My First Christmas
By Lisa Boyer

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Psalm 103:8

You may be thinking that it’s a bit early for a devotional about Christmas, but the Christmas decorations are already in the stores so if it’s not too early for decorations, it’s not too early for a devotional! Besides, this is the time of year I usually begin dreading Christmas, knowing that the unavoidable Christmas depression is just around the corner.

In fact, my first brush with Christmas dread came weeks ago, as a friend and I stood in front of a Christmas display and she said, “Doesn’t this just make you happy!?!” I thought to myself, No, it doesn’t, I hate Christmas, quickly blinking to keep the tears from filling my eyes. The guilt was immediate. A Christian who hates Christmas is wrong on so many levels.

Since that day, I’ve spent a lot of time talking to God about this issue. Not just talking; pouring my heart out to Him. He knows I’ve tried everything in my power to enjoy Christmas, but in all my years…childhood through now, I’ve never succeeded. I have to admit I was feeling hopeless and guilty.

And then there was this moment, this moment when I stopped looking down in shame but looked up and saw my compassionate God was grieving too! He hasn’t been angry and disappointed in my inability to celebrate the birth of His Son all these years. He’s been hurting right there with me from the very beginning of my bad Christmas experiences. My guilt melted away and took my hopelessness with it.

After years of failure, I finally have hope that I will be able to successfully celebrate this Christmas. And to make sure I get to do just that, I’ve made a plan. I’m going to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior on a specific day well before December 25. It will be a day just for me to celebrate Him: no buying gifts, no decorations (except maybe a manger scene), no family gatherings, no cooking and no cleaning to burden or distract me. A day just for me and Jesus. It will be my first real Christmas and I can hardly wait!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, will you make a plan to intentionally and personally celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season?
2. If you are one of the many who struggle this time of year, will you bring your burden to our compassionate God, asking Him to show you a way that you can freely celebrate the birth of His Son?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 103:1-5; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:6

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.

Reaching The Next Generation For The Lord
By Pamela Blattner

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

Deuteronomy 4:9

I cannot wait to be a grandmother…. again. I wonder if my son and his wife will have a daughter or son.

We just got home from an annual Blattner most-excellent vacation! We talked and daydreamed about what the future will look like with another small grandbaby around and I cherish those thoughts because they make me delightfully happy. I so look forward to the day when I get the pleasure of kissing soft cheeks and holding pudgy little hands in mine.

There are certain things I want to remember to always do with my precious grandchildren. I want to continue to take them out and spend time with them. I want to take them to the park and go on slow walks with them discussing the trees and the birds in the air while holding hands. I want to be available as a babysitter so their parents can get some much-needed rest and time for each other. I want to be supportive and encouraging. I want my grandchildren to make homemade cookies with me and get the kitchen really messy as we dance around the room. I want to tell them stories from the Bible, teach them about the Lord and what He has done in my life. I want them to know that "Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children" (Proverbs 17:6).

But what I would not want to do is not be available. The Israelites taught their grandchildren about the Lord so that they would not forget Him. We ought to do the same. The Bible teaches us how to view grandchildren--as a crown. At times, I find that I need to grasp the bigger vision -- the one of reaching the next generation for the Lord. Grandmas, you possess much wisdom and experience that needs to be shared. You are so important: The Lord views your role as valuable to your grandchildren. What a great way to celebrate ongoing life!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In these challenging times, we can stand in the gap with prayer for our children and grandchildren. Will you do so today?
2. Not all of us are grandmothers, and not all grandmothers have as much access to their grandchildren that they’d love. Ask God to bring to your mind children in your life…the next generation… whom you can influence, reach out to or pray for.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 103:17

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care and is Co-Coordinator of Touched Twice Ministries.

Next, Please
By Elin Henderson

“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’”
Mark 1:41 (NKJV)

Do you ever feel that life is sometimes like a Walk-In Clinic? Maybe it’s only because I’m a nurse that I would think this way! Life is a series of appointments, some scheduled and some walk-ins. There is nothing as irritating as trying to complete a day’s work when one interruption after another vies for our time and attention. We have patience for the scheduled things since we’ve planned time and energy for them, but those unscheduled walk-ins tend to just annoy us.

The Lord has been challenging me lately in my attitude towards the walk-ins in my life. Rather then seeing them as interruptions, He desires that I see them as “divine appointments” – not on MY schedule but perfectly part of HIS schedule for me.

How many walk-ins did Jesus have to deal with in a day? In the first chapter of Mark, on His way to a preaching engagement, along came a leper “imploring Him to heal him.” Chapter 2, a paralytic and his friends drop in (literally) while He’s having a meeting. Chapter 3, on His way to the synagogue, a man with a crippled hand seeks help. Chapter 5, Jairus seeks Him out to heal his little girl, immediately followed by a woman with an issue of blood. Chapter 7, a woman with an unclean spirit finds Him on His way to Tyre and Sidon. Later on, a woman is cast before Him condemned of adultery…the rich young ruler stops him on his path…a pack of children crowd around him…the examples go on and on. When did He stick to “a schedule”?

Did these walk-ins keep Him from ministering to others, or rather amplify His ministry among others? They were opportunities…and because Jesus was in constant communion with the Father, He willingly took the time to deal with each one. His example taught those around Him and still speaks to us today.

So, the next time your day seems to be filling up with a lot of walk-ins, just remember who sets the schedules we live by. Trust that He knows not only how much we can handle for the day, but also the specific lives He wants us to touch that day!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you have a chance, study the different Gospels and keep track of how many interruptions (walk-ins) that Jesus dealt with daily! The list will surprise and challenge you!
2. Where in your life do you feel that you have been stiff-arming the walk-ins for the sake of your scheduled appointments? How do you feel the Lord would have you change your approach?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew; Mark; Luke; John

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.

Thirsty Vines
By Sarah Kosanke

“The eyes of all look to You and You give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of all living things.”
Psalm 145: 15-16

I’ve grown up with a garden for as long as I can remember. My father and his father shared a particular love of growing tomatoes, which were not only delicious but gigantic! They watered them often, fed them regularly and provided the most pristine conditions to grow in. I’ve often thought that is how my “spiritual garden” should be too. I learned that by going to God, He gives us all the nourishment we need to produce the right fruits. That all I have to do is ask and He immediately pours on the good stuff. For many years, I’ve lived by this knowledge.

I was mortified though, when I heard how grapes in a vineyard are grown. If grapevines are pampered and treated as tenderly as my father’s precious tomato plants, they produce little fruit of less quality. The best grapevines are withered, painfully pruned to the point of leaving scars on them, baked in full sun with little water and not consistently fed the nutrients they need. How can anyone say that this is good for them? How can they produce fruit in such conditions? What a sweet lesson from our Creator. It’s when these vines are deprived at the surface of what they need, they sink their roots deep into the ground, reaching further and further to find nutrients and water underground. It is said that these vines not only produce the most fruit, they produce the best-tasting fruit. The older and more beat up they are, the better the fruit.

Do you ever find that you ask God for things, good things, and it seems as though He holds out on you? I’m not saying that God ignores us, or He denies us the things we need. Our God provides for us exactly what we need at the time we need it. Sometimes He even holds back something we crave, only to make it better for us in the end. Sometimes He allows painful pruning in our lives to enlarge our spiritual output and understanding. Sometimes His best for us includes tenaciously digging our roots deeper into Him, trusting Him alone, finding our satisfaction nowhere but in Him.

Our Owner is singleminded: He will do all He chooses to grow us stronger, more resilient, and best of all…more fruitful!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some things you feel you are lacking that you are crying out to God to provide? Trust Him today, as He is our provider.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9; Matthew 7:18

Sarah is a single young lady who works as a rehabilitation specialist for mentally ill clients in a group home. She teaches the 5th and 6th grade girls on Sunday Mornings and the 2nd through 4th grade girls on Wednesday nights at Oakwood.

Da Peent Ones
By Jen Wollner

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts…Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:6, 8-9

“Da peent ones wit da hearts on dem…Da peent ones wit da hearts on dem…”

This was what I heard my daughter, Libby, whispering to herself recently as she skipped toward the laundry room. In case you don’t know how to translate 4-year-old speak, she was saying “the pink ones with the hearts on them” over and over under her breath. Why, you wonder? Well, it’s simple really. Several minutes before, I had instructed her to go put on her shoes for school…the pink ones with the hearts on them! I realized quickly that she was repeating my orders out loud to herself so she wouldn’t forget on the way to completing the task. Believe it or not, oftentimes she does forget my directions in only a matter of seconds. Short attention span? Yes! But, a smart cookie nonetheless? Yes! And, a determined little one, too! She wasn’t going to forget this time. She was going to say the instructions repeatedly to make sure she wouldn’t lose her focus!

I find our key verse for today really interesting. Practically speaking, should we take the Lord literally and really do as He suggests? I believe that, yes, when He says, “Tie them as symbols on your hands…bind them on your foreheads…write them on your doorframes…and on your gates,” He is speaking somewhat literally. The Lord knows full well that our attention spans are short and we need His commands right smack in front of us all the time! Maybe it’s a piece of jewelry we wear with Scripture or a Cross on it. Maybe it’s a painting or wall décor inscribed with God’s Word. Maybe it’s a devotional we read each morning and meditate on throughout the day to remind us of spiritual truths. Or, maybe we make it a point to memorize Scripture and repeat it out loud to ourselves often so that it’s on the tip of our tongue when we need it most. Whatever it is, we would be wise to have God’s Word and reminders of His truths around us, in plain sight, so they are more likely to become inscribed on our hearts and minds. Then, following them will become more natural and habitual.

Let’s take a cue from Libby’s “peent ones wit da hearts on dem” and do whatever it takes to stay focused on God’s instructions and obediently act on His commands.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what ways do you surround yourself, literally, with God’s Word? What else could you do in order to better remember Him and His commands daily?

FURTHER READING:
Numbers 15:38-40

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of seven and four. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

The Journey
By Lisa Boyer

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28

Sometimes during life’s journey we find ourselves on routes we didn’t expect….

In Genesis 37, we read of the young man Joseph who had dreams, dreams from God of his brothers bowing down to him. But in Genesis 39 and 40, we find that he’s not being revered by his brothers, he’s been sold into slavery by them and is in an Egyptian prison. Prison: not where Joseph expected to be.

1 Samuel 16 tells us of the young shepherd boy David who is anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. But in I Samuel 19 through 26, instead of ruling a kingdom we find David hiding in caves, hunted like an animal by King Saul who’s trying to kill him. Hiding: not where David expected to be.

Those unexpected routes in life can surely shake one’s faith, but Joseph and David remained faithful. Now, we Bible readers may be tempted to take their faith for granted because we can turn forward a few pages and see how their life’s journeys unfold: Joseph is made a ruler in Egypt and his brothers do bow down before him; David becomes the king and rules for 40 years. But Joseph and David were in the middle of their journeys without the Book to tell them how things turn out. All they knew was that God made a promise and they believed He was going to keep it. They kept the faith in spite of years of waiting…yes, years. The two chapters describing the events of Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment covered 13 years of his life’s journey. From the time David is anointed as king to when he actually becomes king is over 15 years.

The middle of life’s journey can be difficult and long, but we must not lose sight of the fact that we are in the midst of a journey. It’s not over yet. We may not be able to see where our journey leads, but we KNOW that God is always up to something in our lives and it’s always a good something, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you become discouraged with your life’s journey? Today, will you reaffirm your commitment to follow and trust God no matter what route your life’s journey takes?
2. Have you intentionally left the path God had you on? Right now, will you go to God in prayer and get back on the route He has planned for you?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 16:11; I John 3:2a; Jeremiah 29:11

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for the Junior High girls’ small group.

Preventing “Truth- Decay”
By Susan Klein

"You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth."

1 John 2:20-21

“Prevent Truth Decay -- Read Your Bible” were the words displayed on a church sign as I was driving by. I chuckled to myself at the intended pun. But as I drove on, I had to give consideration to the full impact of this short exhortation.

We are definitely living in a time of “truth- decay.” Politicians distort the truth to try to appeal to people in every camp. The media twists the truth to tout their biased viewpoints. Textbooks in schools have been re-written to exclude events that are deemed intolerant, as if they never existed, and are filled with endless theories presented in the form of facts. Just about everywhere we turn, we can find some sort of misrepresentation, or truth- decay.

If we are not constantly in God’s Word, we will fall victim to this epidemic as well. Lack of exposure to God’s infallible Word will be to our hearts as lack of toothpaste is to the teeth. What we once knew and believed to be true will start to decay from lack of exposure and be replaced by the ugly cavities of deceit that infiltrate our minds on a daily basis. We must get our regular dose of “Truth” to prevent decay!

Scripture warns us that the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from truth [emphasis mine] and turn aside to myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Ladies, don’t let this happen to you! You can prevent truth- decay! Just as you would not let a child fill up only on sugary treats without giving him good nutritious food, don’t let your minds be filled with only what the world has to say. Feed it some healthy soul-food from God’s life-giving Word. Let it wash over you to cleanse your heart and purify your mind.

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near (Revelation 1:3).

GOING DEEPER:
1) Are you starting to see visible signs of decay in your own life?
2) How much protection are you receiving in the form of God’s Word?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 30:5-6; Psalm 26:2-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-15

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

Jailbreak!
By Elin Henderson

“…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
I Corinthians 10:5b (NKJV)

Your day is progressing as usual when suddenly the sound of alarms fills your head. “Emergency! Jailbreak, Cellblock A!” Quickly, you run to see what the problem is when you realize that the escaped convicts of Cellblock A have opened Cellblocks B and C! Now, true chaos begins to fill your world. Before you know it, the top security inmates in solitary confinement are working their way free from their cells! What do you do??

Do you ever feel that there are jailbreaks in the prisons of your mind? Those thoughts that you believed were locked up with the keys thrown away suddenly dig a hole through the floor and begin to wreak havoc in the world of your mind? We all have different levels of security that we think are impenetrable. Some thoughts get detained in low security facilities, while others are sealed away in quiet recesses where few know about them (if any). Yet, at different times, when our guards are down, these thoughts break free. In their escape, they bring others along with them. Before long, your carefully controlled mind becomes a cesspool of unwanted escapees!

There is no parole for “good behavior” amongst the errant thoughts. They must be taken captive and sent back to the confines of their cells. Unfortunately, they are often joined by cellmates with similar tendencies and issues. One group of criminals called “Woeful Worries” has a tendency to overtake us when we are overwhelmed. Another gang, the “Guilt Gang,” stages a coup when we are already down-and-out about ourselves! Then there are those high security “Past Pain Prisoners” who lurk in the dark corners of solitary confinement where we try to keep them quiet and inactive. The list goes on….

It is a full-time job keeping a vigilant eye on the imprisoned thoughts of our minds. They are often repeat offenders that you might have to lock up every 5 minutes until the phase passes. But, while we are the prison matrons so to speak, we aren’t alone! There is the Boss in Charge -- the Architect and Creator -- the One who built the prison and knows its every nook and cranny. He’s on call 24/7, always there to help! Not only that, He is willing to help with guard duty, Philippians 4:7b “…will guard your hearts and MINDS through Christ Jesus.” When we catch an errant thought on the loose, our job is to bring it back to the Big Boss to deal with, lock away again and help guard the cell door!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What kinds of thoughts have been breaking free from the prisons of your mind lately?
2. What promises does the Big Boss offer about His ability to deal with even the worst of escapees? Will you act on them today?


FURTHER READING:
II Timothy 1:12; Philippians 3:21; Ephesians 3:20

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 eight-year-old Elias.

The Crossroad
By Jeannine Sawall

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

I recently reached a crossroad in life where I had to choose which road to travel. My mom passed away unexpectedly, and for several months I walked a road filled with heartache and mourning. The relentless whisper of loss and grief constantly reminded me that she was gone. Time, however, brings a measure of healing…whether or not you want it to. As I thought of her in heaven and me here, I faced a dilemma: Could I move forward with joy? Or, if I let go of some of my grief, was I letting go of her, loving her less? Those thoughts rang loudly. With mind and heart torn, I stood at the crossroad.

I knew without a doubt my mom was alive and well, enjoying a life more joyful and rich than she ever had on earth. I imagined her anticipating the day we would all be together, just like we awaited the arrival of dear friends coming to visit. Our youngest son Joshua was constantly watching at the window, asking excitedly again and again, "Are they here yet?!"

I don't believe Mom waits with longing, but with completeness of joy in the presence of our Lord, knowing that when the time is right, we will come. There lay the answer to my crossroad dilemma. If Mom is on the other side waiting with joy, should I not try to walk with joy on this side?

Crossroads give us choices. Will we step back into the past, stay put, or move forward? We know our faithful God always walks beside us. We can trust Him to go with us as we move forward, no matter the circumstance.

GOING DEEPER:
1) Have you reached a crossroad in your life? Trust God to walk with you down the path He has for you.
2) Are you holding onto grief? Let God heal and comfort today; He has promised He will.

FOR FURTHER READING:
Psalm 9:9; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 48:14; 1 Peter 5:6-7

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

Seashells by the Seashore
By Jennie Pierce

"I praise you because I am fearfully andwonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Proverbs 139:14

Seven days on the gulf shore should have been plenty of time to guarantee me the perfect find of a shell: a beautiful, completely intact conch shell. It was my one and only goal. In earnest, I set out to find that beautiful treasure. Day after day, I was drawn to the water, searching high and low, but always coming up empty-handed. No qualified conch shell could be found. Several days into my search, my elated husband found one. As he handed me a rather chipped, discolored conch shell, instantly, I thought, “That’s ok. I’ll take it home and bleach it out so it will be pretty.” As unpredictable as the ocean waves, a conviction washed over me. I was so focused on finding what I had qualified as the perfect shell, that I had easily overlooked other shells that held a unique beauty of their own. It was then that I changed my focus, and began to see and appreciate the beauty that other shells had to offer, and added those to my collection, instead.

In life, the struggle is the same. We quantify and qualify what is to be considered “beautiful.” It might be with our own physical bodies. If only I were taller, thinner, had straighter teeth, blonder hair…and this defining of outward beauty is carried deeper still. If only I weren’t so shy, if I could sing like so-and-so, if I had the courage to lead a group, if I didn’t have this discolored past. Precious friend, do you know you are God’s prized possession? He made you in His image and, when you became His own, He breathed His very existence into you! What you see when you look in the mirror is not was defines your beauty. You are beautiful because God says you are - - because He created you in a fearfully and wonderfully way. You are no “oops” to Him. The God who knows everything about you, even the exact number of hairs on your head, accepts and loves you. Completely. Period. The End. No Questions Asked.

Exiting the water for what would be my last time, I headed toward home, random seashells in tow. At the last second, I glanced over my shoulder onto the soft, sandy white beach. There, nestled under some brush lay a perfectly white, sun-bleached conch shell, fully in tact! Carefully scooping up the shell, I realized that not only do I wrongly define what true beauty really is, but often I look for it in the wrong places. True beauty, true self-worth, is found only in the person of Jesus Christ, my Creator…the One who loved me enough to die for me.

GOING DEEPER:
1. At times, when you are feeling worthless, or even hate yourself, remember that the very character of God, Himself, is reflected in the creation of every person. You are no exception.
2. Have you ever noticed that in the description of the Proverbs 31 Woman, her appearance is never mentioned? It is her character, alone, that makes her an attractive woman.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139; Proverbs 31; Matthew 10:30

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

Sharing Sorrow
By Karen D’Amore

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26a (NKJV)

He was a recent high school graduate; a boy the blogs described as “fun, funny, quirky, godly.” A few days earlier he was seen hanging out with friends in the church youth room. A weekend get-away turned tragic when an ATV accident claimed the young boys’ life. A son, grandson, brother…and a friend to many, he was now…forever gone.

The mood within the church grew somber, as the news of the boys untimely death was announced from the pulpit. As details of the tragedy unfolded, the church aisles dotted with tissues blotting away tears. Teens clung to one another in disbelief. Parents clutched their children tighter then ever before. Embracing arms moved like a “ball-game-wave” across the room, as pew neighbors reached out to comfort one another. A storm of tears flooded the room as the worship team sang, “You give and take away/You give and take away/My heart will choose to say/Lord, Blessed be Your name.”

I didn’t know the young boy personally; however, his face was familiar from within the church halls. As my eyes scanned the sanctuary, they fumbled past one grieving member after another. Some members couldn’t put a face with the name; some members knew of him, while others knew him well. But regardless of the relationship, the room was void of a single dry eye. Knowing many who were close to him, my chest tightened in anguish as I shared in the pain of those surrounding me. I swallowed hard and labored to breathe through the vicarious suffering of the Body.

Hearts continued to grieve as the church service drew to a close. Heads which had hung downward in despair, diverted to an upward gaze of hope. Strangers linked arms with strangers and universal tears melded the hearts of the Body of Christ together as one. Scripture came to life as Christ infused the members of the congregation with a deep sense of solidarity. On a day with great cause for sorrow, I found reason to rejoice.

As Christ-followers, we have been adopted into the family of God. And as members of the Body of believers, we are exhorted to bear one another’s burdens, rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Seeing Scripture come to life in vivid Technicolor was a sight to behold. Experiencing the unity of the Body of Christ, made me question why anyone would not want to be a member of such a glorious family.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you share in the suffering of others?

FURTHER READING:
Roman 12:15; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 3:8

Married to Dan, Karen is a retired police officer and is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns. She is an administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

What is His Name?
By Peggy Kleckner

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth - the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
Amos 4:13

"Oh what is his name?" How often have we uttered that phrase followed by "you know the one that did such and such or played so and so in that movie." We say what we know about a person to help describe them, so that someone will fill in the name that is lost on the tip of our tongue. Imagine the conversation: " You know the One who forms the mountains and creates the wind." "The One who turns dawn to darkness." Would your friend's face become clouded over? Who doesn't know God?

Truthfully, there are days I remember His name, but I forget what I should know about Him! When I am being overwhelmed by the "stuff" of life, when life isn't looking "fair," when it looks like the darkness is winning...those are the times I struggle. Does He care? Where is He? Does He really have a plan for me? This morning, God used the dawn. It came quietly, no great noise. Gradually, it overcame the darkness. Suddenly I could see out the window, where before all was black and my vision was of no use. In my thoughts, I dared to question further, "What about when the darkness returns?" But then I recalled that the darkness does not overtake the light, the light leaves. Darkness is powerless when we hold on to the light...our hope.

God is sovereign. He orchestrates our lives. Look for Him in all of your situations. If you are in darkness, look up, reach out and grab the hand that knows the way. Open His word and allow Him again to remind you of who He is and all that He is capable of. Stand fast, our Creator-Redeemer lives.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have a harder time recognizing God in the darkness or in the light?
2. What have you learned about Him in both places?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:3-5; Exodus 10:21-23; Exodus 20:20-21

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 Blame Game
By Susan Klein

"Do not accuse a man for no reason -- when he has done you no harm."
Proverbs 3:30

I love to play games, any kind of table or board game! Being a word-lover, I especially enjoy games like Scrabble or Scattergories. There is one word game, however, that I don’t particularly care to play, though I have certainly played it my fair share of times over the years. It is a game that requires at least two people to play, but can be played with many. The play of the game goes something like this: The first player takes a turn by performing a wrongful action or speaking some harmful words. At the completion of her turn, that player then accuses someone or something else of being the cause of her wrong action. She does not take responsibility for her own behavior. Sound familiar?!!

I am talking about the “Blame Game.” I think I can safely say we’ve all played it at one time or another. In fact, Eve was the first person ever to play. We could almost go so far as to say she invented the game! And Adam played right along with her. She passed blame on to the serpent, and Adam passed blame on to her. In fact, we could say that we would never have to play this game at all if they had not initiated it! But then, we would actually be playing the game just by inferring that, wouldn’t we?!!

The word “blame,” carries the idea of “missing the target.” Instead of directing the guilt toward our own sinful heart, we send the arrow of blame into another person, making him or her the guilty target. “If that wife you gave me hadn’t given me that fruit and made me eat it, I wouldn’t have sinned!” It sure makes us look and feel better, doesn’t it? Well, temporarily anyway. Until the consequences of our actions catch up with us! Fortunately for you and me, we have the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin. Unfortunately, if we’ve already passed blame on to someone else, then we’ve not only got our own sin to deal with, but the injuring of another person, as well.

God’s Word is useful for instructing us in how to play the game correctly. We can learn from history, and choose not to repeat it. We have the wisdom of knowing how to take responsibility for our actions and to repent of our sins, without wounding others in the process.

Choose your games and your words carefully today or you may end up engaged in “Truth or Consequences?”!!

GOING DEEPER:
Are you willing to do a little self-introspection to see hidden areas of blame that you may be engaging in? (For example; “I wouldn’t lose my temper if you would just pick up your socks!”)

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 3:1-19; James 1:13-15

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator (Women Embracing the Word) and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

The Touch of the Church United
By Pamela Blattner

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Matthew 25:35 (NLT)

Worship leader Bridget Willard once spoke on church unity. She said, “Church isn’t where you meet. Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.” (1)

I had a life-changing experience this past year. I volunteered at an event called Touched Twice United in Madison. I felt such a deep satisfaction and fulfillment in doing what God designed and created me to do. This free clinic provided free medical, social, spiritual and resource services to those in need and was produced by a number of local churches, local businesses and community services working hand-in-hand.

The love that was felt by the guests and volunteers was indescribable. I found a fellowship and intimacy in working with other Christians that cannot be experienced in any other way. It was awesome! People really knew they were welcome; some radical hospitality was going on around the place that day! And I witnessed a whole lot of willing hearts serving alongside those less fortunate.

One of the things that touched my own heart was seeing church denominations going beyond tolerating their differences to not only accepting those differences, but even being inspired by one another in their differences. Volunteering with other believers, I experienced being a vital part of the Body of Christ; got to make use of the truth I’ve learned; and was able to see God at work through many denominations working together. The unity felt that day was so strong. What a beautiful picture of God’s Church!

In John 17:6-19, I love reading the prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples. And then in verse 20, He goes on to pray for all future believers…including you and me! In that prayer, Jesus prayed for unity within the body of believers. It makes you think He knew in advance exactly what would happen to His church once He ascended into heaven…!

I don’t suppose you’d be surprised to hear that I am now part of the team bringing a Touched Twice United free clinic to the Lake Country community on October 23rd! (2) I can’t wait to see the Church do Church…to see the Church as the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ…to see the Church BE the Church…united!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Jesus told a parable in which He makes it clear that when we respond to those in need, we are responding to Him. How can you respond to a particular need today for the sake of Christ?
2. What is your part in adding to the unity of the Church?

FURTHER READING:
John 17:6-26; Ephesians 4:2-7

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care and is Co-Coordinator of Touched Twice Ministries.

(1) http://thinkexist.com/quotes/bridget_willard/
(2) http://www.touchedtwicelakecountry.org/touchedtwice/

Spend and Be Spent
By Elin Henderson

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls…”
II Corinthians 12:15a (NKJV)

If you ever want a study in determination and endurance when it comes to working with difficult people, look no further than the Apostle Paul! As I study his letters, I am amazed at his heart for the people with whom he worked. How many times he could have given up and said, “That’s it!! You people aren’t worth this much stress!” This verse in II Corinthians sums up his heart. He was willing to spend (give all he had) and be spent (be used up) to reach these difficult, often immature, irritating people.

It is even more interesting to see whom Paul was referring to when he speaks of spending and being spent. Was it unbelievers or believers? It was actually the believers. The ones who should know better, have truth, have the Holy Spirit…those are the ones he is addressing.

I sometimes find it easier to be spent and endure for those who don’t know Christ personally than for those who do. We realize the sacrifice that needs to be made to reach those who aren’t yet part of God’s family, but sometimes we forget that we are also called to spend and be spent for those who are. Paul had a dual purpose in his ministry: Always, he was seeking to reach out to those who had no knowledge of the truth, while at the same time, never losing heart to constantly point those who already knew Him back to the Lord. Paul didn’t think about what it would cost him, but rather what he could give!

So, the next time you find yourself frustrated with those inside God’s family of believers, whether you are in a ministry position or just part of a group of believers, think of the example of Paul. Are you willing to spend and be spent for their sakes? Let’s not count the cost, but do what it takes to point people to the Lord and to truth!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some ways (tangible and intangible) that we can spend ourselves for others?
2. Can you think of someone that you can “spend” yourself on in those ways?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:5-11; Philippians 1:29; I Corinthians 9:19

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.

God Answers Prayer
By Lisa Boyer

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:22

2009 began with a huge transition of leaving my church of 20 years and coming to Oakwood, a church much closer to home. I quickly knew I was where God wanted me, but there was a huge hole in my life. I was at a new church and all my friends were at my old church. It was painful, to say the least.

For a while, I calmly looked around my new church for my new best friend. God knew of my need and I honestly expected Him to point someone out and say, “There she is!” but that didn’t happen. Months later, filled with discouragement because God hadn’t answered my prayer, I convinced myself that I didn’t need friends. After all, God was enough. But the next Sunday, the pastor spoke on connections and how God designed us for connection with Him and with others.

Certain that that message was God’s confirmation that He acknowledged my need for a friend, I was sure that I would be finding that friend soon. But not so, time passed and there was no new best friend.

Though I continued to pray to God for a new best friend, it became a back-burner issue. I had more important things to occupy my time with, including ministry to the junior high girls at church. To gain insight into their world, I read a few books written for teens by Nancy Rue, one of them was Girl Politics. At the end of each chapter was a short exercise for the girls to do. One of the exercises instructed the readers to make a list of the significant people in their lives and the roles they play. I decided to do that exercise and made my own list. What I discovered was amazing.

I had always been told that God answers prayer in one of three ways: “yes,” “no,” and “not yet.” But that day, I discovered there is a fourth answer: “Look around, I already have.”

I cannot introduce you to the best friend I had prayed so diligently for, but I can show you my list…my list of the 12 amazing women in my life who together fill that role beautifully.

God does indeed answer prayer, just not always in the way we expect Him to.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have an unanswered prayer? Is it possible that God has, in fact, answered the prayer in an unconventional way? Will you look around for that answer?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4; Mark 12:30-31

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.

Lessons from a Legume
By Jennie Pierce

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6

They had let me down so many times before, I was sure this time would be no exception. In fact, I had come to expect disappointment and frustration, so this particular day I approached them with a plan: rip out every bean plant in sight and just be done with it! It seemed like a logical and fair approach. For one, all summer long they had produced only a mere handful of beans at a time; for another, nearing the end of the growing season, I assumed that what little growth and energy they did have was now spent. Boy, was I wrong! Everywhere my hands touched, the plants were laden with beans. In fact, I picked more beans than I had all summer long. Sadly, I found myself ill-prepared. Assuming I was ripping out plants, I brought no container to collect the bountiful produce.

Oh how I’m thankful that Jesus takes a different approach with us, His precious creation! He has promised that He WILL complete the good work He has begun in us! This work for us began at the Cross when He died in our place, and started working in us when we first believed. The work now continues as the Holy Spirit within empowers and enables us to grow, mature, and become more like Christ (1). Even when we are dry and withered, He nourishes us with His mercies (that are new every morning), with His love (that never fails), with His wisdom (that is free for the asking), with His power (that raised Him from the dead), and with His hope (that is found only in Him). And, when we finally do produce fruit, He is never surprised…only pleased. Pleased that we are becoming more and more like Him. Pleased that we were obedient. Pleased that we didn’t give up on ourselves, because He never does.

I’d like to think the only mistake I made that day was not bringing big enough containers to the garden to collect all the beans. The truth is, my decision to assume the plants were non-productive and to totally give up on them was so erroneous. Certainly, the produce I picked that day was of no credit to myself. I stopped investing time and energy into them long ago. I’m so grateful our Heavenly Father pursues us and promises to provide for us as we grow to know Him more deeply and reflect Him more clearly.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel as if you aren’t making progress in your spiritual life? Are you discouraged, feel incomplete or unfinished? Have you stopped trying?
2. Ask God to renew your desire to keep trying and relying on His strength, and thank Him for His faithfulness to you.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 1:9-11, 3:12-15; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:9-14

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

(1) Life Application Study Bible - Application notes pg. 1994, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005 ed.

Angels to Feed You
By Elin Henderson

“Then, as he lay under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’”
I Kings 19:5(NKJV)

Have you ever been to a place, like Elijah here in I Kings 19, where life just seems unbearable? Where you come to the end of yourself and say, “Enough! I can’t take it anymore!” Been sitting under any Broom Trees lately, only to find an angel there to help you? Feeling alone but never alone!

Isn’t God good? He keeps His angels on standby, ready and willing to reach down to our humanity, meet us where we are, and bless us. He isn’t in the business of crushing, but of restoring! He allows us to go low, to collapse, to feel utterly useless and worthless, yet in the midst of it, He sends His grace and love to help us!

Sometimes I think we meet these angels unawares. I wonder if Elijah wondered when he was awoken by the angel, “Where did this guy come from?” Scripture doesn’t tell us, but what we do know is that he ate (was renewed inwardly), was allowed to rest again (further renewal and restoration), and then was shaken awake and told to arise, eat and go! The angels were busy that day! Whether Elijah was aware of what was taking place, we don’t know. All we do know is that his strength was renewed – beyond normal even – and “he went forth.”

Just like with Elijah and many others, God’s help is always present for you in those times of discouragement. His angels are always ready to reach down and comfort and help! His plan is never to crush us, but rather to tenderly meet us where we are, help us and send us on our way, with strength beyond what we could ask or think. The question is: Are we accepting their help? Do we take advantage of the help, allow the renewing to take place or just roll over and say, “No thanks”? May He make us more and more aware of His angels all around us and His renewing that comes when we next find ourselves under the Broom Tree.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where else in Scripture has the Lord showed His kindness by using angels to help and encourage His people?
2. How has He demonstrated His kindness to you in a time of discouragement? Have you ever told someone else about what He did?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 16:7-15; I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 3 & 4

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.

A Rich Heritage
By Jeannine Sawall

“The Lord is my heritage and the wine of my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, I have a noble heritage.”
Psalm 16:5-6

Stories of personal history fascinate me. They are legacies left behind by those who have gone before. Unfortunately, my heritage story felt incomplete. I knew my mom’s family emigrated from Poland, but the story beyond my grandparents was lost to war and time.

My biological father had never been a part of my life; that half of my story was a complete mystery. Then two years ago, he contacted me, desiring to begin a relationship and those blank pages slowly began to fill. There was a great-great-grandmother who was full-blooded Cherokee. Who’d have thought this blond, blued-eyed girl was part Native American! Another ancestor had fought in the Civil War, and another was burned as a witch in Salem.

Discovering this rich heritage thrilled me, not only because it was so varied and surprising, but because it was my heritage, my story.

As I shared my newfound heritage with friends and family, I was reminded I have always had a rich heritage. I was a member of the family of God, a child of the heavenly Father, co-heir with Jesus! Our family record contains countless stories of spiritual ancestors and their journeys. I can trace my heritage in the Lord without help from Ancestry.com; I just pull out my Bible.

We can be thankful for our earthly history, but doubly thankful for our heritage in the family of God. Our heavenly Father wants His children to know His story because it is our story. It is a record of our rich spiritual heritage in Him and the blessings and gifts that come with being a part of His family. He desires to continue that heritage with us so we can extend the same legacy to all who follow after us.

GOING DEEPER:
1) Perhaps you feel your heritage leaves something to be desired. Thank the Lord for the rich heritage He has given you in His family.
2) Are you leaving a spiritual legacy behind for those who come after you?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 45:3; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 78:5-7

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

Shimmering Trails
By Jen Wollner

“…women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly…And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.”
Daniel 12:3 (MSG)

My daughter just got a new dress. Actually, it’s a hand-me-down from a friend, but it’s a new treasure to her. And, it’s not just any ‘ol dress…it’s a fairy princess dress! It’s the brightest, glitteriest outfit you’ve ever seen. As a matter of fact, it’s so full of glitter that when she wears it, she leaves a trail wherever she goes. Sparkles are everywhere and they stick to everything…even to her brothers! It’s really quite fitting for her personality. She lights up every room she enters with her big smile and infectious giggle. And with this dress, she leaves a physical representation of her joyous spirit in the form of iridescent glitter, perfectly matching the twinkle in her eyes.

As I’ve noticed the new sparkles throughout my home, I got to thinking: What do I leave behind when I walk out of a room? What sticks around long after I’m gone? I absolutely shudder to think of some of the things I’ve been known to leave splattered across a room…or on a person. Oh, the horror of my selfishness, critical spirit, unkind words and harsh tone. What utter foolishness! My sinful nature and free will have, at times, left destruction and chaos following behind me in a long path of sorrow. Maybe you can relate?

I praise God that over time, as we begin to conform to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit, our minds and hearts change! Consequently, the trails we leave behind as we walk through life begin to change, too. Instead of devastation, we leave a brilliant twinkle in the form of grace, love, mercy and compassion. Instead of “self” being evident when we walk out of a room, there are shiny glimmers of hope, encouragement and wisdom sparkling everywhere, sticking to everything and everyone.

Oh, beloved, may today be a day in which we outwardly display the light of Christ we possess in our hearts. Let’s put it on like a radiant, shimmering princess dress…then, do a twirl and let the glitter fly!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How has the Lord transformed the ugly trail of sin in your life? What beautiful path do you now leave behind wherever you go? Thank Him.
2. Whom in your life could you sprinkle a little “glitter” on? How could you show that person Jesus’ love today?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:13; Matthew 5:16

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of seven and three. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Designer Uniforms
By Karen D’Amore

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

“Fruit of the Spirit” is a biblical term that sums up nine of the visible attributes of a true follower of Christ. It’s the physical manifestation of the believer’s transformed life; a life emulating the character of Christ. “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you; compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline” (Colossians 3:12,The Message). Scripture teaches that as “new creations in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are recognized by our fruit (Matthew 7:16). Therefore, we are instructed to clothe ourselves in a spiritual wardrobe, chosen by Jesus, to showcase Him. Just as doctors, soldiers and athletes are recognized by their uniforms and must dress the part, so must the follower of Christ. The believer’s uniform must set him/her apart as a recognizable member of the family of Christ.

As a police officer, I was mandated to dress the part. Wearing a uniform which distinguished me as a member of the Long Beach Police Department, I was entrusted with the responsibility of showcasing the integrity of the Department. Feeling strongly that the officers’ uniforms reflected its image, the Department frequently conducted impromptu inspections. Expecting officers to “shine” for the Department, they scrutinized our uniforms from head to toe. As high-ranking officers conducted formal para-military inspections, the first article examined was our shoes. Because we were required to walk in a manner worthy of our entrusted authority, the inspector strained to see his image reflecting in the mirror-like finish of our spit-shined shoes. Working his way up the uniform, a white-gloved finger swiped the surface of the badge…looking for it to be tarnish-free, glistening with a Brasso-finished shine.

As public figures constantly under the community’s watchful eye, we wore uniforms that reflected our commitment to a code of ethics and the oath we swore to uphold. As Christ-followers, we are continually under the watchful eye of the world. As we put on our “Designer Uniforms” we must “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work…” (Colossians 1:10a NKJV).

Let’s become “fruit inspectors” and examine ourselves daily. As we inspect ourselves from head to toe, may our uniforms shine and reflect the image of Jesus with:

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which attribute(s) are you struggling to keep tarnish-free? What steps do you need to take for this part of the Spirit’s fruit to shine?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:5-8; John 15:8

Married to Dan, Karen is a retired police officer and is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns. She is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.