Newer Isn’t Always Better

By Susan Klein

“Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard!” 

Acts 20:30-31a

In our world today, people and companies are always trying to improve on their products or services. Cars that are more fuel efficient, computers that have more power and memory, and mini-medical clinics at the mall are just a few examples of the ever-improving society we live in. While the latest and greatest are often in high demand, in some instances, newer isn’t better. Not everything was meant to be improved upon, though many still try. One thing that should remain unchangeable is God’s Holy Word. Proverbs 30:5 tells us that “every word of God is flawless.” If flawless, how can it be improved upon?

The early Church had to deal with this very issue. Paul had warned the Ephesian Church that plenty of people would come along proclaiming a newer and better, more relevant doctrine than the one Paul preached. People would come with distorted truth, trying to win them over with their contemporary teachings just to gain a following. But the Ephesians were wise; they didn’t fall for the worldly gimmicks. And neither should we.

Jesus instructs us to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves as we are like sheep among the wolves (Matthew 10:16). Unfortunately, not much has changed in the last two thousand years. People proclaiming newer and better theology is a still a problem today. You can always find someone who has discovered a “better interpretation” or a “fresh new perspective,” often distorting the truth for personal gain. We, too, must heed Paul’s warning.

In the book of Revelation, we see Jesus commending the Ephesians for not running after every new fad of teaching and for having the discernment to recognize the truth. He acknowledges their hard work and perseverance.  Unfortunately though, as He then points out, they have forsaken their first love. They have been so busy doing their “good works” that they have forgotten their love for their Savior.

Why are we so easily tempted by the modern technologies and philosophies of our day? In our pursuit of “newer and better,” have we forgotten our first love? Ladies, don’t be fooled by all the hype, or by those who would distort the truth. Cling to the tried and trusted teachings of old. Test every new claim against God’s flawless Word. Remember, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. And that is a promise you can’t improve upon!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you clinging to the things you know to be true, or have you succumbed to the lure of a passing fad?

2. Is Jesus still your first love?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 32:6-8; Hebrews 13: 7-9a; Colossians 2:8

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

LIFT ME UP!
By Peggy Kleckner

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

I am feeling overwhelmed! So many emotions swirling that I just want to weep and yet not sure exactly what I would be weeping about. I sat down this morning and just pictured myself raising my hands to my Abba Father and saying, “UP!” Like a little girl who is overtired, worn out and perhaps frightened, I just want my Daddy to pick me up and carry me in His strong arms! When you’re a little girl, everything seems to look BIG. People seem to crowd you in, you lack understanding, you tire easily and you wear your emotions openly. Oh, to have faith as a child! “Daddy, pick me up!”

When I am ready to admit that I don’t have the answers and that I don’t know the way, then I am ready to surrender to the God who cares for me, my Abba Father. Oh, what joy to know that I can cast all of my anxiety on Him, because He truly cares for me. God wants to hear my sadness over the death of my dog. He cares that my friend’s sister passed away and it not only made me sad for her, but it reminded me of the loss of my own sister. He cares that another friend is adjusting to a life that she didn’t plan on. He cares that my son is moving back home. He understands that changes, even good changes, rock my boat, at least for a while. He cares that I am joyful that my mom’s visit was delightful, but that I am also sad that I had to let her leave again.

He cares, He cares, He cares…and ever so slowly I feel His arms surround me and suddenly I am lifted up and carried. I am comforted in His embrace. Looking down from the cradle of His strong arms, my cares now seem much smaller.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What emotions are you running from? Are you willing to stop, admit to them and surrender them to the One who cares for you?
2. Stop and picture yourself snuggled against the shoulder of a strong and loving Father, rest there a while.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 61:1-3; Mark 10:13-16

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.

Nobody Cares

By Lisa Boyer

“Your word is truth”

John 17:17b

I had been obsessing about how I looked. Not that I’m terribly vain, but a medical condition was affecting my shape and hiding it was becoming more and more difficult. Then it hit me…nobody cares.

Nobody cares about how I look and realizing it was such a relief. Any time I started to worry about how I looked I just repeated “nobody cares” to myself.  But before long, I found myself repeating “nobody cares” about more than just how I looked and not long after that, I began believing nobody cares. I hadn’t even noticed the transition from “nobody cares about how I look” to “nobody cares at all.” 

I had been foolish to let such a simple thought imbed itself so deeply in my mind, but realizing my foolishness wasn’t going to be enough to undo the damage. I had a habit of thinking “nobody cares” and I needed a different thought to create a new habit.

As I considered what I had been thinking and what I should be thinking, part of a Bible verse came to mind…“think on these things.” It would have been more helpful if the whole verse had come to mind, but I had to look up the rest. A quick search of “think on these things” in Google got me to Philippians 4:8 which says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - - think about such things.”

So that was the list of criteria a thought needed to have before it should stay in my head. But thinking whatever is true can be kind of tricky when you’ve been believing a lie like “nobody cares.” Back to the Bible I went…1 Peter 5:7 says “He cares for you” referring to God. Ok, well, I was thinking of “nobody” as people, but God’s caring also disproves the idea that “nobody cares.” If I am to think true things, “nobody cares” is not allowed in my head.

What a process… all because I was playing some sort of mind game to make myself feel better about how I looked. Wow. Next time, I’ll try dealing with the situation in a more practical way. 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you struggling with a negative thought habit? Today, will you go to God’s Word to find the truth?

FURTHER READING:

1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:25

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, serves with the 5th & 6th graders on Sunday morning at Oakwood, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

Put Down the Knife
By Carolyn Hulliberger

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Ephesians 4:1-6

Have you ever heard the expression, “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face”? It is a term meant to describe a needlessly self-destructive reaction to a problem or frustration. The reaction does more damage to yourself than the source of your anger.

This phrase came to my mind recently in response to author Anne Rice’s renunciation of the Church. In 2004 when Ms. Rice announced her alignment with Christianity, there was much hoopla made over her high-profile conversion. This summer, she again made headlines by announcing that, “Today I quit being a Christian. I’m out.” She was clear that she still believes in and loves Jesus Christ, just not His Church. I could not help but wonder what Jesus thought of her announcement.

I don’t know what experiences led Anne Rice to this conclusion, but I do know that she is not the only one to ever feel this way. Jesus gave the Church to His people. Unfortunately, people make up the Church. Flawed, imperfect, people of varieties of backgrounds and convictions. People with baggage, with hurts, people that have the best of intentions, people with the worst of motives. People that “get it,” and people that don’t. People that mistakenly believe rules can replace relationship with the Savior. And Christ went to the Cross for us all.

Cutting off association with Christ’s Church leaves His followers vulnerable. It removes the call to accountability with other believers. It leaves us open to false teachers. We lose the opportunity to support others within the Church, and for them to support us in return. It rejects the instruction for us to use the specific gifts we were created with to work together to bring the Message to others until Christ’s return.

Colossians 1:18 says that Christ is the Head, and the Church is the body. So is it possible to separate them? To do so would be like…cutting off your nose to spite your face.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you see people getting in the way of the Church? Pray for how God could use you to move His Church closer to Him.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:12-16

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. 

Swept Away
By Jen Wollner

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…”
Luke 1:31-32

“I’m already overwhelmed with Christmas and we aren’t even to Thanksgiving yet!” I complained to my husband last week. My goal this year was to get a jump on things so that I didn’t get too stressed in the last-minute rush. Well, it didn’t work! All I’ve done is extend the timeframe in which I feel the pressure of the Christmas season. The planning, shopping, lists, food, parties…all needing to be accomplished amidst kids, laundry, ministry commitments, friendships and more! With everything that’s on my plate these days, I feel like I’m being washed out to sea by the waves of a tsunami.

If your schedule and responsibilities are anything like mine, you, too, may be caught up in the whirlwind of the season. But, as I make my lists and check them twice, it occurs to me that I’ve forgotten something. How could this be? I thought I was so careful and organized, but, well, it happened. In the middle of the hubbub of Christmas, I’ve forgotten the Reason for the celebration…you, too?

The circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus are utterly amazing! How could we let ourselves forget the virgin, the angels, the shepherds, the star…the promise of a long-awaited Messiah…the tiny baby in a lowly manger? Oh, how I desire to be swept away in the wonder of that event instead of weighted down by the tasks of this month. I long to experience the joy of the good news of Christ instead of the empty materialism of the holiday. I’m desperate to regain control over the chaos of this time of year by trading my endless lists for His matchless grace and limitless love. Glory to God in the highest!

As we attend to the “tyranny of the urgent” this Christmas, let’s also vow to take the time to still our minds and hearts, allowing ourselves to be wholly swept away by the love our God showered on us the night He delivered His Son, our Savior.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which of the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth amaze you the most? Why?
2. What steps can you implement to ensure your focus this month is on the Reason for the season instead of just the season itself?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20

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.

Setting Terms Are We?
By Elin Henderson

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

I was watching a movie recently and an admiral in the Navy was giving instructions to his captain. The captain then retorted with some ideas of His own and the admiral said, “Setting terms are we?” The captain replied, “No, just respectfully requesting.”

Whether we call it “setting terms” or “respectfully requesting,” we are all guilty of doing just that with the Lord. We give Him certain areas of our lives and hold others back. We say, “I am gifted in this way, so feel free to use me there, Lord, but you can just forget about nursery detail! I am not about to do that!”

What causes us to constantly set terms with Him instead of giving Him our all? Fear would probably be near the top of the list. We fear what it could mean for us if we fully surrender. What if He really would put us in the nursery? What if He really would call us into full-time ministry? What if He really would have us deal with a past fallen relationship? Secondly, our pride gets in the way. We simply think we know better than the Lord regarding what we can and cannot do.

By setting these terms, we limit our availability and usability to the Lord. And, in this struggle comes unrest as we willfully hold back areas in our lives from Him. But the just live by faith! Faith says that even though we don’t understand and can’t see the outcome, we are willing to trust. It’s in that trust we find rest. We think we know our limitations, but truly our Creator is the only One who is most intimately in tune with our capabilities and capacities. Will not His grace be sufficient even when it seems our abilities or limits are not enough?

The Lord is constantly desiring to use us more, extending and enlarging our territories and stretching us to be more like Him. Take the leap of faith and say, “Lord, no terms attached, I am available!” No matter what He calls you to do, you can find peace in knowing your Maker will provide all you need to fulfill the task. Give yourself wholly, a living sacrifice, to Him to be used as He sees fit!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there anything in your life that the Lord has asked you to do that you’ve refused? Surrender it to Him today, acting in obedience and trust.

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 3:5, 12:9; Deuteronomy 15:8; 1 Chronicles 4:10; Romans 1:17

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.

Giving Thanks

By Peggy Kleckner

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”  

Psalm 100:4

I have spent some time of late pondering the words “come and worship.” They were printed on an invitation to a women’s Christmas luncheon at our church and have just stayed with me over the last several weeks.  “Come” is certainly an all-inclusive invitation word, but what of “worship”? Is it just singing? Is it music? Is it being quiet or being alone? I think it’s actually more an act of bowing my heart to God’s headship - - to His right to sit on the throne of my life as King.  Yet not only bowing to His authority, but also fully accepting and receiving His great love for me, and then willingly loving Him back.

Today, I was reading an article that was speaking of the birth of Christ. How “imperfect” that birth looked to us. No room at the inn, a stable, no family nearby. That imperfection was part of God’s sovereign plan. It was His right to choose the setting. Into that very “imperfect” situation, God placed His greatest gift and He sent out the invitation to “come and worship.” He called all men to step away from their work, their worry, their hurry and find their answer in Him alone.

As we head into the Christmas season, how appropriate that we are first called to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving. Our thanksgiving ushers us through His gates and into His courts to worship and to bow our hearts to His headship and His great love - - as our Redeemer, our King.  Since most of the world does not know Him, is it any wonder that they run over this holiday and head straight to Christmas? As believers, shouldn’t we be setting our hearts first to thanksgiving? We have already received the gift of His Son, our redemption.

That first Christmas had the setting of rush and throng as well, and into its midst, God sent His peace, His gift to all mankind. May we use this day of thanksgiving to ready our hearts for true worship; let us live lives of gratitude. He abides in us and with us. Oh, that we would look and act noticeably different both at our Thanksgiving tables and then along the path to Christmas Day.

Today, let us bow our hearts - - grace-filled hearts of thanksgiving - - and worship our King…preparing Him room to display His peace through our imperfect lives.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What “imperfect” situation is keeping you from thanksgiving?

2.  Where is He calling you to display His peace?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 51:15-17; Psalm 5:11-12; Romans 11:33-36

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.

Follow the Leader
By Jen Wollner

“…I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go…”
Psalm 143:8

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of us have “turkey” on the brain. Well, at our house, we also have a few in our backyard! One day I noticed a small group just outside my window, so I stopped to watch as they peacefully wandered around, picking at the grass for food. Almost immediately, I took note that one of the turkeys wasn’t like the others. She stood out because she was slightly bigger and she didn’t have her head down looking for food—she was standing tall, slowly gazing in every direction, keeping a close eye on the other turkeys. I soon deduced that she must be the mommy turkey!

After the little turkeys had gotten their fill, they headed in the direction of some tall grasses that separate my property from my neighbor’s. Suddenly, they all stopped. They were waiting for their mommy! They stood at the edge of the grass, looking for her signal. After many minutes, when she was sure it was safe, the mother turkey entered the grass first, with all the little ones following behind. They didn’t stray as far as they had in the short grass and they didn’t have their heads down the entire time. They stayed close to her, constantly looking up to see where she was going. At last they got to my neighbor’s lawn on the other side, and they went back to their carefree grazing.

It might sound crazy, but I believe that our Heavenly Father is a lot like a mother turkey! When our life is calm, we might not pay much attention to Him, but He’s always there, just a few steps away, gently guiding us and staying alert to danger. And, when our lives turn upside down, He, again, leads us, until we make it through the valley and come out safe and sound on the other side. I wonder, though, do you and I respond to our Heavenly Father the way the young turkeys did with their mother? Do we trust Him to protect us and guide us, in good times and bad? Are we always aware of His presence and do we constantly seek Him for direction, whether our path is smooth or rough?

As I walked away from the window, I couldn’t help but think: How did this mother turkey know where to go and how to protect her children? And then it hit me—she was simply following her Leader.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What situation in your life do you need to follow the Lord more closely and trust Him more fully to take care of you?
2. What steps can you take to make sure you keep your eyes on Him?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 23; 2 Thessalonians 3:3

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.

Humbly at His Feet

By Susan Klein

"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him - - and he was a Samaritan."

 Luke 17:15-16

The story of the ten healed lepers. I get mixed emotions every time I read it. It’s a wonderful reminder of being “flat-on-your-face” thankful, yet it is also about the nine who weren’t. I fear that I tend to be like the nine way too often.

In the story, Jesus was traveling along the border between Jerusalem and Samaria. As He entered a village, ten men who had leprosy met Him. They voiced their faith in His healing power by their words, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” But Jesus chose to heal them in a way other than what they had anticipated. He sent them on their way to the priests. I imagine there was a bit of grumbling as they walked in the other direction. “Really, He’s not going to heal us? He’s not going to touch us, or have us wash in the river, or pronounce us clean? What can the priests do that He can’t?” It wasn’t until they were off at a distance, but before they encountered the priests, that their skin became like that of a baby. Only one of them, the Samaritan, came back to show his gratitude to Jesus. So, where did the other nine go?

Who do we run to when we have good news to share? When God does something amazing in our lives, or even something not quite in the amazing category, we all have somebody we can’t wait to share it with. And, with good intentions, we even give Him the glory as we recount our story. But, do we first  stop to “praise Him in a loud voice,” or “throw ourselves at His feet” in thankfulness? Though we may not be intentionally ungrateful, we might be forgetting the most important step in sharing our thankfulness.

Dear ones, we have so much to be thankful for. Like the Samaritan, we have been made clean! We share in the glorious inheritance of the saints if we have put our trust in Jesus. In our joy and gratitude for all He has done in, and through, and around us, let us not forget to first praise the One who has blessed us, to get on our knees or face before Him and in a loud voice genuinely proclaim, “Thank you!”

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what new and creative ways can you express your thanks to God?

2. How can you challenge yourself to “grow in gratefulness”?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 9:11; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

The Lifelong Habit

By Lexi Ellis

 “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”

Philippians 3:8

We were about to graduate, move out of our apartment, each get married within months of each other… needless to say, life was a little hectic. So my roommates and I decided we’d take a day off and have dinner at a 1950’s diner. We each ordered huge milkshakes and a burger and fries. Our milkshakes and their tin cans came out first. The milkshakes looked so good, we decided we’d eat “dessert” first, so we quietly prayed together. As we happily enjoyed our milkshakes, a man was leaving with his son. Passing our table, he stopped, put his hand on the table and said, “Great way to start your meal, ladies” and walked away. My precious friend made this face of disgust after he left, “Well, excuse me if we want to eat our milkshakes before dinner!” My other roommate and I looked at her and laughed. “Pretty sure he was talking about us praying, Alicia!” To her, taking time to talk to God was simply what she does before she eats.

Researchers at University College London recently announced that habits aren’t  formed by isolated, repetitive actions. There’s no rule to forming a habit; there’s no “do it 7 times…12 times…28 times….”(1) To be honest, that’s a relief. I’ve read Scripture most of my life, and I still struggle to slow down my pace to spend time with God. I’ve tried to make active prayer an automatic habit and yet, it’s a decision I need to choose all over again daily.

But maybe that’s the secret. Maybe if aspects of our relationship with God became too rote, it wouldn’t be relationship. What I loved about my roommate’s innocent response was that it revealed she’s continually choosing the relationship…so much so, she hardly noticed it may be uncommon to pray before a meal in a public place. Her response hadn’t become a habit just because she’s prayed multiple times at a restaurant before…it had become a habit because she’s actively pursing a relationship with her Savior.

Our culture loves quick-fixes; we love finding a rote solution that will lead to being done with work. But Oswald Chambers wrote, “It is a joy to Jesus when a person takes time to walk more intimately with Him. The bearing of fruit is always shown in Scripture to be a visual result of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.” Our relationship with Christ - - and being in the habit of delighting in His Word, actively praying and living out His message - - comes out of an intimate relationship with our God. It requires a lifelong building of those habits.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What should you do to continue building the habit of an active relationship with Christ?

FURTHER READING:

John 15:9-17

(1) http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/10/change-your-life-habit-28-day-rule

http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/hbrc/2012/06/29/busting-the-21-days-habit-formation-myth/

Lexi recently married Andrew, serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood, and is a fourth grade teacher at Lake Country Christian Academy.

Be Strong and Courageous

By Susan Klein

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

As the Israelites were getting ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, Moses handed the lead over to Joshua, exhorting him to “be strong and courageous,” explaining that God would go before Him to prepare the way. (Ironic, coming from a man who had once himself been fearful of leading God’s people.) After Moses dies, we see God utter the same words to Joshua, not once, but three times.

“Be strong and courageous.”

God knows when we are about to face a fearful situation. He has equipped us with every human emotion, and knows when we are experiencing each of them. Sometimes, He asks us to go beyond our feeling of fear and faithfully exhibit trust in Him by being courageous. This seems to happen especially when the situation seems dire or doesn’t make any human sense. However, He is preparing the way and will walk ahead or alongside of us through the scary situation. We just need to obey.

In the movie, The Help,  Preacher Green delivers a powerful message as he speaks of Abileen’s courage.  She is a domestic helper, willing to risk retaliation and persecution for sharing the truths of her mistreatment, as well as encouraging others to do the same. He states, “Courage is not just about being brave. Courage is daring to do what’s right in spite of the weakness of our flesh.  And God tells us, compels us, commands us to love. The love as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, is to be prepared to put yourself in harm’s way for your fellow man, your brother, your sister, neighbor and enemy. If you can love your enemy, you already have the victory.” Later on in the movie, Skeeter - - who is taking the risk of writing a book exposing how “the help” are being mistreated - -  has a profound impact on her mother, who had  previously refused to stand up for the rights of a servant of her own. She tells her daughter, “Courage sometimes skips a generation. Thank you for bringing it back to our family.”

The obedient act of courage can be seen when we love our enemies, when we stand up for the rights of others with no regard for our own consequences, or when we just plain old do what’s right in spite of the weakness of our flesh. It’s okay to “feel” scared inside, as long as we choose to externally display our faith and trust in the One who calls us to be strong and courageous.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What circumstances evoke the emotion of “fear” in your life?

2. How might you seek God’s help in obeying His call to courageous living?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 12:2; Philippians 1:27-28

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

Blessings in the Back

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:5

“Well, Lord, I got here…late. I think that’s the best I can do today,” I thought, dropping into the chair toward the back of the church. Emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me. I started my God-conversation in my head as I settled in, dumping on Him about all the issues going on in my life. It seemed there were just too many demands, and too little of me lately.

From my vantage point in the back, I stopped long enough to take a look around - - and was stunned at the blessings of God represented in the families around me. There were newborn babies; multiple generations of family worshiping together; cancer survivors; teens sitting together - - not alone; accident victims recovering; children brought to their forever families through adoption. I saw others in the midst of struggles…how God was providing tangible help during joblessness, counseling to struggling relationships, friendships to the lonely and hurting. 

“See, I am doing a new thing!

          Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

          And streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

Looking back, I think I was meant to be late to church that morning for a specific divine appointment that could not be held in my normal center-of-the-room seat. That morning, I could see some of the new things  that God was working on. And in focusing on what He was doing for others whose stories I knew, I could feel assured that He was also doing the same for me…even if I did not perceive it.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  There are 30 days in November.  Can you list 30 “new things”  you see God doing for you or others you know?

2.  Try sitting in the back of your church service, and let God remind you of His faithfulness.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 42:9; Psalm 36:5

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.

Road Rage and Loving Others
By Lexi Cole

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
John 13:34

A few years ago, my mom was really nervous about my driving alone to visit a friend in Illinois. So there I was, driving along Roosevelt Avenue, almost to my destination, trying to figure out what she was so worried about, and feeling very proud of myself. Yes, I battled insane construction, annoying tolls, and mean Illinois drivers who don’t use their blinkers, but I was practically there. I came to a red light and noticed a guy to my right wanting to pull into my lane, but no one would let him in. I did. He waved; I waved back. Less than two minutes later, a woman in a minivan pulled out in front of him. It wasn’t all that risky; he barely had to tap on his brakes. But, he obnoxiously blared his horn and tailed this minivan until I turned onto a different road. While it had nothing to do with me, I was furious! What kind of jerk was this guy anyway? Here, I had been gracious to him, and yet two minutes later, the man couldn’t even let a minivan (a.k.a. “classic mom-car”) into his lane.

Then, I realized something (besides that I might have road rage). That’s exactly how we are with God. He saves us and a couple of minutes later, we’re too busy to invest in someone else’s life. He takes the time to listen to our every prayer, and the following day we forget to pray for someone else’s problem, pain or struggle. He loves us unconditionally, and the next week we disregard being intentional about loving others. I think it’s easy for Christians to accidentally see God as a no-fee ATM machine. We go to Him with our problem, enter our PIN, grab the solution, and then go without a second thought. That’s not a relationship, it’s a transaction.

We are called to be like Jesus to others because “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). My response to that guy just showed how unlike God I am…and maybe how silly my reaction is to such little things. We have been loved by a great God and commanded to love others. I’m working on not forgetting that command when, two minutes later, I have the chance to love as Christ does. To have Him live His life of love through me.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Any chance you’ve used God as a no-fee ATM machine recently? Ask for His forgiveness, and intentionally focus on your love relationship with Him today.
2. To whom can you show and tell Jesus’ love today?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 18:21-35; I Corinthians 13

Lexi has recently returned from her honeymoon with her husband, Andrew. She serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood and is a fourth grade teacher at Lake Country Christian Academy.

Are You Thrilled?

Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)
  
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

Father, I thank You today for_____________________________.


to sing praises to the Most High.

Here’s my song for You today: ___________________________________.


It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,

Whom shall I tell today about how You’ve loved me? __________________________.


your faithfulness in the evening,

I recall that time you were so faithful to me: _____________________________.


accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

I don’t play the harp or the lyre, but I can use my _______________________ to honor You today.


You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!

What really overwhelms me about Your kindness is___________________________.


I sing for joy because of what you have done.

May the way I live be a life-song of joy to You today.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Start a running list of that for which you’re thankful to our God. Consider adding to it daily!
2. How are you training gratitude in your home?

FOR FURTHER READING:
Psalm 100

Advice to the Top Dog
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Have I (the LORD) not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

“…Only be strong and courageous!”
Joshua 1:18

Being in charge is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Sure, from the outside, getting to be “top dog,” “head honcho,” “big shot,” “boss” or “Mom” looks pretty attractive. The person in charge gets to be the most informed, make decisions, tell others what to do, and grab all the glory after everything works out alright.

OR…

If you are the leader, you get to do research, ask questions, weigh your options, make decisions, hope that others will do as you instruct, and take all the fall-out if the decisions you make do not work the way you envisioned.

Being in charge is not for the faint of heart. We see this in the life of Joshua, the Old Testament leader of the Israelites.

Joshua took over the leadership of the Israelites after Moses died. He was tasked to safely lead what appears to be around two million people into the Promised Land. The mountain of responsibility this entailed was tremendous. But God knew that, and as He spoke to Joshua directly, three times God says, “Be strong and courageous.” I don’t know about you, but if God said something directly to my ear just once, it must be pretty important, let alone three times!

Joshua follows God’s instructions, preparing himself and the Israelites for the fight that awaits them. He explains the plan and gives the orders. The leaders of the tribes then answer Joshua: They will obey. They will see that there are consequences for individuals that do not obey. And…here’s the best part…they tell Joshua, “Only be strong and courageous!” There is no indication that these men knew the details of what God had told Joshua. These men only desired one thing…that the leader LEAD! These men did not want Joshua to direct them from a place of indecision, uncertainty or fear. They were putting their trust in Joshua, as God’s appointed leader, and confirmed God’s direction to Joshua.

Today, you might have your own mountain of responsibility before you. Remember that those you are leading want you to “only be strong and courageous,” too!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about where you are called to demonstrate leadership. Pray for God’s guidance on how to “be strong and courageous” in those settings.
2. Encourage a leader in your life today.

FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 31:7-8

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. 

Experience Cards
By Elin Henderson

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth.”
Galatians 3:1a (NKJV)

Sometimes, life is like the game Monopoly. You buy, you sell, you win, you lose. You look forward to those “experience card” spaces where the unknown waits for you! What new experience will I get? “Straight to jail, do NOT pass go, do NOT collect $200”? Or “Win a free ride on the Reading Railroad”? Our lives are built around experiences. We are an experience-driven people!

Yet, there is a separate and essential component to our Monopoly experience cards called “TRUTH.” Experience and Truth are two factors on a precarious balance. Experience without truth can be misleading. Truth without experience can be empty and meaningless. From a human perspective, which is easier to measure? Our natural default is always Experience. We can see it and feel it. Truth can be abstract and distant, difficult to discern. The balance is then set with Experience as the Judge, and Truth as being judged by it.

But we, as believers, live by a different standard, a balance on which the reverse is true. Truth is the essential factor by which we weigh all of life’s experiences. Truth in the unchanging form of God’s Word, revealed by God’s Spirit to our human hearts and minds, influencing our actions and behavior! While experiences can change from person to person, truth remains the same. “God is the same yesterday, today and further” and He is, after all, “the way the TRUTH and the life.”

He often does use experiences to reveal truth to us and to help us grow. The key is to get to know Him as the Truth, and His Word as the revelation of that Truth. Then, our scales will be able to properly discern the different experiences that we encounter.

In the second and third chapters of Galatians, Paul gets after the Galatian believers and asking them pointedly: Who has fooled you? You are hung up on experiences but have forgotten the Truth. They had lost sight of the truth of the gospel (2:14) by looking to experiences (in this case, circumcision and outward conformity or, in other words, “experiences”). Let’s not follow in their footsteps and become so experience-focused that our scales become skewed.

The next time life deals you a unique “experience card,” pick it up without fear and measure it against the truth of the Person and Word of God and see what He has in store for you!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What recent experiences do you need to throw onto the balance of truth?
2. How well do you know the “TRUTH” side of the scale? How can you better apply yourself to the study of His Person and His Word?

FURTHER READING:
III John 4; I John 5:6; I John 2:21; II Timothy 2:15

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.

Doubting John
By Lisa Boyer

Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
John 1:32-34

John the Baptist had seen and heard the most amazing things! When he baptized Jesus, he witnessed the Spirit coming down from heaven as a dove, and in Matthew 3:17 the Bible tells us he heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."

But in spite of hearing God’s voice declare that Jesus was the Son of God, John doubted while he was in prison. In Luke 7:20 we read, “When the men came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"

It seems that when times get tough, doubt tends to creep into our hearts and minds, and John was no exception. Yet in the midst of doubt, John still knew where to find the answer… Jesus Himself.

And what an answer Jesus gave! “So he (Jesus) replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor’” Luke 7:22.

Jesus didn’t criticize, get angry or belittle John for doubting. He lovingly pointed John back to the evidence which made it obvious… Jesus was in fact the One.

You and I may not doubt that Jesus is the One, but we still have a tendency to doubt things we should know. We should know that we’re forgiven… we should know that God loves us… we should know where we’ll spend eternity… we should know that He’ll walk with us through anything that happens… we should know that we can trust Him, and yet we doubt.

Thankfully, we too can go back to Jesus where He lovingly provides the answers in His Word.

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you’re struggling with doubt, will you go back to Jesus and His Word today?
2. If you don’t feel you are in a place to go back to Jesus alone, will you ask a friend to come alongside you?

FURTHER READING:
Jude 1:22; Romans 8:38-39; Titus 3:4-5

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.

“It Is What It Is” For A Reason
By Susan Klein

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

In today’s culture, there is turmoil at every corner. We see it daily in the lives of others and we all experience it on a personal level. Open up God’s Word and you’ll find trials and turmoil in just about every book. For many, seeking an escape from their trials can become a never-ending pursuit.

Could it be that God intends for that trial to be present? Paul says in Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you...” He suffered persecution in order that God’s message would be delivered to the Gentiles. His goal was not to avoid the persecution or find a way out of it, but to be used by God in the midst of it. He trusted that God was with Him in the persecution since God had called him to this work in the first place. And He never promised it would be easy going!

In Acts chapter 5, the apostles, after preaching the Good News and healing many, were brought before the Sanhedrin and flogged for their actions. Verse 41 says they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). They didn’t flee, but pressed on.

Daniel did not try to find a way out of the lion’s den, rather he focused on his God who had allowed him to be thrown into the den even after being obedient. And what a mighty work God did in the king’s heart after he found out that God had saved Daniel from death! God had a purpose, and His presence was with Daniel the whole time.

Our goal, as Christ-followers, should not be to live a struggle-free life, but to see God and rely on Him in the midst of the struggle. He allows every trial for a reason, whether it makes sense to us or not. And He promises to give us peace, though that peace is not exempt from struggle, it is in the midst of it. His promise is to be with us in the trial, not to always spare us from the trial. And, if we can remember to focus on Him, not on an escape, we will find His perfect strength and His perfect peace.

GOING DEEPER:
1. When in the midst of a struggle, can you grasp that God is with you and has you there for a reason?
2. Will you make it your goal to look for God, rather than look for a “way out”?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:5-7; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.