Waiting for Sunrise

By Peggy Kleckner

“Great is his faithfulness;

His mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

Oh Lord, here I am in the darkness before dawn in need once more of a Fresh Start. Give me yet again a new beginning. Let Your Spirit hover over the deep darkness and chaos of my inner life and bring Your light and life.

I wait at the window in expectant anticipation of Your quiet dawn. I have watched it before. It comes silently without fanfare. It comes slowly and at first almost imperceptibly, but it comes. Your revealed presence will come into my situation like that. I may not, at first, recognize Your movement. You may not let me know in advance of Your involvement, but You are always my light and my salvation. I am Yours and You are faithful.

I see it, a lightening of the deep dark. I can see across the street now. The sun has yet to make its appearance, but the light is already rolling back the dark. It is always the darkness that must leave when the light of morning arrives.

I know from your Word that darkness is as light to you, but I am grateful that you understand my need for light. I remember that the new day brings Your fresh mercies. I delight in the fact that a new day, brings me new hope.  It is Your reminder to me of Your faithfulness. One day is all I need to look at and all I need to live in.

Thank You that You know my needs and have provided for them, before I even knew them myself.

The sun has arrived and I bask in a fresh new day. The darkness has turned to light; the grays to bold color. I lay down the darkness of my burden and slip on the fresh garment You provide with Your mercy.  This is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you willing to admit your need for His fresh mercies today?

2.  If so, are you willing to accept the truth that you are forgiven and then boldly walk in joy today?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 61:3, 10; Psalm 139:12; Deuteronomy 4:39

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.

Nearer Than We Think

By Elin Henderson

 “Yet, You are near, oh LORD...”

Psalms 119:151a (NKJV)

         

In ancient African folklore, it is believed that long ago God was very near to His people. But one day, while a woman was pounding her maize with her mortar and pestle, she carelessly bumped God on her upswing. God got angry, left in a huff, and ever since, He has been very distant and upset with people here on earth.

With our Western mentality, we look at this as almost ludicrous, but it is reality for many people. For them, God is  distant and upset with them. He really doesn’t care about them. Now imagine that understanding permeating an entire culture. Practically, it leads to a mentality of desperation and hopelessness. It also causes a “free for all,” as people believe there is no God keeping tabs on them nor looking over their shoulders. Does that sound familiar at all? This mentality is not as foreign as we think, but actually describes much of our Western society today! 

           

Yet, from the beginning on, we see that God is seeking to draw near to man. In the garden, He walked and talked with Adam and Eve. People like Joseph and David knew deeply of God’s nearness. Jesus himself brought this nearness to a new level by being Immanuel - - “God with us.”

What does this mean for believers? We do not serve a distant, uninvolved God. He is relationally very near. At times, it may feel as though He is distant, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. We see this so clearly in Psalms 139. His nearness brings protection, rest, hope, security, and so much more. To all who turn to Him, He is near.

Today, may we thank and praise Him that He is a God who is not far off, but nearer than we think!

                            

GOING DEEPER

1. How can knowing His nearness help us when we experience difficulties? How about the times when we need direction, wisdom, discernment?

2. If many people today carry this mindset of “God doesn’t care, He is far away,” how can we help them to realize that He is closer than they think?

                                                           

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 75:1; Psalms 145:18; Psalms 139; Hebrews 10:22

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) 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.

Questions Unanswered
By Jennie Pierce

“Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes…”
Psalm 13:3

Have you ever noticed how children naturally expect their parents to be walking tomes of knowledge about seemingly insignificant, trivial things? For instance, in the last twenty-four hours I have been asked questions such as, “How many legs does a centipede really have?” Or, “Who invented peanut butter? Was it George Washington or George Washington Carver? Or, did Carver just discover the peanut?” Or, “How do you spell ‘hypocritical’?” Even, “Is wheat starch different from wheat?” As much as I’d like to be able to respond, “As a matter of fact…” the reality is, more often than not, I end up having to reply, “I don’t know.” Yet, they keep coming back with more questions.

David had questions for God. Okay, so they may not have been about bugs or food, but they were important enough to him to that he inquired of his heavenly Father. “How long, Lord?” “Will you forget me forever?” “How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13 records David asking God five specific questions and pleading with God to please give an answer! Even when the answer did not come, or any plausible solution promised, David still responded, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me” (verses 5 and 6).

Somehow, not getting an answer really didn’t matter. David was content in knowing his Father loved him to no end and nothing would change that. And that was enough for him. David trusted wholeheartedly in his God. As a result, David’s heart could sing and dance and praise rather than give in to the trap of distress and despair.

No doubt, tomorrow will be a new day with many more questions and possibly even fewer answers for the child to his parent, and the child of God to his heavenly Father. Yet, even if the answers don’t come as expected or when expected, will you continue to rest in the everlasting love your heavenly Father has for you and trust in His ability to give you the strength you need?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Prayer is an effective tool in expressing thoughts, feelings and questions to God. Through prayer, the Father helps us regain the right perspective, and that gives us peace. Will you take the time and initiative to do just that today? He longs to hear from you!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 13; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 55:8-9

Formerly at Oakwood Church, we share Jennie with a church in rural northeast Colorado, where she ministers with her husband/pastor and is the mother of two teenagers and a college student.  She is active in her church’s musical worship ministry and works as a para support at their local public school.

What’s Wrong With Me?
By Lisa Boyer

“Finally, brothers…whatever is right…think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

The church bulletin read, “Today’s Message Is: ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’” The pastor began…“Have you ever asked yourself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ If you have or even if you’ve just felt that way, that uncertainty can become very devastating.” He went on to say, “If God brings us to the place where we ask ourselves ‘What’s wrong with me?’ it is meant to help us grow, overcome, and be free from the bondage of self-doubt. Let God show you what is right about you; why He loves and cares for you so much.” (1)

Nothing that is wrong with you can compare with what’s right about you:

• You are created in God’s image! “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).
• God cares for you! “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father…So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29, 31).
• Jesus prayed for you! “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message” (John 17:20).
• Jesus loves you and freed you from sin! “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood” (Revelation 1:5b).

GOING DEEPER:
1. The next time you find yourself asking “What’s wrong with me?” how will you refocus your attention to what’s right about you from God’s perspective?

(1) Pastor Jerome Spencer, New Beginnings Christian Church, Waukesha, WI, May 2, 2010.

Lisa has been married to Ted for 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

What’s Around Your Neck?

By Elin Henderson

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck…”

Proverbs 3:3a (NKJV)

         

One of the first things we noticed in our village was that from the youngest infant to the most elderly, everyone wears one or more fetishes around their necks. They were quick to tell us that these fetishes (called “ehirisi” in the local language) are small cloth pouches within which are found leaves or written words that are meant to protect and heal them. You can tell by the color of the cloth which sickness they are hoping to be protected from. 

Something dangling around the neck is not easily missed; our eyes are naturally drawn to it.  Neither is it something easily forgotten by the one wearing it. Maybe that is why here in Proverbs 3, Solomon tells us that our neck should be well-adorned with two great objects: mercy and truth. 

We wear “mercy” to help us remember where we came from. It reminds us of what the Lord has done for us, as well as of His unfailing mercy that keeps us afloat each day. It also dangles there as a reminder to us to show mercy to those with whom we come into contact each day. 

We wear “truth” as a reminder of the need to walk in the truth and light that He pours out from Heaven above onto us. With truth comes transparency and vulnerability, all of which God desires to use in our own lives and those around us. As he reveals things to us, we must be willing to allow truth to shine into our dark worlds and purify us. 

So, what’s around our necks? Are we proudly showing the “Mercy and Truth” that He wants us to bind around our necks? Or do we have it tucked under our shirts and not as obvious as it should be?  Do people we come into contact with leave the encounter saying, “Wow, did you see that Mercy and Truth she was displaying?” Let us ask God to renew in us an awareness of these two adornments that He has asked us to wear. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. In Proverbs 3:3b, Solomon further admonishes us to write these truths on the “tablets of our hearts.” What does this mean in real life? How can writing these on the “tablets of our hearts” impact our lives and those we come into contact with?

2. Where else in Scripture are “mercy and truth” found closely linked together? Here’s a link to help: http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=mercy%20and%20truth&version1=50&searchtype=phrase&spanbegin=1&spanend=73  

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 57:10; Psalm 85:10; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 108:4

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) 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.

Run, Meerkat, Run!
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Ecclesiastes 5:10

I was mesmerized by the drama unfolding on my television. The Meerkat Manor narrator spoke in hushed tones describing the venomous snake camouflaged in the parched grass. The unsuspecting meerkat wandered away from the main group. The viper waited patiently for the approach of his prey. “No! Turn back! Run! Don’t you see it?” I shouted at the television. The narrator’s voice spoke more urgently; the background music grew louder. Suddenly, the lone meerkat sees the predator. Immediately the meerkat jumped back and gave a warning shriek. In an instant, the entire family group responded, surrounding the viper in a complete circle, except for a small gap meant for the snake’s departure. Each one of the meerkats got up on his legs and began to arch back and forth in unison at the threat, growling, hissing, spitting. Each time the snake lunged, the group adjusted its defensive posture until, finally, the predator gave up its hunt and made use of the escape hole.

I was struck by the clear parallels between those odd little mongooses to our human existence. First, we should not drift far away from our support systems…our church, community group, our family. Alone, we are more vulnerable to an attack from the Enemy. Second, when we find ourselves under attack, call for help. Dealing with a problem or temptation single-handedly is rarely effective. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves…” And lastly, when a member of our family calls, we…as the Church…need to respond quickly. The reaction should be unified against the source of the attack, not against the one who wandered off. Isaiah states, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way….” (Isaiah 53:6). Each of us has played the part of the “the wanderer” at one time.

By the way, my favorite part of this Meerkat Manor episode came a few minutes later when a hawk swooped down from the sky and put an end to that snake!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you know of someone who is wandering too far from community? Pray about how God might use you to help bring her closer to caring friends.
2. Think about your past. Did God use someone to draw you back into community? Share that story with someone else in your life today…along with the “Meerkat Principles” above.

FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 5:8 

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn serves Oakwood Church in Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries. 

Collateral Freedom

By Elin Henderson

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.”

 Acts 16:26 (NKJV)

         

Okay, I will not even pretend to be an expert on military terms, but I do remember watching reports about military events happening around the world. Often in these reports, I heard the term “collateral damage” used to describe the (usually) unintentional effects or damage that is caused by a bomb attack. As much as they try and prevent it, it is a fact of war that collateral damage can be expected. One action creates intentional or unintentional effects on things around it. 

In a New Testament Philippian jail, Paul and Silas were part of something new - - not “collateral damage,” but “collateral freedom.” They had been beaten and imprisoned for the work they had done for the Lord in Philippi. God used their bondage and suffering to bring freedom to all those around them. Their faithfulness to the Lord, their trust in Him, their refusal to allow circumstances to discourage them, caused not only their own chains to be loosened and their doors to fly open, but those of all the men there in the prison. Now we aren’t told what happened to those other prisoners, but we do know that they witnessed the extreme power of the God of the Universe. We have no doubt that they heard the praises of Paul and Silas, both before and after they attained their freedom. As a result of their testimony, the Jailer (and presumably others) came to know the Lord as Savior that very day! 

Do we ever take into consideration the “collateral freedom” that God is trying to work in and through the difficult circumstances we might be facing today? When His freedom comes for us, it may very well throw open someone else’s doors and/or break off chains that have long held them. May the freedom you experience today actualize freedom for a whole host of others.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How should this understanding affect your outlook when experiencing difficulties? Who else might God be desiring to set free through your freedom? 

2. Have you ever been the recipient of collateral freedom? How did it change or affect you?  

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 146:7b; John 8:36

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) 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.

Sufferings
By Peggy Kleckner

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

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

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

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

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

Watch for the glory to be revealed!

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

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

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

The Purse
By Elizabeth Cole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will the Real You Please Stand Up?

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside…but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Matthew 23:27b-28

If four people who know you from completely different areas of your life were asked to describe YOU…would they describe the same person?

Don’t blow through the question here. For instance, if the bank clerk, your employer, your neighbor, and your best friend, were all asked to describe the person they know you to be, would their descriptions be in line with each other?

Here’s another question: If your mom, daughter, or minister were to read your text messages, chat room exchanges, browsing history, and emails, would they line up with the person you portray to them?

“Hypocrite” is a really ugly word in our English language, full of negative connotation. Webster’s says a hypocrite is “a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs.”  Synonyms include “pretender” and “deceiver.” Ouch! But the fact is, if you or I claim to believe and act one way in church or at home, but an aspect of our life contradicts those beliefs, we are fulfilling the definition of…a hypocrite.

Jesus despises hypocrisy. He showed kindness and compassion for those who were caught in sin, while He rebuked the religious hypocrites of His day. He wants us to be single-minded, with a faith that is genuine and that is lived out in every  arena of our lives and relationships. By no means is this an easy task. Sometimes, living out faith in Christ is hardest with those closest to us. Others struggle with the lure of secrecy and anonymity that the internet can provide.

I like how The Message puts how we should respond to the temptation of being “double-minded.”  Consider these words from James 4:7-10: “So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud ‘no’ to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet ‘yes’ to God and He'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is there an area of your life (work, friends, school, perhaps?) where Christ is not being honored in how you act?  Pray for strength to make changes in that area. 

2.  If the internet is a problem for you, consider a technology fast.  Replace tech time with prayer.  Get an accountability partner to help encourage you.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 86:11

Along with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Stamp of Heaven

By Elin Henderson

“…place me like a seal over your heart, or like a seal on your arm…”

 Song of Solomon 8:6a (NLT)

         

I got hooked on “stamping” right after my daughter was born. I started with making her birth announcements and have been stamping ever since! When you live out in the middle of nowhere and there isn’t a Hallmark to be found for about a 4000 mile radius, making your own cards comes in quite handy! The process is simple. You take a stamp, an etched form, and press it into a substance like ink, then apply it to your choice of surface. The surface now carries the exact replication of the stamp. The ink seals it in. 

We, as believers, are sealed with the “Stamp of Heaven.” It has been pressed into us and sealed with the ink of the Holy Spirit. It never fades or wears off. By this seal, God knows His own (II Timothy 2:19) and keeps us unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). In this way, He is claiming us as His own forever. 

We wear this seal or stamp on our heart - - a place that only He sees, and on our arm - - a place where all those around us can see. I’m thankful this seal/stamp is figuratively on our arms and not our forehead or back or some other place that would be difficult for us to see with our own eyes on a normal basis. We ourselves need this reminder frequently of whom we belong to and that we bear the “Stamp of Heaven.”

May we wear this reminder boldly. May it motivate us to show forth His deep love and care for us. May it become a tool to share His love with others.

                   

GOING DEEPER:

1. Understanding that we are eternally sealed and secure in Him is great news for the future, but what does this seal of security mean for us today? How can knowing our security is in Him help us with our day-to-day life in the here and now? 

FURTHER READING:

John 6:27; II Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) 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.

Delightful Distractions

By Susan Klein

“Be still before the Lord….”

Psalm 37:7a

I don’t know about you, but it seems whenever I decide to have some quiet time with the Lord, distractions are sure to follow. Most are little annoyances like a ringing phone or buzzing clothes dryer, and can usually be turned off or ignored. But some distractions can be downright enjoyable! How can I resist an adorable little feline who decides to playfully roll around in my lap, begging for attention? Or how do I not pause to focus on the unexpected deer outside the window? And whose nose can resist the tempting aroma of cookies fresh out of the oven? What’s a girl to do?!!

Let me share a few thoughts on this. First, God desires for us to enjoy His creation. Taking a momentary pause to scratch the chin of my kitty for a few seconds or admire the family of deer outside the window won’t dismay my heavenly Father. I believe it delights Him to see us delighting in the things He has created.

However, in my feminine humanness, I can allow myself to get absorbed in my “momentary” distraction. A few seconds can become a few minutes and even lead to other distractions along the way. I abandon my Bible to run for my camera before the deer get away. Or, I give in to the tempting aroma of the coffee cake, only to discover the dirty dishes in the sink that need tending to and an unfinished grocery list staring back at me. I leave my Father waiting...occasionally never getting back to Him at all.

Sometimes, I find it best to heed Jesus’ advice on prayer. In Matthew 6:6, He instructs His followers to enter into their prayer closet and close the door before they pray. While His instruction is meant to teach them to not be ostentatious before others in their prayers, I believe we can glean another lesson from this passage. When we want some serious time with our God, let’s get to a place where there are no distractions. A closet is not only a private place, but it is also generally a small, nondescript room with no windows and nothing in particular to draw our attention. While I wouldn’t sit in an actual closet, I can do things like close the blinds or put the cats in another room. If I am intentional in preparing my quiet place, it will not only allow me to focus my attention on my Father, but also to focus on what He’s trying to share with me.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some proactive steps you can take to ensure quality “quiet time” with God?

2. Do you have some tips you could share with a friend who might be struggling with distractions?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 10:40-42; Hebrews 12:1-2

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

A Bottom Drawer Day

By Peggy Kleckner

“Why so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 43:5

I had a difficult day. I was worn out physically, mentally and emotionally. No major trauma, just the stuff of life. A bit of disappointment, a measure of work frenzy and restless thoughts had added up to weariness. I took appropriate action when I got home from work….I went to bed and covered up. My friend calls this “turtling”! Yep, I tucked in and tuned out; however, I did have a meeting to go to that night. So there I lay pondering what God would have me do. Some days, a nap is the right choice followed by an evening of staying put, but other days it is a trap of the enemy.

I smelled dinner in the crockpot and thought I better get up and take care of it, after all, no one else was home. Now I was up. Next, a shower was needed as I smelled like ant spray… don’t even ask for the rest of that scenario! As I was combing out my hair, the thought came to mind that this was a bottom drawer day. Not top shelf…open and above; bottom… beneath and closed. I laughed to myself at the description as I thought that “bottom” certainly described my feelings, but then I remembered my “bottom drawer.” I have a desk in my study - - a desk with a bottom drawer. In that drawer, I have been collecting notes of encouragement, thank you cards and the like, knowing that one day I may need a “pick me up.” How kind of God to remind me!

I fed the dog, gathered my dinner and headed to my first meeting of the evening, a meeting with the friends in the bottom drawer of my desk. What a delight to first run across a friend who had given me a piece of writing about putting on the armor of God for our spiritual battles, next came notes from a Bible study that included a page of Bible verses on fear - - both on facing fear and on the fear of the Lord. What a delight to wander back through friendships and places where the Lord had sustained me or used me in the lives of others. What a cup of refreshment for my weary heart.

Needless to say, I did head out to my other meeting, fed, clean and renewed by the One who knows me best.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you have a small stash of encouragement for when you hit a “bottom drawer” day?

2. Have you sent any written notes of encouragement that others can pull out on a “bottom drawer” Day? Do they include some of His life-giving words?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 12:25; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 58:11

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 divine DYNAMITE!
By Elin Henderson

“…strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power…”
Colossians 1:11a (NKJV)

Who of us couldn’t use a little more explosive power in our lives? Sign me up! Don’t you wish you could spiritually blast your way out of some things? Wouldn’t it be great if we had a cache of divine dynamite ready for our use? “I have this huge wall in front of me, Lord, hand me another stick of divine dynamite please!”

Well, wouldn’t you know that the word that Paul used here in Colossians to tell us about the power available to us is none less than “dunamis.” “Dunamis” is the Greek root word for “dynamite.”(1) Dynamite in and of itself, though, is not powerful unless lit. It has the potential for extreme power, but unless put into action, it is just a stick! So, potentially the “might” Paul is speaking of here is a stick of divine dynamite available 24/7 for our use.

How much power are we talking about? Enough to bring down my wall of problems? The answer to that is found in the second part of Colossians 1:11a. The question is how much power does He have? The word “power” here is from the Greek word “kratos,” meaning “dominion and might.”(1) His dominion and might is incomprehensible for us and that is the source for our stick of divine dynamite!

How then do we activate or light our stick of divine dynamite? Isaiah 30:15 says, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” So it isn’t through striving and fighting, but in resting! As we depend on Him and rest in His dynamic strength and might, He works His power on our behalf. Now that’s DYNAMITE!!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What walls are standing before you that could use some blasting?
2. What can you do to remind yourself of your ample cache of divine dynamite?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 46:10; Ephesians 1:18-19

(1) Strong’s Dictionary found on www.e-sword.net

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) 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.

Dying to Self
By Karen D’Amore

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24

Dying to self…a crucified life…every attitude, desire, decision and circumstance filtered through the cross. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). As Christ-followers, it is our choice to “die to self,” allowing His life to flow through us. We must value God above ALL else; placing His hands in front of everything. Self-centeredness diminishes, as our lives increase in God-centeredness. And as we obediently follow Christ, that crucified life glorifies Him. With our cross on our back, we experience His voice, presence, power and love, as never before.

“When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don’t sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy being counted to suffer for Christ, that is……Dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence, that is……Dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, and any annoyance; when you can stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did, that is……Dying to self.

When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, that is……Dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is……Dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances, that is……Dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than you and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is……Dying to self.”

                                                  --Anonymous (1)

Daily we must choose to “take up our cross.’’ As we begin each day, let us examine our heart and ask…Am I dead yet?

GOING DEEPER:
1. What things in your life are hindering you from 100% surrender?
2. What selfish behaviors, attitudes or desires need to be nailed to the cross?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 116:15; John 3:30, 12:24-26

(1)Poem taken from CBN.com

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

He is Risen!
Matthew 28:1-10 (NKJV)

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What a sight the angel must have been as He appeared at the tomb. And what a message he came to deliver! Jesus is risen…just as He said He would! What joy! What elation! What celebration! It had finally been accomplished…death was conquered once and for all. How do you respond in your heart at the truth that because Jesus died and rose again, you can live forever in Heaven with Him? Do you believe the news? Have you received the gift of eternal life?
2. Each Gospel account is more exciting and insightful than the next as it describes Jesus’ resurrection, appearances and interactions with His disciples and His ascension into Heaven. What key points do you take away from each of them?

FURTHER READING:
Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21

Final Words from the Cross
Excerpts from all four Gospel accounts

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

“…he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’” (John 19:26-27)

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Meditate on each of these statements made by Jesus in His final hours. What insights do you gain about Him? What do His last words tell you about who He is and what His character is like? What do they say about the “work” of the cross?
2. Each of the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ death on the cross adds another dimension to this precious story. Read them thoroughly in order to gain a more complete picture of the amazing events of that day.

Called

By Lexi Cole

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.”

Isaiah 43:10

I love the last song we’re singing in our choir concert this year. While musically, it’s stunning, it’s the words that cause me to worship - - they’re a prayer that ought to be our heart’s desire. The song is “Lord God, You Have Called Your Servants.” J. Aaron McDermid arranged it, but the words are the closing prayer from the Vespers Service in the Lutheran Book of Worship.

God has recently reminded me through this song of a simple yet profound truth: We are called.

Why is it that such an extremely essential fact is so easy to forget? As someone who has grown up knowing God since childhood, I think I often fail to remember that we are called by God to do His work…even when it doesn’t make sense to us…and even more so, I forget the power He provides to do what He’s called us to do.

We are called by a powerful God. One who is powerful enough to create the galaxy; powerful enough to overcome a chasm of separation by His work on the Cross. This mighty God, who’s powerful enough to use even ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory, has called us to be an active part of His Kingdom...often in ways that don’t always seem to fit our “timeline.”

We are called. We, in our finite and limited minds, don’t know how all the pieces work together. We don’t understand the “why.” But we have been promised that we are called by a God of infinite power who will never leave us or forsake us.

We are called to do things that don’t make sense, that defy our reasoning, that push us. But we are given the incredible privilege of being in relationship with a God who is with us, who loves us, who is powerfully molding us to be more like Him. Before the complications of life consume us today, may we be reminded of this closing prayer:

"Lord, God, you have called your servants
     to ventures of which we cannot see the ending,
          by paths as yet untrodden,
               through perils unknown.

Give us faith to go out with good courage,
     not knowing where we go,
          but only that your hand is leading us
               and your love supporting us;
                    through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."[1]

GOING DEEPER:

1. To what venture has God called you - - in His power - - where you cannot see the ending?  

2.  Spend time alone with your God, stop the busyness, be still and listen. Where is the Holy Spirit calling you?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 43

[1] Click here if you want to listen to the song. This isn’t my choir but the publisher’s clip.  Use it to worship as you pray this over your life today! http://www.morningstarmusic.com/mp3s/50-8951.mp3

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

Spring

By Chelsey Waala

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4

         

It was a mild winter, but I remember several weeks in February when the sun did not grace Minneapolis with its presence, and I was feeling quite blue. In the middle of a gloomy day, I received surprise flowers that brightened my apartment and mood. They helped me get through the grey days, and before I knew it, I didn’t need a vase of flowers to remind me of spring because it was here! Now, I can enjoy sunshine on my face, daffodils poking out of the lawn, and trees blossoming by the sidewalk.

Like a Minnesota February, this life is often gloomy. We struggle with relationships, money, loss, and insecurities. We desire resolution and perfection. So why do we never feel completely comfortable here? Why does another obstacle come up once we’ve cleared the last one?

Our world is out-of-balance because it is not our real home. However, we can still find joy as we wait for our King! In our greyest of days, God sends us beautiful reminders of His coming ultimate Kingdom. He heals relationships, takes care of our needs, and assures us of our worth.

We have hope for the future because His Kingdom will be here before we know it. It will come like spring: fresh, new, and exciting! We will finally bask in our Savior’s glory and shed our worries, problems and hardships. But let us remember that in waiting for the final consummation of God’s Kingdom, we can find great joy and fulfillment by living out His plan for us on earth, rejoicing in His blessings, and focusing on a future with Him. We can catch glimpses of His glory in the flowers outside, the kindness of a stranger, or the mending of a relationship. Let’s rejoice in our imperfect lives, looking forward to a perfect eternity with Christ!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How have you experienced a taste of the Kingdom of God here on earth in the past few days?

2.  Write a prayer of JOY and gratitude to help you feel God’s sunshine today.

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 4:4-9; Matthew 13:1-52; Mark 1:15

Chelsey is a sophomore at Augsburg College studying Secondary Education and English. Upon graduating, she hopes to foster a love of life and learning in high school students.

Sacrifice

By Tracy Smith

“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

His only Son. Think about that for a minute. Growing up attending church, I took for granted that Jesus came to earth as a baby, grew up, had a ministry, and died for our sins. I knew it was an awesome thing for the God of the Universe to allow Himself to live life here on earth and to die for our sins. I think that because I had heard this since I was a small child, I accepted it and believed it, but never really processed what it all meant to God the Father and to God the Son.

My focus was always on what Jesus did for us. There is nothing wrong with focusing on that, as His sacrifice is what allows me to have communion with God again, but I never really thought long and hard about how what He did impacted His Father.

Then I became a mother - - of sons. Suddenly, it was much more real. As Easter rolled around one year when my oldest was a toddler, it suddenly hit me what God the Father had sacrificed in His love for us.  I sat there looking at my son sleep and thought of all the people in my life whom I love and came to this conclusion: While my love for them is strong, I would never (strong word, but true) willingly sacrifice my son for them.  Not only that, but can you imagine telling your son that you would be sacrificing him for a bunch of sinners?

Thinking through that brought new meaning to Easter for me. It caused me to really think about what Easter means…not only to my faith, but to my God.

GOING DEEPER

1. Will you commit to spending some time this week focusing on the incredible sacrifice that was made by God, just for you?

2. Using John 3:16, with whom will you share the real meaning of Easter?

FURTHER READING

1 John 4:10; John 14:6; Romans 5:12-21

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.

The Look of Love

By Elizabeth Cole

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

Matthew 13:14

I once heard an extremely engaging speaker tell our church’s Moms Nurturing Moms group a story about her face. She said that when she was a young woman, she had inadvertently glanced in a mirror as she passed by, and was utterly shocked by the scowl that reflected back. It so startled her that she had to sit down and give thought to it. Considering herself to be an inviting personality, she was saddened as she realized that this was the face her children and husband saw most…and it wasn’t even an accurate portrayal of her feelings toward them! What was simply “deep in thought” came across as frustration and irritation. At that point in her life, she decided to purposefully guard her facial expressions and conscientiously look her family members in the eye and smile…every day.  

I’m grateful for her decision. All my conscious memories of my precious mom are after  she’d made that choice!

There’s something about a look that conveys so much, isn’t there? A furrowed brow, the lack of eye contact, a disapproving wrinkling of the eyes, the downturned mouth. Or consider the opposite: a gentle glance, a warm gaze, a tender smile. I can’t help but think that Jesus must’ve had that kind of face as He walked among the crowds of broken people. What kind of approachable look did He have that would cause little children to run to Him, lepers to approach Him, an outcast woman to touch His cloak, or crowds to follow Him to a remote place in search of healing? Surely His face conveyed His compassion, and His availability.

I’m challenged today to reflect my Savior’s love and availability in the way I look at…and to…others.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take a glance in the mirror. How can you intentionally convey compassion without words?

2. How will you create enough margin in your life to authentically communicate availability?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 15:13; Mark 10:21; Luke 19:1-10

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