
By Elin Henderson

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Highs in the upper 90’s and clear blue skies.” Sounds like a nice weather forecast, doesn’t it? Especially to those suffering under the snow and cold! But, what if that had been your weather forecast every day since September, with the occasional days in the 100’s? Do you think you would still feel the same about it? Maybe I am complaining to the wrong crowd, but God has been working on my heart recently in the area of thankfulness and, thus, contentment. Day after day I sit here in Mozambique, sweating in the heat, praying for rain. As I face person after person crying because their gardens have dried up and there will be little to no food for them this year, I struggle to be thankful and content.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 offers advice to those of us struggling to be thankful. Giving thanks is God’s will for us no matter the circumstances. In every situation, His will is for us to find thankfulness and contentment. Now, how is this possible? On our own it is not! Yes, some days we can muster up thankfulness for a moment, but let’s face it, every day, every thing, always thankful? That is not within us. And, God never intended we do it on our own. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 goes on to say, “Now may the peace of God sanctify you completely.” It is His Spirit at work in us that will produce this thankfulness as He conforms us to His image through the process of sanctification. Our job? Walk with Him, depend upon Him, cry out to Him when we are struggling, and see His sufficient grace come through every time.

The following is taken from Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart and is a helpful reminder regarding thankfulness:

• Never allow yourself to complain about anything – not even the weather.
• Never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else.
• Never compare your lot with another’s.
• Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
• Never dwell on tomorrow – remember that (tomorrow) is God’s, not ours.

What a challenge! I keep this posted in the open so that I see it daily and am reminded to never complain…not even about the weather!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas in your life are you struggling to be thankful? Ask the Lord to help you trust Him and be content.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:14 & 4:6; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:15

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

Loving the Unlovable
By Karen D’Amore

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Matthew 5:44

Looking deep into my childhood, I have no recollection of an endearing relationship with my grandmother. Criticism and displeasure were the fruits of her embittered spirit, creating chasms in her personal relationships. When my attempts to draw close were met with conflict, I quit trying. As an adult, intolerant of her difficult spirit, I remained an outsider. Relocating to another state served as a fitting excuse for keeping distance…in the distant relationship.

At 98 years old, my grandmother now lives a lonely existence plagued with dementia and delusions, residing with strangers in a board and care home. I returned home to California several weeks ago to visit my parents and re-connect with old friends. A short trip, with limited visitation time, I entrusted my itinerary to the Lord. Praying He’d orchestrate my steps, I sought direction in the reunions of His choice. Shortly after landing, my father asked if I would consider visiting my grandmother. Eight years had passed since our last visit and honestly, she wasn’t on my reunion list. Remembering my yielded prayer and desiring to be obedient to God’s commands to love the unlovable…I watched Jesus revise my list!

En route to her home, I prayed that Jesus would give me His eyes, to see her as He sees her, and His heart to love her with His love. The unexpected reunion found her sitting in a corner of her room, her frail shrinking frame being consumed by a large over-stuffed chair. “Look who’s here,” my father announced. Her hollow stare reflected her inability to recognize me. Kneeling at her side I took her frail hand into mine, and whispered, “Hello, Grandmother.” A single tear trailed her shallow cheek and a smile encompassed her wrinkled face. Disarmed by the love of Jesus, the tension, criticism, and harsh words were replaced with tenderness. Flooded with emotion, the many years of pain and frustration peacefully diminished from my heart.

Difficult people are God’s instruments for shaping us into His image; catalysts through which He lovingly upsets our comfortable plans and purposefully redirects our safe and sound steps. Every relationship, difficult or easy, is delivered with God’s permission and sealed in His plan. Questioning God’s purpose for my grandmother’s prolonged life, I can now see the “unfinished business” He had for me to complete. An opportunity to extend God’s love to the unlovable healed my heart and restored a broken relationship. When God takes my grandmother to her final resting place…may she know His love and truly rest in Peace.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life who is difficult to love? Ask the Lord to give you His heart and eyes for that person, and embrace the opportunity to extend God’s love.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:9-10; 1 John 3:18

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

A Common Misconception
By Susan Klein

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...”
Romans 8:28a

One of the most common misconceptions about the verse above is that some believe it to mean, “God makes all things good in the lives of those who love him.” Not quite! Though He is good in nature, and works for good in our lives as well as for His perfect will, He most definitely allows bad things to happen. Sometimes, in His “working for the good,” He allows us to endure hardships.

For example, a woman suffers from years of anxiety and depression. Her family is neglected, her health is poor, and she suffers from a loss of hope. One may question, “Where is the good in this?” Many years later, she recovers, and God uses her to minister to other women who are suffering in the same way. Her family learns compassion and long-suffering.

Another woman’s husband loses his job. After several months of unemployment, they cannot afford to pay the bills or make their monthly mortgage. All seems hopeless. Then, God gives other people the opportunity to reach out to this couple and share what they have with them. The givers and recipients alike see the loving hand of God’s provision and goodness.

Then there is the woman who loses a child in an accident and is grief-stricken. How can God possibly work something good from this? Her heart will always ache with the wonder of what would have been, but now cannot be. Perhaps she will not even see the good work that God does through this. He may have used the tragedy to touch a different person’s heart. It could be that her faith has led another to Christ without her ever knowing this side of heaven. His goodness in this may only be visible to Him, but it is there. He promises it!

God does not promise everything will be good. But He does promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us in our time of need. He does promise that His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. And, He does promise us an eternal glory that far outweighs all of our troubles.

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9). Now that’s a promise we can cling to!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you questioning God’s goodness in a difficult situation you may be going through? Are you willing to put your trust in the promise that He is “working for the good,” even if you cannot see it?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:2; Psalm 34:19, 100:5; 2 Corinthians 1:20, 4:17, 12:9

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

Talking and Listening
By Jen Wollner

“…love the Lord your God, listen to his voice…”
Deuteronomy 30:20a

My three-year-old has a problem with talking. No, it’s not that he needs speech therapy. Quite the opposite! He, like many other three-year-olds, talks too much at times…usually the wrong times! It’s particularly a problem when he wants or needs something. He makes a request, but then just keeps asking and doesn’t stop to wait for a response. One specific time, he was asking for a piece of candy. I told him that he could have it, but in a minute. He asked again. I repeated my “yes” answer. He asked again. I answered. He, again…and again…. I started to think he needed his ears checked! But, it wasn’t his hearing that needed fixing, it was his listening! He was so set on getting that candy in his way and timing that not only did he not stop asking so he could hear my answer, I don’t even think he cared about my answer. If I wasn’t handing him the candy, no other response was acceptable.

This made me wonder…do I do this to God? Do I talk so much at Him that I can’t hear His answers? Or, is it that I do hear Him, but if I don’t like the answer, I keep asking, thinking that if I persist I will get my way? Scripture tells us to pray continuously, but I don’t think this is what it means! God encourages us to talk with Him about every area of our lives. He delights in spending time with us. But, He desires to have a two-way conversation and if we spend all of our prayer time going through our laundry list of wants and needs, we are missing out on the most important part of prayer—the relationship. He wants to give us the things we really need, like peace, strength, comfort, wisdom and rest, but we can’t hear Him if we aren’t still and quiet.

God promises to answer us when we call to Him. He doesn’t say it will always be the exact answer we were looking for, but He will answer. Let’s not make the same mistake that my son makes by talking too much and listening too little. Let’s lay before our God our requests, concerns, joys and pains and then let’s rest and surrender…listening for and accepting His will for our lives.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What specific requests do you want to share with God today? Practice asking Him and then listening for His answer.
2. Is there an answer that God has given to you that you have a hard time accepting? Ask Him to help you have peace and a surrendered heart.

FURTHER READING:
Jeremiah 33:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:6-7

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

Need Directions?
By Elin Henderson

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

I was a few years too late for the discovery of the new little G.P.S. gadgets that are found all over the place nowadays. I moved overseas just as they were becoming popular and what a loss for me. I have a horrendous sense of direction. No one could use a permanent built-in G.P.S. more than I could!

This problem has now been magnified for me as I have to walk everywhere in the village where we work. My friends in the village can’t understand how I could think every hut, manioc field and coconut tree looks like the next, but it does! One day, while returning with some friends from a visit to see a new baby, I had one of my “direction” problems. They had to go on to their gardens and I thought, “No problem, I can easily backtrack and find my way home. This isn’t the first time I have been out in this area!” So, off I trekked, sure that I knew where I was going. I kept walking and walking, looking for the familiar landmarks, but the next thing I knew, I was lost. I looked up and saw a lady I’d met working in her field, so I embarrassingly ask her, “Do you know where my house is?” She smiled and calmly pointed about 100 meters over the trees in front of me and there it was. I thought I was walking toward my house, but all that time, I was walking parallel with it!

My friends in the village are still laughing about this story, but it was a good reminder of how much we need direction from above. We could all use a G.G.P.S. (God’s Global Positioning System)…and we have one in the form of the Holy Spirit. We need to be in tune to the gentle “beep” of the Spirit that says, “Wrong way!! Turn around!! Not good!!” Sometimes we ignore Him, thinking we can do better on our own.

There are many things that can pull us off track, but only one way to put us back! Let’s tune in to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing Him to guide and direct every part of our path. Let’s ask Him to help us be sensitive to any wrong turns or wanderings of our heart.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What in your life pulls you off track? When this happens, do you hear the warning “beeps” of the Holy Spirit?
2. What could you do to make sure you are following the direction of G.G.P.S?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 32:8; I Thessalonians 5:19

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

A Tragic Tumble
By Elizabeth Cole

“So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin.”
Romans 14:13 (GNT)

Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.

I’ve always felt so sad for Jack and his friend Jill. On what seems to be an appropriate and well-intentioned mission, Jack falls. After considerable thought and pondering, I’ve come up with a number of questions about this tragedy:

1. Did you carelessly wander off the path, Jack? No map? Is that what caused you to fall down?
2. New shoes? I’ve noticed in the church nursery that new shoes are a guarantee for at least two falls per hour.
3. A little too chatty to pay attention to that turn in the road?
4. Or maybe someone had strung a line across the trail to trick you?

While Jack’s fall is certainly concerning, especially the part about his broken crown, it’s Jill who gets my particular sympathy. Apparently, she was just innocently trekking along—doing her best—when all of a sudden Jack’s fall tripped her up short and sent her tumbling too.

Yes, it’s Jill who has my heart. The Jill who’s struggling with an addiction and is invited out for “just one” with the girls. The Jill who’s trying to figure out what godly “wife-ing” and parenting looks like, but encounters consistent criticism, husband-bashing and harshness. The Jill who’s new to following Christ and experiences rejection by a fellow believer for being a little too authentic. The Jill who’s getting ready to give up trying to make a friend at church. The Jill who thought that love, surrender and obedience to Christ really matter.

Being in Christ means being in Christ together. What we think and what we do matter, not only in our own walk with Christ, but in those lives whom God has placed beside us on this part of the path. May we choose this day to be women who grab a hand and help another woman along the way. May this be a day of deciding to lay aside what could cause a sister in Christ to stumble and, instead, to intentionally “walk in the Spirit.” May we live in such a way that others see what we do and give praise to our Father in heaven.

Walk well today, Jack.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Whom has God placed in your life right now to influence her spiritual walk? How are you doing with that divine privilege?
2. Take a moment to thank the Lord Jesus for those He’s placed beside you to influence you for His good in your life.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 5:22-26; Matthew 5:16; 2 John 6

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

Lord, Where Are You In This?
By Susan Klein

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

A few years ago, my husband and I were faced with needing to make a very difficult decision. While we were certain the Lord was directing us, we struggled with obedience to this painful change. We just didn’t see how any good could possibly come of it.

That summer, I was sitting out on my patio early one morning having some quiet time before the kids arose. Usually, I relish the time when it’s just me, the early sun, and the animals at the feeders. On this particular morning, however, the burden of our situation weighed heavy on my heart. “Lord, how can this be what you want for us?” I questioned. Seeds of doubt had begun to plant themselves in my mind that we hadn’t really heard God correctly in this matter. “If only you could just give me a word or a sign to confirm this is from you. I’m trying to trust you, Lord, but I just don’t understand this!”

Diverting my attention to the scenery around me, I observed the daylilies beginning to open and the clematis flowers as large as saucers. Over by the potting table, I had transplanted some hollyhocks the year before and they were inching up quite nicely now. Then I noticed it! The plant to the left of the table had several bright pink buds, but the one on the right had only one large blossom, and it was white! As white as snow! I did a double take before getting out of my chair to go get a closer look. How could this be? The seeds I planted all came from the same pink-blossomed hollyhock in my front yard. I stood in awe at this incredible sight! And then I heard it. The still, small voice in my head saying to me, “If I can make a white flower out of this pink-blossomed plant, don’t you trust me to make the right decision in your life?”

Tears of joy fell like a soothing rain from my eyes and a river of peace overtook me! God didn’t have to speak to me in this way, but he chose to. He loved me so much that he wanted to comfort me and give me peace. The God of the universe came down to touch my little heart in my little backyard! What a personal God we are blessed with!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you struggling with trusting God’s decision in your life? Ask Him to speak to your heart and listen for His voice.

FURTHER READING:
John 14:27, 16:33; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

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

Extravagant Giving
By Jen Wollner

“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’”
Luke 21:1-4

The television show 20/20 recently aired a program about the Appalachian Mountain region. It wasn’t a show about the beauty of the mountains or wildlife; it was about the extreme poverty and despair that face those who live there. It’s one of the most destitute places in America. Many people don’t know how to read, much less finish high school. They have a difficult time finding jobs and, instead, rely on the welfare system. Alcohol use and prescription drug abuse run rampant. In fact, the most profitable “profession” in the area is drug dealing. Many people keep their prescription drugs under lock-and-key, for fear of being robbed by a dealer. And, the people in this area die younger, compared to the national average, due to their poor diets and lifestyles. Suffering and heartache are a way of life.

Despite the hardships, many people have strong faiths and cling to their God. As the 20/20 camera crews visited a small church in one of the tiny towns in the mountains, they noticed something interesting on the wall. It was a sign that posted the previous week’s tithing. That week, the congregation had given $1.85.

Yes, you read that right—one dollar and eighty-five cents.

This figure speaks not only of the great poverty of these people, but also of their great wealth—their wealth of trust and obedience to the Lord. They have nothing, yet they still give back to God. They can’t afford food, yet they tithe so that Jesus can take it and give to others. Just like the widow whom Jesus commends for putting in the temple treasury all she had to live on, these people give out of their extreme poverty. The amount of money may seem small to us, but I’d be willing to bet that the Lord multiplied it and blessed those that worshipped Him in such an extravagant way.

Convicting? Yes! Inspiring and encouraging? Yes! Yes! As we give back a portion of what the Lord so generously gives to us, let’s emulate the example of these Appalachian brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s give abundantly, joyfully and expectantly—resting in the knowledge that our God will use it to bless others…for His glory!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Ask God this week for guidance and direction in your personal tithing. Then, be obedient to His prompting.

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 8:2-5, 9:6-7

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

The Display of His Splendor
By Peggy Kleckner

“They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.”
Isaiah 60:21b

I have a flowering plant on my kitchen table. I noticed that a few of the leaves were yellowing and some of the edges were a bit dry, so I took the plant from its position of display, plucked off the dead leaves, placed it in my sink and watered it. I left it there for a bit, so the soil could soak up the water. Once it was fully refreshed, I set it back on display. When I walked by later, I noticed it looked as if it had an empty spot that I hadn’t noticed earlier. I reached over and spun it a bit and realized that it had a better side!

I wonder if I have a better side that God turns toward those I meet. He does call me to step away from the world and be refreshed by Him. Perhaps, once I am well-watered and pruned, as He sets me back on display, He turns my best side out toward the world and He keeps my empty spot facing Him. Then He continues His work in me, filling all of my empty spots.

How about you, do you have some dry edges? Perhaps your roots are in need of some watering. No wonder God’s Word is so often referred to as water…we need it for life! We must step away with Him to be refreshed. When we invite Him in and surrender ourselves to Him, He will prune away the ugly, dry areas of our lives and fill us with His nourishing grace. How wonderful to think that the Creator of everything is willing to water us, prune us and put us on display. How equally wonderful to recognize that He is the One that knows exactly what we were meant to look like and how to draw out the most blooms for the display of His splendor!

Let’s enjoy our time of being watered and pruned in His Word and presence, and then allow Him to display us for His splendor.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you met with Him today for watering and pruning? What specific “dry” or “empty” spots is He working on in you?
2. Are you a display of His splendor or are you tempted to take credit for His work?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 1:1-3; John 15:1-17

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

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
By Susan Klein

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.”
Matthew 7:15-16a

One memorable summer evening, my husband and I enjoyed dinner at a nice restaurant with a group of friends. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere relaxed, and the conversation flowed easily from one topic to the next. Until it came to an abrupt halt!

There is an old adage that says, “Never talk about religion or politics.” So, when one of our table guests brought up the subject of a well-known, yet controversial religious personality, my husband and I exchanged “uh-oh!” glances. We felt compelled to offer a response to her well-meaning inquiry on the subject. Boldly, yet lovingly, we challenged this friend to consider if this man’s views on self-empowerment and financial prosperity lined up with those of Scripture. Were his teachings good fruit, or bad fruit?

The word “fruit” here is used metaphorically to describe actions or deeds. In this verse from Matthew, it is in reference to the outward visible actions produced by the invisible power of the Spirit within. The Holy Spirit within us produces fruit such as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Good fruit, which is from the Holy Spirit, will always line up with Scripture. Bad fruit, which comes from the sinful nature or from Satan, does not line up with God’s Word.

Earlier, when this man’s popularity was on the rise, my husband and I decided to do some research of our own. We read his bio, his mission statement, and even caught part of an interview with him. After comparing it with God’s Word, we were quite convinced that many (though not all) of his teachings were contrary to that of Scripture. He had a large following because he promised a life of financial prosperity, but not because he spoke of the redeeming work of Christ, or encouraged repentance of sin. He deemed that too controversial to talk about. The problem was that he mixed Scriptural truths with his own secular philosophies, causing much disillusionment in his audiences. What may have sounded good was actually potentially harmful.

Jesus warns us in Matthew that these men will appear and deceive many people. We must ask God for wisdom and discernment and test everything we hear against Scripture, so that we, too, are not deceived by bad fruit or false teachings.

Wolves are not easy to recognize when they are hiding under sheep’s clothing!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What steps could you take to guard yourself from being misled by false teaching?

FURTHER READING:
2 Timothy 4:3-4; Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:17; 1 John 4:1-3

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

Need a Hand?
By Elin Henderson

“…I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…For I the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
Isaiah 41:10b, 13

Sometimes we think, like the author of the well-known poem Footsteps, that the idea of God holding our hand is a lot like walking side-by-side together. When I first read this passage in Isaiah 41, I was thinking the same thing until the Lord drew my attention to the wording in the Scriptures.

Think back to when you were last walking hand-in-hand with someone. What hands were in use? Someone’s right hand and the other’s left, correct? You can’t hold hands right hand to right hand without it being a little awkward and odd!

Now, consider situations in which right hands are held. I think of climbing a mountain and the climber above reaches down, supporting and pulling up his companion. Another possibility would be pulling someone out of a hole. Someone is above and someone is below. Someone is in need of help and someone else is helping. Words like support, strength and rescue come to mind when we consider His right hand in ours.

As the one being helped, what is our responsibility in this rescue effort? Are we to strive or struggle? I am not much of a mountain climber, but I would imagine that a lot of groping about and floundering while suspended high above the ground just can’t be good! Likewise, we need to be fully dependent on the strength and guidance of the One above us. It’s best to rest and take hold of the hand held down to us, allowing His strength to be our and His stability to pull us along.

More than that, all the while that His hand is extended downward, He is calmly reassuring us, “Fear not, I will help you.” Not only are we being helped, we are being soothed. It is a double comfort and support!

How many times do we find ourselves down in a ditch for one reason or another, or scaling a mountain far beyond our reach? In times like these, may we constantly be reminded of His strong right hand, extending down from above, reaching for our right hand, ready to rescue us. And, all the while He is softly and calmly encouraging us: “Don’t struggle, take my hand…Fear not, I will help you!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you facing any mountains too large to overcome or holes too great to climb out of? Where are you going for strength and support? Are you depending on yourself or His guidance and strength?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 48:13, 59:1

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.