Good AND Evil

By Peggy Kleckner

“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 

Genesis 3:5

Our pastor included this verse in his preaching recently. It rolled around in my heart for the next several days. You probably remember the context: Eve is having a chat with Satan. To some degree, they are discussing God. Right here, Satan plants his seed of doubt in Eve’s thoughts. She begins to ponder if what God said is true. She begins to toy with the idea that God may be holding out on them.

I found it fascinating that she never asked Satan to tell her what good and evil are? She didn’t ask him if he knew them both. She just started to wonder if she was missing something.

My thoughts turned to, “Are you kidding me? Eve, you already know (have the experiential knowledge of) good.  Why do you want to know evil?” What a fateful day when mankind wanted more than what God was already providing!

Truly, we do have to forgive Eve. After all, haven’t we all done the same thing somewhere along our path of life? God’s Word states it this way, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Somewhere, some time, we look around and think that God is holding out on us. Someone tells us we’re missing out on something. Some commercial tells us we have “need” of something that we don’t already own. Suddenly, we aren’t happy with what God has already provided us. Essentially, we are choosing to distrust our Creator.

Oh, that we would recognize God’s extreme goodness and His true love for us! All of Scripture speaks of a God who pursues us, who relentlessly loves us. “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  God loves us so much that although we choose to disobey, He sent His Son to endure our punishment.

Christ came to redeem us - - we need only to turn to Him and trust Him to provide all that we need. He is our provider. When the snake slithers up to us with his lies, we need only to look into the face of our Redeemer and ask Him to answer for us.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What circumstance in your life today is pulling your eyes away from your Redeemer?
2. Are you willing to ask God to help your unbelief in the areas in which you are struggling to trust Him?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:5; 1 Cor. 10:13; Psalm 34

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

Strength in the Storm

By Jeannine Sawall

“That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:10

Between the years 1987-1991, the Biosphere 2 was constructed in Oracle, Arizona. This structure was a 3.14-acre enclosure built to be an artificial, materially-closed copy of the earth. The purpose of the structure was to study the interactions between the complex systems that exist on earth. It included five areas based on natural types of climates and geography, as well as an agricultural area and a human living/working space to study the interactions between humans, farming and technology with the rest of nature.

The experiments they conducted while the biosphere was in place occurred over several years. Some of the results were exactly what they expected, however, some of the conditions that began to be problematic were surprising. One of the problems that cropped up was with the trees. While the Biosphere 2 mimicked the earth’s geography, it could not produce the natural variations that occur in the earth’s weather. The trees grew branches that while perfectly tall and straight, began to snap and break off. This weakness was caused by lack of stress wood. Because the growing conditions inside the biosphere were climatically perfect, the normal stress created by the twisting and turning storms that winds create, were absent. Because they experienced no storms, the branches grew, but, while looking picture perfect, did not develop the strength needed to carry their load. While growing in perfection created a tree that was pleasing to the eye, it had no depth of strength. (1)

We might hope life held more perfection and less stress at times, but we need to understand, it is during the storms in our lives that we learn where our inner strength comes from - - from the Lord above. It is when it seems the winds and the waves will overcome us, we learn not to depend on feelings, because they are not indicators of truth, but to depend on the Truth of God to sustain us. It is during these storm-tossed days we learn the character of God and who He really is.

While storms are not fun, they are necessary to grow trees that are strong and mighty, and they are necessary to grow women of God who are strong and mighty, as well. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you going through a storm in your life?  Ask the Lord to help you through it and to give His strength in the midst of it.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 40:29; Exodus 15:2; Philippians 4:13 

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.

(1) James Danoff-Burg, The Determiners of Climate, http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/seeu/bio2/restrict/modules/module09_content.html, (12/11) 

Laid in a Manger

By Peggy Kleckner

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” 

Luke 2:6-7

Maybe you have had a nativity scene out during this Christmas season. If so, perhaps this verse makes you think of it. Wonderful scene of our Savior’s birth, wooden barn, feeding trough, hay, maybe cows or sheep. Recently, one of our pastors made us question that view. He told us that “barn” was most likely a cave and that wooden feeding trough most likely made of stone!

A barn and wooden feeding trough was a stark enough contrast for the glory of the King of Kings’ birth! I imagine a barn to be a dark, damp, cold, ill-smelling place…and yet a place of life and expansive space.  Whereas a cave, on the other hand, seems to me to be a side entrance to a pit. A pit that is not only dark, damp and cold…but also scary and undefined.

Christ came as a great light into the darkness of the world. So, too, He comes to dwell in the darkness of my humanity. Whatever pit or cave I find myself in, He is willing to come and meet me there. He has been wrapped as a gift and laid in the stone manger of my hard heart amidst the dark pit of my physical existence.  Into my darkness comes a great light and the darkness cannot extinguish it.

What grace extended! That He would come for me, that He would choose to live in me. That the King of Kings should take up residence in the dark, dirty, often-undefined place called my heart is overwhelming. Just as He came to change the world from the humble beginning place of a manger, so too He comes into my heart as the beginning place of changing me.

My pit or cave seems a lot less scary with the light of His love illuminating it. His outstretched, steady and strong hand gives me renewed strength to meet each new day.

Christ may have come into the world as a baby, but He came to do mighty things beyond our imagining.  So too, He comes into my life to do mighty things in  me and, ultimately, through  me.

That hard rock of my heart? It’s become a living stone - - a true heart - - used in the building of His everlasting kingdom.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you received Christ into your heart as Savior and Light?
2. Have you also acknowledged Him as LORD of your life, the One who leads you?

FURTHER READING:

Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 18:28-29; John 8:12; 1 Peter 2:4-9

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.

Gift of Grace

By Jeannine Sawall

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 2:9

I was recently in a serious car accident and sustained injuries that have slowed life to a crawl. Lately, I have been very discouraged at the slowness of recovery. I have not been released to drive yet because I lack range of motion necessary for my head to turn to properly see oncoming cars from the right or left, or if I were to back up. If I sit too long, I'm in pain. My body is generally extremely tense from the shoulders up, causing headaches, and I'm totally fatigued by the end of the day. On top of that...it's the Christmas season and the mom who generally makes it happen is not herself. When I asked the doctor when I’d start to "feel normal," he said I would only get frustrated and discouraged if I thought in days or weeks. He said, “Look out a few months and think May.” ...MAY!?! Just shoot me now!!

I had to decide whom I was going to listen to. The nagging, feeling-sorry-for-myself, this-is-so-unfair voice, or the voice who says, “My grace is sufficient.” Instead of focusing on the hard and discouraging things, I needed to look at the positives. There was much to be thankful for. I ONLY have muscle injuries. I was alone in the car when I was hit, so no one else was injured. I walked out of the ER from an accident that totaled my car and turned a class 3 hitch 180 degrees and burst my spare tire. I AM mending (although, much slower than my impatient schedule would desire) and I have friends and family who are able to take me where I need to go.  

No matter what our circumstances, God reminds us He will provide. I don’t think God willed the accident to happen, but He definitely did allow it. We may not always LIKE what God allows, but we are called to trust Him. We need to remember, He is in control of it all...our healing, our timeframe, our life and our salvation. He will provide and offer us the strength to go through anything He allows into our lives, because He provides us with His gift of grace.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where in your life do you need the grace of God to provide for you in a struggle or difficulty?
2. Whose voice do you listen to on a daily basis: your own or the voice of Truth?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 9:8

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.

The Birthday Card

By Vernette Kureck 

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

Matthew 1:21 

I have to admit I’m one of those people who enjoys receiving Christmas cards. There are so many different kinds. Pictures portraying Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, and cards with shepherds watching their sheep. Angels singing and proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest” over the manger where the infant Jesus lies. Ornate gold-embellished cards picturing the Wise Men as they travel from afar.  

A lot of people like to send cards with pictures of their families engaging in different activities, along with a letter highlighting the year’s events. Winter scenes with snowmen and jolly old St. Nicholas are also promoted. 

It is amazing how many of them proclaim “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men.” Warm wishes are often expressed for a holiday filled with joy, peace and love, and people’s hearts tend to turn toward home. This year, as I wrote out a few Christmas cards to people I won’t be seeing, it came to me that I first really needed to send out a birthday card.   

That birthday card reads: “I am thinking of You on Your human birthday. I celebrate all the good You have done  in my life and look forward to spending eternity with You.  Your sacrifice for me will not be forgotten nor taken for granted. Your love surrounds me, and You know all the love that surrounds You today as your birth is recognized.  May You be blessed in heaven and on earth. You no longer are the sweet baby boy wrapped in swaddling clothes, but You are my Redeemer and Lord; my Comforter, my special Friend. The wonders of Your love will always be amazing to me. Joyfully, I adore You. Happy Birthday, Jesus.” 

Isaiah 9:6 says, “ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” May He be all those things and more to you this Christmas Season.   

Going Deeper

1. Have you taken the time to acknowledge Jesus’ Birthday personally this week? 

Further Reading

Matthew 1:18-24 

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 43 years. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren from their two sons and their wives. Vernette is Oakwood’s Financial Secretary. 

Or...Was It?

By Susan Klein 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

Luke 2:14 

“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright...” Or was it? While listening to this familiar carol recently, the words gave me cause to ponder. I believe the actual scenario was anything but silent, or even calm for that matter.  

We love to think of the infant birth as something sweet and tender…peaceful even. Let’s refresh our memories a bit. The birth took place in Bethlehem, where thousands of people, many with large families and livestock, had gathered for the census. So many in fact, that there was no place left for Mary and Joseph to lodge. And, since they were most likely not the last two people to arrive, many others were also without accommodations. I imagine people and animals were crammed into every nook and cranny to be found. This might make for more than a few disgruntled campers! 

Let’s also remember that Mary was a teen girl, giving birth in less than ideal conditions. And she had only Joseph as her midwife. (How calmly might your husband handle this assignment?!!) I believe it would be safe to assume that there were more than a few cries of pain, especially after being jostled about on a donkey for several days. (No quiet hospital room or epidural for Mary!) And those of us who’ve experienced labor and childbirth know that it is about as peaceful as a wrestling match!  

Even the skies were not quiet. When the angels appeared it was quite the magnificent event, leaving the shepherds shaking in their sandals! ”Shepherds quake at the sight...” 

No, I do not think our Savior entered the world on a silent  or a calm  night. I believe God brought Him into the world amidst great chaos. And I believe it was intentional. Both Isaiah and Micah prophesied about a promised ruler from Bethlehem who would not only bring peace into the world, but be our peace. God knew that our imperfect world could never truly know peace until He provided it; until Peace came to live upon it.  

In the chaos of a town overflowing with weary travelers and animals, amidst the cries of pain, while the skies were filled with loud proclamations by great heavenly hosts, Peace was born in a manger. “Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take some time this week to meditate on the wonders surrounding the birth of our Savior. Ask God to reveal to you things from His Word that you might not have noticed before. 

FURTHER READING:

Micah 5:5; Isaiah 53:5; Acts 10:35-36 

Susan is We Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark lead a couples' small group in their home; she is also involved in inner city outreach.

Refuge

By Tracy Smith 

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

Psalm 18:2 

As I reflect on 2011 and what aspect of God was revealed to me most often, I would have to say “God as my refuge.” 

When I was 17, I was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While it was good to have a name/reason for the intrusive thoughts and behaviors that had plagued me for the past eight years, it was also scary, since there is no “cure” for OCD…only management. 

Through the years, the symptoms have waxed and waned. Sometimes the OCD is only there in the background and not interfering with my life, and sometimes it is there 24/7, pounding at me mercilessly. 

Early in 2011, I was asked to speak to a group of women about my OCD - - what it had taught me about God.  That was a frightening thing for me as OCD is not something that I have shared about easily, so very few people in my world were aware that I had it. However, I had been praying for years for God to use my OCD in some way for good and for Him, so I knew my answer had to be “yes.” 

Immediately after saying “yes,” the spiritual warfare hit and my OCD symptoms skyrocketed into “very interfering” territory. In the months that followed, I learned that I could always count on God to be the refuge and place of safety that David wrote about in Psalm 18. I was able to wield the tools in my spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) more effectively than ever before. I had true friends I could talk to and a mentor/friend who prayed me through some of my most difficult days. I have a family that loves me enough to tell me the truth even when it's hard to hear. God gave me just what I needed (in so many ways), so while the storm raged around me, I was able to be anchored to Him. Isn't it just like our God to give me a new lesson to share with others?  

As Christmas draws nearer, I am so thankful that our Lord chose to become human and that His sacrifice provided a way for restoration of the relationship between God and us. God as my refuge - - I wonder what aspect of God will be revealed to me in 2012? 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What attribute of God have you seen most clearly in your own life this past year?

2. What can you do to be ready for what He’ll show you in this upcoming year? 

FURTHER READING:

2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 92:2; Psalm 46:1 

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

Unexpected Blessings

By Becci Terrill 

“And Mary said, I'm bursting with God-news;
      I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.”

Luke 1:46 (The Message) 

December 21^st…just four days until Christmas! At this time of year most people are running full speed to the mall, the grocery store, parties, programs, etc… and I am no exception. At the homeless shelter, we were getting ready for the biggest Christmas ever. 

God works every day, but this day was different. It seemed overflowing with unexpected blessings. 

The day began with Ashley, a college student who wanted to volunteer for Christmas. She Googled “Volunteer Opportunities” and got my name twice. Though she was certain she never sent an email she composed, I received it and responded with a “yes, we’d love to have your help.” Clearly, God wanted her to spend time with us at Christmas! 

Then Colleen walked into the workshop. Shouting a welcome from across the room, I prepared to set her up wrapping gifts. But God had a different plan. When Colleen saw all of the gifts and wrappers, she asked if there was anything we still needed. Without having a final count, I responded that 50 more gifts would be wonderful.  “How much would that be?”  Colleen asked.  At $10 each, that added up to $500!  I winced as I realized how much I had just asked for. Undaunted, Colleen took out her checkbook and asked, “Will $1000 cover it?” I didn’t know whether to cry, shout or dance! 

Shortly after, Sean came to help wrap gifts with coworkers. As he prepared to leave, he paused to say, “I’ll be out of town tomorrow. If you run short on anything, call. I can give you my credit card to cover it.” 

The unexpected blessings didn’t end there, as volunteers and I discovered toys that we needed, and a message from a neighbor at home with blankets for needy families. 

I was reminded of Mary’s song in Luke 1: “I’m bursting with God-news. I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.  I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!” 

I don’t imagine Mary expected an angel to show up that day. She didn’t expect to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Yet, she was bursting with God-news at the unexpected blessings God had brought into her life.   

In this season of miracles, my heart too, is bursting with the unexpected blessings from heaven. 

By the way… would the person who gave the doll with orange hair please come forward? She was a special answer to a little girl’s prayer! 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What unexpected blessings have you experienced this Christmas? 

2. What can you do to be ready to see God’s unexpected blessings in your life? 

Becci spent 15 Christmases at a shelter sharing the love of Jesus to homeless and needy families. A wife and mom to two daughters, she is currently the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove and is the Special Events Coordinator for Oakwood's We Women Ministries.

His Worth or Mine?

By Peggy Kleckner

“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”

Luke 10:39-40a

In this season of busy-ness, especially for us women, perhaps we should revisit this story of Mary and Martha. If you aren’t familiar with the story, let me fill you in. Martha has opened her home to Jesus, along with His disciples. I am sure that would be a houseful! As she is preparing dinner, she comes in and asks Jesus to tell Mary to come and help her with the preparations. After all, Mary is just sitting and listening. She could be helping! Jesus answers her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

We all seem to agree with our mouths that Mary chose the better, but secretly, we wonder, “Who is going to take care of dinner?”  Or perhaps we want to cry out, “Unfair!”

I found myself reviewing this story again recently, and what I wondered was, “Is Martha trying to prove her worth, while Mary is acknowledging Christ’s worth?” 

Too often I have found myself trying to overachieve for company, trying to be “perfect.”  I think in doing so, I spent so much time focused on serving, that I missed the opportunity to enjoy my company.  I missed the opportunity to really listen to them, to deepen my relationship with them.

If you and I have invited Jesus into our home (our heart), are we so busy trying to clean ourselves up that we miss the opportunity to really know Him? It is in stillness and listening that we will learn more of who He is, and then He will also tell us who we really are.

Busy-ness keeps us running and disconnected. Stillness at His feet keeps us listening for His direction. We must first spend time “being” with Him, before we go out to “do” for Him.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you trying to prove your worth to those around you, or are you giving testimony to who Jesus is?
2.  Will you sit at the feet of Jesus, so that your heart is ready to serve any company you may have this Christmas season?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 62:5-8; John 10:27-28; John 11:21-27

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.

The Most Familiar of Verses

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

Fa-la-la-la-la---la-la-la-la!  Or maybe it should be….

Bah Humbug!

This year has been a challenge for me to get “up” for Christmas.  This season has brought me close to people who are deeply hurting, dealing with deaths of body, dreams, and hope.  I am reminded daily of the darkness of the world we live in, and feel powerless to help those I care about. 

Ever feel that way?

This week, though, I felt gently reminded of the first verse that I ever memorized as a child…John 3:16.  There is power and simplicity in this verse. 

God Loved.

God Gave.
We Believe.
We Live.

When I trust that God loved me enough that He would sacrifice His Son, so that I could forever live with Him, in eternal companionship where there is no sickness, death, evil, or loss….that is AWESOME!  And that relationship with Him is available as His gift to anyone! 

Ladies, isn’t this verse the essence of the Christmas story?  God still loves, God still gives.  Have you believed the promise of John 3:16 for yourself?

This Christmas, we’ll all hear about Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds and wise men.  We’ll eat cookies, exchange gifts and sing a few carols.  But this year, my Christmas will revolve around John 3:16.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where is your heart this Christmas week?  Have you unwrapped and accepted God’s great gift to you?
2. Share John 3:16’s promise with someone who hasn’t yet unwrapped God’s gift to her.

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:9-10 

In addition to being a wife and mother of two, Carolyn serves as Oakwood Church’s treasurer for Women’s Ministry and as a junior high girls’ small group leader. 

Leaving a Godly Heritage

By Susan Klein

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

Deuteronomy 4:8-9

What do you suppose would happen if there were no authority over us or laws to live by in our society? Probably something akin to what happened in the last verse of the book of Judges: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Pretty scary thought! Similarly, what if there was no written Word of God? What would be our example for righteous living?

Fortunately for those of us residing in America, we do have the Bible, and we do have a lawful society with a governing body. As our children (and grandchildren) grow, we are careful to teach them the rules and laws that they need to obey in life. But, are we just as careful to teach them about God’s Word? Do we spend time talking about all the works and miracles of Jesus? Do we just teach them about the heroes of the faith, or do we include the people who made mistakes, as well? Do we skim over the Old Testament, feeling it’s not pertinent to today’s culture?

In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul reminds us that “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” As adults, we spend much time sharing information with our younger generation. They even have the “information highway” at their fingertips by way of internet. But is equal time spent educating these young ones on the history of their ancestors from God’s Word, so that they might not repeat the mistakes of those who’ve gone before them?

The above passage was spoken by Moses to the Israelites prior to their entering the Promised Land. He knew he would not accompany them, so he gave them this word of caution - - to remember what they had lived through and never forget it, always teaching it to future generations. Pastor James Mac Donald says, “When the people of God are not told the works of God from the Word of God, they lose the wonder of God, and then everyone does that which is right in his own eyes.” (1)

Let’s put Moses’ words into practice with our future generations; that they might live uprightly and not lose the wonder of God!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Will you take some time this week to share God’s Word with a child?
2. If you do not have children of your own, might you consider helping with a Sunday School class or after-school program?

FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Titus 2:1-8

Susan is We Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark lead a couples’ small group in their home; she is also involved in inner city outreach.

(1) Our Journey, November 2011.

The Sacrifice of “the Gift”

By Jen Wollner

“…the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son…”

Luke 2:6-7a

‘Tis the season of gift-giving. And, let me tell you, I’ve been working my tail off! Going from store to store to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list takes a lot of time and energy. I’ve spent countless hours planning, researching and shopping. Not to mention handing over fistfuls of cash! Okay, not cash exactly, but the credit card bill adds up quickly!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to have the means to be able to shower my loved ones with various Christmas presents. And the joy I receive in giving is absolutely worth the effort. But, let’s be honest, the blessing comes with a bit of sacrifice, too. I’m using just about all of my free time and literally losing sleep to get ready for Christmas. I’m giving up hard-earned money, even sacrificing many hours of my mental and physical energy to earn extra money to pay for a special gift this year.

What about you? What are you sacrificing in order to give your friends and family precious gifts this Christmas? No gift is free. All gifts cost the giver in some way. There’s always something given up in order to bless someone else.

At this time of year, we often hear the analogy that Jesus is “the Gift” of Christmas. We’re encouraged to focus on a baby in a manger and the life He would ultimately give up. But what about the sacrifice before the Cross? The one that started in Mary’s womb? Have you ever thought about what Jesus gave up to come here? Have you pondered the sacrifice He made just to become human? Christmas…the very birth of Jesus…came at great personal cost.

Jesus left His Father. He gave up His crown. He sacrificed His majesty. He said good-bye to His perfect home and chose to come into a dark, sinful world. And He did it with great joy, knowing His obedience to His Father’s will would be worth it. You see, He gave up Heaven, so that someday, you could have it.

Now that’s sacrificial giving.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Spend some quiet time with Jesus today, thanking Him for the sacrifice of His birth.
2. How can you demonstrate sacrificial giving this Christmas to someone in need?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 2; Revelation 21:3-5, 22-27

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.

I Believe

By Peggy Kleckner

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

I love Christmas shows. You know the ones that begin around Thanksgiving time and march us right up to Christmas Day. One of my favorite scenes is from Miracle on 34th Street. The little girl in the movie has been learning to trust in and believe in the character of Santa Claus. This has been a process, which has evolved throughout the movie. Near the end, her hopes seem dashed and she is on her way home from a Christmas party without the hoped-for present. Sitting in the back seat of the car swinging her legs, she repeats aloud to herself, “I believe. It doesn’t make any sense, but I believe.”

Well, that’s a picture of the verse above! We are called to believe and to trust in the character of God when either our circumstances or our own understanding do not line up with who God says He is. It, too, is a process as we walk out our faith with Him one lesson at a time.

When life circumstances look black, it’s hard to believe that God is good and that He loves us. How many times have we heard, “If your God stood by while thus and such happened, I don’t want any part of Him”? Scripture reminds us that in this world we will have trouble and that nothing will overtake us that is not common to man, yet we skip over that and want to believe that bad things don’t happen to good people. The truth of Scripture is just that: truth. Whether we choose to believe it or deny it, it remains true.

So, when I am struggling with a life circumstance that screams, “He doesn’t love you,” I picture the little girl from the movie and I join in her heart’s cry, “I believe. It doesn’t make any sense, but I believe.” Now, I’m not advocating believing in Santa Claus and getting everything you want. Rather, we can choose like the child in the movie to keep believing until our faith becomes sight. Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. One day, my faith will become sight and, just as that little girl saw the home she had dreamed of and recognized that it was hers, I will one day see the home He has been preparing for me!

I believe and trust in God’s character.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What life circumstance is calling you to distrust in God’s character?
2. Is there a friend who needs your help to keep believing in God’s character in the midst of her dark place?

FURTHER READING:
Mark 5:36; Mark 9:17-24; John 11:21-27

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.

The Ornament

By Becci Terrill

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

It wasn’t valuable. Not really. It had just been handed down from my grandmother to my mother, and then from my mother to me. Now it lay in two pieces on the floor.

During the holidays each year, my calendar is filled with the hustle and bustle of the season: shopping, decorating, baking, cleaning, programs and entertaining. Not to mention my work at church and a residential facility for adults with special needs. The goal is to make the holiday perfect for everyone.

This morning, in pursuit of holiday perfection, I saw an ornament hanging from one of my trees that wasn’t in the “perfect” spot. I leaned over the banister and lifted it off the tree…only to watch it slip from my hands and drop to the floor nine feet below.

I gently picked up the remains, and looked at the pieces in my hand. Memories flooded my mind. Not of perfect trees, gifts or parties, but of the people - - some now gone - - and Christmas memories the ornament represented. Then I was reminded of the real reason for all of the celebration.

Hebrews 12:1-2 refers to those who have gone before us, and the passage encourages us to throw off everything that would entangle us and keep us from “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” As God, He endured leaving heaven and becoming human at Bethlehem, living as a man in the brokenness of this world, and dying on the Cross - - all so that we could spend eternity with Him.

A little glue repaired the ornament, and it hangs again on my tree. Far from “perfect,” the dried glue is a continual reminder that Jesus is the reason for all of the celebration. That I shouldn’t become entangled with all of the “stuff” in pursuit of perfection, whether for the holidays or my life. Jesus will accomplish His perfect will in and through me if I instead leave everything in His hands.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you being “entangled” with this holiday season? What will you choose to do with that?

FURTHER READING:
II Corinthians 7:1; II Corinthians 12:9-10

Becci is a wife and mom to two daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove and is the Special Events Coordinator for Oakwood's We Women Ministries.

He Satisfies

By Peggy Kleckner

“The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Isaiah 58:11

I was reading a book the other day that asked its readers to think about what the theme of their lives were at present, and what it was in the past. The word that came to mind for my past was “abandoned.” It went on to ask about the antonyms and synonyms associated with that word. The synonyms listed for abandoned are: deserted, forsaken, desolate, irredeemable. I thought of its opposite as being “rescue.” Rescue has these synonyms: liberation, delivery, salvation (freedom), set free.

Deaths of people close to me, key people in my life who had moved away, divorce, loss of jobs, and other similar experiences all contributed to many moments in my life where I have had the “feeling” of abandonment. In turn, that “feeling” of being abandoned created a need in my life - - the need for rescue, the need for a rescuer. I tried to orchestrate my own rescue in many ways, such as being busy, going to school, exercising….trying, trying, trying. I wanted others to rescue me. I am sure my neediness wearied my husband and anyone else who came close enough to have a conversation with me. However, none of these satisfied the deep need in me, the hole left from the feeling of abandonment.

Thankfully, one day the mother of my son’s friend invited me to come to a Bible study at her then new-to-her church. I went, and came to find there my Rescuer, my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Now, like so many others before me, I can say, “I once was lost, but now am found. I once was blind, but now I see. Amazing grace!”

In this season of Emmanuel (God with us), I just have to praise Him for allowing the feeling of abandonment to surface in my life. That feeling propelled me to seek Him from my sun-scorched place. It drew me to Him and put me in a position to accept His offer of rescue.

Now when the “feeling” of abandonment tries to overtake me I stand on His promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). I am forever loved and He continues to satisfy me.

My theme is no longer “abandoned.” I am one of His redeemed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What need is in your life at present and how are you trying to have it satisfied?
2. Are you trying to be a “Savior” to someone else and, in doing so, blocking them from finding the true Redeemer?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 107; Luke 15:14-27

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.

It’s All about THE GIFT

By Janet Byrne

“…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

What did you get for Christmas last year? My husband was asking me if I could remember my Christmas present from him. I had to be honest, I couldn’t. We laughed because he also forgot what I had given him. Neither of our gifts had left a mark on us. Maybe you are like us. Maybe you got that gift that you thought you couldn’t live without. And, two months later you had forgotten all about it. We know that Christmas isn’t supposed to be all about the gifts. But, Christmas is all about THE GIFT.

God’s Word tells us that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Christmas is a time when we get to remember the best present God would ever give to us—Jesus. If there were a present, a gift, that could leave a mark on us, it would be Jesus. Jesus is THE GIFT.

Jesus is the only gift that does not wear out, grow old, break down, become obsolete or need batteries. Receiving Jesus as a gift has nothing to do with our being “naughty or nice.” God gave us Jesus because He loves us unconditionally. There is nothing we have done to earn the gift of Jesus. There is nothing we could ever do to have God deny us the gift of Jesus…except refuse it ourselves. The gift that Jesus is to us is perfect, beautiful, comforting, empowering and awesome.

Christmastime can be tough for people who are hurting. It can be a time of feeling extreme sadness, but God blesses us with His son, Jesus, no matter how we are feeling. Jesus is the only gift that knows our hearts. The only gift that can mend our hearts. The only gift we need at Christmastime.

Many of us love giving that perfect present to somebody we care about. We take time to be certain it is exactly what was wanted. Then, we wrap it nicely and set it under the tree carefully. We give it to the person with great joy, anticipation and hope. There is something special about knowing that person loves the gift. It is a beautiful feeling, isn’t it? God is just as delighted to give us HIS gift. And, He wants us to be excited to receive it.

Will you participate in a gift-exchange with God this Christmas? He gives us His Son, and we give Him our hearts.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you received the gift of eternal life found only in Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back?
2. If you have, what kind of “thank you note” have you written recently to God?
3. This year you may hear people talking or grumbling…“Christmas, it’s all about the gifts….” Are you willing to tell them they are right—it’s all about THE GIFT?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 2; Ephesians 2

Janet is the Women’s Ministries Prayer Coordinator and cares for her husband, Yancy and their two sons.

If I Could Write The Script...

By Susan Klein

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21

Did you ever wish your life were scripted a little differently? Perhaps things haven’t turned out quite like you had hoped they would. Maybe you couldn’t have the children you so longed for, or perhaps you’ve suffered the loss of a spouse or the heartache of a wayward teen. Or, maybe you struggle to make ends meet every month. If you could write the script for your life, would it be different?

If I could write my script, I’d have a much healthier body and a great singing voice! I’d be the perfect June Cleaver wife and be married to a perfect version of Cary Grant, with three angelic children. We’d be sufficiently wealthy so that we could spend all of our time and money helping the needy and going on short-term mission trips all over the world. We would all get along perfectly and never want for more!

Sounds a bit unrealistic, doesn’t it? It reminds me of an “Outer Limits” episode where a man received a magic lamp with a genie inside. He was given three wishes. First, he wished for $1,000,000, but after giving some away and paying taxes, he was left with nothing. He also wished for power, so the genie turned him into Hitler! He realized his life hadn’t been so bad after all so his last wish was to go back to his former life again.

God didn’t create us and put us on this planet without a plan for our lives. His Word tells us that all of our days were written in His book before one of them came to be. It also states that not only are we predestined according to His plan, but that He created us to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do. He’s had a plan for us all along! Yet, so often, we think our plan would be much better. Didn’t Jonah choose his plan over God’s, only to end up in the belly of a fish? And, Adam and Eve thought their plan to eat the forbidden fruit would benefit them more than God’s plan.

God is the Author of the script. Of course He encourages us to cooperate and engage in His plan, but we don’t need to exercise our artistic liberties by re-writing it. He has the perfect plan for our lives and we need to put our trust in that, especially when things don’t seem to be going as we think they should be.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Next time the going gets tough, instead of “wishing” for change, trust that God is working out His perfect plan in your life. Take it to prayer and ask Him to give you peace and contentment.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 1:11, 2:10; Jeremiah 29:11-12

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

She said “Yes”

By Peggy Kleckner

“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

More than once this weekend God has had this verse read aloud in my hearing. The first was at a Christmas brunch where the theme highlighted that the birth of Christ was heralded by angels. In the first chapter of Luke, an angel had invited Mary into God’s plan to redeem His people. Joseph, her husband-to-be, was invited in by an angel in the first chapter of Mark, and the shepherds were invited by angels to be witnesses to the birth in Luke, Chapter 2. All of these people said “yes” to the invitation. The cost to each of them was different, but there was a cost.

The next time I heard it was during our Sunday sermon. Our pastor’s focus was “surrender.” Mary surrendered to God’s plan. I wonder if she realized all that she was saying “yes” to? I wonder if she just assumed that the birth would be after she married Joseph? Certainly God wouldn’t want her to suffer shame, would He? Certainly He would provide a good home, an easy delivery, friends close at hand. Wouldn’t He? After all, the angel greeted her with the words, “You who are highly favored.” Highly favored by God should come with lots of benefits, shouldn’t it?

Our pastor emphasized for us Mary’s words, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Essentially, Mary knew whose she was and what her position in that relationship was. What God wanted took precedence over any plans or ideas she may have had for her life. Apparently that “yes” was already her heart-song, it is just that we got to hear it when the question was asked.

So, what about me? What about you? Is there a “yes” in our hearts?

Mary asked but one question for clarification from the angel before she said “yes.” With all the amazing news that the angel spoke, basically her only question was, “How can this physically happen, since I am a virgin?” One question. That’s it, sum total, and then she answered “yes.”

Oh, that my Savior would prepare my heart to respond with “yes” to whatever He will ask of me!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a hard place in your life that you are struggling to believe that God would allow?
2. Are you willing to ask Him to give you the strength and courage to say “yes” to His plans for you this season and to surrender your will to His?

FURTHER READING:
I Corinthians 13; Romans 5:1-5; Luke 8:11-15

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.

Supplication

By Susan Klein

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

James 5:16

I remember a time, early on in my faith walk, when I was struggling greatly with a particular sin issue. Just when I thought I had given it to the Lord once and for all, it would rear its ugly head once again. My husband and I were part of a wonderful small group of mature believers at the time and I decided to petition them for help. As we got together to pray, our leader decided to split up the men from the women so we could pray on a more personal level. I nervously told the ladies that I had been battling a “secret sin,” and could really use their prayer. Before anyone else could respond, one woman looked me squarely in the eye and said, “You don’t have to share your sin with us. That is between you and God. You only have to confess to Him.” While she lovingly meant to save me the embarrassment of disclosure, she also inadvertently kept me from being accountable and getting help from these precious friends! As we prayed (without my sharing) I remember thinking, “but I really need to share this with someone!”

I struggled with that sin on and off for many more years by myself before God dealt with me. I sometimes wonder what might have happened if I’d been able to share what I was going through that night and have my friends pray for me. All throughout Scripture, we see this example being modeled for us. Countless times we see Paul praying for the new believers to be strong in their faith walk. In the Gospels, we see Jesus teaching the people how to pray, and then praying for them and with them. In Acts, we see the disciples praying and laying hands on those in need.

Dear ones, our God wants to hear from us! He desires to see us lift up His dear children in prayer. He did not put us on this earth to go it alone. He gave us a community of believers to walk the journey with and to prayerfully intercede for us in our need. Did He not spare Lot’s family at the petitions of Abraham? And did He not spare the Israelites from His burning anger after they built the golden calf because Moses pleaded with Him on their behalf? He listens to the petitions and intercessions of His children.

Let’s not hesitate to ask for prayers, or to offer them.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who might need your supplication right now?
2. If you are struggling and in need of prayer, are you willing to share with someone?

FURTHER READING:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; John 17

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

In Context

By Lisa Boyer

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

In recent years, I don’t believe I’ve quoted any verse more often than Jeremiah 29:11. I love that verse and I love to share it with those in need of encouragement about their future. But I must confess, as often as I had quoted it, I hadn’t studied the verse in context. I hadn’t asked the critical questions like who was this verse written to? Was it to Jeremiah? If it was spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah, was it because he was special? Can it be applied to us universally today?

It’s not that I didn’t want to accurately apply the word of God - - I did - - but I had failed to remember to look it up. Five days ago, I opened my daily reading Bible to find Jeremiah 29:1-30:24 as the day’s passage! I devoured the Word, considered its context and fell in love with the verse even more!

It wasn’t written to Jeremiah because he was special. In fact, it wasn’t written to him at all! It was written to the children of Israel who were in captivity in Babylon. And Jeremiah 29:11 was just the beginning, with wonderful promises following it: “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity” (Jeremiah 29:12-14b).

We’ve all been held captive by sin and need to be reminded that if we pray, He will listen and if we seek Him, He will be found by us and we will be brought back from captivity!! Wow…what beautiful words!

But are they for us as well even though they were written to the Jews, His chosen people? I believe the answer is yes. Certainly, the promise was originally given for a specific time and for a specific moment, but the absolute principle of this promise to all who are God’s people is found over and over throughout the Bible. “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:12-13)! Everyone!

Join me in reading it again…with an emphasis on the word YOU!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, will you seek Him with all your heart?
2. Is there someone in your life being held captive by sin that you can share this message with? Will you do that today?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 11:9-10; Romans 8:28; 2 Timothy 2:25-26

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.

Season of Loss

By Elizabeth Cole

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb…No longer will there be any curse…”

Revelation 22:1, 3a

Everywhere I look this season, I’m encountering the life-shattering loss that others are experiencing. Loss of a grandfather whose life was well-lived; sudden and heart-jolting loss of a husband and children; loss of physical mobility due to an accident; loss of all material possessions; utter loss of hope in the caverns of depression. And it’s only the second day of December. Such brokenness doesn’t seem to fit with the season….

As a result, the Christmas carol roiling around in my head doesn’t have a lot of festive “fa la la’s” in it, nor does it descend the C major scale proclaiming exuberant joy to the whole world. Rather, I find myself meditating on the plaintive cry of God’s people in bondage: O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Are you familiar with the words? The first verse laments captivity and loneliness and exile, asking Emmanuel to come and to ransom them. Take a moment to sing it softly to yourself.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Loss. Lament. Loneliness. Captivity. Not the usual theme of Christmas. And yet, read Jesus’ words as he quotes the prophet Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

Loss. Poverty. Captivity. Oppression. Not just a theme, but THE theme of Christmas. Into our cursed world of hopelessness and loss, a Rescuer appears. One who can save us from death’s final word, reverse Eden’s curse, and ultimately restore all that sin has broken. A Redeemer who not only intends to do what it will take to re-establish a right relationship with His people, but will then become “Emmanuel” in the truest sense of the word, choosing to dwell within those same people forever…God With Us.

So I’m thinking, those in whom Emmanuel resides…wouldn’t we want to tenderly participate in His plan to restore those suffering brokenness and poverty and bondage and oppression and loss? To proclaim with our hands and our mouths the Lord’s favor?

We desperately need Christmas…because of loss.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life is suffering loss right now? How will you let God use you to touch their lives?
2. Take some time to thank Jesus today for showing up; for being our Restorer and Redeemer and Rescuer.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 18:19; Romans 5:6-11; Colossians 1:13

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

Thank You God, For The Rain

By Susan Klein

“He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them. At His discretion they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever He commands them. He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water His earth and show His love.”

Job 37:11-13

When the sky is abundant with sunshine, I have no trouble expressing my thankfulness to God. When it is blanketed with rain clouds however, I am not so generous with my gratitude. Why is it so hard to give thanks in all things?

You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression, “Into each life, a little rain must fall.” The above passage suggests three reasons why we might experience rain in our lives, each of which fall under God’s discretion. First, we are told that His rain might fall for our punishment, or correction. This could have two possible meanings. One would be a literal rain, such as the flood, which was a form of God’s wrath against the sinfulness of man. Another way in which God might rain on us for our correction is by showering consequences on us for our sinful behavior. These consequences are allowed to restore us to a right relationship with Him, and to hopefully keep us from falling into the same sin again.

Secondly, we see that God brings rain to water His earth. The farmers generally rejoice at this type of rain. It brings life-giving nourishment to our land and thus, to our physical bodies as well. Again, at God’s discretion, He distributes the rain upon the land.

And thirdly, we see that He gives rain to show His love. He could have just filled the earth with water and said, “When you run out, that’s it!” But, He shows us His never-ending love by providing a never-ending supply of water for our benefit. He loves the world enough to promise we will never have too much (as in another worldwide flood - - Genesis 9:15), nor will we ever have to worry about completely running out (Psalm 147:8). In Matthew 5:45, Jesus tells us that God sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. This tells us that He indiscriminately loves all of us enough to draw us to His umbrella-arms by letting a little rain fall into our lives. It may be unpleasant at the time, but has a nourishing purpose.

Next time it’s dark and rainy outside, let’s take a moment to reflect on God’s great love for us and offer up a prayer of thanks.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are there some intimidating storm clouds on your horizon? Do you trust God enough to thank Him for the rain He is allowing in your life right now?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 14:17; Zechariah 10:1

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