Behind the Scenes (Act Two)

By Karen D’Amore

“…Do not be afraid or discouraged…For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

2 Chronicles 20:15b (NIV)

As God’s intercession and work behind the scenes re-opened the door for my retreat involvement, I faced a two-week time-crunch in finalizing details. Requiring my undivided attention, I made every attempt to avoid distractions. Unfortunately, a few days before the retreat, life threw me a curve ball.

For years, I’d lovingly tolerated an unbeliever’s ongoing abusive behavior. Our association was such that I didn’t have the capacity to distance myself. I’d spent years praying for empowerment to love her with God’s love, through the repeated bouts of slander and behavior. Days before the retreat, she unleashed her venom on a handful of people, including me. It was the final straw as I reached my breaking point. Though I abstained from ill or evil action, my flesh ached for revenge and wrestled against exposing her evil ways. I questioned why God had not intervened. How could He possibly expect me to continue extending His love? How long must I remain silent, when I so wanted to vindicate myself from her lies?

It was a challenge to suppress my fresh wounds and raw emotions as I mingled with the retreat attendees. Distracted by my disheartened, angry and heavy heart, I questioned my ability to fulfill my ministry commitments in the midst of my turmoil and pain. But as the retreat speaker began to share…the Word of God came to life. Her words of wisdom were salve to my wounds…soothing my troubled heart: 

“God will deal with those who curse you.”

“Love, love, love, and keep loving…and there will be redemption.”

“God will stand in the gap between people who will try to hurt us.”

“We’ve all been hurt, abandoned and betrayed.—Lift up your eyes!”

The speaker’s timely words reinforced God’s presence in my painful battle. And as I reflected on His work behind the scenes to ensure my presence at the retreat, I was confident that He was standing in the gap, protecting me from my abuser. Called to love - - even unlovable enemies - - I would continue loving through Him and trust in His redemption.

A believer’s life is God’s stage and He is always  at work for the good of His children. When we don’t understand His ways, retrospect reveals His unseen hands were always there fighting for and protecting us.

Trust when God’s confusing, silent or unseen. He’s working for your good from behind the scenes.

Act Three comes tomorrow: More Love...finally…reaped redemption! To God be the glory!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What do you need to do today to love and trust God to help you fight your battles?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:28

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.

Behind the Scenes (Act One)

By Karen D’Amore

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”

Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

Serving on the Women’s Ministry Special Events team, I’m privileged to help plan the women’s special events for our church. To insure my availability for events, I block-off my work schedule nearly a year in advance. As our team was planning our spring retreat, I eagerly anticipated aspects I’d envisioned and be facilitating. Several months prior to the retreat, we found and booked our retreat speaker. When her availability dictated a change in the retreat date, every team member was onboard with the date change except  me!  Though three months away, I was actually 100% booked for work. Barring an emergency, salon policy would prohibit cancelling or moving those appointments.

Sensitive to my heart and time I’d already invested, our team leader asked me privately how I felt about my inability to participate. I responded, “It’s not my event…its God’s. The circumstances are no surprise to Him so I will trust in His will and plan.” At our next team meeting, I committed to help with the pre-planning, though saddened by my inability to participate in the event itself.

Believing God had directed me to facilitate a hands-on activity at the retreat, I was confused by this emerging schedule snafu but I chose to rest in His unseen plan. I put a block on my work schedule prohibiting new appointments from booking in, should any of the existing appointments possibly  cancel.

As the retreat date drew closer, I’d periodically check my work schedule for changes. Over the course of two months, several appointments rescheduled. Two weeks prior to the retreat date, my work schedule was 100% clear. With each client randomly rescheduling on her own, I was granted the day off. My retreat visions were revived and my participation in the actual day was reinstated!

As the hindsight curtain opened, God’s work behind the scenes was exposed. His fingerprints became visible in the clearing of my work schedule. Aside from the retreat activities I’d facilitate, He revealed a much greater purpose for my presence. And it was His masterful intercession, which served as a priceless source of encouragement. God’s protective presence would be vital in an unseen, forthcoming heartache.

Stay tuned: Act Two... from Behind the Scenes, God the Protector emerges center stage!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV), “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

2. How does God’s Word speak into your circumstances right now?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 41:10

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.

He is Yahweh

By Brita Crouse

“Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”

Psalm 148:13 (NIV)

This year, I have been reading through a daily devotional on the different names of God. [1] So far, it has been such a learning experience. God has A LOT of names because He possesses so many amazing characteristics! The one recurring name I have found to be most interesting is Yahweh.

We first see this name of God come up in Exodus 3:14. Moses has been called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He has been instructed by God to talk to Pharaoh and to introduce himself to the Israelites as their leader, but of course he is scared and doesn’t want to do it. Moses asks God this question in verse 11 (NIV): "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God’s authoritative and empowering reply to Moses is: “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'”

Yahweh. I Am. The Lord. This is the name God has given Himself. There is power in this name. Here are some examples of that:

•  Yahweh- The Lord, I AM

•  Yahweh Jireh- The Lord will provide

•  Yahweh Rapha- The Lord who heals

•  Yaweh Nissi- The Lord my banner

•  Yahweh Sabaoth- The Lord of hosts

•  Yahweh Shalom- The Lord is peace

•  Yahweh Tsidkenu- The Lord our righteousness

•  Yahweh Mekoddishkem- The Lord who sanctifies you

•  Yahweh Rohi- The Lord my Shepherd

•  Yahweh Shammah- The Lord is there

Knowing how many characteristics God has calls for respect and reverence. There is no one like Him! Knowing how many names God has should change the way we see God and deepen our relationship with Him. He is the source of everything. He is Lord.

His Word is filled with His many different names and we are blessed because He is all of these things and more to each one of us.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Listen to “He is Yahweh” by Vineyard Worship. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYavc_py1os) How do these names of God apply to you in your everyday life?
2. Pick any Bible passage. Read through it and write a list of the names of God that were found in or inspired by that passage. 
3. *Extra Reading: John Piper’s blog post, “Yahweh is the Sweetest Name I Know.” http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/yahweh-is-the-sweetest-name-i-know

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 3:10-15; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 113:1-3

[1] Ava Pennington, Daily Reflections on the Names of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2010), 26-28, 47-73.

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.

The Purse
By Elizabeth Cole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children of the King

By Susan Klein

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Matthew 25:45 (NIV)

In the children’s storybook, The Children of the King, by Max Lucado, five orphans learn that they are about to be adopted by a King. The older four set out to hone their skills and talents so they might impress him when he arrives. The youngest child is just a stable girl at the city gate and has no specific talents to perfect. She mucks stalls, feeds the horses and offers the weary travelers a place to sit and rest. The villagers strongly encourage the older four in their endeavors, explaining that only those with great gifts will be allowed to live in the castle. The youngest girl is cast aside, put off even by her own siblings who have no time to waste on mentoring her.

Much like this story, we are all drawn to and admire those who possess great talents and abilities. Who doesn’t enjoy listening to someone who is gifted with great musical talent or oratory skills? But, what about those who are always behind the scenes doing the menial tasks? How often do we admire the person who cleaned the toilets in the public restroom we just used, or hold in high esteem the disabled young man who bags our groceries for us? Are they not also created in the image of God, and given purpose and value?

In the story, the king finally arrives in the village to claim his children. His physical appearance is not like that of a king, so he is not immediately recognized by the villagers. Everyone is so busy preparing for his arrival that they pay no notice to the stranger walking in their midst. In the end, it is the stable girl who draws his attention. She is not too busy to offer him rest or to speak kind words to him. She is the one who rides off to the castle with him, though He promises to return and try again with the other children.

Like the stable girl, we should never be so busy honing our skills and trying to impress that we miss out on spending time with our King or being helpful to others. And, what if we were to emulate the King? We would look with favor upon the simple people of this world and appreciate their value as well.

Let’s be intentional in noticing all the children of the King!

GOING DEEPER:

1. When God calls on you, are you usually available?

2. Who in your life might need you to take notice of them?

FURTHER READING:

1 John 5:1-2; Romans 12:3-8; Matthew 5:3-8

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She and her husband Mark co-lead an on-site small group studying 2 Corinthians with Oakwood's Wednesday Night Community.

“Choose to Get Up”

By Jeannine Sawall

“…I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been laying on and went home praising God.

Mark 2:11 (NIV)

It had probably started as just another day for the man with the mat. Wake up and lie there. Same ol’, same ol’ but what else was he to do…he was paralyzed. However, what started out as an ordinary day soon presented him with choices that would change his life.

Sometime during the day, friends showed up wanting to take him to see Jesus. Rumor had it, Jesus was healing the sick. He could have chosen to just stay home that day and send his friends on their way. After all, what were the odds that after being paralyzed for so long, he would be healed? But he made the choice to go! When they got to the house, the crowds were so big, they could not get anywhere near Jesus. Should they just give up and go home? How would they ever get near him…it seemed impossible? But they made the choice to press in and find a way to Jesus. Finally, the man is face-to-face with the Healer. Jesus, seeing his faith, tells the man to “take up your mat and go home.” The paralytic had a final choice to make…would he believe the Healer and get up, or would he choose to stay lying there on his mat. We’re told “Immediately, he stood up, took up his mat and went home praising God.” His choices brought him total healing, both of body and in spirit by having an intimate encounter with the Healer.

We face similar choices each and every day. What may start out as an ordinary day may hold an extraordinary outcome when we choose to meet with Jesus. Each of us has something in our life that paralyzes us. It could be fear, anger, a broken relationship, depression, addiction, bitterness…the list is long. However, the Healer is waiting for us to come. He reaches out His hand and says “Get off your mat and go….” We have the choice to continue to lie there and remain paralyzed in our current situation, or to get up. When we make the choice to get up to see Jesus, no matter the difficulties, He is more than able and willing to change our circumstances if we just press in. Suddenly, we are no longer lying there paralyzed, but on our feet, on our way and praising the Lord.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What situation in your life paralyzes you? 

2. How will you choose to respond to Jesus when He says, “Take up your mat and go?”

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:16, Isaiah 30:21

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

Kyrie Eleison

By Tracy Smith

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…”

Genesis 28:15a (NLT)

As a teen, I really liked the song, “Kyrie Eleison” by Mr. Mister. At the time, I did not know what “Kyrie Eleison meant (and I didn’t have Google to look it up!) but I knew I liked the rest of the lyrics to the song. I especially liked the chorus and this verse:

“When I was young and thought of growing old

Of what my life would mean to me

Would I have followed down my chosen road

Or only wished what I could be” [1]

As a young teen, these words made me think - - where am I headed? Will my life in 20 years be what I imagine now it will be? Will I end up taking a road I cannot even imagine?

A few years ago, I heard the song on a radio station featuring, “80’s Songs.” I had two thoughts: I’m old; they are featuring songs of my teenage years as a “theme” on the radio and, secondly, now I can find out what “kyrie eleison” means!  It means, “Lord, have mercy.” [2]

Now, the song takes on a whole new meaning! Here is the chorus:

“Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel.

Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night.

Kyrie eleison, where I’m going, will you follow?

Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light.”  [1]

Lord, have mercy down the road that I must travel. Lord, have mercy through the darkness of the night. Lord have mercy, where I’m going, will you follow? Lord, have mercy on the highway in the light. The song just comes alive with knowing what all the words of the song mean.

The phrase, “where I’m going, will you follow?” really resonates with me. The Bible is very clear that the Lord is with us always, wherever we go. Genesis 28:15 (NLT) tells us, “…I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…” Joshua 1:9 (NLT) says, “This is my command - - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

As we travel our road, we only need to remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go and He will have mercy on us. [3]

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you sometimes forget that God is traveling your journey with you, even when you are struggling? 2. If so, what can you do to remind yourself He is always with you?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6

[1] http://www.metrolyrics.com/kyrie-eleison-lyrics-mr-mister.html

[2] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kyrie+eleison

[3] Want to listen to this song? Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNKbHJ3PTu4

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.

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

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:
1. What a sight the angel must have been as He appeared at the tomb. And what a message he came to deliver! Jesus is risen…just as He said He would! What joy! What elation! What celebration! It had finally been accomplished…death was conquered once and for all. How do you respond in your heart at the truth that because Jesus died and rose again, you can live forever in Heaven with Him? Do you believe the news? Have you received the gift of eternal life?

2. Each Gospel account is more exciting and insightful than the next as it describes Jesus’ resurrection, appearances and interactions with His disciples and His ascension into Heaven. What key points do you take away from each of them?

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

Sufferings
By Peggy Kleckner

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

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

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

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

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

Watch for the glory to be revealed!

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

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

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

Delightful Distractions

By Susan Klein

“Be still before the Lord….”

Psalm 37:7a (NIV)

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:

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

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

FURTHER READING:

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

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and mentoring. She and her husband Mark enjoy opening their home to those in need.

What’s Around Your Neck?

By Elin Henderson

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

Proverbs 3:3a (NKJV)

         

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

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:

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

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

FURTHER READING:

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

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

What’s Wrong With Me?
By Lisa Boyer

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

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

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

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

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

[1] Pastor Jerome Spencer, New Beginnings Christian Church, Waukesha, WI, May 2, 2010.

Lisa has been married to Ted for 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.

Will the Real You Please Stand Up?

By Carolyn Hulliberger

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

Matthew 23:27b-28 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

I like how The Message puts how we should respond to the temptation of being “double-minded.”  Consider these words from James 4:7-10:

 “So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud ‘no’ to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet ‘yes’ to God and He'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.”

GOING DEEPER:

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

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

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 86:11

Along with caring for her 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.