Blindsided
By Kari Lyles

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
John 9:39

I sheepishly rolled over to look at the clock that glowed 6 a.m. When I turned back over I felt the butterflies in my stomach flutter and my heart begin to race. I knew I had to do it.

I walked to my closet, pulled my laptop from the shelf, crawled back under the covers, and started. My fingers clickety-clacked on the keys, tears streaming down my cheeks. I read it again and again, trying to make sure my heart was being poured out in love and not putting the receiver on the defensive. I pushed the “send” button.

Done!

I did it. I shared my heart and now the ball was in the receiver’s court. Surely she would take into account my feelings, see my side and feel convicted of behavior that had caused hurt. So, I waited.

And waited…

Every time my Blackberry binged with a new email, my heart raced a little. It binged for a whole week. (Kohls’ really does offer 15-30% off EVERY DAY!)

A response never came in the form of an email. But one came from my Lord… and I was blindsided.

As I sat down with my Bible, I had asked the Lord to give me wisdom to move forward. This is what I proceeded to read: “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’” I know that in the context of this passage, Jesus was referring to spiritual sight and the “blindness” of the seeing Pharisees. But in my specific situation, I am convinced that, in His kindness, He was using those words to show me His desire for me.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I not only was supposed to turn the other cheek in circumstances… but sometimes, even though I could see things were not right and that I was hurt, I needed to choose to become blind. OUCH!

Those words stung. I wanted to feel somehow that my email was justified and that it had been the right thing to do. Instead, I was being asked to become blind to it. To become like Christ. To love another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (I Peter 4:8).

A smile came to me and I knew that God was once again growing and molding me. Yes, I was still hurt…but if He chose to be “blind” to my many faults, I knew He would give me the grace to become blind to others.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What do you need to become “blind” to?
2. How does becoming “blind” actually help you to become more like Christ?

FURTHER READING:
John 9 –10

Kari is a wife and mother to two girls. She works as a regional sales manager at MAX-R in Sussex and is involved in Oakwood’s drama ministry

Speak When He Says, “Speak”

By Susan Klein

“Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’”

Ezekiel 2:4b

Recently, my family and I were enjoying a restful Sunday afternoon at the beach. The weather was balmy, the water refreshing, and the pleasure of each other’s company made for a delightful afternoon. Our tranquility was abruptly interrupted as a group of people parked themselves within feet of our cozy little assemblage. Loud profanity began to pour out, polluting everything in its path. Many glances in their direction showed disapproval from a number of other beachgoers, yet no one ventured over to stop the cacophony of this intoxicated brood.

Heart pounding, my “flesh” wanted to give them a piece of my mind for ruining what had been a wonderful day for many people in the vicinity. I eventually asked God to show me a loving approach, but the right words wouldn’t make themselves known. Reading my pained expression, my son told me not to bother - - it would have no impact on this particular bunch. Agreeing with him, my husband suggested we pack up and head home.

As I recounted this story with some sisters-in-Christ, we all agreed that if the Lord had wanted me to speak, He’d have given me the right words. Approaching  intoxicated people with wisdom would have been rather pointless and not reaped a positive outcome. Jesus suggests a similar thing in Matthew 7:6, as He uses a graphic metaphor to instruct His disciples to not try to correct those unwilling to receive correction nor offer wisdom to those unwilling to receive it, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and then turn and tear you to pieces.”

In some situations, I believe the Lord would have us remain silent. That said, when the Holy Spirit does  prompt us to speak, we are to heed His calling. When He spoke to the Prophet Ezekiel, he warned him that the people of Israel would be rebellious, and maybe not even listen to him, but he was to speak God’s words to them regardless (Ezekiel 2:5). God had a definite message to be delivered to the people through Ezekiel and made it known. When we are in a questionable situation, we need to inquire of the Lord. If we act on our own, we may end up making an already bad situation even worse. Conversely, if we don’t act at all, we may be in the wrong (James 4:17).

If asked, God will always direct us appropriately for the circumstance. The key is to listen, and only speak when He says, “Speak.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. How do you currently determine when to speak and when not to?
2. Do you rely more on your gut instinct or the Holy Spirit for guidance?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 16:20-23, 18:13; Ecclesiastes 3:7b

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.

Running to Win

By Jeannine Sawall

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

1 Corinthians 9:24

I volunteered at a triathlon recently. I stood at the end of the race and snapped pictures as the athletes crossed the finish line. There were many different types of athletes competing in this race. For some, this was one of many triathlons they’ve raced in. For others, this was a first. Some of the athletes were quick and finished in amazing times, but others pressed on and used all the time available. However, the point is, they all had the same goal: to reach the finish line.

As each athlete came across the line, there were varying degrees of emotion. Several of the athletes were running in memory of a loved one and were doing the triathlon in their honor. For a few of them, coming across the finish line brought tears. For others, there was elation at having finished and for some, there was just plain relief. But for each of them, no matter their emotional journey and time, the race required preparation, training and perseverance. It required a willingness to do whatever it took to get across that finish line.

For us, as Christians, we too are called to do whatever it takes to run the race to win. Just as these athletes had to train and prepare for the race to be able to finish well, we need to train and be prepared in our Christian walk. Walking out our faith requires us to take action. It requires us to press on with diligence for something that is yet unseen. Just as the tri-athletes began the race without a finish line in sight, we too walk out our Christian life without a finish line in sight. We trust that as we persevere and continue our race, we draw closer to the finish line. 

As we run, we are striving for a twofold prize: the prize of an abundant life in Christ as we continuously walk with the Lord, and also the crown of everlasting life when we cross the final finish line and leave this earth. Our Christian walk is not always easy and requires routine training and discipline to finish the race well. We will experience varying emotions along the way; however, the prize we will receive is a priceless, eternal one…and that will be worth all the perseverance and devotion that following Christ requires.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How are you doing in your spiritual discipline?

2. Are you on course to win your spiritual race?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 12:1; 2 Timothy 4:7

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

The Anti-Proverbs 21:9 Girl

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.”

Proverbs 31:10 (The Message)

Ever read all of Proverbs 31? The woman described by King Solomon exhausts me just reading about her. I concur with the theologically sound opinion that she is likely fictional because she’s just too perfect!

However, I recently read a blog on how important it is to NOT be the Proverbs 21:9 Woman. I didn’t know that verse offhand, and I have to say that this one nailed my heart attitude because the woman in this proverb is like ME some days.  Here’s what this little treasure says in Scripture:

“Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack

than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.”

(Proverbs 21:9, The Message)

Perhaps you are chuckling, imagining Solomon in a fall-out with one of his 700 wives (1 Kings 11:3). I’m guessing he was working off of vast experience because he repeats the exact same thought AGAIN in Proverbs 25:24!

Here’s the point: There’s nothing wrong with contemplating the woman portrayed in Proverbs 31. She is faithful, generous, wise, compassionate. But a little time spent on how to NOT be the Proverbs 21:9 Woman is valuable as well. Think on this a moment:

• Are the words your loved ones most recently heard argumentative or nagging?
• If someone overheard a typical conversation in your home, would it be an example you could be proud, or at least not ashamed, of?
• Are we encouraging the younger ladies in our lives to not be “mean girls” with their friends and classmates so that they don’t grow up to be “mean wives” and “mean moms”?  (You know they’re out there…I’ve met them, too!)

So what are we to do? We replace our Proverbs 21:9 attitude with Ephesians 4:29. It says:  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” That sounds like a much better plan!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Think of times when you struggle with harsh words.  What patterns or triggers need to be removed or identified?

2.  Make yourself accountable!  The buddy system is great in holding each other accountable in the area of insensitive speech.  If a buddy isn’t available, try a personal “fine.”  Every time you find yourself crossing the line with your words, put a dollar in a jar. Send the dollars to your favorite charity.

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 21:19; Matthew 12:35-36

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.

Organized Mess

By Lexi Ellis

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

Psalm 143:10

I recently graduated from Bethel University. Besides the sweet celebrations with family, I had to move out of my apartment and back home. I needed to unpack quickly and would be re-packing for my move to our new apartment after our wedding. To prepare for all some unpacking and re-packing this summer, I spent a lot of time organizing everything before I graduated. I didn't just label boxes. I had different-sized ziplock bags- - each labeled, in piles and by categories. Everything had a specific place. And yet, as it sat in my bedroom after moving home, I thought, "What a mess." Despite all the labeled and organized bags and boxes, my floor was still covered. Despite my best efforts, it was still a mess….however organized I tried to make it.

Sometimes, I feel like life has a way of reflecting my organized mess. I label, I categorize, I try to make sense of what is going on and yet...the mess is still a mess. I think of the "mess" in my life I've tried to organize on my own - - a conflict, a busyness, a particular struggle. But the reality is that I can't do it on my own. My labeled ziplocks and organized boxes don't get rid of it; my attempt doesn't get rid of it. The fact is that the mess is still there and the floor is covered. Try as I may, I need someone to address the mess. I need a Savior - - One who is my comfort, my strength, my Reconciler. It's a choice I make to depend on Him. It's a decision to fully surrender my labeled ziplocks - - my solutions, my way and my control. It's allowing Christ to be more than just in my life, but the Lord and Ruler of my days.

Thankfully, He gives us Himself through His Spirit to guide us when we choose to follow Him. My daily choice is to surrender my control to His calling; to hand over the Sharpies and ziplocks and follow His direction for dealing with the mess through prayer, spending time in His Word, listening to His Spirit and contributing within a community of believers.

Our challenge: What will we choose today? Regardless, my organized mess was still...a mess. The boxes are unpacked now, but I am thankful for the reminder to make the choice to surrender my solutions, my control, my way and to submit to the Lord of my life.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Identify what mess you are having a hard time "surrendering" to the Lord.

2. Before the day gets busy, take time to make the choice to give it to Him.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 143

Lexi just graduated from Bethel University as an Elementary Education major and has recently returned from her honeymoon with her husband, Andrew. She serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood and a fourth grade teacher at Lake Country Christian Academy.

Next, Please
By Elin Henderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER READING:
Matthew; Mark; Luke; John

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (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.

20/20 Vision
By Susan Klein

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name…” Psalm 29:2a

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together” Psalm 34:3

“Honor Him, for He is your Lord” Psalm 45:11b

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name...” Isaiah 25:1a

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!” Revelation 19:7a

How do you see God? I believe we all have our own personal views of Him. Do you prefer to see Him as a strong father figure, or a gentle and nurturing “Papa”? Perhaps you view Him as more of a wise counselor, or even a loving friend. More often than not, we tend to see Him in light of our own personal circumstances and in ways that make us feel most comfortable. Fortunately, we worship a God who desires to meet us where we are and be to us what we need Him to be!

While none of these views are wrong in and of themselves, if we were to only see Him in ways that benefit us, we would have impaired vision. Our God is a magnificent God, worthy of the glory due His name! He laid the earth’s foundation. He holds the hearts of kings in His hands. He directs the winds and the waves of the sea. He tips over the water jars of heaven. He knows our every thought and the tiniest details of our existence!

Throughout Scripture we are called to glorify, exalt and honor Him. We may lean on the shoulders of a Papa or a friend, but we certainly don’t magnify or lift them up the way we do our Lord. While God desires to be our Comforter, our Healer, our Protector, our Counselor...He also desires to be kept in the place of glory and honor that is His and His alone! Our circumstances should not be allowed to cloud our vision, rather they should help us to focus on God’s sovereignty and magnificence.

Maintaining 20/20 vision of God requires seeing Him for all He is and lifting Him up above all else!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What circumstances might be keeping you from seeing God with clear vision?
2. Pray back Scripture to God using verses that bring glory and honor to His name, or grab a friend and exalt His name together!

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 21:1; Job 12:13-25, chapters 38 and 39

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.

Shimmering Trails
By Jen Wollner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

The Blame Game
By Susan Klein

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER READING:

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

Susan is 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.

Not-So-Random Kindness
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Galatians 5:22-23

Scripture tells us that when we become a follower of Christ, there will be obvious signs of the Holy Spirit living in us. The analogy of “fruit” is used deliberately here. For fruit to grow, a plant must be healthy and nurtured…sun, rain and environment all work together in the plant to produce a fruit. The fruit can then be given to others to provide nourishment.

One of the fruits Christ-followers are to bear is kindness. This seems basic enough on the surface. Most people would likely describe themselves as kind. Kindness in the English language is synonymous with generosity, charity, compassion or benevolence. Some of us have even participated in “Random Acts of Kindness.”

But Christian kindness is more than just individual acts or doing a good deed a day. It is a constant attitude that puts feet to our faith by reaching out to others’ needs and assists them. It is greater than politeness and good manners, or just not being mean to another person. Christian kindness feels personal to the recipient. It speaks of compassion and tender-heartedness. “Kindness is sensitive and respectful of other's feelings, considerate of their perspective, thoughtful about taking the initiative to tenderly address the welfare of another.” (1)

Kindness is a natural product of a healthy follower of Christ. Nourish someone else today…on purpose!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If someone was looking for an example of kindness, could they look to you?
2. As you dwell on the kindness aspect of the fruit of the Spirit today, look to the example Christ set for us in demonstrating kindness.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:23-24; Colossian 3:12

(1) © 1999 James A. Fowler, Christ in You Ministries

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. 

Play Dough
By Elin Henderson

“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 (NKJV)

When was the last time you sat down with some little ones and worked with play dough? Molding it, squishing it, pressing it into different shapes? Do you ever feel like that piece of play dough, being shoved into one of those forms and pressed down until you come out looking like spaghetti? Is the weight of the world on your shoulders, overwhelmingly pressing you down? Perplexed? Persecuted? Struck down? It leaves you feeling limp and worn out, used and empty.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4 that suffering can sometimes feel just like we are pieces of play dough being pressed through uncomfortable, tight molds. Yet, while suffering is a natural part of life and a part of being conformed more to His image, it isn’t fatalistic. He didn’t just leave us with “You will be pressed down, perplexed, persecuted and struck down… deal with it!” No, there is hope beyond the pain. The hand that is applying the pressure to the dough knows the limits of it!

Pressed down? Yes, but NOT CRUSHED! His goal isn’t to crush and destroy us but to mold and shape us! Perplexed? Waiting for answers that just don’t come? Waiting for God to do a work but nothing is happening? Confused as to who He is and what is going on in your life, or the lives of others around you? Perplexed yes, but NOT IN DESPAIR! In Him lies hope, and when the time is right His plans will be revealed. Have you been wrongfully accused? Feeling persecuted, maybe put down and brought low? But you are NOT FORSAKEN! He will never leave or forsake you. How about struck down? Feeling left abandoned? Maybe it is your own doing, or perhaps the doings of another? Yet, you are NOT DESTROYED! He faithfully keeps you in the palm of His hand.

This passage of Scripture answers the cries of our heart when are experiencing difficult circumstances. Let us remember the promises that accompany each painful feeling. May we be play dough in His hands!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of an area of your life where you are experiencing one of these sufferings. How do these promises encourage your heart today?
2. How can we encourage others using this passage when we see them going through “play dough” experiences?

FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 4:16-19; 2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 1:29

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.

It’s Today!
By Jeannine Sawall

“This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Monday morning dawned bright as my youngest son came bounding into our bedroom with excitement and shouted, “It’s today! It’s today!” He was having a birthday party with a few school friends and had been waiting what had seemed like forever for this day to arrive. At last, the page on the calendar had turned and it was finally “today.”

As I lay in bed for a moment longer, putting off the inevitable, I had to smile at my son’s excitement simply because today had arrived. For me, it was just another Monday, with a mile- long list of things to accomplish before the party guests arrived. I did not quite share the same level of enthusiasm he did. Yet, in that same moment, the thought ran through my mind how wonderful it would be if I could greet each day (especially Mondays!) with just a fraction of the excitement my son had expressed in greeting his “day.” How differently my days might go if I began each one eagerly anticipating what it held, instead of begrudgingly running down my to-do list.

So as I climbed out of bed, I thanked the Lord for the simple lesson He had taught me through my son’s innocent joy. The Lord has made each day and gives them to us as a gift. We get to choose our attitude; to greet “today” with gladness or glum. Some mornings I may have to work harder at rejoicing than others, yet I can purposefully set my heart on gladness. What a difference it would make to greet each day with “Today is the day the Lord has made and I will be glad.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you greet each day with an attitude of gladness? If not, ask the Lord to give you His gladness.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:4; Psalm 4:6-7; Psalm 68:3; Ecclesiastes 3:12

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.

What is His Name?
By Peggy Kleckner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Journey
By Lisa Boyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lisa has been married to Ted for 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.

Lift Your Eyes
By Karen D’Amore

“I lift my eyes to You, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God…”
Psalm 123: 1-2 

Blurry-eyed, I sheepishly relinquished myself to the dawning of the new day, as the overly engaging sun permeated my stupor. Hungry for a strong dose of Jesus, I wandered into the garden. Scanning my horizontal plane…worry, doubt and fear obscured my vision. With my focus diverted to a nearby wild turkey, I watched as he stood motionless gazing upward into a tree. Curious as to what he was watching, I too looked upward, just in time to see a nest of wide-mouth fledglings feverishly receiving nourishment from their mother. Scripture came to life as I was reminded, “Do not worry about your life…look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable then they?” (Matthew 6:25a, 26).

Viewing life on a horizontal plane, everything I saw was at eye-level…or more fittingly…“I”-level. At “I”- level I couldn’t see past unpaid bills, joblessness, and other personal needs. At “I”- level, my vision was blurred and strained by the cares of this world. With my eyes taken off of me and lifted upward, I was able to see life from a vertical perspective through the lens of God. Magnifying the promises of His Word, I found comfort in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

As Christ-followers, we are called to a relationship of dependency on God. “Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (Matthew 6: 32b, 33 NLT). Is “I”-strain impairing your vision? Lift your eyes to your Provider; you’ll be amazed at how clearly you see…from a perspective that’s Heavenly!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What grimy circumstances are smudging your lens? How can you change the direction of your focus to see clearer?
2. Look to Scripture for a godly perspective on your circumstances.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 141:8; Psalm 121:1-3; Psalm 3:3 

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.

Thirsty Vines
By Sarah Kosanke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah is a single young lady who is in school to become a registered nurse.  When she is not busy at clinical or studying for her next exam, she teaches Sunday school for the 5^th and 6^th grade girls at Oakwood Church.

Life-lesson From a Chipmunk
By Susan Klein

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
2 Corinthians 5:17 

One thing that tickles my fancy is watching the birds feed at my feeders. One thing that does not tickle me, however, is watching the chipmunks and squirrels devour all of my bird food. How dare they eat what is not meant for them! Do they know that they are not birds?!!

As I sat contentedly watching the Grosbeaks this morning, their breakfast was suddenly interrupted when a chipmunk flung his little body onto the feeder and actually crawled inside of it for a greedy little feeding frenzy. My contentment soon turned to resentment! Frustrated by this intrusion, I opened the door and went out to chase him away. My usual shouts didn’t make him flee! Blinded by his focus on the prize, I had to physically pound on the feeder to scare him out! Knowing he’d return as soon as I left, I took the feeder down and hauled it back in with me. “That’ll teach him,” I muttered.

As I returned my gaze to the shepherds crook... sure enough! There he was! He climbed to the top, looked down, and didn’t see the feeder. Turning his head side to side, he climbed half-way down and then back up again. Still no feeder. This went on for about a dozen more repetitions. His mind was so trained that there was food at the end of the crook that he had a hard time processing that it was not there. It had become automatic.

We can be like that chipmunk sometimes. We can get caught in a pattern of behavior that becomes automatic. It may not even be a desirable behavior, but it is so ingrained in our brains that we keep repeating it over and over. Perhaps it’s using a harsh response to things that irritate us, repeatedly watching a bad television show, or a self-indulgence of some sort. We keep going blindly back to it without even thinking. God tries to speak to us, but we cannot hear His voice since we are not focused on hearing Him, only on what is in front of us. Sometimes He has to rattle our cages to get our attention! Or, He may even go so far as to remove the object that has kept us from hearing Him.

As new creatures in Christ, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and focus our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)! For He is our true prize!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What indulgences or habits might you need to stop? Are you willing to ask God for help in breaking the pattern?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:22-24

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.

Just the Right Ingredient
By Jen Wollner

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith than can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-3

“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

“Oh, no! Why isn’t this working?” I said with irritation as I was preparing my dessert. I looked back to the recipe, reading it several times over, looking for my mistake. “I’ve followed it exactly. What’s the problem?” Again, I recounted my steps and couldn’t figure out what I had missed. Then it hit me. I frantically looked through the garbage for the package of one of the ingredients. Yep. That was it. You need to use instant pudding when making a trifle, not cook-and-serve pudding! Such a small thing, but it made all the difference. Without this one ingredient right, the whole thing was a flop. None of the other perfectly good ingredients could make up for the one that was missing.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that love is kind of like that, too. It’s the ingredient in our lives that brings everything else together. We can have any number of wonderful spiritual gifts, but without love, we have nothing, are nothing and gain nothing. Love is the character trait that makes all of our gifts and talents work the way they are supposed to, according to God’s design. If we are lacking in love, we are missing the very thing that makes the biggest impact in our lives and the lives of others.

Friends, as we seek to develop the unique gifts the Lord has given to us, let’s not forget, first and foremost, to be characterized by our love. A love that is patient and kind. A love that doesn’t envy or boast. A love that isn’t proud, rude, self-seeking or easily angered. A love that keeps no record of the wrongs of others. A love that doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. A love that always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.

Let’s make an intentional decision to daily demonstrate the greatest gift of God…love.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you characterized by your love? What would others around you say?
2. To whom and in what way could you show godly love today?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 John 3:16-18

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Empty Baskets
By Elin Henderson

“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.”
John 6:11 (NKJV)

This is such a familiar story to so many of us, the feeding of the 5,000 (plus). Far beyond being a simple story, it is such a beautiful picture of our relationship with our Savior and our need to go to Him for our own needs and the needs of others. The disciples were given a task beyond their capabilities. To feed a crowd of 5,000 plus is no small job! They brought their meager provisions before the Master realizing the insufficiency of them and He supplied above and beyond that which they could ask or think. It was the hands and feet of the disciples that got the bread to the needy people. Jesus was there as the provider.

Now, perhaps I am taking some spiritual and Scriptural license here, but I wonder how the disciples carried the food to the people! Obviously, 12 men could not carry enough bread and fish to feed over 5,000 hungry people. Because baskets are mentioned, I am going to assume they used those. They took what they could, went to as many people as they could and then did what? When the supply they had ran out and their baskets were empty, did they try to start fabricating more bread and fish on their own? No, I’m imagining they went back to the Master for more provisions! They knew where the source was!

Many times our Master gives us the provision to reach out to a hungry and needy world around us. Our sufficiency just isn’t enough! We can’t come up with a plan, let alone the provision to meet the need. He gives us all we need, equips and provides for us, and asks us to be His hands and feet to go and meet the needs of others. But, like the Israelites in the wilderness gathering just enough manna for that day (any more would have just gone bad), our Master gives us just what we need for that day and asks us to come to Him when that runs out. Like the disciples, may we take our empty baskets to the Master and ask Him to fill them and equip us for reaching out to the lost world in which we live and work. And, when our manna runs out, may we immediately return to the source, stock up and set out again!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What task has the Lord laid on your heart? In what ways has He asked you to be His hands and feet? Where are you going for the provision for that task?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:19; Colossians 1:29

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.

Intentional Joy
By Susan Klein

"Joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5b (KJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Have you ever gone to bed with the weight of the world on your shoulders? Makes it kind of hard to get up and get going the next morning, doesn’t it? I tend to want to pull the covers over my head and hibernate! Make no mistake: Trials and circumstances will most certainly come and try to rob us of our joy. That is when we must become intentional about joy.

When my daughter was born, I loved the meaning of the name “Abigail,” which is “my Father’s joy.” I didn’t particularly care for the name itself though, since it conjured up images of little old ladies in wheelchairs that I used to care for in a nursing home! So, we opted to name our tiny baby, “Abie Joy,” instead. I adore the fact that Scripture says God delights in us, or He takes joy in us. And not necessarily because of what we do, but just because He created us and we exist. We are His joy! As a baby, Abie brought me joy just by “being.” She didn’t have to do anything in particular. In fact, there was no joy in the circumstances surrounding her long and painful delivery. There was no joy in her fussing and her refusal to let anyone but me feed her for the first whole year of her life! But, as I sat and held her in my arms, I took joy in the little “her” that she was, and in the knowing that she’d be mine for as long as God allowed.

When circumstances get you down or when your day begins with a mile-long list of things you’ll never get done, take a moment to focus on true joy. Take joy in the King who has taken joy in you! Take joy in breath, and life, and your position in Christ! Take joy in eternal life, or the Holy Spirit within you, or just the mere freedom to choose to be joyful. Let God be the source of your joy rather than letting your circumstances rob you of it!

Then, the next time you feel the urge to stay in bed and hide from the world, rub the sleep from your eyes, put your cares in their proper place, and make an intentional choice to have joy!

And before your feet hit the floor, relish the fact that God is taking joy in you at that very same moment!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What is usually the first thing you focus on when you awake in the morning?
2. Make a habit of professing joy, whether in thought or aloud, before you get out of bed. See if it makes a difference in your day!

FURTHER READING:
The book of Psalms

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.

Freedom

By Tracy Smith

“So, if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

John 8:36 (NLT)

Bravery, strength, struggle, liberty, freedom. Those are words I think of when I think of the July 4^th holiday. July 4, 1776, Independence Day - - the day our country declared our independence from England. It sounds so simple, so easy. It wasn’t. It took a war to win our independence and war is never easy. Driving down the road the other day, I heard the song “Arlington” by Trace Adkins. This song is sung from the perspective of a young soldier who was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery after giving his life for our country. As he reflects on his life, he sings these words:

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight,
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,
And when we finally found that cross,
He said, "Son, this is what it cost to keep us free." [1]

We celebrate our freedom as a country on July 4^th. Our forefathers had a vision, and in order to create the country they wanted, they needed to be free from England and the constraints they wanted to put on us. We celebrate because we won that freedom, but it is also solemn because that freedom cost lives. Men stood up and said that their freedom (and the future freedom for their families) was worth whatever price they may have to pay, and they backed up that belief with action. The crosses at Arlington symbolize what it takes to keep us free - - the lives of those who fought and ultimately died.

But oh, how the words to that song have another meaning. “And when we finally found that cross, he said, “Son, this is what it cost to keep us free.”  There is another Cross that symbolizes what it cost for us to be free. Free from the bondage of sin. Free from trying to earn our way to heaven. Freedom from the heartbreak of knowing we could never do or be enough to earn that way. That Cross is the Cross of Calvary. That Cross symbolizes that we have a God who loved us enough to send His Son to this earth to die to make us free.

As we celebrate this July 4^th, let us be thankful for the freedom we have living in the United States and  the freedom we have in Christ.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you know someone who has served or is serving in our country’s military? If so, look for an opportunity to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for our country.

2. Spend some time in prayer, thanking our Lord for the sacrifice of His Son for our freedom.

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:2; Galatians 1:3-5, 5:1

[1] Adkins, Trace. “Arlington.” Songs About Me, Liberty Records, 2005.

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.

Greater Love
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God…”
1 John 4:7

Vesta Burgess was a mother. She gave birth to eight children and loved them each deeply. The seventh child was born severely physically and mentally disabled. This child never talked, never crawled, never walked. Each day of this child’s 14 years, Vesta fed her, cleaned her, spoke to her, and prayed for her. While many only saw this child as a burden, and in fact, pushed Vesta to institutionalize her daughter, Vesta saw only a gift from God that she was to nurture. What great love!

Mr. McKay was an elderly man who believed in helping impoverished students to achieve their college dreams. A man of means, he would allow young men to live in his home near campus rent-free in exchange for household chores. Even upon his death, his will stipulated that first his assets were to be used to help any students currently living with him to obtain student housing for the balance of the school year. What great love!

Mike’s* wife is leaving him. Oh, she’s still in the house, but she has been diagnosed with dementia. Daily he sees changes in the woman he loves. Her physical prognosis is good, but her mind is wasting away. He is determined to care for her, despite the emotional and financial challenges facing them for many years to come. What great love!

Jesus commanded us to love sacrificially. We may not have to face dying in the place of someone else, as He did for us, but each of us is charged to lay down our lives…put others first…make another person’s needs a priority. You may not have a loved one that needs physical care. You may not be able to spend a lot of money. Sacrificial love doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be listening, encouraging, or lending a hand.

By the way, my father was the last student who stayed with Mr. McKay. Without the free room, Dad could not have gone to college. Vesta Burgess was my grandmother and I was blessed to have been loved by her, too.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a way today to show someone a little love beyond what you might normally do. And then do it! Some ideas: sending a note, giving a caretaker or young mom a break, or calling a friend with whom you’ve lost touch.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:8; John 15:12-13

*Name changed for privacy

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.