“Sin Stinks”

By Jeannine Sawall

"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

2 Corinthians 2:15

Suddenly last week, as I was standing by the kitchen sink, an overpowering stench filled the room. It was bitter and smelled a bit like burning rubber…SKUNK!! I ran to the door to let the dogs in, hoping they were not the cause nor the victims of this tremendous odor. Too late. Once Google did its job and gave us a recipe, it was off to the bath for them both. While the formula we used helped quite a bit, it took several washings of the dogs to remove the smell.  

As I have continued to deal with the “de-skunking” of my home and pets, I’ve thought that if we could truly smell the sin in our lives - - like the odor of a skunk - - we would be repulsed by it, as well. My dogs got into trouble because they didn’t heed the skunk’s warning; they continued forward, and not only did they pay for it, it affected everyone around them. When we continue down a path toward sin, the Holy Spirit is always prompting us to turn the other way. He warns us that trouble is ahead; however, if we insist on going down that path, we will eventually get our own way and the stink of sin will cling to us. If only we could see and smell sin like we do a skunk, we would not want to get anywhere close to it.   

The problem with sin is that it lures you in with a sweet fragrance. Only once you’ve indulged, can you smell it for what it really is. Fortunately, when we turn from trouble and repent of our sins, the blood of Jesus washes us clean and makes us sweet-smelling. Yes, sometimes we are left with consequences after poor decisions, but there is no lingering odor of sin that clings to us.  Jesus makes us fresh and clean. 

The next time sin comes to tempt us with its sweet smell, let’s remember that’s only its disguise: Sin stinks!  It will take us further than we ever wanted to go, and cost us more than we were willing to pay.  It will affect those around us, even if we don’t want it to. We need to heed the Holy Spirit’s warnings. When we allow God’s grace to triumph over our human frailty, we experience the sweet fragrance of God in our lives and become sweet-smelling to those around us.   

GOING DEEPER: 

1. Where in your life is the stink of sin clinging?  Ask the Lord for forgiveness and experience His sweet fragrance of forgiveness.

2. What type of odor are you leaving in the lives of those around you?  Ask the Lord help you leave a refreshing fragrance everywhere you go.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 38:5; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 5:2 

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.

Standing Firm!

By Pamela Blattner 

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

My California uncle often quotes his former drill sergeant: "If you want to be the best you can be, you have to give your best. If you're going to do it, go all out. Why try if you're only going to try?" Last winter, I heard him say these words as he donned his newly-purchased down-filled coat. He was talking to himself - -  pumping himself up - - for what was about to happen. He hates Wisconsin weather…but he was going out. It was time to open the door and take a step outside. With his blood boiling in that newly-purchased down-filled coat, he went through the airport’s revolving door and stepped out onto the concrete curb. In a moment, my uncle Chuck opened his eyes and ran into my heated car as fast as he could! That California boy was not about to stay outside during a Wisconsin winter! 

We drove home laughing. Here he was, trying to be cool with shorts and a t-shirt on, thinking he was going to last more than 20 seconds in the freezing cold in just a huge Michelin-man puffy coat!  We drove up to our house where everyone was out playing in the snow, actually enjoying themselves. They were running around, chasing the pets, and playing football. Someone forgot to tell them it was only 10 degrees outside!

Certain to not be left out, he went inside and began to devise a plan. Clowning around, he found every pair of my husband’s socks, every t-shirt, sweater, and jacket he could. He even took two beanie hats and wrapped them around his head. He could barely move as he waddled down the stairs and out into the harsh climate of the outside world of Wisconsin. 

While there was nothing holy about my Uncle Chuck’s outfit - - with no chance of winning any fashion awards - - he was warm and cozy, no matter what the temperature was outside. He stood firm and was ready for the battle.  

Recently, my pastor has been talking about the Armor of God and standing firm. Just like my uncle put on his “battle gear” to brave the elements, we Christian soldiers must stand firm and prepare ourselves for combat: going all out with the truth around our hearts and salvation protecting our minds, our righteousness in place, our feet steadily ready for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, exercising our faith together, using the Word of God mightily, praying every which way all the day…wintry or not! 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are you doing to stay protected when sin and temptation come your way? How can you add to the “layers” you have on…reading and living out the Bible more, spending time with other believers, praying, serving?  

FURTHER READING: 

1 Corinthians 16:13 

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and three grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministry and Touched Twice Ministry.

Riot Gear

By Karen D’Amore

“Put on the full armor of God…”

Ephesians 6:11a

On April 30, 1992, a somber spirit hovered over the crowd as we lay to rest a fellow police officer. As the parade of police cars exited the cemetery, an emergency broadcast echoed from the police radio, “all units report to the command post.”

In response to the acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers accused of beating motorist Rodney King, riots had erupted in the streets. Looting, assaults, arson and murder plagued neighborhoods within a 30-mile radius.

Dressed in our formal police uniforms, none of the officers in my police car were properly equipped for battle. Delaying our response to the command post, we returned to the police department to retrieve body armor, riot sticks, helmets, gas masks and tactical shields. After equipping ourselves for battle, we took to the streets and engaged in a war of civil unrest. For six days, with the assistance of National Guard tankers, we fought fires, dodged bullets, and stood guard over injured and dying citizens.

As women, the majority of us will never participate in a physical war. But as Christ-followers, we face the threat of a spiritual battle everyday. We fight against an enemy we cannot see. Our struggle is not “against flesh and blood, but against…spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12 NASB). Preparation and protection is the key to winning the battle. Each day we must put on the full armor of God…individually AND as the Church. Using the armor and weapons He supplies, we are able to fight in His power and strength. Only then are we are able to stand.

It would have been a foolish to set foot on that Rodney King battlefield without the proper riot gear. Recalling specific incidents of that experience, had I not been adequately equipped, I could have died. Yet now, as I rush to begin my days, I often leave home unprotected and ill-equipped to withstand the spiritual battles I encounter. Exhausted and discouraged I crawl into hiding, too defeated to return to life’s battlefield.

In our daily routine, we prepare ourselves to face each day by fixing our hair and putting on make-up and clothes. But as Christ-followers, we can’t stop there. Each day, as we prepare to face the world, let us put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Only then will we…“be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 2:10).

GOING DEEPER:
1. What steps are you taking to ensure that you are equipped to withstand the spiritual battles in this life? What steps are WE taking to ensure we are equipped together to withstand the spiritual battles?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:18; Romans 13:12

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon. She’s a leader for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

D) All the Above

By Lexi Cole

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Philippians 4:19-20

“Don’t discriminate against ‘D,’” my professor joked. I was learning about test-writing in one of my teaching methods classes. While validity and reliability are important, the whole reason we assess children is to see if they fully understand. Oftentimes, multiple choice questions have choice “D” as the infamous “all the above.” More often than not, the answer is not “D”… it’s not “all the above.”

That makes sense. There aren’t many things in life that are completely absolute - - or “all the above.” Yet, we serve a God whose character is big enough to be everything - - He is the true epitome of “all the above.” He is powerful, yet personal. He is mighty, yet intimate. He is great and Creator-of-the-Universe, yet near enough to know our every thought and hear our very prayer. He is everything good and perfect and holy.

After being drafted into the German army during World War II, theologian Jürgen Moltmann spent most of the war as a prisoner interned in Belgium and the UK. It was there he learned the horrors of the German concentration camps that “his side” was operating. As a man of faith, he knew he served a God who was for the oppressed, and believed God sent His Son to liberate the oppressed. Now, he was left with the immense guilt of knowing he was aligned with the oppressors’ side. Moltmann’s liberation theology asked a very simple question: Could the God he served save the oppressor as well? He concluded that Christ did not come to die for just the oppressed, but also the oppressor. That’s the beauty of God’s magnitude - - He saves all people who put their trust in Him and through His love reconciles all  who ask in faith. Whom does God redeem? D) all the above.

Our God is complete in His character, and  redeems everyone who turns to Him. He is “all the above” in who He is, and He is “all the above” in whom He saves. I love that He is big enough to be the redeeming God of those who cry out to Him in oppression and  those who cry out to Him for forgiveness for oppressing. As a teacher, I’ll try to “not discriminate against the ‘D,’” but I am so thankful for a God who - - in His character and in whom He saves - - is truly “all the above."

Going Deeper:

1. Reflect on God's character. What are some other attributes of God you've seen in your life? Before your day gets busy, talk to our Creator and thank Him for being "all the above."

Further Reading:

Psalm 40:5; Psalm 107:1-2

Lexi is an Elementary Education major at Bethel University…and is busy planning her 2012 wedding to fiancé, Andrew.

The Concert
By Susan Klein

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.”
Psalm 95:1-2 

It’s the morning of the concert. The hall is quiet. The stage is set. It’s time to tune my strings and focus on the music that is about to be poured forth. I’ve been preparing for this moment, ensuring all is ready for my solo performance. My mind must be cleared of all distractions so I can concentrate on making beautiful music for my most prestigious audience. I sit quietly, taking in the stillness of my surroundings. I close my eyes and focus. It’s almost time!

I am not a musician. I do not even have a good singing voice. The hall I speak of is a quiet room in my house. The event I’m preparing for is a “concert of praise.” I am playing for an audience of one: my heavenly Father. The strings I am tuning are my heartstrings, making sure no off-key notes are hiding within that could distort my praises of Him. I may sing my praises or I may speak them. I may turn to the Psalms for guidance or just let my heart be led by the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t really matter. He will be happy that I’ve taken the time to come to Him with my song. He so enjoys a good concert!

Usually, when I spend time with God, I’m petitioning Him for intervention on certain matters in my life and in the lives of others. I do try to acknowledge His attributes and to praise Him, when time permits. I even try to spend time listening for His voice. But rarely is the focus solely on Him. Today, I am going to shift my focus from me and my requests, to only Him. I am going to have a concert of praise for my heavenly Father who delights in me! I am going to sing my thanks and praises to the Rock of my salvation. I am going to give my attention to who He is, and what He has done, and what He continues to do. I am going to extol Him with the music of my heart!

How about you? Will you join me? Not in my solo performance, but in having a concert of your own? Will you sing a new song unto the Lord? Will you praise His name and declare His glory among the nations? Will you worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness? He’ll be ever so happy to listen!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Plan some time for a concert of praise with the One who adores you! Tell Him how much you adore Him back!

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 92, 95, 96, 98... 

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

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:38

A child’s development challenge. The collapse of a marriage. Financial devastation. The loss of a loved one. A son or daughter’s addiction. Life-changing diagnosis. Self-loathing over choices in the past.

Many of us have faced life-shattering moments. I think of these as “It” moments. They are moments that forever define our history and alter the course of our lives. The before “It” is marked by comfort and familiarity. The after “It” is marked by brokenness and change. There is no going back to the moment before “It”  - -  as much as we may yearn for that time.

Perhaps no other woman in the Bible displays how to move forward from life’s “It” moments better than Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary experienced situations many cannot fathom: an unplanned pregnancy, a flight into Egypt to prevent harm to her child, her gut-wrenching grief at the crucifixion and her participation in the earliest community of believers.

Mary’s actions are contrary to how many would react. When she did not understand God’s plan, she chose trust. When forced to leave her homeland and live as a foreigner, she apparently chose perseverance. When crushed by grief and despair at her son’s circumstances, she chose to stand by the cross. Others have surrendered their faith over much less strenuous circumstances.

In the book, ­A New Kind of Normal, author Carol Kent quotes Ken Gire: “When suffering shatters the carefully kept vase that is our lives, God stoops to pick up the pieces. But he doesn’t put them back together as a restoration project patterned after our former selves. Instead, he sifts through the rubble and selects some of the shards as raw material for another project…a mosaic that tells the story of redemption.”(1) What a beautiful picture of our broken selves being used and filled in with the mortar of God.

For each of us, a past, current or future “life-shattering moment” leads to a point of personal choice. Will we choose trust…. perseverance… faithfulness? Contrary to what seems the only option, Mary’s example stands out: “Oh God, may it be to me as you have said.” Allow God to take the brokenness and use it to tell a contrary story…a story of redemption.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Does the “vase of your life” seem cracked or shattered? Seek support in allowing God to use the pieces for His mosaic.
2. Think back to your personal “It” moments. Have you come to a place where God can use you to help others in their brokenness?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Luke 2:41-51; Acts 1:12-14

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

(1) © 2007 Carol Kent

Your Life is the Only Bible Some People Read
By Pamela Blattner

“Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that hinders, slows us down or holds us back.”
Hebrews 12:1 (The Living Bible)

When I used to go and visit my mother, who was an elder resident at a local memory care unit, one of our favorite and feistiest caregivers was often there, observing our relationship. One particular day I had a dear friend of mine come with me. My mom recognized her and we all visited happily in the living room. When it was time to leave, I hugged and kissed my mom good-bye. As my friend bent down to do the same, my mom whispered in her ear, “Anne, will you pray for my eyes? I can only see out of one now. I believe that you can pray and God will hear you.” Without hesitation, my friend gently touched my mother’s brow, kissed her face and began praying. The nurse walked passed us and was startled, raised her eyebrows in disbelief, and resumed walking. My friend just kept praying until my back started to feel the strain of her lengthy prayer. That same nurse came in again, and saw us all in the same huddled position, and said, “Are you o.k. Dorothy?” My friend ignored her and kept praying. The nurse came past us a third time and became impatient and issued an enormous sigh. I began to feel uncomfortable! Eventually my friend’s prayer subsided. My mom’s face looked rested and hopeful. We hugged and kissed good-bye again.

The following Wednesday, that same nurse approached me and asked, “Will you pray with me? I know you are a Christian because of the Christian magazines and Christian cards you send to your mother and the friends you bring. I need prayer very badly.” I stepped outside on the porch and prayed with her. I also invited her to church and Café Chocolat, a women’s event at Oakwood, which she attended. After she left, I bowed my head and prayed, “Father, thank You that our nurse has never had to deliver anything to my mom’s room or mailbox that would reflect badly on our testimony to You. Keep our lives and our future visits pure from ungodliness.”

Someone once said, “Our life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” What a good reminder that not only are “people of faith” watching, but also people with weak or no faith. Let us get rid of all that may hinder our witness or hold us back from glorifying God.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are others “reading” in your life and actions today? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to walk uncompromisingly with Him.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 2:15; Acts 22:15; Proverbs 14:25

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and three grandchildren.  She serves Oakwood through its Prayer Ministry and Touched Twice Ministry.

Missed Opportunities

By Becci Terrill 

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”

Colossians 4:5 

Today started out just like every other day - - read my Bible, shower, get ready for work, let the dogs out, eat breakfast - - the typical routine, until one of my dogs decided he was going to give me some love, and put his paws on my lap. Now, those of you who love dogs are thinking “Aw… how precious,” and the rest of you are wondering, “Okay, where is this leading?”  Well, the dog had just come inside, and his paws were covered with dirt. To make matters worse, today was the day I thought cream-colored trousers would be the perfect thing to wear, and they were…until their contact with dirty doggy paws! 

Fortunately, when paws met pants, I didn’t yell…but even Champ knew he needed to vacate my lap IMMEDIATELY!  Questions raced: “Is this dirt going to come out?” “What can I wear now?” “How late will I be for work?”   

It wasn’t until I was driving to work that I saw the big picture and realized I’d missed an opportunity. My devoted friend had made a special effort to show his affection to me, and I, caught up in selfish concerns, had missed the meaning of the moment and an opportunity to respond to his love.  

The situation made me stop and think: How many other opportunities do I miss during the day?  I get so caught up in my life, activities and business. Unlike faithful canine companions, people aren’t always as forgiving of my selfish behavior. Colossians 4:5 instructs us to “live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” Instead of being wrapped up in my own life, I want to be aware of the people around me and intentionally share the love of Jesus with them. Sometimes all we have is the moment - - one opportunity to respond or reach out to another individual. We may never know how impactful a smile, a kind word, a listening ear or a hug will be in the life of another, but God does. I don’t want to look back on a missed opportunity with another person and think, “I should have done this, or said that…” 

God got my attention with some dirty doggy paws and cream-colored pants. My attention is focused in the right direction now…I don’t want to miss an opportunity to impact a life for eternity! 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Who or what has God placed in your life right now that is pleading for or demanding your attention?

2. Instead of considering this an “inconvenience,” consider:  How might God use me to minister to this individual or group? 

FOR FURTHER READING:

Matthew 14:13-15; Acts 8:25-40 

Becci is a wife, mother to two grown daughters, and the Director of Ministry Partnerships for Shepherds Ministries. She serves as the Coordinator for Oakwood’s Special Events team for We Women.

N.O.W.

By Elin Henderson 

“…‘NOW I will arise,’ says the LORD; ‘I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.’”

Psalm 12:5b (NKJV) 

Sometimes I wish that there was a fast-forward button for God’s plans for my life, or the lives of my loved ones.  We are all desperately yearning for His work and timing, but it seems slow in coming. Everything within us cries, “NOW!” I need safety NOW!  I need judgment NOW!  It seems that while we press for fast-forward, He puts everything in slow motion. 

In  Psalms 12 and 13, the writer David was really feeling the time crunch, as it seemed that the only ones making any headway were the wicked! Justice was not being served and, if anything, the “bad guys” were triumphing. We fail to remember that His NOW is Not Our Worry.   

Specifically in Psalm 13, David asks repeatedly “How long?...How long?...” four times in a row.  God is not idly sitting around, but He has a master plan and that “HOW long?” will soon become “long enough.” And when the time is right, that HOW becomes NOW! He will arise and true justice will be served! 

The problem for us is the in-between time. We soon forget that God has a NOW for us and it is Not Our Worry!  We may not know when or how, but the “how longs” are coming to an end and the “now” is just around the corner.           

For me, this is a real encouragement. There are so many times in life that it seems like God is a little behind in His justice plan. We see evil happening right and left and it seems like everyone is getting away with it. Whether we are waiting for true judgment, rescue, protection, direction,  we can rest assured that it is Not Our Worry but when His NOW finally arrives He will arise, serve justice, rescue and will give us the safety we yearn for in Himself!!  And when the NOW finally arrives, we can rejoice and sing like David in Psalms 20:6, “NOW I know the Lord saves His anointed!” 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you dealing with any personal, family or other crisis in which God seems to be behind schedule according to your timetable?  How can you apply the acronym N.O.W. and find peace and rest, knowing that He is at work and NOW is just around the corner?

2. Have you had any HOWs become NOWs lately?  Share them with a friend who is waiting on her NOW!

FURTHER READING:

Job 42:12; Psalms 27:13 

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

Great Is Your Faithfulness!

By Karen D’Amore 

“Because of the Lord’s love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22 

Trepidation filled my heart as I slowly stepped down the stairs. I needed to hear her voice…assurance that she was still alive. Moriah, my Labrador retriever, was gradually losing her battle to lymphoma. As her cancer-ravaged body deteriorated, my worst fear was finding her dead in her room. 

Knowing God’s compassionate heart, I confidently entrusted Moriah to Him. Diligently praying, I enlisted God’s best scenario in taking her from this world. I pleaded for gradual signs marking the nearness of her end…signs that would help align my heart with what my mind knew was inevitable. Conflicted over work commitments and an upcoming out-of-state vacation, I requested God’s perfect timing. 

Her eyes became progressively hollow as Moriah’s energy level diminished. A scheduled vet visit proved timely. Her faint breaths grew increasingly shallow; her weary body clung to the examining room floor. She wouldn’t look me in the eyes. I knew it was time! Pulling away…she tried to distance herself from my aching heart. Clutching her in my arms, I whispered in her ear, “It’s okay to go now.” As my tears met Moriah’s cheek, her breaths became undetectable. 

I knew from the beginning that the story wouldn’t have a happy ending. Moriah was going to die. God didn’t deliver me from a painful situation; however, He carried me through it in His perfect timing. As my heart grieves over my painful loss, my soul rejoices in the manifestation of God’s faithfulness. The way God honored my labored prayers, in the perfectness of Moriah’s passing…I am awed by God’s loving compassion. My heart resonates with the biblical Jeremiah who, in the midst of despairing circumstances, turned his focus from his affliction and contemplated the infinite mercies of God. Renewed hope sprung up in his heart as he declared, “Great is Your faithfulness.”  

In this world, disasters will come, suffering will emerge, and loss is inevitable. As Christ-followers, our hearts rest in the palm of a compassionate Heavenly Father. As we walk through life’s difficulties, He provides us supernatural strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Our lamentation amidst despair can turn to unexplainable joy when we trust in God’s great faithfulness. Jeremiah means “the Lord exalts.” Allow God to exalt you above your lamentation and sorrow, just as He did for Jeremiah and as He did for me! Be transported through prayer and faith from your circumstances to a peaceful state of mind, where you can confidently proclaim…Great is His faithfulness! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What heart changes do you need to make in order to see God’s faithfulness in the midst of adversity? 

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthian 4:8; Psalm 117:2 

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon.  She’s a leader for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Putting on the Right Sweatshirt

By Lexi Cole 

“We are therefore ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  

2 Corinthians 5:20 

I’m a tour guide at my school, and every fall there’s a night where the Admissions office feeds us lots of food, gives us free stuff, and trains us. One part of the training that I find hilarious is when our dress code requires us to “not wear clothing from other schools or universities. If you are going to be promoting a school to our visiting families, please promote Bethel while working.” It makes all us tour guides laugh every time, because we can’t imagine giving a tour to a family - - telling them about the strong academics and Christian community - - while broadcasting another college with our clothing! That wouldn’t exactly suggest that we want them to come to Bethel University!  

It makes me wonder: What am I broadcasting, in life, when I’m talking to others? People around me know I am a follower of Christ, but is that what is shown in my actions? Just as there would be a “disconnect” if I were to tell admissions guests about how great Bethel is while wearing a University of Minnesota sweatshirt, am I living a life that is in tune with the Holy Spirit and God’s best? Or am I saying I’m a Christian, but wearing a “sweatshirt” that has Selfishness, Pride, or Control on it through how I act? 

I’ve often thought 2 Corinthians 5:20 applied to my own individual relationship with God. But Paul is speaking to the whole Church here.[1]  This verse says “we” and “us,” not “I” or “me.” We, as believers in Christ, come together to represent Him. We come together to stand for His Name each and every day  - - we stand together wearing the same “sweatshirt.”  

We, with the Holy Spirit who lives in us, demonstrate the physical presence of an unseen God. Scripture doesn’t tell us what God looks like, but rather who He is. Along with His Word, we are the tangible representation of God’s love to a suffering world. We are ambassadors for what Christ did on the Cross.  

I love that I get to wear my Bethel sweatshirt when I work in the Admissions office; that I get to be an ambassador for Christ first of all, and second, the university I love. Similarly, we need to ask ourselves each morning when we wake up, and continually through the day: Is what I’m saying about my faith the same as what I broadcast through my actions?  

Let’s not just talk about Jesus. Let’s put on “sweatshirts” that represent Him, and live changed lives! 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Reflect on this past week. Have you been representing something else through your actions? What do you need to do today to change that? 

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:13 

Lexi is a senior Elementary Education major at Bethel University.

---

[1] See 2 Corinthians 1:1, Paul tells us who he is addressing his letter to: the whole church in Corinth.

Content with Weakness
By Peggy Kleckner

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (RSV)

Content with weakness? Oh no, I haven’t lived my life that way! Like most women, I have wanted to prove my worth by showing my strength. We are taught again and again to “pick ourselves up by our bootstraps” because there is work to be done! Somehow we continue the façade of looking good in front of others and falling apart in private…what foolishness!

Why is it that God wrote in His Word that we are strong when we are weak? As always, such an upside down thought from what the world believes!

When we are weak, we cry out for His strength. When we are strong, we try to move on and handle things on our own. If we are believers, we are never without Him, but when we are strong we don’t seem to stay in constant, desperate communication with Him. When we are weak, we most often feel His tender mercy and His undergirding strength.

God seems to allow weaknesses in us as reminders of our need for Him. In our great need, we see past ourselves to the all-sufficiency of Him. So, yes, I am learning to be content with my weakness. I am learning to cry out to Him and to wait on His answers.

Weakness seems to break through the sin of pride. It calls us to surrender to His plan and calls us into communion with others. When we are weak we can show His strength, His ability to deliver and redeem. What a privilege!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What weakness have you been ashamed of or denied?
2. Are you willing to surrender it to Him and allow Him to show His strength in you and to you?

FURTHER READING:
Roman 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children—two sons and two stepsons and is an active encourager at Oakwood.

What Do You Save?

By Susan Klein 

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart."

Matthew 12:35 

Are you a saver?  Do you like to save things that don’t really have any significant value?!

Many years ago, I took care of an elderly gentleman who saved all of his National Geographic  magazines. Many, many years’ worth of them were piled from floor to ceiling all over his apartment. He couldn’t really say why he saved them, but he wasn’t willing to part with a single issue, even though they were a fire hazard! 

Saving can be fun, particularly if an item has some sentimental value. I once knew a couple who saved matchbooks from every place they ever visited together. They put them all in a beautiful glass bowl on the coffee table and would occasionally sit and pull one out, reminiscing about one of their many travel adventures!  

But, saving can also be a harmful thing, especially if we are saving just because we don’t have the willpower to “let go” of something - - like the man and his magazines. In fact, there is a whole reality show dedicated to the lives of people who over-save (hoard) items they don’t really need. Often, the things people save aren’t even tangible. Have you ever stored up hurt feelings or past wrongs that someone has committed against you? Maybe you’ve been unable to let go of some harsh words that were spoken by a friend or family member. Perhaps you are even holding onto some angry feelings toward  another person. Scripture warns us that this type of saving is dangerous!  

When one chooses to forgive someone of his or her wrongdoings, it brings cleansing and freedom to her heart. When she chooses to hold onto hurts or anger, bitter roots can develop, which Scripture tells us cause trouble and defile many  (Hebrews 12:15). If we know Jesus as our Savior, We have the power to let go of these things! God gave it us in the form of His Holy Spirit. His indwelling equips us with the power to forgive others, and to break free from the bonds of hoarding and bitterness. 

Are you willing to let go of the things that hinder you from storing up the treasures that God desires for you to have? 

GOING DEEPER:

1) Take a personal inventory of the things you might be storing up in your heart that you need to be rid of.

2) Ask God for the power to forgive someone who may have hurt you, even if he or she has never asked for forgiveness. 

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 6:14, 19-21; Hebrews 12:1-2 

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

Fill in the Blank

By Elin Henderson

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)

Let's carefully do a little "fill in the blank" here with Scripture, changing it up to make it more practical for us today. When was the last time you really had a faith-failure because you were trusting in horses and chariots? Not recently, I would guess! However, taking a look at the verse above, I know that in my own life, I could fill in those very blanks with quite a few other things. And even more, I realize that at times, I am placing my faith and trust in the wrong places!!

It's a bit of a personal challenge. Each one has to honestly consider: In what am I placing my trust? "Some trust in time and some in money... Some trust in friends and some in family...some trust in careers and some in retirement...." The options are limitless, and each of us has our own set of answers. These things, in themselves, are not wrong, but they must never prevent us from realizing that our focus and our trust must always be centered upon on one thing: "...but we will remember the name of the LORD our God!" Other things can fail us, let us down, and slip from our fingers, but He will never leave nor forsake us.

No matter how great or small the battle, may our eyes be fixed on the spiritual, the invisible, the infinite... and not on the physical, visible and finite. So, next time you find yourself wavering and the battle grows strong, take a little time and think to yourself, what am I filling in the blanks with right now? What could I easily run to as a source of power and help instead of the Lord? Then, remember His name and all He promises to do as our great Deliverer and Defender!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you know those who are struggling in a battle right now? How can you use Scripture to point them to the LORD as they face their battles? Once He's in first place and the course is set in the right direction, what resources (church? family? friends? counselors?) can you help provide for the battle?

FURTHER READING:

II Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 24:8; Proverbs 21:31

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

Lest We Forget
By Karen D’Amore

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 

The day, vividly tattooed in my mind, will impact me forever. As if it happened yesterday, the stench of terror still lingers in my nostrils. Being a police officer at the time, I was impacted differently then my civilian family and friends. Sitting in a squad room with fellow police officers, we watched in horror, as the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded. The hollow ache in the pit of my stomach festered into nausea, as I could only imagine what lay beneath the fallen rubble. My city’s streets hushed with a ghost town-like quiet as stunned Americans remained cocooned within their homes.

For months I was fixated on the video footage, re-playing and re-living the catastrophic events…over and over again. Billowing smoke, dust and debris plowing through the city streets, paralytic faces of fear. In the midst of chaos and panic, a disturbing, yet heroic fact, came to light. As sirens blared and buildings burned and collapsed, thousands of people fled in shock and horror. People tripped and trampled one another as they frantically ran from  the collapsing rubble. Yet, running headlong into the carnage of the burning Twin Towers were uniformed men and women of police and fire rescue services. Without hesitation and with no regard for their own personal safety…they ran in!  Fulfilling the commitment of their oath, they performed the duties for which they were trained. With people trapped and injured in burning buildings, they sacrificed their own lives in an attempt to rescue and save others.

September 11, 2001…a date which awakened America and will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of every citizen. Thousands of people lost their lives in a senseless act of terrorism. And hundreds sacrificed their lives in an attempt to save others. Yes, there will always be heroes, and we should never forget their sacrifice, but let us always remember the supreme sacrifice of our greatest Hero…our Savior. Jesus came without hesitation to rescue you and me from a lost and dying world. His death on the Cross served as provision for our eternal life. Today…recognize that we have life because Jesus sacrificed His!

New York City’s Ground Zero has been transformed into a permanent World Trade Center Memorial Site. A landmark for people to reflect and remember, the memorial is entitled “Reflecting Absence.” As Christ-followers, let us remember the Cross, which serves as a memorial reflecting…His Presence!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Contemplate the Cross and consider what it means to you. Take a moment to thank God for His supreme sacrifice.

FURTHER READING:
1 John 3:16, 4:9; John 3:16

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

A Lady of Impact
By Elizabeth Cole

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

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:
1. What ability do you have that God might use to bless others? Ask God to give you one opportunity today to use that ability to serve that person (or type of person) today…and then do it!
2. What would you like to be remembered for? Do you think that will be the case? If not, what do you need to do to change that?

FURTHER READING:
I Corinthians 12

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

Encouraging our Faith
By Jen Wollner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Believing Prayer
By Peggy Kleckner

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children—two sons and two stepsons and is an active encourager at Oakwood.

Our Life - Seasons

By Susan Klein 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

I love autumn! Just the word “autumn” conjures up vivid images of sunlight filtering through color-drenched trees, and crisp breezes carrying leaves through the air. Laura Ingalls Wilder penned it perfectly when she wrote, “All those golden autumn days, the sky was full of wings.” I also enjoy driving by farm fields dotted with bright orange pumpkins, yellow squash, and gold-red apples in the orchards just waiting to be picked. What a feast for the eyes! 

I don’t get the same mental portrait when I hear the word “fall.” Even though it is the same season, it is not the same image. I envision gloomy gray skies and blustery wind as I think of the “fall” of man, the first sin in the Garden of Eden. Like leaves fallen from their branches, lying dead on the ground, man fell away from his loving Creator. And because man chose to sin, he had to experience the dead of winter. 

Winter in the north can be bitter. It is the time when the earth is barren, unfruitful. Winter can also be when a man’s heart is cold from his sin. There is no warmth of God’s fellowship. He is spiritually dead, separated from God. He cannot bear fruit when his heart is hardened like the ground. He needs spring!

Ah, spring! A time of blossoming buds, renewed warmth and new life! Just like spring rains bring life-giving nourishment to the earth, Jesus’ death and resurrection bring us the opportunity for new life and growth. Jesus took the bitter sting of winter’s death away so that we might experience the spring of new life! As the skies freely give us their rain, so God freely gave us His Son to be the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins. All we need do is accept His gift, just as the winter ground gratefully accepts the spring rain. Then, we can enjoy summer! 

I love long summer days at the beach, basking in the warmth of the sun. I also love being in fellowship with my Heavenly Father, and basking in the love of His Son. Now, even when I come full circle and summer starts to fade, I will never again have to return to “fall.” It’s in the past, paid for, done. I’ve accepted God’s gift of His Son. I can now look forward to the wonderful feasts that lay ahead in autumn! 

GOING FURTHER:
1. In terms of this devotional, what season are you in? Do you find yourself past the fall and “winter,” having received Christ’s gift of forgiveness and new life?
2. If you aren’t sure, would you be willing to explore it with someone you trust spiritually?
3. If you are sure, with whom could you share this seasons analogy today? 

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 3; Romans 5: 6-8; Acts 3:19 

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