Thursday, July 31, 2014

Next, Please
By Elin Henderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER READING:
Matthew; Mark; Luke; John

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to Callie and Elias.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Meaningful Pointing
By Lexi Ellis

“Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street…”

We are currently in the process of training our German Shorthair Pointer puppy, Calvin, to be a hunting dog. Since the first session with the trainer, walks (and even going outside) have not been the same. Calvin picks up on all kinds of animal scents - - birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rodents, even other dogs’ excrement - - and will immediate take the pointing stance. Pointing is when a hunting dog stops, its head goes low and sticks out, tail goes up and one front paw curls to communicate, or point, to where the bird is.

Interestingly, the “pointing at the little, meaningless things” is very much a phase. As Calvin continues his training, he’ll learn to distinguish the difference between a hunting bird and a squirrel. While hunting, he’ll ignore the chipmunks, dog poop and mice because he understands they’re temporal and worthless. Eventually he’ll learn the distinction between the little scents and the “meaningful” scents  - - the birds Andrew hunts - - that bring him an even greater delight.

It got me thinking: Have I learned the distinction between pointing at the meaningless and the meaningful? How often do I point to the temporal, allowing it to consume my thoughts and steal my joy? If I’m honest, I think I find myself often pointing or focused on my pride, my own ability or my reputation.  Other times I point at selfishness by choosing a bad attitude and unkindness. Often, these meaningless things I devote my time and energy, thoughts and actions to result in missing out on the privilege of pointing on the meaningful - - the opportunity to be a part of God’s Plan, to love others and share His redeeming grace.

The question becomes: What am I pointing at - - the meaningless or the meaningful? While we are free from a life of guilt and shame, I wonder what time and talent is wasted pointing to the meaningless that could be spent doing amazing, meaningful things for the Gospel. Calvin is still learning to distinguish between the meaningless and meaningful. I’m thankful we have God’s Word and the opportunity to be in relationship with the Creator of the Universe so we can continually learn to point to meaningful as well.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about the meaningless and meaningful things you point to.
2. What godly opportunities are you missing out on because you’re pointing to the meaningless? What do you need to do to address that? Not sure? Ask our God in prayer and spend time allowing Him to speak to you through His Word.

FURTHER READING:

Lexi is married to Andrew and has an adorable puppy named Calvin. She serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Speak When He Says, “Speak”
By Susan Klein

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER READING:

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, tutoring with the Literacy Council and working with Oakwood’s peacemaking ministry.

Monday, July 28, 2014

The Anti-Proverbs 21:9 Girl
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.”
Proverbs 31:10 (The Message)

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

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

“Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.”
(Proverbs 21:9, The Message)

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:
1.  Think of times when you struggle with harsh words. What patterns or triggers need to be removed or identified?
2.  Make yourself accountable! The buddy system is great in holding each other accountable in the area of insensitive speech. If a buddy isn’t available, try a personal “fine.” Every time you find yourself crossing the line with your words, put a dollar in a jar. Send the dollars to your favorite charity.

FURTHER READING:

Along with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Friday, July 25, 2014

The Heart of the Matter
By Jeannine Sawall

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

The morning after an intense storm swept through our area, I was driving to work and noticed a large tree lying in the middle of the road. The tree was huge and clearly old, yet the storm had caused one of the main branch arteries to break off and block oncoming traffic. What I noticed was the inside of the tree: the entire interior of the tree had been rotting. Its core was completely decayed because of the rot and so it had not been able to withstand the winds of the storm.

From the outside, the tree looked perfectly healthy and solid. It had green leaves on it. It was tall and burley and looked like it could have handled any storm…a mighty oak. Yet on the inside, there was a huge void where the core of the tree had crumbled away leaving it weak and vulnerable to the heavy winds. Because of its weakness, the shelter and shade it had provided for untold wildlife was now gone.

As I drove by this tree, it challenged me to consider my spiritual walk. I know how to look like a solid Christian on the outside. I know the right words and phrases to say. I know my Bible pretty well and can recite appropriate verses at appropriate times. I attend the required church events and from the outside I can look like I have it pretty much spiritually all together. However, the Lord considers my “inside actions” - - the actions and thoughts of my heart more than the actions and words I do and say. Unless there is the consistency on the inside to match the outside, all I am doing is putting on a farce while my inside crumbles away.

As Christians, we need to have our insides match our outsides. Not only because God sees our intentions and hears our thoughts and anything outside His line of godliness grieves Him, but because when we do not have spiritual heart health, any storm that comes our way can shatter us. We need to have a spiritual healthiness that goes to our core so we can offer shelter to those around us when needed, as well as remain strong in our faith when storms come our way. It really comes down to the fact that it’s the heart of the matter that matters most!

GOING DEEPER:
1.  How healthy is your spiritual walk? Do the thoughts of your heart match the words of your mouth?
2.  Who is God asking you to provide spiritual shelter or shade for?

FURTHER READING:

Jeannine is a wife and busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café and actively ministers to those walking through grief.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Life-lesson From a Chipmunk
By Susan Klein

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:22-24

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

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Journey
By Lisa Boyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lisa has been married to Ted for 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.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

What is His Name?
By Peggy Kleckner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, July 21, 2014

SON-Worshiper
By Karen D’Amore

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”

As a Southern California native, my immersion into sunbathing began at an early age. As far back as I can remember, baby oil and beach towels were a constant companion. And what started out as a typical California summer pastime transcended into a long-standing addiction. The overbearing impulse to display a sun-kissed glow led to perpetual overdoses of vitamin D…oozing from my skin. As is common with most addicts, I was oblivious to my addiction. As a literal “tanorexic,” my identity was linked to my all-consuming relationship with the sun. EVERYTHING  in my life revolved around my “sun time” and the need to be tan.

In the book Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave, Edward T. Welch [1] identifies sin as the root of addictions. More specifically, he points to idolatry  as the root of addictions, emphasizing that idolatry is not only worshiping a false god, it’s anything that takes our attention and worship away from the One True God. Even as a mature believer and working in full-time ministry, I was still blind to my addiction/idol. As a sun worshiper, my heart was divided and my attention was distracted from the SON of God.

For nearly forty years, I bowed down and worshipped that false “sun” god. After numerous surgeries, topical chemo and months of radiation treatments to destroy the skin cancer, that idol was finally eradicated from my life. Reaping the scary cancerous consequences of that idol served as the necessary means to severing bondage to that addiction. Now, hindsight stirs deep regret, as I reflect on those wasted years of worshiping the wrong sun/Son.

Scripture warns, “…do not worship other gods. Rather, worship the Lord your God” (2 Kings 17:38b-39a, NIV). Scripture is clear that nothing should stand between us and God. Unfortunately, in this world, there are many gods vying for our attention…seeking our devotion and prodding to be the god we choose to worship. What’s your obsession? What consumes your thoughts, desires, time and passions? Is it the god of…
          …success
          …family, spouses or children
          …food
          …possessions
          …alcohol or drugs
          …sports
          …wealth
          …exercise
          …lust
          …education
          …beauty

When we put the little gods of this world before the One True God in our hearts, we create idols. And those idols will surely interfere with our worship of the One True God.

Though the sun is no longer a personal idol, other gods in this world manifest themselves as perpetual temptations. As a transformed “sun” worshiper, I suffered the consequences of bowing to a false god. I now strive to be a radical SON-Worshiper - - filled with a SON-kissed inner glow - - that will never ever fade!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What idols need dethroning in your life?

FURTHER READING:

[1] Edward T. Welch, Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2001)

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.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Empty Baskets
By Elin Henderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to Callie and Elias.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Reconciliation and Restoration-Lessons Learned
By Jeannine Sawall

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Almost six years have passed since I received the letter from my bio-dad, Larry, and the five-year anniversary of my mom’s passing is quickly approaching. As I reflect back, God has taught me many things:

1)    God’s timing is always perfect. Larry’s letter was sent at a time I would be open to his becoming a part of my life, and he was eager to become a part of my and my family’s lives.

2)    God is always working to perfect us and have us reflect His Son’s image. The Lord knew my mom was going home 16 days after she and Larry reconnected. He allowed her to work through the conflicting, painful emotions that Larry’s re-entry into our lives had brought to the surface. He gave her peace on THIS side of heaven before she entered into eternal peace. That was a gift for her, for Larry and for me.

3)    God is never done writing our story and it’s never what we think it’s going to be. After 41 years, I never expected to hear from my bio-dad, let alone form a loving relationship with him. Yet, he has become part of my extended family. What a blessing to “feel at home” with my father.

4)    God’s ultimate story is shared when we allow ourselves to be used by Him. Larry often brings up faith. He says he “sees” the difference that was in my mom and is in me and wants faith like that, but he felt he let us down and struggled with unconditional acceptance. How could we just let him into our lives, “no strings attached”? It has opened up many opportunities to share the gospel with him and let him know the only way we were able to offer unconditional love and acceptance was because of the unconditional love and acceptance given to us through Christ’s death and resurrection.

God grieves brokenness. However, our God is a God of healing!! Out of the pain and heartache of a broken relationship, an unplanned pregnancy and an absentee father, God has brought beauty from ashes. He has reconciled relationships and restored hearts. While my mother/daughter story is complete, He continues to write my father/daughter story. It’s not what I would have planned or expected, but God is faithful and good and He is the source of all blessings…even unexpected ones that show up as a letter in God’s perfect timing. 

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where in your life do you need to acknowledge lessons God has taught you?
2. With whom do you need to share the gospel today?

FURTHER READING:

Jeannine is a wife and busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café and actively walks along those experiencing grief.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Reconciliation and Restoration-Peace!
By Jeannine Sawall

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Seeing the two of them sitting next to each other, smiling and chatting brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in my 41 years, my mom and bio-dad were in the same room with each other sitting and talking like old friends. I felt compelled to take of a picture of the two of them but hesitated to do so. I didn’t want to make their first meeting feel awkward.

I sat down with them and began talking with both  my parents! I pulled out pictures of my family’s recent vacation and shared them with Larry while my mom looked on. Later in the evening, my mom, stepdad and a couple of friends were sitting in the family room with Larry…still talking! I asked if they were going to join us for the fireworks. My mom smiled and said, “We’ll be down in a minute. We’re working on getting Larry saved!”

The next day, I told my mom how proud I was of her. She seemed so at ease with Larry after all these years, despite the initial emotional struggle after he contacted me. She said it was good to see him after all that time. I asked her if she had found “closure,” and she said she hadn’t, but God had given her a peace that she hadn’t had before. She shared how good it was to see Larry and me together. “He really does love you, Bean. I’m so glad I had a chance to see that.” Sixteen days later, my mom died in a car accident.

As I look back at that time, I see the hand of God so very clearly in every detail. He brought Larry into my life in His timing, not to replace my mom but to offer me the opportunity to develop a father/daughter relationship I didn’t even know I was missing at a time I would desperately need it. While my mom had experienced healing in many areas of her life, Larry was the one “loose end” she struggled with. God, in His goodness, allowed her to experience peace with Larry before she was called home, and God allowed me to witness that process. God’s plans and timing may not always be clear to us or easy to walk. But we can be sure His plans are for our good, for hope and for a future, if we trust Him and allow Him to work in our lives.

GOING DEEPER:
1. With whom does God desire you to reconcile?
2. Where do you need to trust God with your future?

FURTHER READING:

Jeannine is a wife and busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café and actively walks along those experiencing grief.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Reconciliation and Restoration-Beauty for Ashes
By Jeannine Sawall

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness; a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

“He better not think he’s going to come into your life now after I’ve done all the hard work. You’re MY daughter! He CAN’T have you!” The response from my mom shocked me. I thought she would be glad to hear my bio-dad Larry was interested in a relationship after all these years. The Lord had worked healing in mighty ways in my mom’s life and she was a ministry leader offering hope of restoration and reconciliation to women who had experienced brokenness. Did she not see maybe this was God working to restore and reconcile THIS broken relationship?

“Mom, we don’t even know how this relationship will play out. Maybe we’ll keep in touch through Christmas cards, or maybe we’ll have another guest at the boys’ birthday parties.” “Well, if Larry is there. I won’t be there!” My mom was struggling with unresolved feelings of abandonment, rejection and heartbreak. She had become pregnant while she and Larry had been dating and while they had become engaged and planned a future together, life didn’t quite work out that way. She felt left with ashes.

Several weeks later, after a promising meeting with Larry, I asked my mom how she was doing with the whole “Larry thing.” She responded by saying, “I’m good.” She explained she and God had wrestled and He showed her exactly where He wanted her to be. I asked her what “being good” looked like if Larry came to my son’s birthday party. She responded she’d happily be there.

God had done His restoring work in my mom. She had made an about-face. God had shown her while her path had a few more twists and turns, her response to His love and healing had brought her to a place of spiritual prosperity. He had exchanged beauty for ashes and the splendor of God’s divine work in her life was now bringing glory to Him. Despite poor choices, when we respond in obedience to the Lord, He works to restore us and turns our mourning into joy.

Only our God could be at work like that and I’m thankful my mom chose to be teachable to His will. But He wasn’t done teaching me about reconciliation and redemption. Tomorrow, the story continues.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where in your life can you be teachable to God’s plan and allow Him to exchange ashes for beauty?
2. Who can you share your restoration story with?

FURTHER READING:

Jeannine is a wife and busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café and actively walks along those experiencing grief.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Reconciliation and Redemption-The Letter
By Jeannine Sawall

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It had started out as an ordinary day. My husband and children were gone, and so I had a small window of time to be alone. As I pieced through the mail, there was a letter addressed to me. So preoccupied with what should be for dinner, I didn’t really look at the sender’s name. I opened up the letter and began to read:

“Dear Jeannine,
You should probably sit down as you read this…”

Oh great! My first thought was it was one of those “send a dollar to the first name on this list and in six months you’ll be a millionaire” letters. I read on:

“I want you to know I have never stopped thinking of you. This is Larry and I am your_____________.”

I stopped reading as my heart began to pound. This letter was from my biological father with whom I had had almost no contact during my life. The letter said he had always wanted to have a relationship with me, but things in his life had made it difficult. As the years went on, he felt he had lost the right to even ask for one. He wanted to meet me and then let me decide how I’d like to proceed, if at all, with a relationship.

I started to cry. I had no idea hearing from him would cause such strong emotions within me.  Why now? Why not before? I was challenged to be available to God to work in me and through me. As I considered what God might be orchestrating, I also had fears, “What if he doesn’t like me?” “What if I don’t like him?” But there was one fear that stopped me in my tracks.  “Lord, if you are sending Larry now because you are planning on taking my mom, then I DON’T want him.” I wasn’t sure what the Lord was doing and I wasn’t sure I was ready to go where He was leading. But I also knew His ways are not my ways and so I knew I had to trust Him.

This letter was unexpected but I now had a choice with how I would respond, and if I would trust God’s leading. Tomorrow, we’ll see the next part of this incredible story where God chose to teach me about reconciliation and redemption.

GOING DEEPER:
1. When something out of the ordinary happens, how do you recognize God’s hand in it?
2. What do you do when fear makes you question the path God is taking you down?

FURTHER READING:

Jeannine is a wife and busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café and actively walks along those experiencing grief.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Greater Love
By Carolyn Hulliberger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Name changed for privacy

Along with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Danger in Safety
By Brita Crouse

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”

I am learning that sometimes in life, it feels easier to “play it safe” than to take risks. However, as our verse above tells us, as Christians, we should have a very different mindset about how to live. As easy as it seems to live comfortably, we are called to follow Christ, which doesn’t necessarily mean living in safety.

The book Crazy Love  addresses this idea of “safe living” with these words:

“People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.” [1]

The Bible gives us numerous examples of Christ-followers who lived for Christ, not for comfort. David hid in caves as he was pursued by Saul because of his appointment as ruler over Israel. Moses led an exodus while warding off Egyptians, fielding complaints, and acting as mediator between God and His people. Paul was imprisoned for doing the Lord’s work and Peter was crucified for being a follower of Jesus. These people, by any standard, were not living comfortably, but they were being obedient to Christ.

My brother has been on a two-month journey working as an intern with orphanages in Latvia. He has many excuses and reasons not do to this, (namely, it’s far away and the unstable political climate in Eastern Europe), but in faith, he has chosen to be obedient. My parents have received many questions and concerns about his safety also, but they have taken on the attitude of, “Who are we as parents to tell him to disobey his Father?”

We have all sorts of things that lull us into feeling secure, like seatbelts and helmets and financial stability. It is very important to be wise, but there is danger in “playing it safe.” It is when we feel comfortable that we forget our true purpose in this life: to be a follower of Christ.

Let us not exclusively and excessively concern ourselves with safety, but rather leave the protecting to God. Instead, let us pray that we, as well as others, would be used by God to further His kingdom. Let’s take a risk and practice obedience.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Listen to “The Cost” by Rend Collective Experiment. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TxahqbSbU)
2. Is there a situation in your life where God is calling you out of comfort?

FURTHER READING:

[1] Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God (Elgin, IL: David C. Cook, 2008), 133.  

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.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Just the Right Ingredient
By Jen Wollner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

What’s Your “Neither?”
By Susan Klein

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I wonder if you’re like me. I have days where I feel completely run over by my circumstances. Sometimes, they hit me so hard and catch me so off guard, I feel like a helpless hit-and-run victim. Like today, it’s a bit hard for me to focus on the gorgeous, hot and sunny weather when my furnace just very suddenly died. And my husband’s car is about to die. And our family pet of 17 years just recently died. Man, life’s casualties can be real joy-robbers!

Perhaps that’s why we are told not to fix our eyes on our circumstances. Oh, that doesn’t mean we don’t think about them or deal with them or even grieve over them, we just don’t make them our primary focus. After all, everything here on earth is temporal. Our possessions and circumstances bring us momentary troubles or fleeting happiness, not true joy. Our real treasure to focus on is the immensely incomprehensible love our Father has lavished on us through His Son, enabling us to be called His children. And that is eternal! Neither awful situations nor difficult people can negate the Father’s love for us. Neither the evil one nor his fiery darts of temptation can stop or weaken God’s love. Neither the world’s hardships nor man’s criticisms can deem us less loved and valued by our Creator. Neither separation nor death of a loved one can extinguish the flaming love God desires to pour out upon His children.

Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “If,” starts out: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…” It lists many other “ifs,” and then finishes by stating the world and everything in it will be yours. Similarly, if we can keep our focus on the Father’s love rather than on our momentary hardships, then we will be blessed with peace, and strength, and hope, and every good gift He desires for us to possess. All the trials and difficulties of life will eventually fade away, but God’s love will remain forever.

So, what circumstances might be running you over, keeping you from focusing on His love? What’s your “neither”?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider memorizing Romans 8:38-39.
2. Meditate on the immensity of God’s love for you.

FURTHER READING:

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, tutoring with the Literacy Council and working with Oakwood’s peacemaking ministry.