Remembering the Sacrifice
By Tracy Smith

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

As my kids were celebrating an extra day off from school on May 31, it occurred to me that we’ve lost the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday. We plan for the day off and all that we will do: have a picnic, sleep in, work in the yard or just nothing. Yet, the reason for the holiday gets lost in the shuffle and in the busy-ness of the day.

Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those in our nation’s history who have sacrificed their very lives to keep us free. However, we get so preoccupied with utilizing our extra day of “freedom” from our normal, daily responsibilities, that we forget the purpose for the holiday: to remember and thank those that have sacrificed everything to keep us free.

Aren’t we like that with our Lord, too? We get so caught up serving Him in our church, in our homes and in our community that we forget to stop and actually thank God for all He has done for us. We forget to thank Him for the sacrifice He made on our behalf.

Today, let’s remember to just stop, be still and be thankful for the sacrifice that so many American soldiers have made for our physical freedom…and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to keep us free for eternity.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What will you do today to thank veterans for the physical freedoms you enjoy?
2. What will you do today to thank Jesus for the freedom you enjoy both now and for eternity?

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16; Galatians 5:1; John 8:36; Ephesians 5:20

Tracy is a wife and mother of two boys. She is an administrative assistant at Oakwood and serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team.

Safe Obedience
By Leslie Snyder

"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." John 15:10

I’ve often wondered if my kids listen to the many reminders I give them about obedience. More than once (a day, sometimes) I hear myself repeat the words, “when I ask you to do something, I expect you to do it the first time.”

Some time ago, we were walking out of a favorite fast food restaurant on our way to a school concert. We exited the door by the drive thru lane. One daughter was on my right, one on my left, and the baby in my arms. As we approached the curb, I noticed that the large SUV in the drive-thru lane was not slowing down, nor did the driver seem to notice us. With one free hand I grabbed the daughter on my right but had to yell “Stop!” to the one on my left. She froze as the SUV continued driving inches away from her; the driver finally noticing my daughter in her rear view mirror. Without a doubt, immediate obedience saved my daughter’s life.

Most people don’t like the practice of obedience, especially once we reach adulthood. We strive to be independent, making our own choices, uninfluenced by others. Yet, obedience is what Christ requires of us. 1 John 5:2 reads, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.” Obedience is so important to God that Saul lost his kingdom due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22).

We can freely choose obedience or disobedience. Choosing obedience isn’t about mindlessly following rules and hoping when this life is through, we have been more obedient than disobedient. Choosing obedience is coming to the place in our lives when we learn that to do what God asks of us is to trust that He knows what is best. Walking in obedience is the safest path for our journey.

It all boils down to a matter of the heart. When our lives are touched and changed by God, we have the power to say “yes” to obedience. Sure, we might stumble and fall along the way, but with God’s Spirit within us, we can get up, dust ourselves off and get back on the right path. Today, I encourage you to place your trust in God, demonstrated by a life of obedience!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas of your life are you most likely to be disobedient to God? Why?
2. What steps can you take today to move yourself towards walking in closer obedience to God?

FURTHER READING:
1 Samuel 15:1-35; Romans 6:16-18; Luke 6:46

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

A Fresh Start For Rahab
By Susan Klein

“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not...”
Hebrews 11:31a (KJV)

I love the picture God’s Word paints of a “fresh start” for a woman named Rahab. She earned her living as a prostitute, or harlot. Some would choose to just call her an “innkeeper,” but this would not be completely accurate. In the book of Joshua, where we are first introduced to Rahab, the Hebrew word attached to her name is translated “whore.” In the verse above, the Greek word is, “porne,” from which our word “pornography” is derived. Get the picture? There is no denying who she was and what she did. But, the God of “fresh starts” had plans to use this woman in a crucial way.

Rahab the harlot grew up in a culture steeped in idolatry and pagan customs. She quite inevitably became a product of her upbringing, and chose to go the way of her world. But along the way, she also heard the stories of the great miracles performed by the God of Israel, stories that she just could not ignore. Soon, she must have begun to question the gods she followed, question the path she was on, question if this other God could possibly be the “real deal”...her own pagan gods could not do miracles, nor could they provide the answers I imagine she might have desperately sought. Rahab found herself on a collision course with death, both physical and spiritual.

This is where the story gets good! The God of the universe, who planted a seed of faith within her soul, waters it and grows it until it blossoms into full-fledged faith! He gifts her with a fresh start! Though she still wears the stigma of “harlot,” God chooses to use her in His plans for Israel. Her fresh start with God allows her to display her faith by hiding Joshua’s spies. Her faith also saves the lives of her family members when the walls of Jericho come tumbling down. Though we don’t know if they also had chosen to believe in the One True God, perhaps her faithful actions were enough to lead them to a fresh start of their own.

No human life is insignificant to God. No sin is too great to be overcome, and no seed of faith too small to grow into something big! God desires for everyone to have a fresh start in life, one that begins with Him!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Whatever your burden, give it to God and let Him give you a fresh start in return.

FURTHER READING:
Ezekiel 11:16-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Over-the-Top
By Elin Henderson

“That you may walk worthy of the Lord fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work…strengthened with all might according to His glorious power…”
Colossians 1:10-11 (NKJV)

Do you ever feel that God’s demands are “over-the-top”? Unrealistic? Just plain too much? A careful study of the different commands and challenges He sets out for us in Scripture reveals this concept even further. Notice how many times He uses “all,” “every,” “always,” “everything.” “Go ye into all the world…preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). “Warn every man…teach every man…present every man perfect” (Colossians 1:28).

Wow! Seems a little over the top to me! How about, “most men”? We can do that, right? How about “give thanks some of the time”? That isn’t too hard. But, all the time, all men? Come on, God, aren’t your expectations just a little too high?

Yes, the expectations are high, but lest we get discouraged, know that just as high and even higher are His all encompassing grace and strength. Look at how He speaks about what is available to us. “All power is given unto you…” (Matthew 28:18). “All wisdom…all might…according to His all glorious power” (Colossians 1:10). “Lo I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). “Everything you need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). “Now to Him who is able to do all that we could ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

God never gives us a task that He Himself has not already provided the strength, wisdom, might, power or abundance in advance to handle. If it were up to us, we’d have the right to be overwhelmed and over-the-top discouraged. In ourselves, we will never be able to muster up the strength (try as we may) and God never intended for us to do so. As always, He desires that we look to Him for strength for each moment of each day.

So, next time you get discouraged at the task ahead of you, or run across a challenge in Scripture that you think is just too much to handle, keep reading. You will always find that while the challenge is great, the provisions are greater in Him!

“For with Him all things are possible!” (Matthew 19:26).

GOING DEEPER:
1. What specific challenge or command has the Lord been speaking to your heart? What verses can you find that supply you with the strength in Him to do it?

FURTHER READING:
Look up the verses listed above.

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

She’s in God’s Hands
By Dawn Weimar

“…Now I can see that you trust God and that you have not kept your son, your only son, from me."
Genesis 22:12b (NCV)

I believe that one of the hardest things for any young mother to do is to leave her baby with someone else and go back to work. I left my babies with my grandma, so the issue wasn’t concern that they wouldn’t be cared for…the issue was my leaving them.

My first day back to work, I was listening to the story of Abraham, who was tested by God when He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. I was moved by how God provided a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac’s place, and by Abraham’s willingness to entrust his child’s very life to the Lord. Before the sermon was over and I stepped into work, I had to turn my baby over to God completely and put her in his hands. In fact, she belonged to God first before He ever sent her to me. It turned out that this was a very important step for me to make because within the next 24 hours I had to rush her to the hospital and soon after that, I stood over her crib as her heart stopped and a code ensued. I said to my husband, “She is in God’s hands.” Fortunately, her heart restarted at that moment.

I am grateful that God prepared me emotionally and spiritually for the days that followed. I knew that night after work that something was happening. When my daughter woke in the middle of the night, I knew I needed to get her into the hospital. I watched her decline in the hospital and told the doctors that the last baby I saw who presented as she did had died. That was just hours before she coded.

We went weeks without a diagnosis, yet God let me know she would be fine. Fortunately, I had just been listening to a three-week series on patience, since it took weeks for my daughter to open her eyes. She finally did on Easter Sunday.

Once she recovered, I returned to work again. We still had many hurdles to overcome, but God did provide a way and it all began with trusting Him completely. I am blessed that her outcome was a best-case scenario, not all are. I had already trusted one little life to God that could not remain on this earth; I’ve known the tears of anguish for a child. But, more importantly, I know a God who cares for us whether we are on earth or taken to heaven. Can you trust Him today?

GOING DEEPER:
1. For what do you need to dig in and trust God completely today?
2. If you have children, have you given them back to God, trusting Him for their life, health and protection?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 22:1-19 along with Hebrews 11:17-19; Psalm 139

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

Peace in the Midst of the Storm
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

Thursday, November 1, 1990. I expected a quiet weekend as many of my friends were traveling with the university choir. However, the van carrying 11 members of that choir crashed on I-65 near Lafayette, Indiana. Alex…gregarious, witty, and newly engaged…was killed instantly. Cindy…lover of children, future teacher, part-time radio broadcaster…died of her injuries later that day. Andrea…compassionate, smart, a social work major…her family had to choose to remove life support a couple of days later. All college seniors, all making plans for their lives and careers, all lovers of Jesus, all tragically ripped from this life.

At the end of Andrea’s funeral, an audiotape of her singing was played. The words were prophetic in light of all that had happened:

Peace in the Midst of the Storm
When the world that I've been living in collapses at my feet,
And when my life is all tattered and torn;
Though I'm wind-swept, I’ve been battered, I’m gonna cling unto His cross.
I’ll find peace in the midst of the storm. (Is that alright?)

There is peace in the midst of the storm-tossed life.
There is an Anchor, there is a rock to build my faith upon.
Jesus Christ is my vessel so I fear no alarm.
He gives me peace in the midst of the storm.

In my twenty-four short hours, years of living are brought to moments.
When life's final picture is taking form.
In the dark-room of my suffering,
I see a light that’s coming and it’s shining through. (You know what)
He gives me peace in the midst of the storm.

Now when my spirit has been broken 'til it's masked by misery,
When the doctor shakes his head and look forlorn, (You know what?)
Jesus comes to make my bedside a cathedral of faith and love.
He’ll give you peace in the midst of the storm.

There is peace in the midst of the storm-tossed life
There is an Anchor, there’s a rock to build my faith upon. (Hallelujah, Hallelujah)
Jesus Christ is my vessel so I fear no alarm.
Won’t God give you peace in the midst of the storm?
He’ll give you peace in the midst of the storm. (1)

Isn’t that a beautiful picture? Jesus Christ as our vessel…our boat that will carry us through life’s storms. He is the One who calmed the waves with His voice, the only One who can provide us peace.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In the middle of your storm, do you worry about the waves or trust in the One who commands the wind?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 14:22-32; Mark 8:23-27; Psalm 46:1-3

(1) “Peace in the Midst of the Storm”, performed by Shirley Caesar, published by Light Records

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 treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Dangerous Differences
By Elin Henderson

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV)

As much as there is beauty and variety in difference, there is also a lot of danger involved with it. We know that God loves variety; His creation shows this in all its unique aspects. Everyone is aware that life would be dull and listless if there were no differences in color, taste, smell, gifting, personality, etc. No one would disagree that we need diversity, yet at the same time, it is our differences that often cause us problems. The things that should unite us to work together and complement each other, can often turn into sandpaper that grinds us and tears us apart.

Poor Paul had quite a chore on his hands straightening out some serious problems in the Corinthian church. Major differences had crept in and were wreaking havoc among the people there. If you read down further in chapter one of 1 Corinthians, you see that they were having a hard time deciding who they belonged to…Paul, Apollos, Christ, and so on. Instead of allowing this to make them more useful and reach out to a variety of people, it became a huge point of contention. Isn’t it like the enemy to use something beautiful of God’s to cause dissention and destruction?

Paul pleads with the Corinthians that they not allow this God-given diversity to tear them apart, but that they would be joined together with the same mind and same judgment. He doesn’t say that they all have to have the same ministry or approach to ministry, nor the same gift or approach to using their gifts. Rather, that there be no division among them. This frees them up to be all God wants them to be, while also causing them to depend on their fellow believers to complete and complement them.

It isn’t hard to draw a current application from this problem 2000 years ago in the Corinthian church, is it? So many believers are torn apart rather than united in their differences, and serious damage is done. Rather than considering our differences as dangerous and destructive, let’s look at them as delightful, and sources for dependence…on the Lord and on each other.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 for a follow up of Paul’s original “plea” here in 1 Corinthians 1:10.
2. What application do you see in your own life with fellow believers?

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 4:3, 14, 16

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

Blind Spots
By Kelly McFadden

“Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.”Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)

Some time ago, as I was driving down the road, a fellow driver pulled up next to me and motioned for me to roll down my window. My thoughts raced. I didn't think I had cut him off, missed a light, or gone too slow. What had I done? With trepidation, I rolled down my window without any indication of the problem. The driver, friendlier than expected, informed me that my back right brake light was out.

As I drove away, I became aware that I would never have known my brake light was out without that person making the effort to tell me. I needed someone with a different viewpoint and angle to see what I couldn't. I would have continued to drive unaware of any problem. The busted light was in a spot I could not see.

You and I both have blind spots in our lives, don’t we? Just like the driver who helped me on the road, the Lord uses other people in our lives to give us wisdom and correction. It is easy to get so caught up in me, that I am blind to all else. Perhaps it is blindness to the Lord's will. Maybe I can't see how my actions are affecting others. Or, I may be blind to see how the Lord wants me to change and grow. What a blessing that the Lord puts others ahead of us, behind us, and with us each step of the way.

With a different angle and viewpoint, others are able to sharpen us and help us grow. Sometimes it can be hard to listen to the advice others offer. It is so important to listen carefully to the advice and wisdom of the godly people God has placed in our lives. The insight of others will help us make our way wisely through life's journey.

In the same way, we must be willing as Christians to help point out blind spots to others around us. Pray that the Lord would use you to speak lovingly and with humility, into someone else’s life. Seek out the wisdom He has waiting for you. Just make sure you are able to season the truth with grace.

The proverbs speak again and again about a foolish man versus a wise man. It is a wise man that listens to the correction of others. Only a fool ignores it.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What makes it difficult at times to take correction from another?
2. Has there been a time in your life when someone lovingly pointed out one of your blind spots to you? How did you react?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 11:2; Romans 11:33-36

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Starry, Starry Night
By Dawn Weimar

“God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and to let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.’ And it was so…He also made the stars”
Genesis 1:14-16

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?”
Psalm 8:3

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever…who by His understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever…who made the great lights…the sun to govern the day…the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1, 5, 7-9

“He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars…if indeed you can count them.’”
Genesis 15:5

Stars are created by God; they have purpose and practical function as illustrated in these verses. God promises us that He watches over us just as the stars shine overheard in the heavens. Indeed, stars are a source of awe and wonder as illustrated by Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings. And many songs depict stars wistfully to even the most young at heart… “Twinkle, twinkle, little star…”

Our heavenly Father gives us things to enjoy because He loves us. I was reminded of this love by a story I heard on Christian radio of a woman who felt God’s love when she saw a shooting star. I, too, marvel at God’s creation and was warmed by how this single stellar happening held a deep message for this woman. I truly understood.

Later that evening, I was driving down a scenic drive surrounded by tall trees and just happened to glance up for a moment and saw a bright shooting star. Ah! It is just like my heavenly Father to point out the significance of a moment, so when it happens, I can truly appreciate His love for me in this grace-filled gesture, a gift. That simple star was meant for me to see and to communicate a connectedness far too deep for words.

On the next clear night, spend some time conversing with your heavenly Father while gazing at the stars of His creation. Let His creation make real His awesomeness and permeate your soul with His love for you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you look for God in small ways in your life? Ask Him to speak to you today and show you how much He cares. Then, look for Him.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 104; Job 38:7

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

A Common Complaint
By Leslie Snyder

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 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…”Philippians 2:14-16a

In June of 1880, one of the most remarkable women in history was born healthy into a loving and devoted family. Tragedy struck eighteen months later when scarlet fever left the little girl blind and deaf. Helen Keller spent the next seven years in darkness, frustration, and loneliness. Helen’s world was dark, silent, and lonely until a remarkable woman entered her life. Anne Sullivan answered the call to teach Helen how to communicate and reenter the world of her family and friends. Anne stayed by Helen’s side and Helen was able to learn to read, write, and speak. She eventually completed her college education, wrote numerous articles and books, spoke internationally, and met many presidents.

If anyone had the right to complain about her circumstances, it was Helen Keller. Her story provides us with an opportunity to address the subject of complaining. For the average person, complaining comes as easily as breathing. Every day people complain about traffic, weather, schedules, children, churches, appearance, aches, and pains… You name it, we complain about it. In fact, for some, complaining is their primary means of communication.

Unfortunately, when it comes to complaining, Christians don’t seem to be any different than the rest of the world. Somewhere along the line, even Christians have bought into the idea that it is our “right” to be happy, fulfilled, satisfied, healthy, and catered to every moment of every day. But, I don’t remember finding that anywhere in the Bible! By contrast to our culture today, it’s almost unbelievable that Helen Keller was quoted as saying, “So much has been given me, I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.”

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, urges believers to “do everything without complaining or arguing” not only for the sake of peace, but “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God.” He goes on to describe the ones who do not complain as ones who “shine like stars in the universe.”

A life marked by complaining mars our character. A life marked by thankfulness builds it. The choice between the two is most important. Which one will you choose?

GOING DEEPER:
1. How would the people closest to you describe you, as a complainer or as a thankful person?
2. Evaluate one area of your life that you can work on today in order to complain less and to be more thankful.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 95:1-7; Psalm 107:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Chasing Shadows
By Elin Henderson

“So let no one judge you in food or drink…which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”
Colossians 2:16-17 (NKJV)

Sometimes I ask myself, “Am I chasing shadows when I have the substance staring me in the face?” Too many times, the answer is “Yes.” We are grasping for things that are just out of our reach and when we get to it, find it once again tempting us onward while remaining unattainable. The foolish ones to whom Paul is speaking here in Colossians were doing the same thing! They were chasing the shadow of the Sabbath when the reality of true rest was right there staring them in the face…Christ! They were chasing the shadow of the Law, the “do’s and don’ts,” when the reality of freedom, victory and grace in Christ was right there in front of them.

While we may not struggle with the same shadows as those in Paul’s day, we have our own. We struggle for peace in the midst of anxiety and mayhem, only to have it right there with us in the Person of the Holy Spirit. We pray for wisdom and seek it in books, struggling for shadows, when He says, “Just ask, I will give you more than you can imagine.” We cry out for strength, yet continue running after the shadow of it, only to find that He is waiting there for us saying, “Stop striving and rest! I will be your strength.”

So, let’s give up chasing after the shadows when we have the real deal, the substance of Christ living in and through us! Let us look to Him for our every need and find that the substance alone will satisfy, whereas these other fleeting shadows will simply remain just out of our grasp.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some shadows that you have been chasing after lately? Can you make a list of them?
2. Now, what are some verses that you can find that will help you remember the substance that you need is found in Christ alone?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 10:1, 12:1-2

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

Suddenly...Jesus!
By Susan Klein

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them.”
Matthew 28:8-9a

Have you ever had a situation in your life where you had high hopes or expectations about something, only to meet with disappointment in the end? I think we’ve all experienced this at one time or another. We have expectations of our spouses, our children, our employers, our elected officials...all of whom fail to meet our expectations at some point.

Imagine the women at the tomb after the crucifixion. They are already saddened by Jesus’ death. They are undoubtedly still in mourning as they walk the distance to His tomb, crying along the way. They had been expecting Him to be their reigning King, only to have Him put to death before their very eyes. Now, they are going to the tomb with the expectation of finding His lifeless body within. They are carrying their jars of herbal preparations and cloths to properly care for His body. They are expecting the guards to allow them entrance to the tomb to perform these rituals. Imagine their disappointment, once again, as they see the stone rolled away, the guards on the ground like dead men, and the tomb empty. “Someone must have taken His body! Oh no! God, how can we possibly survive yet another tragedy? Is this really all there is to life, one disappointment after another?”

But then, something wonderful happens! The angel delivers the good news that He has risen, and that He will be appearing to them shortly! Their focus now turns from having their own “expectations,” to living in “expectancy” of seeing their Lord! They are afraid, yet filled with joy at the same time! They really don’t know what to expect when they deliver the news to the disciples, nor do they have any expectations of how this turn of events will impact their own lives. But, they are living with the “expectancy” that Jesus lives, and will be with them soon! This is for certain. Their expectancy is now found in the live person of Jesus Himself, and they will not be disappointed!

Scripture says they hurried away, or ran. They were excited in their expectancy! And, sure enough, verse 9 confirms it. Suddenly, Jesus...! As their hearts were pounding in their chest from excitement, suddenly, He was there! Peace flowed, worries were dismissed, all the prior unmet expectations were forgotten!

They clasped His feet and worshiped Him!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What unmet expectations do you have of others, and of yourself?
2. Is living in “expectancy” of Jesus enough for you?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 146:5-6; Proverbs 23:18

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

The Purse
By Elizabeth Cole

“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”
Romans 9:20

During my high school and college years, I lived in San Diego, just across the border from Tijuana, Mexico. Though less than a two hours’ drive, I felt like I’d entered a completely different world. Rich smells; bright colors; shops with no names; clamor and dust and life all rolled together.

One of the biggest differences for me was “the purchasing experience.” Nothing like what I was used to at Fashion Valley Mall, that’s for sure! Most differently, no pricetags. Instead, as we walked around the market, someone would hold out a purse she’d made and call out, “How much?”

I’d stop, take the purse, consider it, and then offer a price…based on what I saw, what its value was to me. And then its creator would come back with her evaluation of the purse…and so the bargaining would begin. And it would conclude at the point that worth was mutually determined, and the creator gave the purse to me, the purchaser.

Funny thing: the purse itself never got a say in the matter. It didn’t get to determine its own beauty or value. Ultimately, its worth was determined by the creator and the purchaser. In fact, it’s absurd to envision the bag joining in the bargaining, pointing out its flaws, highlighting its shortcomings, and rejecting what its creator and its purchaser were deciding. Unimaginable, yes? Or maybe not so much…

I wonder, when did we, the created, decide that we get to determine our own value, our own worth? Or lack of value…or lack of worth? And beyond that…when did we, the purchased, decide that we get to determine our lack of beauty or lack of usefulness? It sure seems a little presumptuous for the created and purchased to self-exalt her negative opinion above that of the Creator/Purchaser. Your Creator/Purchaser has made His valuation extremely clear: You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ.

I wonder what would change in our lives if we settled the issue once and for all. If we authentically embraced that our Creator lovingly “knit us together in our mother’s womb” and our Purchaser lovingly paid the highest price possible to become our loving Owner…and Master…and Friend. Perhaps we’d find ourselves in a completely different world.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you identify a consistent “trigger” that prompts you to exalt a negative opinion of yourself above God’s stated opinion? What could you ask God to help you do about it?
2. Meditate today on the value of the currency God used to purchase you: His own blood.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to two teen-aged and one grown daughter, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Sufferings
By Peggy Kleckner

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18

God’s Word tells us that we are being formed into the image of Christ from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). In other words, we are being formed one small step at a time. In our verse today, Paul reminds us that the glory is revealed through our sufferings. If we are not tested, how can who we are truly are be revealed?

I didn’t like reading Paul’s words on a recent morning. I was in the midst of a trial, which certainly felt like suffering. So the word “sufferings” jumped out at me. Once I completed the sentence, my spirit was calmed. Suffering is not God’s point, the glory that will be revealed is His point. I will wait patiently through my sufferings and set my focus on being watchful for the glory to be revealed. Christ in me is being revealed from glory to glory, but the process includes suffering…most truly good things do.

Childbirth includes suffering. An education includes the suffering of hard work. Olympic medals include suffering through difficult training and discipline. Somehow we have gotten the idea that we should just instantly be more like Jesus once we have accepted His gift of salvation. In reality, it is a process with many small steps, which will include suffering through trials.

Keep watching, the transformation is occurring. We don’t sit next to a tulip and expect to see the growth happening, but we do notice when it continues its natural process and blooms. The natural process of a growing Christian will include growth and blooming, too.

Watch for the glory to be revealed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you focusing on…your suffering, or the glory that will be revealed through it?
2. Will you choose to trust Him in the midst of your suffering?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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 Lord is My Shepherd
By Kelly McFadden

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”Psalm 23:1-3

Sheep aren’t known for their smarts. Generally, they’re unable to make decisions on their own. They simply follow the lead of the shepherd, stopping when he stops, walking when he walks. Of course, as I read this psalm written by David, I think he has a different view of sheep.

Most likely this psalm is familiar to you. It is a psalm of comfort and peace; a reminder that the Lord is with you at all times, even in your darkest hour. People cling to this psalm when someone dies, when there is illness, a loss of a job, or a relationship ended. We cry out to the Lord who is our Shepherd, begging Him to lead us.

David was a shepherd himself. He knew as well as anyone how lost a sheep was without its shepherd. The shepherd took care of every need. The shepherd led his sheep to water and food, and provided time to rest and recoup. It was when the sheep walked away and tried to do things on their own that trouble came, as they too easily walked away from their best interests.

In this psalm, David doesn’t focus on the stupidity of sheep. He focuses on whom they are following. For they follow the one who will protect and provide for them. They follow the one who wants to give extravagant blessing, unfailing love and goodness. Sounds like some smart sheep to me.

How else can you and I face life with confidence, but with the Lord at our side? It is He who offers us His hand, guiding us in the here and now, and ultimately to eternity with Him. He wants us to have eternal life, eternal blessings and eternal goodness. But, He also wants us to be as smart as sheep and choose to follow Him daily. He wants us to choose to walk through this life walking near to Him and holding onto His promises.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you choose to follow your own way in life?
2. How have you let God lead you in some ways and not others? How can you move towards following Him in all ways?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 23; Psalm 62; 1 Peter 2:25

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Are you a “REAL MOTHER”?
By Pamela Blattner

“I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you.”
1 Corinthians 1:4 (KJV)

In one of his Mother’s Day sermons, evangelist Jeff Strite defined what a “real mother” was like. He began his message by saying:

Real Mothers are special people.
Real mothers would like to be able to eat a whole candy bar (all by themselves) and drink a Coke without any "floaters" in it.Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably going to end up in the sandbox.Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.Real Mothers know that dried play-doh doesn’t come out of shag carpets.Real Mothers sometimes ask "Why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "Because I love you best."
Real Mothers know that a child’s growth is not measured by height or years or grade. It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mom to Mother... (1)

To you Real Mothers, know that through all your hardships, God loves you. To those who long to be mothers, know that through all your hardships, God loves you. To those who are mourning the loss of a mother, God loves you.

Mothers need to know their families appreciate them. Mothers desperately need to let go of the “supermom” myth that pervades our culture. And moms need to focus on the ultimate reward of motherhood: that they made a difference in the lives of their children...that they were faithful to God’s leading in their parenting…period.

God chooses ordinary people to do amazing jobs; in this case, He chooses women to be mothers. This Mother’s Day, I pray that you have a special day. I ask the Lord to bless you with a day in which He reminds you how much He loves you for who you are and appreciates all that you give to your family. I would like to take this day to honor you for being faithful and Real Mothers, and for being God’s extension of His sacrificial love.

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you’re a mom, what part of the “supermom” myth do you need to toss?
2. Grab some alone time with God today and ask Him to show you how you can encourage a mom you know.

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 11:16, 23:25

(1) http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-man-with-two-mothers-jeff-strite-sermon-on-mothers-122359.asp

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

“Here, chick, chick, chick…”
By Pamela Blattner

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…”
Luke 13:34

I’ve seen a mother hen frantically fussing and squawking at her chicks until her brood is safe by her side. She fluffs out her wings and protects them with her own body and cocks her suspicious eye toward danger without moving from her chicks. If you get closer, she spreads her wings even wider. If I were a chicken hawk, I would think twice about diving toward this determined and self-sacrificing mother hen! She’d be much too big for me to handle and her chicks much too safe to be taken, so I’d probably fly away.

I admit that when I take my eyes off of Jesus in the midst of the problems I face, I become like the chick that hears the call of the mother hen, but darts erratically to and fro around the mother until finally surrendering and coming near for protection and guidance. The Lord is there in every situation just waiting for us to turn to Him. And, He wants us to trust His instruction. We all face storms in our lives. I’ve been learning that I need to remember to go to Jesus first. I often wait to go to Him until after I’ve made the mistake of taking my eyes off of Him.

When someone offends us, do we readily forgive, turn the other cheek and trust in His love for us? Or, do we move out from under His wings and allow hurt to overwhelm us? When our finances take a plunge because of our economy, loss of a job or our own personal choices, do we seek His kingdom first and let Him take care of us? Or, do we let fear and discouragement overtake us? When our family circumstances and relationships reel out of control, do we pray about everything without worrying and receive God’s peace? Or, do we allow anxiety to crush us? When we face illness do we trust that Jesus will never leave or forsake us, even though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death? Do we believe that He is with us? Or, do we allow terror to grip us?

There were times when our responsibilities and struggles feel bigger than our human abilities…because they are. Let’s let Him gather us up under His strong wings.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you think of a time that God pulled you close and you felt the magnitude of His love for you personally? If not, ask Him to make you more aware today.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 3:18

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Apple Z
By Jennie Pierce

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11

I was furiously typing an e-mail on my Mac, when all of a sudden I lost half of what I had just penned. Not being as tech-savvy as my children, I quickly ran to my teenager asking how I could get those words back without having to completely re-type the whole thing. The solution was simple: press “apple” then “z.” In a flash, my work reappeared. I was so grateful it was that easy to get my words back so I could refine and polish them before the final sending.

If only it were that easy with our speech. Unfortunately, there are no “take backs” with the tongue. No wonder the Scriptures place such importance on this little member of the body. Being likened to a ship’s rudder or the bit in a horse’s mouth, the tongue has an uncanny and powerful ability to hurt and destroy, or encourage and build up.

According to Scripture, here are a few qualities that should characterize the way we speak:

S- Seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6)
P- “Phileo” or love-based (1 John 3:18; 1 Corinthians 13:1)
E- Excellent and exemplary (2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Timothy 4:12)
A- Acknowledges Christ (Philippians 2:11)
K- Kept to a minimum (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3; Proverbs 10:19)

Maybe it’s no wonder we were given two ears and only one mouth. We would be very wise to listen twice as much as we speak, and earnestly train our speech to match the characteristics laid out in Scripture. Then, there will be no need to wish for “take backs,” since our speech will beautifully represent apples of gold in a setting of silver.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which wholesome quality of the tongue is your strong point?
2. Which quality is your weakest? Purposefully exercise that quality today.

FURTHER READING:
Take time to look up the references that correlate with each quality listed.

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

Power Hungry

By Leslie Snyder

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

Amazing feats of strength are all around. In fact, I’m intrigued by stories of superhuman strength, like small women who save the lives of children by lifting cars off of them, or kids who can break boards or even concrete with their hands, or watching body builders tear through thick phone books with their bare hands.

Some use the explanation of overactive endorphins or adrenaline to account for these achievements, while others point to clarity of mind, focus and deep concentration. Whatever the cause, personal strength certainly draws the attention of many people.

In the above passage, the prophet and priest Zechariah describes the message from God to Zerubbabel who is leading Israel in the completion of the rebuilding of the altar and the temple in Jerusalem. The task before Zerubbabel is undoubtedly daunting. But notice the words of the angel in Zechariah 4:9, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.” Now this is the kind of power that should turn anybody’s head!

The Spirit’s power is endless. It is unquenchable, infinite, immeasurable and amazingly available. The problem is that most of us, even those who claim to be Christ followers, attempt to do the work God has called us to do in our own strength!! A former Chaplain of the United States Senate stated, “If the Holy Spirit were removed from the early church, 95% of what was happening would have ceased. If the Holy Spirit were removed from the church today, 95% of things would remain unchanged.”

We must learn to let go of our need to manage God and His activities. His Spirit, His strength, and His power unleashed will accomplish His will with or without us. We just get invited to go along for the ride. Sensational victories are the norm for the Kingdom, not because of anything we do, but because of the power of God.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have a need to “manage” God and His work in your life?
2. Evaluate the things you do “for” God. Are you working out of your own strength or relying on His?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Psalm 18:2

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Bargain Hunters
By Elin Henderson

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
Colossians 4:5 (NKJV)

Okay, which one of us doesn’t love to go bargain hunting? Nothing is greater than finding the item on your list at a fraction of the cost!! But, it takes skill, doesn’t it? You have to have the time and eye to find the good deals hidden on those clearance racks and beyond. But, when you discover it, you do your little victory dance in the store and maybe again when you get home!

“Redeeming the time” here in Colossians really means “buying up the opportunity.” (1) Just like we can know a good deal when we see one at the store and we seize that opportunity, we also need to be alert for opportunities to share our faith with the world around us. But, this requires a lot of wisdom, doesn’t it? A “walk of wisdom” just as Paul says here in Colossians 4:5. It is through both our walk and our talk that we can point people to the Lord. When the one doesn’t match up with the other, then the testimony is often ineffective.

We must be alert not only to how we are living, but also actively looking for opportunities in word and deed to share the Lord with others. I think we often fall into one ditch or the other: Either we are so wrapped up in our own spiritual walk and how we are doing that we fail to see a needy world around us…so heavenly minded we are no earthly good. Or, we are constantly looking for opportunities to share the gospel, but heedless to our own walk with the Lord!

Here’s the plan: Let’s apply our bargain hunter skills to a new list, a list of souls! Walk in wisdom and seize the opportunities available to you today, then do a victory dance for Him when the lives of people are changed around you!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where can you see the Lord opening doors of opportunity to share His love and who He is with the world around you? Are you seizing those?
2. Are you walking in wisdom so that both your words and deeds are in line with His ways?

FURTHER READING:
James 1:5; Revelation 1:3

(1) Weirsbe, Warren W, The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Cook Communications, Colorado Springs, CO, 2001, p. 148.

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

Love Wins
By Elizabeth Cole

As I walked through a parking lot yesterday, mind and heart heavy with the sadnesses of life, I passed this bumper sticker: Love Wins.

It’s true. Regardless of the way things are right now, irrespective of loss and pain and sorrow and injustice and hurt…we’ve read the back of the book. Love Wins. When all’s finally said and done once and for all, Love Wins.

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, MSG)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:3-5)

Beloved, Love Wins. Will you trust Love today…regardless? He offers you His perspective; He offers you His comfort; He offers you His help, His strength, His perseverance, Himself. Love Wins.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you need to remind someone of this truth today?

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