Take Off the Mask
By Elizabeth Cole

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed how many of the superheroes put on masks when it’s time to do their “superhero jobs”? Maybe you haven’t meditated on that thought lately, but think about it…there they are, coursing through the air with their colored masks hiding their true identity.

I’ll admit it. That’s one of the reasons I like Superman so much. When he’s doing his thing, being who he truly is, he takes OFF his mask…those big ol’ black-rimmed glasses. When he’s doing what he was made to do, he’s doing it fully revealed, more himself than any other time.

Today, there is a heart-cry in our society for authenticity. We’ve been disappointed over and over by those who, come to find out, aren’t who they said they were. Certainly that’s the case on the national Christian scene…but, if we’re honest, maybe it’s true in our own relationships with other believers. If we’re even more honest, maybe we’ve been the cause of another’s disappointment. And perhaps that disappointment wasn’t due to something unsavory revealed in our lives, but because we were unwilling to reveal anything real in our lives. Why the masks? I wonder sometimes if, as women, our very DNA includes the chromosome labeled “image.” And behind image lies the word “pride.”

A precious friend and I were talking the other day about this weird phenomenon that sometimes  happens where Christ-followers tend to get less willing to be real the longer they follow Jesus. Isn’t it supposed to be the opposite? And I wonder if it’s that ol’ image/pride thing that keeps us from setting aside time to share our lives one-to-one with each other at the kitchen table…church programs can be so much “safer” and more convenient, yes?

Dream for a moment. What would our lives look like individually if we took off the masks and relied solely on God’s power to do what He’s planned for us to do? It would mean hopping off the pedestal…it would mean being just the “signpost”….it would, indeed, be humbling… Think further: What would be the impact of God’s women in the world if, once and for all, we chose to remove the masks and crusade against our own pride and fight for truth…real, authentic, life-sharing, relational, humble truth.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What area of your life are you hiding behind pride? Would you be willing to share that area with another believer whom you can trust and who will hold you accountable?
2. Consider what you do in ministry for God. Is pride hampering you in any way? Will you surrender your image over to God for His-safe-keeping?

FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 5:5-7; Ephesians 4:1-7

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three grown daughters, and Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

The Pace Setter

By Lisa Boyer

“Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

I Thessalonians 5:21 (NIV)

For years, there’s been a clock hanging on my bathroom wall. That clock has done more than just keep time; it has set my pace in the morning. While getting ready for work, I would keep one eye on that clock. Based on the time, I’d put more or less curls in my hair and more or less makeup on my face; all in an effort to get to work on time. But in recent years, a problem has developed. The clock is no longer accurate…more often than not, it’s running slow and more often than not, I’m running late.

Needless to say, the clock used to work perfectly. And by the time it started running slow, I already had a habit of adjusting my routine based on what the clock said. Unfortunately, that didn’t change…even when I knew the clock was unreliable.

The clock clearly had too much influence and needed to be replaced. But instead of replacing the clock, I created a backup plan. I set an alarm on my cell phone that would go off 10 minutes before I needed to leave for work, but not even that worked. By the time the alarm went off, it was often too late to adjust my schedule enough. There were days I went to work with little or no makeup and yes, occasionally uncurled hair!

The situation with my clock has highlighted the fact that even though I am pretty good at recognizing bad influences and keeping them out of my life, I may not be as quick to recognize good influences that have gone bad (the changes can be so subtle). And then I wonder, when I do recognize a bad influence, how long will I keep it in my life trying to work around its effects rather than get rid of it?

I’ve taken a couple of important steps recently. First, I have replaced the clock in my bathroom with one that keeps time perfectly. Second, I’ve taken a close look at the other influences in my life…friends, TV shows, music, reading material, etc…to make sure they are having a positive impact on my life and not a negative one.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are there influences in your life setting a pace that you are uncomfortable with as a child of God? Today, will you prayerfully consider what changes you should make to reduce their influence on you?
2. Will you take a moment to consider what type of an influence you are on the lives of those around you? Are you the influence you want to be in the lives of others?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 5:7; I Timothy 6:11-12; I Kings 11:1-6

Lisa has been married to Ted for more than 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.

LV 2 4GV
By Kari Lyles

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

It was a typical Monday morning. My husband was off to work. My oldest daughter had just gotten on the bus. My youngest was enjoying her toast with all her favorite toppings and I couldn’t wait to start my pity party. As I slowly walked to the sink to wash some dishes, I stewed over the circumstances that had me feeling angry, alone and misunderstood. Since a party of one is not as much fun, I decided to call a girlfriend hoping maybe she would want to join in. No luck. My wise and godly friend told me to allow the day to play out and not make any rash decisions on how I should handle my situation, but to pray about it and that we would pray together that evening.

As I drove to an appointment that afternoon, I came upon a car driving rather slowly in the right lane. A little annoyed that the car was in no way driving the speed limit, I took special notice of the license plate: “LV 2 4GV.” (“Live to forgive”)

I chuckled as I passed. “I get it,” I said out loud, rolling my eyes. I knew all too well this was not just coincidence that I passed this car, at this time, on this day, with this license plate.

That evening I picked up my Bible and felt led to read Colossians 3. And there it was, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When the phone rang a short time later, my prayer partner asked if I was ready to pray. I told her what had taken place that day. How I prayed earlier and was still feeling hurt. How I had been convicted by a license plate and how God clearly spoke to me through His Word. While we prayed, I praised God for His faithfulness in giving me peace and freedom from my anger and especially for His forgiveness to me.

Somewhere in Lake Country, the driver of a gray Lincoln Town Car should be thanked as well.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been holding a pity party for yourself because of hurt, anger or feeling misunderstood? Allow the Lord to work in your heart so you can extend forgiveness and grace because of His forgiveness given to you.

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3

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.

My Wasteful Speed Radars

By Lexi Ellis

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:9-10 (ESV)

Recently there was a portable speed radar placed right in front of a stop sign. As car after car approached, the device kept blinking zero. While amusing, it seemed a complete waste and misuse of resources. It wasn’t needed and it wasn’t doing the job it was designed to do - - to slow speeding people down.

I realized there are many things in my life like that could be wasteful speed radars sitting next to a stop sign. First, what do I worry and dwell on - - spend all my time and energy and resources on - - that are really a complete waste? What anxieties actually prevent me from doing the job I was designed to do - - to proclaim the saving grace of my Savior, and love others like He loved. These things I spend so much time and energy on…could they potentially be used in a better way?

Secondly, often my attitudes and actions are like speed radars. The way I think and act turn into missed opportunities to be like Christ. Just like the speed radar should have been placed elsewhere to be effective, my attitudes and actions are often misplaced. Is the tone I use with a student a wasteful speed radar or helpful and compassionate? Is the attitude I have towards my husband a wasteful speed radar or respectful and “partnering”? Are my actions towards my family and friends a wasteful speed radar, or uplifting and supportive?

Finally, when we enter into a relationship with Him, we are equipped by the Holy Spirit; we are given an incredible resource…God in us! And we’ve been given His timeless Word, a way He communicates to us. Yet, so often I do not yield to His guiding and allow His Word and His Spirit to work through me. These incredible resources end up like that wasteful portable speed radar in front of the stop sign if I don’t use them!

I realized there are many wasteful speed radars: my worries, actions and attitudes; my ignoring of God’s Spirit and Word. And yet, we serve a forgiving and compassionate God who desires our acknowledgement of our wasteful speed radars coupled with our repentance. While I see I have a whole lot to work on, I have a big God to work in me. I am thankful for the reminder that I need to be constantly working on adjusting my misplaced and wasteful speed radars.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are your wasteful speed radars - - 1. worries, 2. actions or attitudes or 3. ignoring God’s Spirit or Word?

GOING FARTHER:

Romans 12:9-13; 1 John 1:5-7

Lexi is married to Andrew, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

The Garden Bench
By Karen D’Amore

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31b (NIV)

My house sits on a hill tucked within the woods. The stretch of driveway from the street to the house is exceptionally long and steep. Halfway up the driveway a garden bench, flanked by towering oaks, sits nestled amongst overgrown wildflowers. The bench provides a moment of rest for those who dare to trek up the challenging grade. Constructed of wood and steel, the weathered bench personifies strength; a strength which upholds those in need of rest. At the same time, the bench embodies a spirit of gentleness, quiet and calm as it seems to whisper, “Come and sit awhile…and I will provide you rest.”

Over the past couple of years, I have collected numerous garden benches and strategically placed them throughout our acreage. By leaving the land in its natural state, God-made foliage overshadows man-made structures. Benches positioned amidst His landscape rest alongside aged trees, scrub bushes, streams and ravines. Trails carved through the dense woods invite and enable walks amid the sanctuary. With the outside world silenced by choirs of birds, the benches provoke me to stop and bask in the solitude of His garden. Like outstretched arms, they beckon me to seek His warm embrace. Placed in areas I frequent, the garden benches are purposeful reminders to set aside time for quiet meditation and rest.

At times, life becomes cluttered by the noise of this world: busyness, stress, fatigue and social pressures. During these overcrowded times, our ability to hear God is deafened and our ability to feel His presence diminished. Often in Scripture we see exhortations for meditation…quiet…and rest. Contrary to the fallacies of this world, we need more open spaces in our lives…moments set aside for our souls to be open and accessible to the influence of our Lord. As Christ-followers, we need to reserve time to seek a calm retreat and sit quietly at His feet. We must designate intervals of time to do nothing, think nothing and plan nothing, but simply find rest in the quiet of His presence. Purposely place “garden benches” in your daily path where you are ensured “a quiet place to rest.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What can you put in place to remind and promote you to carve out quiet time? Establish a “retreat” place where you can have alone time with God.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 91:1, Psalm 62:5; Matthew 11:28

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.  She also serves on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events team.

Content with Weakness
By Peggy Kleckner

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,  
 insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; 
for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (RSV, emphasis added)

Content with weakness? Oh no, I haven’t lived my life that way! Like most women, I have wanted to prove my worth by showing my strength. We are taught again and again to “pick ourselves up by our bootstraps” because there is work to be done! Somehow we continue the facade of looking good in front of others and falling apart in private…what foolishness!

Why is it that God wrote in His Word that we are strong when we are weak? As always, such an upside down thought from what the world believes!

When we are weak, we cry out for His strength. When we are strong, we try to move on and handle things on our own. If we are believers, we are never without Him, but when we are strong we don’t seem to stay in constant, desperate communication with Him. When we are weak, we most often feel His tender mercy and His undergirding strength.

God seems to allow weaknesses in us as reminders of our need for Him. In our great need, we see past ourselves to the all-sufficiency of Him. So, yes, I am learning to be content with my weakness. I am learning to cry out to Him and to wait on His answers.

Weakness seems to break through the sin of pride. It calls us to surrender to His plan and calls us into communion with others. When we are weak we can show His strength, His ability to deliver and redeem. What a privilege!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What weakness have you been ashamed of or denied?
2. Are you willing to surrender it to Him and allow Him to show His strength in you and to you?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children -- two sons and two stepsons and is an active encourager at Oakwood. 

The Garden of Your Heart

By Brita Crouse

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)

I recently read a book where the author compared the human heart to a garden. To the main character, the garden looked messy and chaotic. But when God was allowed to prune the garden and replaced certain flowers with new ones, the garden was more beautiful than ever before.

I love to be organized; messes stress me out. That’s why it is so hard for me to desire (or at times, even admit to) a messy, chaotic heart. Instead of allowing Jesus into all aspects of my life, I compartmentalize and only allow Him into certain parts of who I am.

But God hates this. In fact, He says so in Revelation 3:16: “So, because you are lukewarm - - neither hot nor cold - - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” He doesn’t want us to be wishy-washy about our faith. He wants ALL of us. Every part. As commanded in the verse above, we are to love God with ALL of our heart and ALL of our soul and ALL of our strength.

You wouldn’t say to your best friend or husband, “I will be open and honest with you when we are together, but any time we are apart, you can’t know what I’m doing.” That sounds absurd!

The thing is: God knows everything about us. He knows more about us than we know about ourselves. Yet, He doesn’t force us to surrender ourselves to Him. He wants us to make that conscious effort and choice. He wants us to want  to give our heart to Him.

In this book I read, God says to the main character about the garden, “This mess is you!... To you it seems like a mess, but to Me, I see a perfect pattern emerging and growing and alive...” [1]

We cannot surrender every part of our heart to God without His help. But this is not a burden to Him. He enjoys helping us through the process of pruning our hearts. And in doing this, not only are our hearts more beautiful than ever before, we will draw closer in relationship to our Gardener. 

God doesn’t ask us to have our hearts organized into neat, little compartments. Instead, He asks us to give Him our heart, our whole heart,  no matter the condition.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What are parts of your heart that you are not giving over to God?

2.  Ask God this week de-compartmentalize and prune your heart. 

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Psalm 119:10

[1] William P. Young, The Shack. Pg. 138, Windblown Media, © 2007

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, has been attending Oakwood for sixteen years, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56.

A Gift for You

By Elin Henderson

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

II Corinthians 1:11 (NKJV, emphasis added)

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

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

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

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

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

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to thirteen-year-old Callie and ten-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

Words

By Becci J. Terrill

“When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.”

Proverbs 31:26 (The Message)

I’ll be honest. I wish this verse was about me, but sadly, it is not.

One would hope that the older one gets, the wiser one becomes, and the less of a problem words would be. I have not found this to be true in my life. In fact, I find myself struggling more and more with my words lately. Why is that?

Words have the power to heal, encourage, build up, bring joy, comfort and show love. But words can also hurt, betray, wound, ridicule, deceive and slander. James 3:10 reads, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” 

Proverbs 4:23-24 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” I’ve read the first part (verse 23) many times, but didn’t realize that it comes directly before instructions about our words. God understood that what is inside our hearts will come out in our words. (Garbage in = garbage out.) 

So, if I’m having problems with my words, it’s really a heart issue.  Am I “guarding my heart”? Am I being careful about what I am filling my heart and life with? If I want my words to build others up (Ephesians 4:29), then I need to focus on the truth of God’s Word and be filled with the Spirit. If I am filled with the Spirit, then the fruit of the Spirit will flow out of my life - - words spoken in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” (Galatians 5:22-23a).

I’ve still got a long way to go. Thankfully I’m not alone in my struggle.

My prayer echoes one of King David’s, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). WARNING: If you pray this prayer, God’s Spirit will reveal offensive words! I’m grateful for the Spirit’s voice that stops me in my tracks and shows me the ugliness of my words and how they impact others. As I guard my heart and let the Spirit have control of my words, I pray these reprimands won’t come as often. 

Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord.” Amen.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How would others describe your words?

2. Study Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and allow God to speak to you about the power of words for good or evil.

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:29; Galatians 5:22

Becci is a wife and mother of two adult daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove, WI.  She serves as WE Women’s Special Events Coordinator and teaches 3rd Grade.

Follow the Recipe

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.”

Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)

I recently attended a kitchen demonstration by an “Iron Chef” from the Food Network©. The recipe for each dish was handed out to the audience beforehand. At the top of the main dish ingredients was listed “2 tablespoons Ararat.” Now I know my way around a kitchen, but I’m by no means a gourmet. The ingredient “ararat” is NOT in my food vocabulary. I was determined to pay extra attention when this dish was put together so I would know what I needed. The chef came out and eventually started working on the entrée. No “ararat” appeared. One brave audience member finally asked, “What’s ararat and when do you use it?” To which the chef replied, “I’ve never heard of ararat  - - what are you talking about?” Turns out the ingredient listed doesn’t exist, and was an error made as files were exchanged in cyberspace!

If I take a recipe from an “Iron Chef” and add or subtract ingredients, it is no longer the chef’s recipe, it’s my own concoction. The same thing applies with God’s Word. God didn’t leave anything out when He inspired the writers of the Bible. He didn’t “forget” parts of the recipe. In spiritual principles, we are supposed to follow what is written...in the Bible, not our own ideas. Likewise, as His followers, we aren’t supposed to ignore any “ingredients”…His instructions for living His way. Adding or subtracting from the recipe might get you an edible meal, but it won’t be the same dish that the Chef wanted you to make.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you find yourself believing something about God but you don’t know why you believe it?  Look to His Word today to make sure it’s actually in the Bible. If you’re not sure where to start, try www.biblegateway.com/topical for a keyword search. 

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 30:5-6; Deuteronomy 12:32

Along with caring for her family, 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.

My Social Note

By Lexi Ellis

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

I have a precious student in my summer school class. Let’s call him Bobby. Bobby has autism. He memorizes stories, is an incredibly detailed writer, and has some of the most endearing idiosyncrasies I’ve ever seen, but struggles when the very clear and set routine is changed in any way.

The other day, Bobby had a really rough morning - - lots of unavoidable change, lots of unknown for the rest of day. He and his aide spent some time writing a social note. This is a technique used where an adult writes a letter explaining what is known, what is truth and things that don’t change. The student holds onto the note so he or she can refer to it and often clings to it. When Bobby came back, he read his social note to me. It explained that today could still be a joyful day. Three times, Bobby’s aide wrote, “It will be okay.” Throughout our time together, Bobby would grab my arm and whisper in my ear, “It will be okay, Mrs. Ellis. It will be okay. It will be okay.”

Recently, I was feeling overwhelmed and lost it, for seemingly no reason. Pent-up emotions and stress exploded and I was panicking. On top of that, I was furious at myself for being overwhelmed. I started mentally repeating, “It will be okay. It will be okay.” Though I’m thankful for a husband who sprung into the “comforting role,” it was also my God who was calming me.

After tears stopped, I realized I too needed a social note from the Ultimate Teacher. I grabbed a notepad and asked the Holy Spirit for help.

Dear Lexi,

It will be okay. I’m the Creator of an unfathomable galaxy and the architect of the smallest cell. My grace far exceeds the circumstances of your day. I know clinging to My promises is sometimes hard for you. It will be okay. I know you struggle with authentically trusting that I know what I’m doing. I know it feels overwhelming, but you have my Spirit and you are more than a conqueror. It will be okay.

I don’t know your circumstance. I don’t know what stress feels overwhelming for you or someone you deeply love. But I know we serve a big God. I know it doesn’t always work out the way we want. But I know it will be okay.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take the challenge! With His help, write a social note to yourself reflecting God’s heart. Refer back to it as needed.

FURTHER READING:

Jeremiah 29:11-14; John 8:31-32

Lexi is married to Andrew, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Remember When…?

By Jen Wollner

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”

Psalm 77:11 (NIV)

“Remember when we went to our Junior Prom?”  I asked my friend whom I’ve known since middle school.

“Yeah, but what were we thinking with those dresses?” she replied as we both laughed hysterically at the memory of the two of us in lots of ruffles and sequins.

Reminiscing. It’s something we find ourselves doing often, isn’t it? It’s fun for us to re-live shared experiences with friends and family. Sometimes the memories make us laugh so hard we can barely breathe. Other times they take our breath away. No matter what the circumstance, talking through it again brings back all the emotions of that time and draws us closer together in our relationship with the other person. It’s a form of bonding like no other. We may also find ourselves learning life lessons together as we re-process the event, looking at it through different eyes.

In Luke 10, starting in verse 17, we read about a sweet time of reminiscing between Jesus and seventy-two messengers He commissioned to go out and preach about God’s Kingdom. When they came back together, they shared their experiences and then turned to God and praised Him for all that was accomplished. Actually, praising and thanking God is a form of reminiscing. As we recall events and give Him the glory, we re-live the situation with Him and our hearts are uplifted. I believe that the Lord delights in remembering with us, too, and finds joy in our close relationship.

God is omnipresent (always with us), but let’s not let that deter us from re-living the big and little moments of our lives with Him. Reminiscing strengthens our friendship and gives Him the opportunity to speak to our hearts in marvelous ways.

“Lord, remember the time when…?”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Find time today to reminisce with the Lord about a particular part of your day. Pay close attention to what He wants to teach you or impress upon your heart in regard to that event.

2. Is there something He wants you to share with someone else to teach or encourage?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 100:4; Luke 10:17-21

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.

C + C + C = R + R + R

By Vernette Kureck

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” 

Matthew 3:1-2 (ESV)

John the Baptist was born around 6 BC to devout, very elderly parents in the priestly line. He was a Nazarene, living a holy life separated from sin and devoted to God. Some mistook John for the long-deceased prophet, Elijah, because of his reoccurring message: “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” John went on to inaugurate Jesus’ ministry by baptizing Him. Soon, Jesus proclaimed a similar message of repentance: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying ‘Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17, ESV)

I’ve pondered how I would respond to such a call from men like John or Jesus. We have godly pastors preach in our time, and God’s Word gives wonderful insight. But I kept coming back to the word both John and Jesus spoke…repent. What does that look like? Repentance is the same, regardless of the days you live in. But…what does that look like? It seems to have three parts that all start with the letter C.

Conviction comes from knowing we are living in a guilty or sinful condition. The Holy Spirit awakens us to make things right with God. This results in sincere sorrow or contrition, the realization of how immoral we are. With this knowledge of remorse, comes along the intention to make things right. The love of God calls us to conversion. This is a spiritual transformation. When we accept and trust in the sacrifice of Jesus’ life on the cross for our sins - -  believing He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Kingdom of Heaven except through Him - -  we experience repentance (John 14:6).   Through this initial repentance, we become children of God and escape His wrath; however, we still do not live perfect lives and the Holy Spirit nudges us to daily repent and address any sins or struggles we have committed.

How grateful we can be to have been spared God’s wrath. With a relationship with Jesus, we experience not only repentance, but restoration with God. And restoration brings relationship. A relationship with the Creator, Provider, Promise-keeper, Father,  Lover of my soul, Forgiver, Comforter, Teacher…well, you get the picture. Repentance requires conviction, contrition and conversion and repentance leads to restoration and relationship.  Whether “in those days” or now, it’s time to do the math daily.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What part of the equation is speaking to you? Is there anything hindering your relationship with God?

2. If so, talk to Him about it.

FURTHER READING:

1 John 1: 8-10; Ephesians 4:26, 4:30-32

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 44 years and have two sons. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain.  

The Invisible Shield By Sarah Kosanke

The Invisible Shield
By Sarah Kosanke

“Take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Ephesians 6:16 (NASB)

During battle, in ancient times, the shield was a very important, life-saving tool. Each shield was made of a solid material to protect the soldier from the attacks of others. The shield was also covered in thick leather. Soldiers took care of their shields by oiling the leather to keep it supple; however, before battle, they would soak their shields in water. This was to extinguish the flaming arrows, as enemies often lit their arrows on fire to bring further destruction to the soldiers and their surroundings. Soldiers not only used a shield to save themselves, often they would make a shelter to protect themselves from their enemies’ arrow attacks. When a soldier would die in battle, he was carried out on his shield, often buried on it. What an important weapon against their enemies, something to protect them.

Ephesians 6:16 says to “take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” We are in a fierce battle against the evil one, the devil. He wants nothing more then to see us destroyed. Alone, we cannot stand up against his attack; but we have our God for help.

How clever of God to liken our faith to a shield. From being oiled/anointed to being soaked in water/immersed into and filled with the Holy Spirit, our faith helps protect us against the fiery assaults from the devil himself. The more we trust God, the stronger our stand. When the devil hurls his lies at you, like fiery arrows from the pit of hell, our shield of faith is what keeps us grounded and remembering who our Champion truly is. Think of the Old Testament heroes of faith. Noah built an ark when God told him to, and it had never rained before. Abraham trusted God’s promise that through him would be a nation more numerous then the stars. Those men have long passed on; however, the stories of their faith in a faithful God live on.

When we are in the midst of battle, when the devil is hurling his flaming arrows at us, it is our shield of faith that protects us. We can’t always physically see the Lord there; however, with faith, we are sure of His presence. Dear ladies, whatever you are battling today, I urge you to pick up your shield of faith, as the One who shields you is faithful!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where can you trust God today, and in what battle do you need to lift up and use the shield of faith He has given you to use?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 11; James 5:13-16

Sarah is a single young lady who recently became a registered nurse. She currently leads worship for a Summer Bible study and enjoys worshiping with her church family at Oakwood Church.

Unworthy By Susan Klein

Unworthy

By Susan Klein

“But when Simon Peter saw that,  he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’”

Luke 5:8b (emphasis added, NASB)

Simon had been fishing all night, only to bring in empty nets. Discouragement over his tiring-yet-profitless night likely settled in as he neared shore. Then, the One whom everyone was following - - the One who spoke wise words to the multitudes - - approached him. Give it another try, He persuaded. Though doubtful, Simon followed the Master’s bidding. No sooner had he let down the nets than they were bursting at the seams with fish, so much so he had to enlist the help of his partners in another boat to take in some of the massive quantity. Reality hit Simon like a ton of bricks! This was no ordinary teacher of wise words. This was the Lord, Jesus Christ! Humility took him to Jesus’ feet proclaiming his unworthiness of such a great gift.

Sometimes, I feel like Simon. I feel so unworthy, not only to have His blessings lavished upon me, but  to even be in His presence, especially when I’ve sinned. Like a little child, I want to run and hide, almost in fear of His Almighty-ness. I don’t want to face Him in my shame and have my ugliness exposed. Yet, our Lord replies, “Do not fear.” He wants us near Him in all of our brokenness and incompleteness. Not only does He forgive us and desire to be near us, but He also has a plan for us. “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men,” He told Simon. Wow! A broken and battered fisherman was going to become a fisher of men, equipped by the Lord Himself.

Does  “fear of unworthiness”  ever keep you from drawing near to God? Do you ever wrestle with the fact that He truly wants to use you, just as you are, with all your flaws and failures? He does, you know. His love for you is limitless; His mercies are new every morning. None of us are “worthy”  of His great love, but He gives it so freely and with no strings attached. He doesn’t ask us to earn it, just to accept it.

Next time you are feeling like Simon, instead of retreating, try running full force into the waiting arms of the One who adores you!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What hinders you from spending time in His presence?

2. Have you spoken with Him recently about how He wants to use you?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 1:4-6, Esphesians 2:4; Titus 3:5

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.

“You Are More” By Tracy Smith

“You Are More”

By Tracy Smith

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

I love the lyrics to the song, “You are More” by Tenth Avenue North. The chorus says this:

“You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You’ve been remade.” [1]

How many of us define ourselves by our mistakes or struggles in the past? And by past, we could be talking about five minutes ago! I know I do, but even beyond that, I define myself by the mistakes, struggles and choices I make over and over again. We all have those things we truly repent of or work on but struggle with repeating. We all have those things that in our own strength, we will not have victory over.

I found the video of this song since I enjoy seeing how artists put vision to their music. The video had the band singing before a large chalkboard. On this chalkboard, people were writing those past (and present!) mistakes and struggles. They wrote down things that were a struggle for them. The things written on the board were as varied and diverse as the people writing them. As the camera panned away for a wide view of the board, my jaw dropped. Right above and to the left of the lead singer were the words “OCD controls me.”  At that moment, I who struggle with OCD myself realized two things: (1) There were struggles on that board that every watcher could relate to, and (2) We are not alone in our struggles. No matter what we are struggling with, someone else in this world is, too - - we are not alone. That was comforting to me as I watched.

As the song wound down, again, my jaw dropped. As we watch, water starts to trickle down the chalkboard, slowly erasing all of the things written on the board. What a picture!  While not on the video, in my mind, I saw a large cross replace all the written words that had been there before.

We are so much more than our mistakes, our bad choices and our struggles; we are a new creation in Christ!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Watch the video for “You Are More.” Do you see something on the board that you can relate to? If so, does this help you not feel so alone?  http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9E0F1MNU

2. Will you pray that the Lord will help you realize you are so much more than your mistakes and struggles?

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:3-4

[1] Tenth Avenue North. “You Are More.” The Light Meets the Dark, Reunion Records, 2010.

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