Behind the Scenes

By Lisa Boyer

“Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.”

Psalm 105:2 (NIV)

A few years ago, while driving to church in the snow on New Year’s Day, I was filled with anticipation - - anticipation of worshipping God that morning. I had woken up early and had already been spending time with Him, yet I couldn’t wait to worship Him with my church family!

Thoughts of the year gone by drifted in and out of my mind... it had been a rough year, but never before had I been so convinced of His personal love and care for me than this year, this rough year. I just couldn’t wait to sing His praise! The irony of having a rough year and yet being so convinced of His love and care wasn’t lost on me and I couldn’t help but smile. In spite of everything, and I mean everything, He was there.

Worshipping with my church family was sweet, but even more sweet was the blessing of the message, “Behind the Scenes where God’s at work” from the book of Esther. The pastor made three main points (1):

1.   “God is always at work behind the scenes whether we recognize it or not.”  Esther 1:1-10:3

Ah ha! Wasn’t that exactly what I had been thinking? He is! He really is! I saw Him!!!

2.    “God does not have us (you) in this place at this time by chance or by mistake.” Esther 3:7, 9:1, 4:13-16 “Trust His placement” Esther 4:14b, “Trust His timing” Esther 4:14c, “Trust His plan” Esther 4:14a

Ohhhhh, that had been a tough one this year. I had been diagnosed with a serious condition in March, but I chose to trust Him in the midst of it. And then, a few weeks ago, a woman I encounter frequently in the course of my job gave me a gift. It was a red cardinal with the word “faith” on it. She said she had to get it for me when she saw it, “because you are so full of faith.” Could it be that God is using my faith in these circumstances to draw others closer to Him? I pray so!!

3.    “Recognize what God has done & celebrate it!” Esther 9:20-32

Now, that was what I had come to church to do that morning!! I had recognized His hand in preparing my heart for the journey… I had recognized His hand preparing the path I would take… I had recognized His hand in whom He surrounded me with during that time… I had recognized Him in it, in all of it and I had come to celebrate!!!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you not seen God at work behind the scenes in your life? Today, will you pray and ask Him to show you?

2.  Will you trust His placement, timing and plan?

FURTHER READING:

The Book of Esther

(1) Pastor Roger Ellis, Oakwood Church, Delafield, WI, January 1, 2012

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.

REpurposed Vessels

By Karen D’Amore

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

An embellished, vintage drawer pull transforms into a unique necklace. Discarded wood pallets are reconfigured into rustic furnishings. Beverage bottles, mason jars and cheap throw-away vases are converted into decorative candle holders and vases. The latest trend in “re-purposing” goods has become a popular and infectious phenomenon! The concept of “trash to treasure” re-creations inspired me to create my own creations called REpurposed Vessels, where I transformed throw-away glass containers into unique one-of-a-kind,  re-usable items.

My repurposing projects have several steps. I begin by soaking and cleansing  the vessels from the inside out. Next is stripping  off the old labels. I study the size, shape and color of each clean, bare vessel to determine its new purpose and suitable ornamentations. Each vessel is then clothed  with fabric, adorned  with varying textures and lace trimmings and finally embellished  with shiny bling.

The dictionary defines repurpose as “to give a new purpose or use to.”[1] Items originally discarded as trash and considered useless are repurposed and redeemed for something useful. Something worthless takes on a new meaning and transforms into something valuable.

Catching a glimpse of my reflection in one of my repurposed projects drew me to consider deeper Spiritual parallels in how God repurposes lives. As I reflect on my personal life journey, I resonate deeply with the “trash to treasure” concept. Before I invited Jesus to rule and reign in my life, I was living a life dead in sin (Ephesians 2:13). My sin-filled, messy life was a heap of useless rubbish. But glory to God who changed that!

As our Redeemer, Restorer and Master Repurpose-er, God uses a similar process to transform useless, frayed vessels or lives (non-believers) into something useful (believers). Through the blood of Jesus, He cleanses  us from the inside out (John 3:16, 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 1:18) and clothes  us in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). He strips  away our “old labels” (carnal attributes) making us new, clean vessels…to be filled by Him and for His purpose (Ephesians 4:22).  He faithfully adorns us with grace (Romans 5:15, 17), embellishes  us with His everlasting love and transforms us into vessels where He can sparkle and shine (1 John 3:1, 4:7).

 “We have this treasure in earthen vessels that it may be clear that the surpassing power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV). Believers are transformed by God from “trash to treasure.” As His REpurposed Vessels, we’re re-designed to shine His love and reflect His glory.

Where are you in God’s repurposing process? 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What area of your heart/life needs repurposing?

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:10

[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repurpose

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

The Terrible Typo

By Lexi Ellis

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness...”

Isaiah 43:19a (NLT)

I love being a part of the Fresh Start ministry. Part of my “job” is to format and edit devotionals. It’s a joy getting a “sneak peak” at how God works in our writers’ lives and then uses them to share it with others. But sometimes, I miss a typo or mess up the format. Often, it’s caught by another team member before the devo goes out, but sometimes it’s not.

Recently, I missed a letter. There was a word without a vowel and this teacher-by-profession didn’t see it. Man, I felt like kicking myself. I read the sent-out devo - - now too late to change it - - and just felt defeated. While a small mistake, it felt huge at the time. Critical thoughts flooded in: Are you serious? You’re clearly not qualified for this. How did you miss a mistake in the title…it’s bolded?!

Realizing this was heading in a dangerous direction, I imagined laying my mistake down at the Lord’s feet. God, help our readers be encouraged despite this typo. Help them sense Your Presence and continue to strive towards an active, ongoing and vibrant relationship with You. Help me depend on Your strength rather than my own ability and keep things in perspective.

Aren’t you thankful God has chosen to use imperfect people to do His perfect will? Scripture is filled with people who really messed up or had awful circumstances, but God used them when they chose to be obedient…in the midst of their mess. I think of Abraham and Sarah, Miriam, Gideon, David…all imperfect people whom God used in spite of their mess. We - - as believers - - also get to be involved in His plan! While I am very aware of the mistakes I make, I realize God can use me when I trust and surrender to Him.

And despite our un-perfect-ness, God has gifted and wired us uniquely for our role in this plan. There are countless examples of this in Scripture, like when God put Aaron’s gift of communication or Deborah’s gift of leadership to good use. In the New Testament, Paul writes about the importance and diversity of spiritual gifts and how vital these gifts are to the Church (1 Corinthians 12). The strengths we possess are by no accident.

While I’d like all words to have vowels, I’m thankful for the reminder that God uses us - - despite the terrible typos and imperfections - - and that each of us is uniquely gifted.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What imperfections do you need to lay at the Lord’s feet?

2. How has God uniquely designed you for His Kingdom?

FURTHER READING:

1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6-8

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

Hands and Feet

By Brita Crouse

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)

They are everywhere. They are seen daily on the news. They are discussed by our friends and neighbors. They live in our communities. They pass us by without our even realizing. Who are “they”? The oppressed. “They” are those who are hurting, lost, and in need of Jesus.

Jesus commands us to care for the oppressed. His Word is teeming with these charges. Why? Maybe because He knew that, for all time, people would be suffering and in need of Him.

God has been convicting me to follow this command more diligently in my daily life. Why should I be so blessed when so many around me are in need? Shouldn’t I be sharing Jesus with these people who are desperate for a Savior?

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be obedient to this command toward victims of horrors I cannot even fathom. Every Wednesday night, I make the 30-minute drive to a center for abused women and children. Here, I have the blessing of being an advocate for children who have been victimized in their own homes. 

Why do I do this? Because I want to? No, most nights my selfish human nature tries to convince me that I am too tired after a long day of work to do anything of worth. Because it’s fun? Not always. Many times I have left the center in tears, either from frustration or grief for the things these children have witnessed. Because I am paid to do it? Nope, I actually lose money in all the gas I use driving back and forth!

I do this because I am called to, and the One who is calling me is the One who created those children; the One who never intended for their lives to be full of suffering; the One who wants to be made known to each of them. Here, I feel as if God is using me for what I was created to do. Here, I get to be His hands and feet. That’s why I do it.

In some way, it has been communicated to these kids that they are unloved and unwanted, so when my greatest commandment is to love, how could I not obey?

Take the opportunities you are given to be obedient and become the hands and feet of Jesus to the oppressed. In return, you will be blessed more innumerably than you could ever imagine.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Who can you reach out to this week?

2.  What are local ministries/organizations that you can plug into?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 82:3; Psalm 68:5; James 1:27

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56 and the Just Among Moms weekly childcare team.

Light in the Darkness

By Peggy Kleckner

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:5 (NIV)

I am really tired of darkness. The news blares it. Facebook is full of it. It is in our newspapers, in our magazines. It feels like a tidal wave crashing across all of life.

I can get so focused on what is wrong here that I forget about the light. My ears are full of doom and gloom, my eyes are fixed on the broken, my mind is consumed with endless painful trials. I am weary and crying out, “God, don’t you care? Where are you?”

I am so like the disciples. I read in Scripture that they were out on the lake, a place they were used to, and a storm came up. I am sure they were used to storms as well, but this one seemed to be winning against them.  Where was Jesus?  “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion” (Mark 4:38).

Imagine you are rowing your heart out, working with others to keep the boat upright and where do you see Jesus? In the back of the boat asleep! 

They asked what I myself have asked Him recently, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” What did Jesus do? He acted and then He spoke. First, He calmed the sea that was causing them all the trouble, and then He addressed them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Ouch. Essentially I hear Him ask me, “Do you still not trust who I am or know what I am capable of doing?”

He doesn’t sound angry, just hurt that I don’t trust Him. Sometimes, I have to stop and look in the back of my boat. He is still there and He is still sovereign. I can rest in that knowledge though the storm is at fury stage.

I wonder if perhaps Christ’s question was more like “Why didn’t you call on me sooner?” Perhaps the disciples didn’t think they needed him for the mundane, normal part of life. Perhaps we don’t think so either, but then the storm comes up where we weren’t expecting it.

I think it comes up for a reason, to show us that we are not capable of doing life on our own. We really do need a Savior - - not just for the BIG issues of our lives - - but for the everyday, every-moment parts of our lives.

He is the light that comes into us and lights the world.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you watched for His answer when you asked, “Don’t you care?”

2.  What story from your life can you share with someone about His “showing up” in your darkness?

FURTHER READING:

2 Samuel 22:29; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John1:7

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.

The Fitting

Becci Terrill

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)

I recently did something I’ve never done before. Now, I’m finding my “garments” just weren’t fitting right, so when I walked by a well-known store and saw a “SALE” sign, I decided to try some on. As I entered the fitting room, an attendant asked if I would like to have a fitting. I hesitated, as pride almost got the better of me, and then decided to take her up on her offer. The next ten minutes were so informative! Not only did she help me find the right size (I’m embarrassed to say how much I was off!), she also helped me find the right style for my body! What a difference the right choice can make! 

Maybe you’ve had a similar experience, and can laugh with me. As I thought about this example, however, I couldn’t help but wonder what other areas of my life needed a “fitting.” Had life and schedules changed so that Bible study, prayer and personal time with the Lord didn’t “fit” as well as they had at other times?  Were areas of service for the Lord “fitting” for my current season of life? I still needed all of these pieces in my life, but perhaps I needed an updated “fitting” to continue growing spiritually.

Just because I’ve always had devotions in the morning, doesn’t mean that’s the only time, or the best time, for this period of my life. What time of day would allow the most undisturbed fellowship with the Lord? Are there new areas where the Lord may want me to serve as He stretches me and I grow spiritually?

The young store attendant suggested that I come in for a fitting every six months, as everyone’s body changes. It sounds like a good idea for my spiritual life, too. Not to see IF spiritual activities fit, but what “fit” will allow a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus and glorify Him with my life.  

Who knew such a visit could prompt valuable spiritual reflection?!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What area of your life isn’t “fitting” anymore? What adjustments need to be made for a proper “fit” and deeper relationship with the Lord?

2.  Consider what training and/or a spiritual mentor might play in your life, helping you discover how your unique design “fits” in service to the Lord. 

FURTHER READING:

Ruth 1-4

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 4th grade Sunday School.

Whose Will?

By Karen D’Amore

“…Thy will be done…”

Matthew 6:10b (KJV)

My husband and I were blindsided with a situation which was illogical and beyond our control. Backed into a corner with no apparent solution, we threw ourselves before the throne of God…desperate, frustrated and befuddled. We needed God’s miraculous intervention as we explored our options and solutions.

Petitioning our fellow prayer warriors, I sent out a message: “PRAYERS NEEDED FOR MIRACULOUS GOD-HONORING INTERVENTION  - -  GOD KNOWS THE DETAILS.” Discerning the need to hear specifically from God alone, we kept the details of our circumstances private. For weeks, friends encouraged us with their commitment to pray while my husband and I continued to discuss, pray and wait for resolution.

As I pleaded with God in my personal prayers, I articulated my presumably perfect solutions. Interestingly enough, God did not take any of my solutions into consideration. My ideas and solutions were, of course, those which were most appealing to our comfort zone and on the path of least resistance. I must confess I was a tad miffed when the conflict didn’t get resolved my way.

In the midst of my disappointment, I received a message from a friend who’d been praying. She wrote, “I hope God answers your prayers.” I wanted to respond, “Well, He didn’t!” But then I heard that small, still voice reciting portions of The Lord’s Prayer. Conviction welled within my soul as I nearly choked on those four small words, “Thy will be done!”

Our logic-defying situation was no mystery to God. In fact, He had allowed  it to pass through our lives so it wasn’t beyond His ability to fix it His way! As I reflected on The Lord’s Prayer, my prayers changed to: “Okay Lord, what is Your will in this struggle? How do you desire for us to respond? Is there a lesson? Please use this experience as a refining tool to conform us into Your image.”

God eventually resolved our situation in His way and according to His will. His supernatural intervention produced miraculous results - - not in our circumstances - - but in us! A materialistic, earthly crisis brought us to our knees and God penetrated our hearts for eternal results and God-honoring change. My way would not have produced this!

God is not a magic genie, to whom we present a laundry list of requests with our preconceived answers. As Christ-followers, we must believe that God always  answers prayer…and trust Him to answer His way:

·         “No, I love you too much!”

·         “Yes…but you’ll have to wait!”

·         “Yes…but not what you expected!”

·         “Yes…and here’s more!”

·         “Yes…I thought you’d never ask!”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Whose will are you praying for?

FURTHER READING:

John 14:12-14; 1 John 5:14

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

Lay It Down
By Jen Wollner

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
1 John 3:16 (NIV)

A tsunami in Indonesia…hurricane in New Orleans…earthquake in Haiti…typhoon in the Philippians…tornados in the United States.

Every time we hear of another disaster, it is destructive and devastating…homes demolished, lives lost, dreams stolen, hope shattered. But, one silver lining in each of these events was the way that people from around the world came together to help those who were suffering. Billions of dollars in aid were generously donated and countless hours of manpower joyfully sacrificed to rescue survivors and rebuild these three areas of the world. It’s amazing how so many individuals are willing to step up to provide for those who are in the most desperate of need… even for those whom they will never meet face-to-face.

Overall, we’re very willing to put time or money aside to help a large-scale need, especially one that gets a lot of press. But, what about smaller needs and those not so well-publicized? Are we willing to take a few minutes out of our day to help a neighbor shovel her driveway? Will we sacrifice time and money to take a meal to a family in the midst of a medical crisis? What about the woman in our Bible study who’s walking through a valley… will we find a way to encourage her in her pain?

These kinds of needs are harder to spot…they won’t be broadcast on the local news or advertised in the papers. We have to be paying attention to find these opportunities and we have to cultivate relationships with those around us in order to know their needs. It takes time. It takes perseverance. It takes love. It takes laying down our very lives for someone else. Are we willing to intentionally invest in others? Will we leave a margin in our calendars and budgets to do so?

Meeting a need for someone thousands of miles away is a noble and worthy deed…and much needed, given the poverty and heartache around the world…but let’s not ignore the Lord’s prompting for us to walk across the room or the street, too. Let’s “be Jesus” to those He has put on the path of our daily lives!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of one person in your life in whom you could invest more time and energy. What would you need to sacrifice to build that relationship?

FURTHER READING:
John 15:13

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.

Your Password Will Expire in Five Days

By Lisa Boyer

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

1 John 3:1a (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I have a LOT of passwords. In fact, I have six different passwords at work alone, and for security reasons, one of those passwords has to be changed every three months. I hate getting the “your password will expire in five days” message because it’s so hard to think of a new password that means enough to me to remember it.

Once, when I got the dreaded “your password will expire in five days” message, I decided to try something different: an abbreviation of a phrase from a song. It was my favorite song at the time, so I thought I would easily remember it. But the next morning, I sat at my keyboard struggling to remember my password once again. I remembered what song I had been thinking of, but had to remember what words I used and whether I used the whole word or just the first letter of the word, etc.

As it turned out, my new password was the hardest password to remember ever! It was really frustrating until I came up with a phrase to clue me in to what my password was. Each morning, I would sit at my keyboard and quietly say to myself, “Hello, child of the One True King,” concentrating on each word as I typed the password I had coded out of that phrase. Saying that phrase made me smile every single morning!

About a month later, I noticed that my attitude was changing at work and realized it was because of my new password! Concentrating on those words “hello, child of the One True King” was reminding me that I wasn’t just a child of the One True King at church and at home, I was a child of the One True King at work, as well. Each morning, I was being reminded by my password of His love for me as His child. My Father - - God - - was in charge and I could trust Him, even at work.

Three months passed and “your password will expire in five days” appeared on my computer once again. I was sad to think of how much I was going to miss that password... but then my new favorite song came to mind and I knew that a password about God’s great grace was going to be a wonderful way to start my mornings!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is it time to add a new positive phrase to your morning routine?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 4:23

Lisa has been married to Ted for over 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.

My King

By Susan Klein

“Who is this king of glory? The Lord strong and mighty…”

Psalm 24:8a (NIV)

The late Reverend S. M. Lockridge was not only a Baptist preacher, but also held doctorates and honorary degrees from a host of colleges, was a well-sought after public speaker, and was passionately engaged in the civil rights movement. He delivered his messages at crusades, revivals and conferences around the world. His “most listened to” message is a six-and-a-half minute description of Jesus Christ as his King. Whenever I need a good spiritual boost, I refresh myself with these power-packed words. (If you’ve never heard this message, you must take a few minutes to listen to it here.)

In today’s casual society, I fear we sometimes misplace His crown on the back shelf of our closets and forget the royal perspective of who Jesus really is. Even our Christian music more often refers to Him as exclusively a “friend” than a king. We go to Him as our Savior, our Defender and our Comforter in times of need, all of which Scripture verifies He truly is. But, how often do we intentionally think of Him as our reigning King? In the United States of America, where we’ve never experienced a government ruled by a king, it’s hard to truly comprehend “kingship”  and all of its implications.

The Collins English Dictionary defines “kingship” in two ways: the position or authority of a king, or the skill or practice of ruling as a king. Scripture says Jesus is (present tense):

1) the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16),

2) the King of Israel (John 1:49),

3) the eternal, immortal and invisible King (1 Timothy 1:17),

4) the King of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1),

5) the King of glory (Psalm 24:7-8),

6) the King of the ages (Revelation 15:3).

Jesus is our ruling King, and we have been granted the privilege of being His royal heirs. Though He will come back to rule over the earth one day, He is already reigning over us at this very moment, sitting at the right hand of God who has established His kingship. Other earthly kings and rulers may try to take His place of honor, but they will be made a footstool for His feet (Hebrews 10:12-13). King Jesus is the only One to whom every knee shall one day bow.

Is Jesus your king?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Reflect on Jesus’ kingship. Set aside some time regularly to worship Him as your King.

2.  To cement this concept even further, try adding the title “King” before the name “Jesus” every time you read it in Scripture.

FURTHER READING:

Daniel 7:14; Revelation 1:4b-7, 17:13-14

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing and mentoring. She and her husband Mark enjoy opening their home to those in need, and are currently co-facilitating an on-site small group studying 1 Corinthians at Oakwood’s Wednesday Night Community.

Don’t Look Back!
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop…”
Genesis 19:17 (NIV)

Lot’s wife is a little-known but tragic figure in the Bible. One dark night, she found herself caught in the crossfire of sin and redemption. The wife of Abraham’s nephew, she and her family lived in the wicked city of Sodom. God was angry with the city’s depravity and had vowed to destroy it. That was the bad news. The good news was that her family received a warning of the destruction to come by God’s representative. His specific instructions were: “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere…or you will be swept away!”

Can you imagine the fear? She is told to uproot her whole family with no time and no planning. Sodom was home…she had lived there many years; her daughters were engaged to men from this city…there were weddings to plan! But Sodom was the original “sin city” and God had had enough. How blessed Lot’s wife was to receive a reprieve from the judgment that God was handing down.

Lot’s wife did as instructed…to a point. She fled with her husband and two daughters, leaving before dawn and reaching a small town just as sulfur rained down on Sodom. She was safe! Then she did what she had been told NOT to do. Clinging to the past, she looked back at the city. And she became a pillar of salt.

It would be easy to point to Lot’s wife and judge her. But haven’t we all been stuck in a desperate place between needing to focus only on moving forward to where God wants to take us, and the overwhelming desire to go back to the familiar...even when it’s bad for us? Maybe your “Sodom” is an addiction, an unhealthy relationship, or moral compromises. This story illustrates that in those places we mustn’t turn back. All ties have to be severed. We can only be saved from the place of ruin by putting one step in front of the other to get away from it…and never looking back.

In Philippians chapter 3, the apostle Paul tells us the way we are supposed to take: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Lot’s wife missed out on the prize of freedom when she chose to remember what was behind her. Let’s not make the same mistake ourselves.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you find yourself in a personal “Sodom” place? Resolve today to move away from it and toward what God has in mind for you. Pray for strength and seek help, counsel and accountability.

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 19:1-29; Luke 9:62

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.

The End of the World

By Tracy Smith

“Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world - - from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven... However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”

Mark 13:26-27, 32-33 (NIV)

A couple years ago, there was a lot of attention being given to the Mayan calendar and how it ended on December 21, 2012. Speculation abounded regarding the accuracy of that calendar in the past and if, in fact, December 21^st, 2012 would actually be the end of the world. While this was all happening, I was sent a joke through email that read:

"Dear World,

Stop freaking out about 2012. Our calendars end there because some Spanish dirt bags invaded our country and we got a little busy, okay?

                                  Sincerely, The Mayans" 

My kids and I had a good laugh over the joke but it made me think about all the past predictions regarding Jesus' return - - or the "end of the world as we know it."

The verses quoted above (and those listed below), are the true indicator of why all those dates went by without anything happening, and why we won't know the date or time of the "end of the world as we know it." We know Jesus is coming again, but we won't know exactly when.

Let’s be clear, though: That does not mean we shouldn’t be ready for when He returns. Matthew 25:1-13 says we should be ready, but it reiterates the fact that we will not know when Jesus will appear. Things we can do to be ready are varied and many. We can make sure we have settled any disputes or old grudges; we can get our spiritual hearts in order; we can make sure we are doing all our Lord has asked us to do; we can continue to learn all we can about our Lord and His great love for all of us. Here’s what we shouldn’t do: We should not be sitting around trying to figure out when the "world will end" and fretting over all we think we should have accomplished.

As we begin our new year of 2014, be ready, not anxious!

GOING DEEPER

1. If the predictions regarding the "end of the world" make you nervous, will you commit to memorizing these verses?

2. What can you do to "be ready”?

FURTHER READING

Matthew 24:36-44; Acts 1:6-7

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.

It’s Not Time Yet

By Lexi Ellis

“O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”

 2 Samuel 7:28 (NIV)

My husband and I recently became the parents of an adorable German Shorthair puppy. Because he still has his milk or “baby” teeth, we need to soften Calvin’s food. We add water and put it in the microwave so it’s easier for him to eat. Calvin was quick to associate the sound of the microwave with being fed. Unbeknownst to him, the microwave is not exclusively used for his meals! Often, he will bolt into the kitchen when he hears the microwave. He’ll sit - - staring at you with those perfected “puppy eyes”/begging look. After that doesn’t work, he runs to you, over to his empty food bowls and back to the container we keep his food. One time, Calvin even jumped on top of the food container when we didn’t get the picture.

I can almost hear him saying, “Mom, Mom, I see my container of food and I hear the microwave. It’s time to feed me.” Every time this happens, I always respond to him the same way. “It’s not time yet. It’s not time yet. I know what’s best and I promise I know what I’m doing.”

A couple times God has responded that way to me. I am so convinced I know the best outcome, the best solution. I tell God, “I hear this; I see this opportunity. It’s time!” And God responds, “It’s not time yet.” I see my way and my solution right there - - that container of food and that DING on the microwave - - it seems so clear! It makes so much sense! And yet God’s response is “I know what’s best and I promise I know what I’m doing.”

At the end of day, the question becomes: Am I willing to trust that God’s way is best? That despite how clear it is to me, my perspective is limited and His is not. Whatever the circumstance, we’re often quick to search for an easy, yet ideal, solution for ourselves or for others. Let us remember to turn to Him in faith even when we think we know a better solution.

While Calvin is still convinced any time the microwave dings it’s meal time, I am thankful for the reminder that I need to know God’s Plan is best even when it’s not my way.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Is there a situation in your life or in the life of someone you love where God’s solution isn’t your ideal outcome?

2. What do you need to do to surrender in faith and trust His timing, His way and His guidance?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:5-6, TLB; Psalm 20:7

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

When Victory Walked out the Door

By Elin Henderson

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our LORD.”

 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV, emphasis added)

Can you remember a day when victory walked out the door? The people you were counting on let you down. The money you desperately needed never came in. The armies you had built up were slowly demolished and there you were left standing, alone. “Impossible” just got ramped up to a new level!

Did you find yourself chasing after the defectors, begging them to return? Filling the gaps with whatever resources you could dig up? Barring the door so they couldn’t escape? We find many ways to try and make up the difference between our current difficulty and what we consider “victory.”

Yet, God is always challenging us and finding creative ways to get rid of the human element, in order to show us a better way to victory. This “letting go” of our human resources, our well-made plans, our “victory” stash is never easy, is it? Whether we are the widow with the last bit of oil and Elijah asks for some bread (1 Kings 17:8-16), or Gideon when God pares down his army of tens of thousands to mere hundreds (Judges 7:1-7), God has His ways of bringing us to the end of ourselves and our well-planned resources. It appears that victory is walking out the door, but God is waiting to bring in a better, more incredibly victorious plan!

It is in the faith-filled surrender, which willingly lets go when all of your being is screaming to hang on tighter, that we find true victory. So, keep the doors open. If people desert you, your resources dry up or your plans fall apart, don’t lose heart. Let them go, resting in the fact that God will use that same door to usher in a victory unlike one you have ever seen.

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. Are you facing any difficulties right now?

2. What can you do to keep reminding yourself to keep the door of your heart open for God’s plans?

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 50:20; 1Samuel 12:16; Psalms 44:3

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 eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

A New Year

By Karen D’Amore

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - - the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:24 (NIV)

It’s the first day of the new year. It’s the first blank page of my 365 page book, which I’m striving to have God see as good. Today lends itself to quiet reflection, where I recall the old to help route my course for the new. Like hitting the rewind button on a VCR, the old year rewinds, pauses, stops and replays. As I replay those archived moments, I’m reminded of Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord” (NIV). Though I’d prefer to fast forward or delete the muck and the mire, wisdom draws me to stop, explore and process the priceless lessons found hidden in the confusion, adversities and good.

The litany of dark, painful and confusing obstacles are challenging to comprehend. Though I would have preferred a smoother route, I recognize God allows difficulties for His express purpose. Recognizing and believing the truth doesn’t equate with liking it, nor does it make those difficulties any easier to endure. One thing I’ve learned in this Christian race is God is constantly working to mold, shape and conform us into His image…a process in which He is more concerned with our character  than our comfort!  Through hindsight-faith and the ability to reflect on God’s past faithfulness, I’m encouraged by His ability to redeem everything for His good. Seeing beauty rise from the ashes in those incomprehensible circumstances has empowered my ability to trust God…even in the midst of pain.

As reflection draws me into deeper introspection, I see those hardships from an enlightened perspective. This life isn’t about me, it’s about Him! This Good News, heaven-bound race was intended to bring Him glory. These God-allowed hurdles build endurance, perseverance and mature faith. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15, NIV)

As I launch forth on this journey into a New Year, I resolve to surrender and submit to God’s ways and seek His best… whatever that may look like. And as one year rolls into another and for future years to come, I strive to live in such a way that I’ll hear God say, ”You fought the good fight, you finished the race and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV) ”Well, done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23, NIV).

As we stand at the start line of a New Year, will you resolve to run the Good News race - - obstacles and all?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Reflect…finish well!

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 2:1-18

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