Storing Up Treasures
By Jen Wollner

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21

A couple months back, I watched an interview with Candy Spelling, widow of the late Aaron Spelling. Mr. Spelling was a television mogul, producing such successful shows as Dynasty, The Love Boat and Beverly Hills 90210. As you would guess, his financial fortune is worth billions of dollars. In the 1970’s the Spellings built a 57,000 square foot home in Beverly Hills dubbed, “The Manor.” Among other things, it has a movie theater, bowling alley, gym, beauty salon, gift-wrapping room, library, tennis courts and two swimming pools…amenities that many small towns don’t even possess! Mrs. Spelling said the home is so large she’s not even sure how many rooms it has (it’s reportedly 123, but who’s counting).

As the viewers got a tour of the home, Candy Spelling showed off all of her collections and possessions. The entire third level of the home is a humidity-controlled attic space where she keeps everything that isn’t on display in the house. She has also saved many of her children’s possessions from their childhood. Things like art projects and Halloween costumes are organized and neatly stored in boxes.

Later in the interview, Mrs. Spelling talked of her relationship with her daughter, Tori. The two are estranged, reportedly over a rift about Mr. Spelling’s money. According to Candy, she doesn’t know where Tori lives and she has never even met her one-year-old granddaughter.

As I watched, our verse for today came to mind immediately. Candy Spelling has an abundance of material wealth, but does she have any “treasures” that cannot be destroyed or stolen? Will she ever be able to repair her relationship with her daughter and, thus, have the opportunity to have a lasting impact on her grandchildren?

We may not feel that our lives are at all like Candy Spelling’s, but if we look closely, I’m confident we could find some similarities. It’s easy to get distracted with the treasures of this earth, isn’t it? Maybe we focus our energies and resources on our career, clothes, collections or health. Don’t you wonder what would happen if we sincerely asked God to help us break away from all that and find our greatest treasure in Him, and in impacting the lives of others? We are sure to receive eternal rewards that put “The Manor” to shame!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Make a list of all the things you do and spend money on this week. How much of your time and resources go toward storing up treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 6:24; Amos 3:10

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

Shine Like Stars
By Peggy Kleckner

“...children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…”
Phil 2:15

This verse has come to mind quite often lately. It was in our women’s Bible study last year and it keeps coming back to me. We are to shine like stars as we hold out the word of life. I went back and looked it up and was struck by several things. First, how wonderful to be called one of His children! We are certainly not faultless on our own, but rather forgiven because of Christ’s full payment for our sins on the cross. What a joy to be His! Next, we most certainly recognize that we are living in a crooked and depraved generation. The daily news confirms that. Thinking further on that, I realize that as this world sinks deeper into the darkness of depravity, the light that is in us becomes much more noticeable. We don’t see the stars during the daylight hours and yet our minds know that they are there. We, as Christians, are becoming more noticeable as the world becomes darker. In the darkness, even the smallest or weakest light brings hope and comfort.

So, as the children’s song goes, “This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine!” We are called out as His stars to help light the way and give direction to those who are lost. We should not hide under a bushel basket and refuse to shine in these darkening times. Instead, we can allow Him to place us on display, so that others may see us and be led to Him.

Perhaps we should look at these bleak times differently. Although they are difficult, they are a dark backdrop on which God can display His stars and lead many to Himself.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you thought of your role as His star in these darkening times? Pray for His strength as your identity in Him is revealed.
2. In what ways can you “shine” for Him to those around you?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:1-14; 2 Timothy 1:7-12

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.

The Test of Betrayal
By Karen D’Amore

“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, my equal, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.”
Psalm 55:12-14

We were partners in ministry, confidants, and the best of friends…a friendship unlike any other in my lifetime. Esteeming her higher then any woman I had ever known, I had placed her on a pedestal of towering heights. When betrayal obliterated that esteemed friendship, my deeply wounded soul lay crushed beyond repair. My flesh hungered for justice and wrestled with God for worthy answers. My embittered spirit ached for revenge; an opportunity to back her into a corner of conviction. Remaining silent stretched me far beyond my walls of constraint; however, deep inside I knew that “giving her a piece of my mind” would never truly bring me “peace of mind.”

Betrayal was one of the most difficult, gut-wrenching tests I have ever faced. Being wounded deeply by someone I trusted dearly required Christ-like grace to forgive. Struggling to understand God’s purpose in the estranged relationship, I was still aware that He was watching for my response. It was a test! Would I seek revenge and fix things myself or would I find the grace to let Him resolve things His way? When I learned to stay “vertical” with God and avoid the trappings of working things out my way, I experienced freedom. It was no longer my problem. In such situations, we must closely examine our hearts. If our hearts are clean, we can trust that the affront is for character building. It is one way God builds the deepest level of character in His children.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” In order to accomplish that deeper process of character refinement, God may allow thorns of conflict to prick our relationships. Loving our betrayers cannot be accomplished through our own strength. We must die to ourselves, enabling Christ to love through us. Loving those who betray us is graduate-level Christianity. Are you willing to enroll in this school? Are you willing to take the test? These tests are preparation for greater use in His Kingdom…and each time you pass this one, He sees and notes.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you struggling to forgive a betrayer? Extend God’s grace and experience freedom.
2. If you have been wounded by betrayal, allow God to deal with your betrayer Himself instead of seeking your own justice.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 12:15; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Corinthians 13:5

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.

You Shall Rest
By Susan Klein

“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest...”
Exodus 34:21a

Have you ever stopped to consider that God intentionally gifted us with a day of rest? When I think of the word “Sabbath,” I usually conjure up images of Old Testament Jews sitting down after a long week of planting or harvesting or whatever work they participated in. I daresay it’s not a modern-day image!

The word Sabbath means “to cease, to celebrate, to put down, to take rest, to be still.” God gifted His people with a day that they could put aside their work, their struggles and cares, and just rest…in Him. He wanted His people to have some time to relax, enjoy His creation, and enjoy their Creator! He still wants that for us today.

Most Jewish people celebrate the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, though most Christians observe it on Sunday. The point is, we are to set aside an entire day for physical, mental and spiritual rest. We need to look at it as not only a day, but as a heart attitude. One that says, “I will be restful, even in the midst of busyness and unrest.”

“I can’t waste a whole day doing nothing!” one might argue. That is not the point of Sabbath rest. Notice in the definition it says “to cease,” meaning to cease whatever it is you work at or struggle with all week. It also says “to celebrate.” Have some fun! Play, take a nap, worship, feast, enjoy family or friends in ways that enhance your celebration of God’s gift of Sabbath rest. Another part of the definition is “to be still.” While part of this stillness is resting, another aspect is being still before God. Be attentive to His presence. Let His perfect peace wash over your weary soul like a refreshing spring rain. In order to be productive the other six days of the week, we must take time to rest and be refreshed. If we stay on our hectic pace 24/7, we will eventually crash.

In his book, The Rest of God, Mark Buchanan notes that just as food and water are essential to our bodies, so rest is essential to our whole physical, mental and spiritual being. He states, “In a culture where busyness is a fetish, and stillness is laziness, rest is sloth. But without rest, we miss the rest of God: the rest He invites us to enter more fully so that we might know Him more deeply.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

GOING DEEPER:
1. What is your current attitude about being restful?
2. What are some practical ways that you could incorporate Sabbath rest into your lifestyle?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 62:1, 5; Hebrews 4:9-11

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

God’s Peace
By Jen Wollner

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”
John 14:27a

It had been a really long day and it wasn’t even noon yet. We had been up since 3:30 a.m. traveling home from a family vacation in Florida. After a layover in Atlanta, we were thrilled to be starting our descent in Milwaukee. At only 11:30 in the morning, all of us were way beyond exhaustion. I had hoped that each of my three kids would take naps on the plane, so when I looked over at my two-year-old daughter and saw her sleeping soundly, I smiled, thanked God…and then started praying she would sleep at least until we landed! The plane was exceptionally noisy. The roar of the engine was almost deafening. The flight attendant and pilot made several booming announcements regarding our landing. And, behind us, my son was watching a train video with the volume turned way up. The “toot toot” of the whistle carried clearly over our seats, startling me every few seconds…as did his boisterous, incessant comments about everything he was watching. I was sure my daughter would be aroused by one of these disturbances, but to my amazement, she wasn’t. She rested peacefully until the plane came to a complete stop on the runway.

This is a beautiful depiction of what true, God-given peace looks like. It’s that supernatural kind of peace we feel when, well, peace is the last thing we should be experiencing. It’s a feeling that’s not dependent on our situation, but is present in spite of it. Real peace is a priceless gift in a chaotic world. As we face trials and pain, it carries us above the stress we are under…it covers us, soothes us and reassures us of God’s presence and deep love for us. Peace is free…and it’s freeing. It gives rest…and takes away fear. It eases our minds and liberates our hearts.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how to receive God’s peace. It says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When everything around us is falling apart. When our world is turning upside down. When our strength is almost gone. When the voices around us are loud and disturbing…

"Peace I leave with you…"

Indescribable, unexplainable, priceless…

"My peace I give you..."

GOING DEEPER:
1. What situation are you facing today that has you stressed and restless? Present your problems to the Lord and receive His peace.
2. Who in your life is struggling to find peace? How could you encourage that person?

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:15; John 16:33

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

Interests
By Peggy Kleckner

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4

How often do we look past our own interests to the interests of others? We live in a very “me” centered society. We have been taught to judge everything by “what’s in it for me?” Notice that God doesn’t tell us not to look at our own interests, but He does tell us to look beyond them.

Let’s look at the workplace. Perhaps you work in a business atmosphere. Does each department look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of the other departments? Does the accounting department try to understand the needs of the sales department? How about vice versa…does the sales department try to understand the accounting department? If each department could enter into a conversation seeking to understand the other and its’ needs, how much progress could be made? I have seen lots of aggravation when two parties refuse to see the others’ needs as legitimate. Sales departments want to make the sale, but the accounting department understands that there are tax codes and forms to fill out. The company needs both of these departments or they won’t last long, but shouldn’t they be able to learn to function with mutual respect for each other, rather than ridiculing one another?

Now think about yourself for a moment. If you already understand your side of things, wouldn’t it be wise to try to listen to the needs of the other person? Once you have that understanding, you may gain wisdom in how to accommodate both of your needs. Without it, you are both just demanding your own way.

Too often we don’t respect the interests of others. God’s Word certainly gives us wise counsel, but we must be willing to receive it and apply it to our daily lives.

Today, in whatever circumstance you may find yourself, stop long enough to remember God’s instruction and then ask Him to help you implement it. You may be amazed at what you learn about others’ interests and how easily some situations can be resolved by taking God’s good advice.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Looking back over the last week, where have you missed the opportunity to apply the wisdom of today’s verse? (Hint: Think about conversations where you felt the other party didn’t understand your needs.)
2. Looking forward, in what area of your life (work, marriage, family, friends) can you plan to apply the wisdom from today’s verse?

FURTHER READING:
James 1:19-27; Proverb 18:13

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.

The Whole Earth Groans
By Susan Klein

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth
right up to the present time.”
Romans 8:22

Open up any newspaper or listen to any news broadcast today and you will hear reports of natural disasters around the globe. Devastating hurricanes, tornadoes in the middle of winter, raging forest fires, severe flooding, earthquakes in Italy...the list is endless. According to the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, its data shows a hugely significant rise in the frequency of these events over the past hundred years.

Scientists and politicians believe that our careless use of the earth and its elements have caused a global warming, or greenhouse effect, on our atmosphere, largely responsible for the rise in natural catastrophes. They also believe that we can reduce these occurrences and restore the earth by how we care for it. Can we really repair the earth?

Let’s go back to Genesis, chapter three. After Adam and Eve sinned, God said the consequences would be much groaning! Woman would groan with pain in childbirth, man would groan in his toiling of the land, and even the ground would groan, producing thorns and thistles as God himself had cursed it. A ground that is divinely cursed will likely worsen with time, not regenerate!

So, do we sit back and do nothing? Absolutely not! We are called to be good stewards of everything God has given us. He entrusted the earth to us to care for it to the best of our ability. But can we completely stop the earth’s groaning? Not if it’s divine in nature. So, where is the hope? In Romans 8, Paul talks about a future glory when he says “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” It goes on to say that we (believers) also groan inwardly as we eagerly await the redemption of our bodies. Because of sin, everything and everyone faces decay. But, we have hope! Christ paid the penalty for our sin on the cross and has promised we will one day have new resurrected bodies and a new heaven and earth. Then, and only then, will the groaning cease.

While Earth Day is being globally acknowledged today, let’s take some time to acknowledge the Creator of our earth!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What can you do to show God your thankfulness for His creation?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:18-25; 2 Peter 3:10-13

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

If God Can Speak Through Donkeys…He Can Speak Through Deer!
By Karen D’Amore

“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam…”
Numbers 22:28

God desires for us to hear His voice…feel His presence…and know His will. And while He is, at times, a God of mystery or secrets, He doesn’t leave us floundering in confusion. He desires for us to know Him and experience Him, in a personal way, within our daily routine.

So how does God speak? Searching the Scriptures we see that there is no standard method. He spoke from a cloud, through a wet fleece and a dry one, through a blinding light, in a “still, small voice” and even through a donkey! Repeatedly throughout the Bible, God spoke through different methods, however, two things remained likely: (1) God spoke and (2) whomever He was speaking to usually knew it was Him.

Discerning God’s voice and recognizing His presence can only be developed through knowing Him. Through a deepening intimate relationship, I am impelled to look for God in everything around me. Passionate about wildlife, God’s creatures serve as a vessel through which I see His splendor and experience His presence.

Praying as I packed for a trip home to California, apprehension and anxiety flooded my heart. Re-uniting with everything safe, comfortable and familiar…the trip held potential for rousing displeasure with my newer, less comfortable homeland. In the midst of my prayer, God drew my attention to movement outside my window. Pressed against the window were the noses of three deer! As God’s presence transcended through those precious deer, peace echoed from the depth of my heart. God spoke to me in that pivotal moment by illuminating a significant source of my contentment in my new Midwest homeland. In His still, small voice He spoke volumes by communicating in a manner which was so utterly clear to me.

Are you longing to hear God’s voice...feel His presence…or know His will? The Lord manifests Himself to us and through us as we humbly seek Him. “Trust the Lord from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who’ll keep you on track” (Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message).

God spoke to Moses through a bush, to Balaam through a donkey and to me through deer. Stop…look…and listen! God desires to speak to you in a manner which is unique and special, exclusive to you!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you longing to hear God’s voice but feeling disconnected? Humbly draw near to Him and re-connect.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 25:12; Proverbs 16:3; Jeremiah 29:12-13; Isaiah 30:21

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.

Prayoritizing Your Day
By Elin Henderson

“The mind of man plans his ways, but the LORD directs his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9

Have you ever started a day with grand plans and expectations only to have it turn into complete mayhem and confusion? Sometimes I wonder if my life EVER goes as planned! I mean, my home-school morning will be going smoothly when a man shows up with a six-inch oozing gash in his leg that he has left unattended for several days, deciding that today is the day to show up and see what the missionary can do for him. You might not be facing a similar scenario at your front door, but I am sure you are familiar with interruptions and changed plans.

My sister recently sent me an idea that was revolutionary for me. It was given to her by her pastor’s wife. She calls it prayoritizing your day. One reason we are so frustrated when our plans don’t go well is that they are just that…our plans. How many times do I just plan my day without the least thought of the Lord’s input into my schedule?

When God is in control, are there accidents? Are there interruptions? No, they are all part of His sovereign plan. When we have committed our full day and schedule to Him, we can rest that He will guide and direct us, and if part of that guidance includes interruptions, we can accept that. He knows far better what we need for that day and the people He wants to use us to bless and encourage.

So, tomorrow morning when you wake up and are getting yourself organized for the day, make a list of what you want to accomplish that day. Then, take the time to commit each of those activities to the Lord, asking Him to guide and direct as He sees fit. Not only will making a list help you stay focused, but bringing it to the Lord in prayer will help you accept the changes and unexpected turns it may take. As they occur, remind yourself that this is God’s will for you today and ask Him, “What do You have to teach me in this? How do You plan to use me in this?” Then, go to Him for the wisdom and strength for this new challenge He has sent your way.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you normally react when your plans go awry? Will you commit to prayoritizing your daily schedule?
2. Look at the life of Christ. How did He prayoritize His days and plans?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 10:23; Isaiah 45:2-3; Philippians 4:12-13; Hebrews 10:23b; 1 Peter 3:8

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.

Blessed Are the Un-Cool
By Susan Klein

“For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God’s sight.”
1 Corinthians 3:19

Every decade is marked by fads and fashions that define what “cool” is according to our eclectic American culture. In the 60’s, cool meant you wore bell-bottom pants and mood rings, owned a lava lamp and listened to the Beatles. Really cool people definitely went to Woodstock!

In the 70’s, cool people wore leisure suits or anything made of polyester. The female gender sported platform shoes and Farrah Fawcet hairdos. You definitely owned an 8-track player and went to rock concerts. And only the super cool could recite scenes from The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

In the 80’s, coolness was defined by owning an Atari or playing Dungeons and Dragons. Cool girls mastered “Valley Girl talk” and “like, wouldn’t be caught dead in anything other than spandex or skinny jeans with zippers up the legs!” You emulated Michael Jackson and joined a Jazzercise class if you were “anybody.”

By the 90’s, coolness had turned to Pokemon for the kids, WWJD bracelets and wide-leg jeans for the teens, doing the Macarena for those who enjoyed group activities, and SUV’s and Oprah’s book club for the mature set. More “out-there” coolies were into extreme sports or grunge.

The coolness of the new millennium brought with it High School Musical, You Tube, American Idol, iPods and blogging. If you aren’t technologically savvy, don’t even think about being cool! Metrosexuality and Emo are lifestyles reserved for the elite cool.

I have to admit...I’m not very cool! I don’t blog, don’t own an iPod or a laptop, I wear comfortable shoes and my impossible hair never looks like the styles in the current trendy magazines. But I am who God created me to be, and I’m okay with that. In fact, I wouldn’t want to be cool if it meant trying to be something other than what God designed me to be. I’ll stick to being an alien in this strange world!

1 John 2:16-17 says: “Everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Trends and fads all pass away, only to be replaced by more trends and fads. God’s love, His principles and His promises never pass away, nor do they change with the times. Isn’t it better to be trained by God’s time-tested truths, than to be tempted and trapped by today’s worldly trends?

GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you resist the “trend-trap” and stay grounded in the Truth? Will you give yourself permission to be “un-cool” by the world’s standard?

FURTHER READING:
John 15:18-19; Colossians 3:2; James 4:4-6

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

Fruit or Fear?
By Peggy Kleckner

“When they reached the Valley of Eschcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs… ’ We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large…’”
Numbers 13:23, 27-28a

In this story, Moses sent twelve men to explore the Promised Land and to bring back a report. They did, and even brought back fruit. According to this verse, it was amazing fruit. One cluster of grapes carried on a pole between two grown men! On top of that, these people have not been enjoying fruit. They have been in the desert for forty years. Imagine finally seeing fresh fruit…extraordinarily large fresh fruit! I would guess that they were all waiting for a taste of that fruit. I wonder if they were hoping for a short report, so they could get to the eating. Then again, how do you divide up one cluster of grapes among that crowd?

In any case, even with that huge fruit right before them, ten of the twelve explorers followed up their confirmation of a fruitful land with that little word, “but.” The fruit should have been confirmation of God’s faithfulness in giving them the land, but those ten men chose to focus on fear. Given the choice between fruit or fear, they chose fear. Not only did they choose fear, they convinced everyone else to look past the fruit and choose fear as well! They looked at the occupants of the land who were giants and they looked at the fortification of the cities, but they forgot what God had promised them. He had promised to give them the land.

We read the story and say, “How foolish!” Hmmmm, when was the last time we chose fear over fruit? For me, it was just recently. I have been struggling with doing a task which God has clearly given me. I began it, God showed me the fruit, but then fear set in. After all, who am I to do this work? After hearing this verse, I realized that I could stay stuck in my fear of being too much or not enough, giving God all of my “but” excuses, or I could move forward and trust Him with the outcome.

We really aren’t any different than those Israelites. We too have a choice to make. Which will it be, fruit or fear?

GOING DEEPER:
1. What fruit has God been showing you in a particular situation to help you move forward in faith? What fear has captured your attention instead?

FURTHER READING:
Judges 7:9-25; 1 Samuel 17:32-54

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

A Blameless Walk
By Karen D’Amore

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
Psalm 84:11

As a police applicant, I was required to submit a list of personal references. Applying for a powerful position, the intricacies of my moral fiber would be closely scrutinized. Seeking individuals with moral character, the Department performed extensive background investigations to weed out ineligible candidates. One crucial element of this investigation was to verify an applicant’s truthfulness. The Department was not seeking perfect people, but rather people who were willing to disclose mistakes from their past.

At the conclusion of my background investigation, I learned the vast scope of people interviewed beyond my list of references. In an effort to expose “skeletons in my closet,” the investigator searched for anyone holding lethal ammunition that would assassinate my character. What an honor the day that I received my acceptance letter.

What does it mean to be a person who is blameless before God? It doesn’t mean that we are perfect. No human being is perfect. It does mean, though, that our trust in God is so deep that we are willing to make things right when we fail. We are willing to continually humble ourselves before the throne of God. When we sin against others, we confess and seek their forgiveness. When we sin against God, we repent and walk in obedience.

I once read that “character is who you are when no one is watching.” Unlike the investigator who must rummage through our concealed lives to expose moral flaws…Jesus sees everything: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account” (Hebrews 4:13).

As Christ followers, Jesus has a specific plan for those who fully trust in Him. He promises to be our shield, to bestow honor on us and to not withhold any good from us. What an incredible promise! What precious motivation to live blameless lives…lives that glorify Him.

Ask Jesus to perform a routine background investigation today within the concealed corners of your heart. Repent of any sinful flaws exposed by the investigation and experience God’s goodness!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been blameless in your walk with God and others? If not, humble yourself and make things right.
2. How do the promises of today’s key verse motivate you to live differently?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 1:10; Psalm 1:6a, 84:12, 101:2; Titus 2:12

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.

Got LIFE?
By Elin Henderson

“…I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10b

Got life? A simple question…and I don’t mean “a life” because, let’s face it, most of us don’t have that! What I am talking about is transforming, abundant life. So, do you?

So many believers think of Easter as simply a day in which we received eternal life through the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior. They have their “ticket in” or their “fire insurance” as my sister puts it, but then they keep living a spiritually anemic life, either completely ignoring the Holy Spirit’s presence or nobly striving in their own strength to do good or be better. Many spend their days dreaming of glory while being frustrated with life here on earth.

But, so much more occurred on that day when we trusted the Lord as our Savior…we got life! Just what dead people needed! We received life forever with Him and life for today through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I like how Major Ian Thomas, author of The Indwelling Life of Christ, explains this gift. He calls it a “blood transaction” to our account (our sin debt paid in full) and a “blood transfusion” of life to our spirits. Christ came to give us life, the life that Adam lost when he sinned. We were empty without it. Now, we are real people closer to being what God originally created with Adam…His Spirit interacting with our spirit and living His life out through us.

The joy of Easter is that this life isn’t simply for the life to come, but also for here and now – “I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” That is present tense! Are you and I living an abundant life now or just merely existing, barely getting through each day? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to be our life and live through us daily? Let’s rejoice not only in the life to come, purchased by Christ on the cross, but also the life and power to live each day here on earth in His presence and for His glory!

Transaction, Transfusion…complete!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What steps could you take to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit more effectively?
2. In what ways could you live life more abundantly…more like the way Jesus intends?

FURTHER READING:
John 20:31b; Romans 5:17, 8:10-11; Galatians 2:20

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.

He is Risen!
Matthew 28:1-10 (NKJV)

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What a sight the angel must have been as He appeared at the tomb. And what a message he came to deliver! Jesus is risen…just as He said He would! What joy! What elation! What celebration! It had finally been accomplished…death was conquered once and for all. How do you respond in your heart at the truth that because Jesus died and rose again, you can live forever in Heaven with Him? Do you believe the news? Have you received the gift of eternal life?
2. Each Gospel account is more exciting and insightful than the next as it describes Jesus’ resurrection, appearances and interactions with His disciples and His ascension into Heaven. What key points do you take away from each of them?

FURTHER READING:
Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21

Final Words from the Cross
Excerpts from all four Gospel accounts

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

“…he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’” (John 19:26-27)

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Meditate on each of these statements made by Jesus in His final hours. What insights do you gain about Him? What do His last words tell you about who He is and what His character is like? What do they say about the “work” of the cross?
2. Each of the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ death on the cross adds another dimension to this precious story. Read them thoroughly in order to gain a more complete picture of the amazing events of that day.

Betrayed and Arrested
John 18:2-11 (ESV)

So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there (to the garden) with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"

They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

GOING DEEPER:
1. Isn’t it amazing that when Jesus proclaimed Himself, all those who had come to seize Him fell to the ground? Just the sound of His voice and His declaration of being “I AM” was powerful enough to knock them all off their feet. The very name of Jesus is something to be reckoned with, that’s for sure! What emotions does the name of Jesus evoke in you? What words come to your mind when you hear that name? What power have you experienced in the name of Christ?
2. Read the verses below to gain insight into the other gospel accounts of Jesus’ arrest. What additional information is found in these passages?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53

Agony in the Garden
Matthew 26:36-46 (NLT)

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. The anguish and grief are overwhelming. Jesus’ soul is being crushed under the weight of all He is about to endure. Though he keeps His friends close, He goes off by Himself to pray. Three times He asks the Father if there could be another way. Three times He surrenders His will to the Father’s. What in your life do you need to turn over to the Lord? Will you follow Jesus’ example and do so today, trusting God’s plan in this situation?
2. As you read the other gospel accounts of Jesus’ time in the garden (see references below), note any additional details you glean from them.

FUTHER READING:
Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46

The Last Supper
Luke 22:7-23 (The Message)

The Day of Unleavened Bread came, the day the Passover lamb was butchered. Jesus sent Peter and John off, saying, "Go prepare the Passover for us so we can eat it together."

They said, "Where do you want us to do this?"

He said, "Keep your eyes open as you enter the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him home. Then speak with the owner of the house: The Teacher wants to know, 'Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare the meal there."

They left, found everything just as he told them, and prepared the Passover meal.

When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It's the last one I'll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God."

Taking the cup, he blessed it, then said, "Take this and pass it among you. As for me, I'll not drink wine again until the kingdom of God arrives."

Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory."

He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.

"Do you realize that the hand of the one who is betraying me is at this moment on this table? It's true that the Son of Man is going down a path already marked out—no surprises there. But for the one who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man, this is doomsday."

They immediately became suspicious of each other and began quizzing one another, wondering who might be about to do this.

GOING DEEPER:
1. It’s the last time Jesus will share a meal with His beloved disciples. As we read His words, we can sense His high level of emotions and deep love for them as He tells them about what He is about to do…and about the new covenant He is about to establish for them and all others who choose to believe. What emotions do you experience as you ponder on this passage?
2. Read the other gospel accounts of Jesus’ last supper with His disciples (see verses below). What new or different information do you learn from these?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; John 13:21-30

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
Luke 19: 28-40 (NLT)

After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”

And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you picture it? Jesus is riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey as crowds of people sing and shout for joy, recounting the wonderful miracles they had witnessed. They just can’t keep their praises quiet for their King! And, even if they could, the stones would declare the glory of Jesus. As you read this account, what stands out to you most? Why?
2. Read the other gospel accounts of the triumphant entry (listed below). What new insights do you learn from each of them?

FURHTER READING:
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-19

Don’t Resist the Nail Bearers
By Elin Henderson

“And while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously…”
1 Peter 2:23

As Easter approaches and I think upon the crucifixion of our Savior, I am reminded of a dear man’s recent words to me as I was passing through a particularly difficult time in my life. He said, “Don’t resist the nail bearers.” At the time I didn’t fully understand what he meant, but slowly, as I studied through the crucifixion process and what Christ endured, I began to realize the truth behind it.

Crucifixion involved two main parts – nails and nail bearers. So likewise, as we go through suffering, we face the two. The nails are the trials themselves and the nail bearers are what bring them—the tools the Lord uses. Sometimes the nail bearers are circumstances such as a diagnosis of a major disease, but other times they are people. Do you have any particularly difficult people in your life that continually drive nails into you? You think, “My life would be so much simpler without ______ around always ‘nailing’ me!”

In Acts 9 we are reminded that Christ was led, “…as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open his mouth.” He was silent and lay still when He could have resisted. If there ever was justification for resistance, there it was! He didn’t deserve it, yet He willingly endured the nails and the nail bearers. As I face suffering, I usually do two things: fight it and make a loud stink about it! Christ, on the other hand, reviled not and committed Himself to the Father. Had Jesus resisted the nails and the nail bearers, where would we be today? Similarly, the suffering He sends into our lives is for our good and His glory.

So why do we resist? Let’s face it, it is hard. It goes against all human nature to endure suffering and endure people who cause it. Does this mean we’re to always passively allow any person to do anything at any time in our lives? Of course not, but it does mean we receive every interaction as allowed by our God. And, only the Holy Spirit can enable us to endure, just as He did in Christ.

So, as we face struggles, difficult circumstances, and difficult people, remember that God has orchestrated their part in our lives. He is allowing these nails and the nail bearers, and He has something incredible to teach us about Himself in and through the trial. Let’s not resist, but instead, see them as God’s tools used to sharpen our character.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What nails and/or nail bearers are you facing in your life? Are you resisting or embracing the opportunity to allow the Lord to work in your heart?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 1:29; Romans 5:3-5; 8:28

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.

Spiritual Spring Cleaning
By Kari Lyles

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10

As my vacuum buzzed across the last few inches of hallway carpet, I inhaled a glorious waft of fresh air coming in from both of my daughter’s bedroom windows. I stepped back for a moment to admire the fruits of my labor -- two newly rearranged bedrooms. Spring was in the air and I had caught the fever.

Winding up the cord to my vacuum, a smile crossed my face as I imagined my first grader’s excitement when she arrived home from school to find a room that would now seem so new. My 3-year-old had happily directed me as to where she thought her bed and dresser should be moved and was now enjoying her fresh space engrossed in a book.

As I finished picking things up and throwing things away, my mind wandered to the similarities of what I had just done in my daughters’ rooms with what the Lord desires to do in us.

“Lord,” I asked, “would you please do a ‘spiritual spring cleaning’ in me?”

Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps, like me, there are some cobwebs in the corners of your heart that you have allowed to collect there because it’s a chore to remove them. Or, maybe your mind has not been focused on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely or admirable. Rather, you’ve been meditating on the messes you or others have made or are making.

One of the verses in a song called “Welcome Home” by Shaun Groves says, “Welcome to this heart of mine, I’ve buried under prideful vines, grown to hide the mess I’ve made, inside of me come decorate Lord.”

As we approach spring, will you join me in letting the Lord inside to do a little “spiritual spring cleaning”? Will you allow Him to bring down a few walls, sweep out some of the cobwebs and spread some love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

Happy Spring!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas of your heart and mind need to be pure and right before the Lord? Ask Him to reveal those areas and help you surrender the cleaning to Him.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22

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.

I’ve Been Had!
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Luke 5:16

I really dislike April Fool’s Day.

My children (and, coincidentally, my husband) are at the perfect age to delight in the annual ritual of tricking those around them. I’ve gotten pretty good at not falling for the little things like checking to see if my shoes are tied, or not looking to see if something is on my shirt or the “what’s on your face?” gag. The reason I don’t like April Fool’s Day is because I am a horrible liar. I can’t hide anything from anyone, so I don’t like being tricked – it’s just not fair!

But, like most women, I can multi-task! So, a couple of years ago on the first of April, when the supper dishes were being finished, the homework questions were being answered, and I was gently cajoling my son to lay still and relax while I put drops in his eyes, I was weak and distracted. My husband told me he was going outside to clean up the yard just as my daughter Shannon cried, “Mom, the dog just had an accident on the floor!” I’m sorry to say, I hit overload. My response was immediate - - “Shannon, grab the paper towels! Shelby, get OUTSIDE! Brett, stay STILL! WHERE IS YOUR FATHER?!!!”

At that point, my husband came in laughing. I shouted, “What’s so funny? Help me with this!” He shrugged and replied, “It’s just a little water.” The other members of my family all found themselves hilariously entertained. Turned out, Shelby was completely innocent and the puddle on the floor was not at all her fault. The poor dog had to suffer my tongue-lashing and my family had a good laugh at my expense.

But I got to thinking later, how often I get so busy in my multi-tasking that I become vulnerable to an attack by our enemy. My Bible time gets skipped or I neglect to be in conversation with my Lord because the here and now is so much in my face, needing my attention. All of these distractions threaten to steal my intimacy with God. When they become too much, I need to recommit myself to getting back to being focused on God.

The Bible tells us many times that Jesus went to lonely and solitary places to pray and be with His Father. So after He multi-tasked in teaching the disciples, healing the sick, feeding the crowds and fending off the Pharisees, Jesus had to make sure His focus was right. Let’s follow His example today…don’t fall prey to being the fool!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What do your quiet times with God look like? How can you follow Jesus’ example more closely?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the Tresurer for Women's Ministries.