Altered Box

By Lisa Boyer

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4: 22-24

Every couple of years at work, we set aside a few days to clean the office. This year, we were under new management and that management had a much different idea of what clean was. To her, clean was uncluttered - - everything not in use and no longer useful was being discarded. This was serious. A dumpster was literally rolled into our office which we filled several times.

During this process, my co-workers found a few metal card file boxes and I was anxious to know their fate. It didn’t take much to get permission to take them home; after all, they were antiquated office supplies that were no longer useful. But I was excited about having them. I’m sure my co-workers thought I was a bit crazy, but I just couldn’t help it. When I looked at those metal boxes I didn’t see what they saw; I saw what they would become. The latest crafting buzzword is “altered” and that was my plan for these boxes. If I was successful, those plain metal boxes were going to become works of art.

I altered the outside of the first box with alcohol inks, scrapbook paper and ribbon. I was so happy with how it turned out…until I opened the box. I was so focused on making the outside of the box beautiful, I neglected the inside completely. I had been more concerned with impressing the recipient of the box with its appearance than with the precious possessions the box would someday hold.

It reminded me of how God alters our lives…He begins with the inside…our hearts…He even moves into our hearts in the form of the Holy Spirit. Being altered by God takes a lifetime because we are being altered into His image, from the inside out. Over time He is seen on the outside through our actions, smiles, and attitudes. We are His work of art!

By the way, I brought two of the altered boxes to work this week to show my co-workers…suddenly, everyone wanted one of those old metal boxes!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been more concerned about your outward appearance than the condition of your heart? Today, will you pray and ask God to alter you into His image from the inside out?
2. As you interact with other believers, will you extend them grace remembering that they too are in the midst of the altering process?

FURTHER READING:
1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2

Lisa has been married to Ted for 19 years and they have two teenage sons. She serves as a small group leader at Oakwood Church in Student Ministries.

Understanding Grace

By Tracy Smith

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)"

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)

I recently read A Heart for Freedom by Chai Ling, one of the student leaders in the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising in China. In writing her memoir, she struggled with how much personal information to include in order to fully tell her story, including sad choices. Her husband especially struggled with her sharing certain things since he feared how people would judge her, until he heard the following at a conference:

"The key to understanding grace, Dr. Keller said, is recognizing that we are all dead in our sins…If we were merely sick in our sins, there would be degrees of illness and degrees of treatment. But dead is dead. When we're dead, we don't need treatment, we need a resurrection, and there is nothing we ourselves can do to bring that about. So grace is not only a free gift from God, it is also indispensable to our lives. On top of that, even though grace is a free gift to us, it was purchased at the price of Jesus' life - - which makes it infinitely costly, as well. If we have received this gift of grace, Dr. Keller continued, which is both indispensable and infinitely costly, on what basis do we look down our noses at others for the sins or wrongs they have committed?" [1]

This made me think of how often we judge others based on our own "pyramid" of sins. To use the sickness analogy from the book: those sins at the bottom of the pyramid are not so bad, they don't even require medicine! The ones above may need some antibiotics and the ones in the middle may require hospitalization, etc. We look at where we are and judge those around us based on where they are in our own little pyramid. We forget that no matter how we view the sin, the cost was the same - -Jesus’ life!

As Dr. Keller pointed out, the Bible says we were all dead to sin. Not degrees of sickness - - death. We are all in the same place: guilty and in need of a Savior. I wonder what would be different if we refused to judge the sins that bring others to Christ… and what would happen if we all were as transparent as Chai Ling.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Whom are you judging and need to extend grace instead?
2. What in your life is God is asking you to be more transparent about?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 3:24; Titus 3:3-7

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and leads a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] Ling, Chai, A Heart for Freedom, (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2011) p. 321

Complete Joy

By Shelly Schumacher

“I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praises to Your name O Most High.”

Psalm 9:2

I love my dog. A little Cairn Terrier named Gracie. She is such a playful and silly little dog. One of my favorite things to do with her is go for a run. Because her legs are only six inches long, I can’t take her more than two or three miles, but to see her go, you would think she was running an ultra-marathon.

Gracie loves everything about running with me. Her joy begins before we even make it out the door. No matter where she is in the house, she can hear me lace up my shoes. She comes running into my closet and dances around at my feet. She follows me from the bedroom through the house, her excitement mounting with each task in my pre-run regime. MP3 player – check, sunglasses – check, GPS watch – check, hat and mittens – check, lip balm, blow nose, windbreaker – check, check, check.

She runs around in circles with her tail wagging and ears alert until I grab her leash and collar – FINALLY we are ready to go. The first quarter mile of every run, Gracie sings her joy as she happily barks with each stride I take. She dashes ahead to peer into a storm drain, pounce on a leaf or smell something another dog left behind. She is in her glory.

As our run settles in, Gracie and her little legs match me stride for stride as she works hard to keep up the pace, and I am humored by God’s plan when I consider that this little running dog ended up with 5’1” owner. Sometimes Gracie tires during a run, especially if it is a really warm day. But I always see her perk up when we round the corner for the last quarter mile of our three-mile loop. Our house clearly in sight, she wags her tail and joyfully presses on toward the goal of the finish line.

Running with Gracie reminds me of the joy we can to have in our Christian walk. It’s possible to face each task we are given with exuberance. Even though we may grow weary in our walk, we must press on toward our final goal and finish well. Our daily walk with Jesus would probably look much different if we approached it with the same joy that I get to see every time I am blessed to run with my special little dog.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you demonstrate your joy for the Lord?
2. How would your days be different if you had a daily attitude of joy?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 5:11; Luke 1:47; John 5:11

Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.

Power

By Elizabeth Cole

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

2 Peter 1:3

It’s all about God: God’s Plan….not ours. God’s Purpose…not ours. God’s Power…not ours.

True confessions: Even when I’ve really internalized and own the first two aspects, there is still that pull to act in my own power. I get that He’s the One who laid all the groundwork; I get that, when it’s all said and done, He’s the One who receives all glory. So, why am I still tempted to think that what I DO has to come from my own reservoir of power? Why do I still evaluate my availability to God based on how much sleep I got last night and whether I feel fully competent for His call? Whether I’m convinced of sure success before I even attempt to obey?

Self-absorption takes on two faces. The first is the self-denigrating face; the second is the self-exalting face. Either way, we’re looking solely at ourselves. The remedy? Look up. Look to the God of the Universe, the Savior of our soul.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever….

Colossians 1:10-11a And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, BEING STRENGTHENED WITH ALL POWER ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT, so that you may have great endurance and patience….

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Ephesians 1:18-20 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and HIS INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER FOR US WHO BELIEVE. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which of the above verses would you be willing to memorize?

FURTHER READING:
Numbers 11:23

Elizabeth is a wife and mother of three grown daughters. She is the Director of Connecting and of We Women at Oakwood Church.

In Everything Give Thanks

By Lisa Boyer

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)

In April of 2010, my husband and I received bad news…my little Subaru Impreza Wagon was sick and wasn’t worth fixing. Worse yet, we didn’t have the funds to replace it.

In a situation like this, many people call their dad, but since my dad isn’t around, I don’t have that option. Instead, I called on my heavenly Father and shared the news with Him. I talked to Him about the sick car, our lack of funds, our need for all wheel drive, and then I asked Him to make the car last another 50,000 miles. (Maybe I asked for too little…maybe I should have asked Him for a brand-new car, but my literal need was for a car that runs and that can get up my steep driveway in the snow.)

It’s been 19 months since the bad news and I still drive that car. In fact, every time I look at the odometer, I smile. I’ve driven 23,700 miles in that time. My car is far from perfect, but I am so thankful for it. It is a constant reminder that God listens and answers our prayers. In fact, earlier this spring when I received a bad health diagnosis, I was encouraged several times by the mileage on my car. I remembered looking at the odometer and thinking that’s 17,000 more miles than they said I could get with this car…if God can extend the life of a car, He can take care of me.

I know the car’s days on the road will end eventually. With a “check engine” light that never goes off, it’s unlikely it’ll pass its next state emissions test. But even so, I am thankful. Thankful for every day (all 575 of them) that I drove my car beyond the day they told us that it shouldn’t run. I am thankful for a loving heavenly Father who knows our needs and provides for them. I am thankful that whenever I need to talk to my Daddy, all I have to do is go to Him in prayer. I am thankful that my health has improved and I’m getting more miles of good health than I expected. I am thankful I am able to see more clearly how much God loves and cares for me than ever before.

I drive a broken car with a broken body and I am blessed beyond measure!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you thankful for? Will you share that with someone today?

FURTHER READING:
John 16:23-27; Matthew 7:11

Lisa has been married to Ted for 19 years and they have two teenage sons. She serves as a small group leader at Oakwood Church in Student Ministries.

Living in True Unity

By Susan Klein

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

Psalm 133:1

Imagine my delight when I opened my email several years ago to find an adorable photo of two young girls playing on the porch with their dolls! They looked so precious in their summer dresses, feeding their babies like any proud mother would. Now, imagine my surprise when I read the caption below the photo: “Sophia and Kadynn crushing up a beetle and feeding it to their babies.” Yikes! You’re probably asking, “What would make them do this?!!” Well, these two girls were daughters of tribal missionaries in Papua New Guinea. The tribal women there crush up toads, boil them, and feed them to their babies when they are sick. The girls couldn’t find any toads so they used a beetle instead.

I've been thinking about teaching I've heard on walking in unity, and the importance of unity in our church body. Some definitions of unity that from Scripture are: maintaining the same love, being united in spirit and intent on one purpose (Philippians 2). Webster’s Dictionary includes those mentioned above, but adds, “harmony, agreement, a union of related parts.” Interestingly enough, neither source listed, “always agreeing with each other,” or “being conformed to the same customs” in their definitions. Achieving unity with others means loving each other regardless of differences, living in harmony with one another and regarding one another as more important than ourselves.

Those dear missionary families went into the tribes desiring to establish unity with the tribal people, while leading them gently to Christ. They didn’t try to conform them to American standards. They simply shared the love of Christ. In that setting, missionaries show love and respect for tribal customs and traditions, just as the tribal people show them love and respect in return. They are united in a team spirit of building relationships, learning together and worshiping together. They are intent on one purpose: to glorify their Creator. It takes great courage and selflessness to live in unity amidst a culture so vastly different from ours. What a wonderful example they are for our local church to follow!

By the way, if the boiled toad is not soft enough, the mother will chew on it first before giving it to her baby. A custom this missionary mom made sure her girls didn’t follow!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you’ve ever experienced disunity in a body of believers, you know how much it can hurt! Ask God to show you tangible ways to help build unity in your church.
2. Perhaps you have disunity in your family, or in another relationship. Ask God to show you what is causing it and how/if it can be resolved. Seek guidance from your pastoral staff if necessary.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2: 1-11; Ephesians 4: 1-6; Colossians 3: 12-14

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

Confessions of a Guilty “Piler”

By Elin Henderson

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Matthew 6:34

Okay, I admit it, I am a guilty “piler”! My desk and my closet give evidence to this sad fact! I like to let things pile up and when it gets to the point where collapse is inevitable, then I tackle the pile and shrink it back to a manageable size. It gets so bad that my nine-year-old daughter will say, “Mom, I am going to clean your desk for you!”

Well, we “pilers” can exist in all forms. Mine exists not only in the physical realm, but also in the worry realm. I can certainly pile the worries high and deep. Have you ever seen how worries not only pile up, but seem to reproduce at an exponential rate? What was just a little worrisome thought in no time has babies and becomes the mother to a whole host of other issues and worries. And so the pile grows!

Not just once, but several times throughout the Scriptures we see the subject of worries come up. I think that the Lord knows that we…especially a lot of us ladies…struggle in this area. Our natures are to care, but in caring, we worry. We worry about how something has affected our past, is inhibiting our present or will destroy our future. And if that isn’t enough, we wonder if this present struggle or worry is a punishment from God or an “if only”…“if only I had been better, done better, listened better, I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

The first step in dealing with any form of addiction—and “piling” is no exception—is to admit you have a problem, right? When we find ourselves under a pile of worries and struggles, let’s start by admitting to the Lord what’s really going on. Then, we are free to pile our burdens on Him as He commands in Scripture. But, don’t stop there. He gives another rather unusual instruction in Matthew 20:28: “Rejoice in your sufferings.” I believe worries fit right in there as “sufferings.” So, hand that pile over to God and rejoice that victory is yours in Him! Who better to handle our piles of yesterday, today and tomorrow then the very One who holds yesterday, today and tomorrow in the palm of His hand!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Make a list of your present pile of worries and their accompanying baggage. Now, take the time to place each one in the mighty hands of God.

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 6:25-34, 29:30
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 nine-year-old Elias.

Lessons from the Bowling Alley

By Pamela Blattner

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first living in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

2 Timothy 1:5

My dad’s family went to church faithfully. That’s what they had always done. But, once inside the brick walls of home, the story was different. Their the masks came off, and my dad and his brother and sister lived with the painful reality of their father’s bad choices. When my grandfather passed away suddenly, my grandma was faced with providing for the family. Being unskilled, she went to work for a local bowling alley in South Milwaukee within walking distance of their home. She spent the next several years polishing the floors. She and her children also went on welfare.

What she did had a lasting impact on my dad. Quiet, consistent and exhausted, Grandma Gusty showed love to her family. Her never-wavering faith was an anchor. Her unconditional love toward many homeless children in her neighborhood was like water to a thirsty child. My grandmother gave hope that there was more to God and to this life than what she knew. Moreover, my dad, my sister and I, and my children, learned from our grandmother that Christianity was something you lived out every day, not just on Sundays.

Never underestimate the power of faith to make an impact over generations. Through the faith that both my grandmother and dad shared with me, I learned that God doesn’t need dynamic preaching to convey His love. Nor does He need people with classy cars, big houses or fancy vacation plans to make an impression. God can change a life, and a generation of lives, using the gentle, consistent, sincere lives of people who love and serve Him.

Thank you, God, for Grandma Gusty’s sparkling eyes and model of faith you’ve shown me through her life. I long to be a wife, mother and grandmother who leaves a legacy of faith to my family.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life has modeled Christ’s servant heart to you or your family?
2. What can you do for your own children, grandchildren or others in your life to leave a legacy of faith?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 55:11; Daniel 4:34b

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

Silence

By Elin Henderson

“I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good.”

Psalm 39:2 (NKJV)

Silence is not a topic which many embrace. My generation is not known for holding its peace, but rather speaking its mind! Don’t bottle up your feelings! Don’t beat around the bush! Just come right out and say what is on your mind! Defend yourself, stand up for yourself, don’t be a pushover! These are all common mantras which have been ingrained in us from childhood up. Then, some of us are endowed by our Creator with an even stronger tendency to speak out! I often have wondered why I suffer so strongly from “foot in mouth” disease!

God’s Word has a tremendously different viewpoint of the value of silence. Psalm 39:1-3 has some pretty strong statements all about restraint, silence, and guarded (if any) speech. The psalmist here reminds us to let God, who knows you best, be your defense! We don’t have to constantly have our opinion known, or defense laid out, when we have a far better ONE who will take on our cases! Does another key figure come to mind when we talk about silence? How about Christ? He “opened not His mouth” but committed Himself to His Father (Acts 8:32). The One who had more right than any of us to defend Himself and expose truth, submitted Himself to the Father and committed His case into His hands!

Many examples in Scripture assure us that if we are willing to be silent and trust Him to work and move, He (God the Father) will not be silent. He will restore us and will bring forth truth in His time and in His way. Our part is simply to “wait silently for God alone.” He who knows the beginning from the end and holds the universe in His hand can surely handle our defense!

The significance of silence! Oh, that we could fully grasp the depth of it! For me, it would mean a lot less cases of “foot in mouth” disease! So many times as I state my defense and lofty opinions, I end up doing far more damage than intended! May we all embrace silence and wait on Him to speak for us! It may not be forever - - He may very well open a door for us to speak - - but until then, may we find the peace that comes in reciting a new mantra from Isaiah 30:15b: “In quietness [silence] and confidence shall be your strength!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you think of any other key figures in Bible (or Christian) history who embraced silence? What can you learn from them?
2. Who will one day have the say (and not keep silent) in ALL cases and defenses?

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 39:12, 62; Isaiah 32:7; Hebrews 1:13, 10:13

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 nine-year-old Elias.

A Vision of His Glory

By Peggy Kleckner

“I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple.”

Isaiah 6:1b

What kind of day do you expect to have? Are there troubles that are nagging at you? Are there people whom you anticipate irritating you today?

Some days, I can name those things and those people. Other days, the list seems too long to even begin to tabulate. And on still others, it feels more like a thick fog or just a weariness of spirit. One gloomy thought seems to give birth to another.

Then into my mind marches the prophet Isaiah’s statement, “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple.” It sounds as a trumpet: “Look up, you have a King!” The Lord is sovereign. No one has kicked Him off of His throne today, nor will they, nor can they any other day. Isaiah calls us to look past what we can see with our eyes or feel with our feelings, but instead to look with eyes of faith past all of that to the King of Glory.

This is what sets believers apart from the rest of the world. We can see God even in the midst of hardship, of trial, of pain. Oh, sometimes it takes a while to adjust our eyes in the darkness, but as we look for Him in all things we soon find Him. His promise to never leave us or forsake us stands firm, because He is God and not a man.

The King of Kings loves me. I matter to Him, because I believe that His Son, Jesus Christ, has paid for my sins - - all of them past, present and future - - and He has set me free. He has adopted me into His family and promises to love me and provide for me. Once I grasp hold of whose I am and what His position is, my day looks a whole lot brighter. I am not dependent on myself and my resources, but rather I am dependent on Him and His.

Is it you who needs to look up and past your circumstances today, or is there someone near you who needs to hear about what you see, or more aptly, Who you see?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Will you spend a few minutes to look up beyond your circumstances and on to your King?
2. Who needs help refocusing today…a friend or neighbor? Are you available to help her to see?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 2:1-3; Psalm 3; Hebrews 3:1-6

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. She serves as the Coordinator of Fresh Start.

What It’s About

By Lexi Cole

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7

Last month, my fiancé, Andrew, and I were meeting with wedding caterers and it wasn’t something that I was particularly enjoying. I felt defeated. We had been in contact with ten different caterers - - analyzing menus and prices, comparing pros and cons - - and I was overwhelmed.

On the way home from another appointment, I lost it. Andrew looked at me, put his “non-driving” hand over my eyes and said “Change of plans, I have a surprise. Keep your eyes closed.” When the car stopped, we were at Dickten Park. Andrew led me to the spot where he had proposed and said, “Babe, this is what it’s about. Not the money, not the kind of food. It’s all about the next step we chose to take right here.”

We all need those little reminders. We all need breaks in the midst of crazy busy-ness to remember what it’s about. That day made me wonder: Are there other areas in my life where I feel so overwhelmed that I’m missing out on what my life is really about? Are the details and the busy-ness of my routine getting in the way of the “big picture things”? Things like remembering who God is and what He has done for me? Because I’ve known Christ for a long time, I sometimes forget what it’s about. I get caught up in the “today” and the checklist of things to do right at this moment.

What are some of those “big picture” things? What is it all really about?

We are:
 - God’s image-bearers.
 - loved by the Creator of the Universe.
 - free from guilt and shame because of His work on the Cross.
 - called to a life that is intentional about loving and serving others.
 - redeemed by a God who desires oneness with us.
 - purchased at a great cost because He values us.
 - worthy in His eyes to be called His daughters.

The reality is, there is so much power and freedom in the magnitude of what God has done for us. I’m thankful Andrew reminded me of the “big picture” with our wedding planning. I’m also thankful we serve a relational God who deserves to be served above the small little details of our lives. HE is what it’s about.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Before the day gets busy, stop and think about what it’s really about.
2. What do you need to do right now to focus more on the “big picture” of our God rather than the busy details?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40; Psalm 1

Lexi is finishing her last year at Bethel University as an Elementary Education major and planning her wedding with her fiancé, Andrew. She serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood.

The Lord Is My Portion

By Pamela Blattner

“Who have I in heaven but you, Lord, and earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:26

Two of my grandchildren crave sugar! They dawdle through a meal, saying they’re full and can’t eat any more…UNTIL I encourage them to eat nutritiously by dangling candy as a reward. It’s amazing how the eating pace immediately shifts to lightning speed! The sad thing about cravings like sugar is that they’re never-ending…the more one gets, the more one desires, even to the point of unhealthiness. And it’s no different with emotional cravings: They never satisfy. Bill Gaultiere states, “Craving becomes a big problem if your longing is for acceptance or self-worth, and you keep striving to achieve it. You can never accomplish enough. Never be attractive enough. Never keep people happy with you. Many addictions and much unhappiness come out of craving for things other than Jesus.”(1) Unlike unhealthy cravings, the more we get of Jesus Himself, the MORE He satisfies.

Of course, our need for Jesus requires us to make life adjustments that take time. They’re certainly uncomfortable, so we must resist choosing spiritual “quick fixes.” Those “quick fixes” take on a lot of forms. We rely only on our pastor’s sermon to make everything better for one week, until we crawl back into the Sunday service wasted from battling the world. We depend on a good worship leader to usher us into God’s sweet presence, drawing in just enough of the Lord to make it until the next week. How many times do we exit a church service like a deep sea diver, dependent on the external tank strapped to our backs until the next refill comes along? Friends, everything we need for spiritual satisfaction is in the Lord: in His Word, His Presence, Worship of Him, service to others for Him. He is our portion now…and forever.

If we decide to succumb to our worldly cravings, and don’t allow God Himself to be our portion for fulfillment, we lose our battle to the unhealthy things we crave. Gaultiere continues, “Lord Jesus, I wouldn’t even want to be in heaven if you weren’t there and this earth has nothing that satisfies me except You. My own strength and abilities often fail, but with you living in my heart I have all the power I need and more joy than I can contain.”(1) We live in a world that is increasingly filled with trouble; a world that offers cravings and addictions that can never satisfy. I love remembering that God is our portion. He is the only Desire who truly satisfies.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Invite the Lord to be your portion today.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 119:57; Isaiah 58:11; Jeremiah 10:16

(1) Bill Gaultiere, www.soulshepherding.org, 10/26/11 post.

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

Transformation Television

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged.”

Romans 5:3-4 (The Message)

I love “Transformation Television.” Not Reality TV, exactly, but those shows where four food ingredients that don’t typically go together are altered into a fabulous gourmet dish...or an out-of-control pet is shown behavior modification to produce a more stress-free home…or a dilapidated home is purchased at a deep discount and renovated into a showplace.

What these programs have in common is a raw ingredient (food/pet/house) coming together with an expert, a visionary caretaker (chef/animal trainer/contractor) who produces an awesome result. The caretaker must maximize the potential in the ingredient to generate the desired outcome.

The downside of these shows is that what takes an hour is shown in five minutes, and what takes weeks, or even months, is shown in an hour. Nevertheless, at the end of the episode, I often come away more…dare I say…hopeful. Because, in that hour, the raw ingredient comes away at the end CHANGED for the BETTER!

The life of the Christ-follower is the raw ingredient in God’s transformation...He is the Master Carpenter, and capable of fabulous renovations that can turn a life into His showplace. The problem is that sometimes I want His work in me to be like that of the television show, where I could fast-forward through the ugly and unpleasant parts to see what a stunning product my life will become at the end of a trial. God’s work isn’t like that. You see, God is concerned with changing me (and you) to be a reflection of Christ. Sometimes that means that we need paint scraped and a new coat put on. Other areas might require a complete demolition job down to the studs of our hearts.

Remember that we are to “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4, The Message).

A true transformation cannot be rushed, but the result is beautiful.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Using the lens of a television show, look back on a trial in your own life. How did God move you to become more of a reflection of Christ?
2. Are there any areas of your own life where you are keeping the Master Carpenter from getting to work on His renovations?

FURTHER READING:
James 1:12

In addition to loving her husband and two children, Carolyn serves at Oakwood Church leading a fabulous, beautiful, interesting group of junior high girls, and is treasurer for We Women’s Ministries.

Only Time Will Tell

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

This time of year brings new challenges for many of us. Perhaps you are looking to rejoin the workforce with your kids now in school. Your job duties (or your family) may be expanding. Maybe you have said “Yes” to serve the Lord in a new way. These can be daunting tasks to take on in addition to all of the other responsibilities a woman carries. And if you’re like me, you want your challenge to be a success.

In the book Outliers: The Story of Success, the author has researched what qualities make some people achieve far more than others. He found that the key factor in success was not outstanding natural ability, money, intelligence nor ambition. The key ingredient: time. From Bill Gates to the Beatles, Olympic athletes to world-class chefs, the leaders of these fields have exhausted extraordinary amounts of time to triumph at their passion. None were identified as child prodigies or had parents who gave them exceptional privileges. But all had time to invest. (1)

The Old Testament story of Esther supports his point. Esther was taken from obscurity. She had no royal heritage, and was, in fact, a Jewish girl in the Persian Empire forced to become part of the king’s harem. However, she alone of the dozens, if not hundreds, of young ladies in the king’s court, took the time to learn from the king’s eunuch, Hegai. Hegai was the girls’ advisor, but it seems that all the other ladies dismissed his counsel. Esther took his advice to heart. She studied the king’s preferences. She applied oil, perfumes and cosmetics for at least a year. And in the end, she pleased the king and became the Queen of Persia. Esther invested and God chose to bless the time necessary to achieve this success.

So, try not to be frustrated if you don’t immediately experience great victory in your new challenge. It just might need some more time.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you facing a new challenge? Frustrated with your progress on a current challenge? Ask God to give you the resources to perform it to the best of your ability.

FURTHER READING:
Esther 2:1-18

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) © 2008 by Malcolm Gladwell

Boundaries of Freedom

By Jen Wollner

“‘Everything is permissible for me’ – but not everything is beneficial.”

1 Corinthians 6:12

Last winter, while my son and I were taking ornaments off of our Christmas tree, a little yellow butterfly flew out of its branches! It was immediately attracted to the window and frantically tried to get outside. After doing some research online (and realizing it should have migrated south with its friends several months prior), we decided we would try to keep it alive until it was warm enough to let it go outside. I brought our old fish tank up from the basement and made a nice home for the butterfly, including homemade nectar for it to drink.

We were all very excited to care for our new “pet”! But, our butterfly wasn’t all too happy in its home. It just wasn’t at peace. Yes, it drank some of the nectar, but for the most part, it appeared to be looking for a way out. It didn’t like the confinement! While we all wished we could have let it fly freely, our house was not a safe place for it to have that freedom. We needed to keep it contained so we could protect and meet its needs.

This reminds me a little of the story of Adam and Eve. They had all they needed in the garden, yet they still entertained rebellion in their hearts. God didn’t set the parameters of the garden to hinder them, but to keep them safe…and give them freedom and an abundant life. We don’t know how long it took, but Adam and Eve eventually chose their own way and found out what life was like outside of the garden.

In order for us to have the kind of freedom and abundant life Jesus promises, we need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and obediently set boundaries for ourselves. Unlike my family’s butterfly in the fish bowl, God has given us free will. We make many choices for ourselves everyday, but as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:12, not everything we have the freedom to choose is beneficial for us. Christ came so that we could have victory over sin, yet there are times we yoke ourselves to it simply because we don’t want to say “no” to ourselves…even when we feel the prompting from God.

Following our own path doesn’t result in the freedom we think it will, but rather discontentment and unrest. We need Jesus…and the true satisfaction and peace only He can provide. Let’s welcome His freedom, even when it means limiting our own.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What area of your life are you resisting the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, choosing instead to do life your own way?

FURTHER READING:
1 John 2:15-17; John 10:10

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

Birds of a Feather...

By Susan Klein

“For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.”

Matthew 18:20

One of the things I enjoy about living in Wisconsin is bird-watching, especially this time of year when on any given day you can see the v-formations of geese as they head south. I also love the dramatic contrast of the blue jays and cardinals against the fresh fallen white snow on winter branches. Then, after many months of cold, there’s the anticipation of spying that first robin to signal the start of spring. And who doesn’t love the adorable little sparrows and colorful finches that summer brings?!! How sweet of our God to give us these delightful creatures year-round for our pleasure!

If you enjoy bird-watching, you’ve probably noticed that birds of the same species seem to travel together. For instance, black-capped chickadees often travel in threes while cardinals are often seen in pairs, male and female. Geese travel in large flocks, as do many other species. Much research has gone into determining why many birds fly in large groups. Group flight patterns suggest that birds fly together to avoid predators, for socialization, to optimize flight and energy conservation, and to avoid accidents and collisions. Studies show that flocks work best and are tranquil when every bird knows its place, humbly flying in unison. There's also an aerodynamic advantage to flying behind and to the side of another bird to take advantage of its wingtip vortices.

Not only do these winged creatures bring us visual pleasure, they teach us a valuable lesson: We were not created to go it alone. God gave us spiritual “flocks” to journey with! Like the birds, when we work together - - maintaining unity in the flock - - we are able to stand strong against predators, be encouraged by likeminded fellowship, and better optimize our time by sharing our talents. In our “Baby Christian” years, we can fly behind those who are stronger and more mature than we, letting them take the lead and guiding us in the right direction. As we mature in our faith, we can fly alongside of other believers, sharing the load with each other. Eventually, when our wingspans have fully developed, God may move us to the head of the v-formation where we can lead others with what we’ve learned along the way.

Flying solo is not what God intended. Providing a solid flock to fly with is His way of helping keep us on course and avoid dangerous collisions!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you flying with a likeminded “flock”? If you are struggling with predators and strong winds at every turn, could it be that you are trying to fly solo?
2. Who might benefit from your flying alongside of, or even ahead of, them?!!

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 6:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:24-25

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

God’s “Special Ops”

By Pamela Blattner

“Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey His word.”

Psalm 103:20

Angels are God’s ministering spirits sent to those of us who are heirs of His promise. They are God’s “special ops” forces of the spirit world. Their job is to carry out His will, according to His good plans for each of us. At times, angels are the means by which God fulfills His desires for us or delivers on His promises to us personally in our everyday circumstances.

In the early nineties, my husband and I gave God’s protecting angels plenty to do…particularly one summer day I can recall! Back when he worked at Columbia Hospital, I phoned my husband and told him I’d pick him up for lunch. I just wanted to share some time with him because he was working so hard, both at work and at home. He met me outside on that sunny day, and we drove to Lake Drive, parking the car on the side of the road. With waves crashing on the rocks, I handed him his sack lunch…seatbelts unfastened…facing each other. Seconds later, there was a squeal of tires and BOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Our car flew forward as it was hit from the back by a huge old Ford LTD. Our Toyota Celica’s back seats were no more and it was totaled. The back of the car was crushed into the front seat where we were pinned. I passed out.

Before the EMT’s arrived, I came to, though I was unable to open my eyes. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard a man’s voice talking to my husband. Eyes still shut, I whispered, “Where’s God? I need Him.” The man told me God was always with me. I felt calm. Within seconds, he disappeared.

The ambulance arrived and quickly took us to Columbia’s emergency room. Dick had splintered glass in his arms. The old car didn’t have airbags and the doctors couldn’t believe that we weren’t seriously hurt. CAT Scans, MRI’s and x-rays revealed we were good to go. We left emergency with nothing more than some aches and pain.

I know that man was one of God’s host of angels surrounding our car. And I can’t help but join His angels in praising the Lord for His kindness. God speaks, and His “special ops” bring His words to pass.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How does knowing God “commands His angels concerning you” impact your love for Him?
2. Have you joined His angels, or a friend, in praise recently for times you’ve been spared harm?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 91:11; Numbers 20:16

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

http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=3707
https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/index.html
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm#search

A Gift for You

By Elin Henderson

“You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.”

II Corinthians 1:11(NKJV)

For those of us out there whose love language is “gift giving and receiving,” let me introduce a wonderful, low-budget gift suitable for anyone, any age, any size, any taste…the gift of prayer! What better gift can we send to a friend than to bring her before our Heavenly Father and beseech Him on her behalf? There is no need for a gift receipt, this is one gift they won’t want to take back and exchange! Its guarantee comes straight from the heart of God!

This isn’t my innovation or idea but one borrowed from the Apostle Paul, found throughout his New Testament writings, but especially highlighted here in 1 Corinthians 1:11. Paul had received this special “gift” from the church at Corinth. They were faithfully holding him up in prayer. Not only was it a tremendous encouragement and help to Paul, it was also a way that the church there could connect personally with him. It allowed them to be a part of his life and ministry.

So, next time you are at a loss for what to get a friend for a birthday, thank you, or “just because I care”, remember this incredible gift of prayer. It’s always in stock and just costs a little time and effort on our part! And, don’t forget, it comes with a double blessing, one for them and one for you as you connect with the Lord God, and with them in their need. Trust me, they won’t be disappointed and neither will you!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life could use a “prayer gift”? Anyone have a birthday coming up? A special event? Don’t forget to add this to the package!
2. How does praying for someone connect you with them? How can we enter into their world through prayer?

FURTHER READING:
James 5:16; Philippians 1:4

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 nine-year-old Elias.

A Note From Your Father

By Susan Klein

Good morning, precious Daughter!

As you start your day today, I want you to remember that I delight in you! ♥ I have called you by name: You are mine! ♥ I knit you together in your mother’s womb as I wonderfully created you! ♥ Remember little sheep, I know you, so listen to my voice and follow me. I’ve given you eternal life and you shall never perish. No one or nothing can snatch you out of my hand! ♥

Remember, if you face trials today; my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ♥ I am working things out for your good, you who love me and whom I have called according to my purposes. ♥ I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ♥ If you keep your mind stayed on me, I will give you perfect peace. ♥

Keep in mind, if temptations come your way that it is not I who tempt you nor can I be tempted. ♥ But, I am faithful in not letting you be tempted beyond what you can bear. And when you are tempted, I will provide a way out so you can stand up under the temptation. ♥ Even my son has petitioned me to not take you out of the world and its temptations, but to protect you from the evil one. ♥ Persevere so that when you have done my will, you will receive the crown of righteousness that I have promised. ♥

So, whatever you do today, do it all for my glory. ♥ Remind your neighbors that my kingdom is near. Tell them to repent and believe the good news! ♥ As you teach them to obey everything I have commanded you, I will always be with you. ♥ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with my people who are in need and practice hospitality toward one another. Live in harmony with one another. ♥ Be patient and stand firm, for my Son’s coming is near! ♥

Daughter, because of my great love for you, my mercies and compassions are new every morning, ♥ and my love for you is everlasting! ♥

Your Father

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you were to respond back to Him, what would you put in a letter to your God?!!

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: (In order of appearance above)
Psalm 149:4; Isaiah 43:1b; Psalm 139:13-14; John 10:27-28; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; James 1:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; John 17:4; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Mark 1:15; Matthew 28:20; Romans 12:12-13 & 16a; James 5:8; Lamentations 3:22-23; Jeremiah 31:3

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

The Daddy-Daughter Moment

By Lexi Cole

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Romans 8: 14-15 (NLT)

I have come to an important conclusion…I need to invest in waterproof makeup. After recently watching Father of the Bride, I’ve realized that I’m a goner when it comes to the father walking his daughter down the aisle. I just love that moment: Dad with his little girl as she begins this next chapter of her life. So if I sobbed through that comedy, my own actual wedding might have some major waterworks on my part!

The truth is, I love being a daddy’s girl. I could talk a lot about how great my dad is, but I’ve got a limiting “word count” for this devotional! This summer, my dad will be walking me down the aisle. We’ll have our “daddy-daughter moment.” All of this has made me really appreciate the similarities between my dad and our Heavenly Father.

In Romans, Paul uses the word “Abba.” This word goes beyond title to convey a deep relationship; often it’s translated as our English word “daddy” or “papa,” since it references more than just a biological male parent. In the same way my dad and I are close, our Heavenly Father desires that closeness with us. He provided a path - - at extreme cost to Himself - - to restore and reconcile that oneness with us. He lives in us through His Spirit to guide us after we put our dependence in Him. We serve a God who is personal enough to be our father-figure…not just in a distant fatherly role, but as our daddy. My sisters: We are His girls!! He is the Master of our lives and our Papa. As the verse above reminds us, we are NOT fearful slaves. We serve a big God, a powerful Master…but He’s one who wants those daddy-daughter moments.

Before our day gets busy, have we had our daddy-daughter moment? Have we read His Word, been still to hear His voice, prayed to Him, and been willing to allow His Spirit to lead us? Realizing I’ll need some hefty-duty waterproof mascara pretty soon makes me so thankful that my relationship with my earthly daddy has reminded me that I need to have the same relationship with my Abba Daddy. Because through the busyness of life, we all need some daddy-daughter moments.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What do you need to do right now so that you can have a daddy-daughter moment today…and everyday?
2. Whom can you encourage to do the same?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 4:6

Lexi is finishing her last year at Bethel University as an Elementary Education major and having fun planning her wedding with her fiancé, Andrew. She serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood.

He Enables Me

By Peggy Kleckner

“He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to stand on the heights.”

2 Samuel 22:34

If you reviewed my spiritual walk, you would see that much of what I have learned has been from discussions God and I have had while I walk the dog. So, I thought I would share with you my latest revelation.

God and I were discussing why I sometimes take so long to move into a position He has asked me to fill. After just a few sentences, the truth was revealed. It is fear. Sometimes I am afraid I will fail, or afraid I haven’t heard Him clearly; other times, I am afraid of success, afraid I will become prideful. Fear is sin when we allow it to stop us from doing God’s will. It is siding with the enemy. Once it is revealed, we are called to repentance.

The truth was out and God was asking me to choose faith over fear. To stay stuck in fear is to not trust God to be God. If I am so afraid of pride that I stop doing what God is asking me to do, the enemy has succeeded in rendering me ineffective in God’s Kingdom work.

I wondered aloud, “Well how do I balance in the middle, not falling into self-pity or self-loathing and yet not falling in the other direction of pride and self-sufficiency?” His answer was immediate. I looked up and saw a squirrel scamper across the very top edge of a wooden fence, as if he was running along a wide footpath. The verse came to mind at the same time, “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer [or in this case, a squirrel], He enables me to stand [or even run] on the heights.” I laughed aloud.

Just like a true friend, He had heard my heart, helped me to see the truth, and then healed me with laughter. He reminded me that He has gifted me. He leads me to the work He has for me and He sustains me in it. If my focus is myself, I will fall to the right or to the left. If my focus is on Him, I will run or stand in high places of His choosing.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What has God been asking you to do for Him? Ask Him if it is fear that is holding you back.
2. Are you willing to be used by God to gently help a friend recognize fear in her life?

FURTHER READING:
1 Samuel 2:6-8; Psalm 40:1-2

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. She serves as the Coordinator of Fresh Start.

Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death

By Elin Henderson

“He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name sake. Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

Psalms 23:3b-4a(NKJV)

What are we to do when the Shepherd’s path of righteousness leads us straight into the valley of the shadow of death? Aren’t those paths supposed to just go through the green pastures and by the still waters? Isn’t restoration, feeding, and ongoing care all part of His pastoral program for us? Then, what in the world are we doing in the valley of the shadow of death?

Oftentimes, the paths of life do not follow the plans we have in our heads. If we come upon suffering, we automatically think it must be because we strayed off the “straight and narrow” and now find ourselves on the wrong trail. We then conclude that God had to come down and put us through a few dark valleys to remind us to stay on the right path. While that could be true, I can’t help but see these two verses in Psalms 23 side-by-side and ask myself, could suffering and deep need be just what He wants for me right now? I didn’t necessarily stray off the righteous path but rather the righteous path took me straight into the valley of the shadow of death.

Many faithful servants over the years of history faced serious suffering. Not always was it a punishment, but many times it was a test of faith and a soul-strengthener. It is in these valleys full of shadows, fear, death, evil, enemies, and the unknown, that our Good Shepherd reminds us time and time again of His presence, never to leave or forsake us. From entry to exit, there is a change that takes place within us as He demonstrates His watchful care over us.

So, the next time you find yourself heading into a valley, remember that the Shepherd has led you there and He won’t abandon you. Allow Him to guide and direct you through the shadows and the death, and may you emerge on the other side, more in love with your Good Shepherd and with a deeper faith in His guidance, direction and care.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What encouragement do you find is Jesus’ purpose and example in suffering for us?
2. How can your valley experience be a help to someone else?

FURTHER READING:
I Peter 2:21, 3:18, 4:19; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:29

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 nine-year-old Elias.