The Real Deal

By Lexi Ellis

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways [God’s] higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

Sometimes I play Wii with my ten-year-old buddy whom I babysit over the summer. Over the past three summers, whenever we play, I occasionally beat him. I’m not the best at sports. But with this Wii Sports Resort game, all of a sudden, I am bowling over 150 when I’ve broken 100 in “real life” maybe twice. Suddenly, I can fly a plane and collect green balloons with ease. Basketball? No problem! I can slam-dunk that ball every time - -  my vertical is wicked. I am now an expert sports gal!

I know what you’re thinking, “Hold up, those things aren’t real. You’re not a real bowling genius, pilot pro or basketball expert. Those games are virtual - - you aren’t really bowling, flying or shooting hoops. It isn’t the real deal.”

You’re right. It would be ridiculous to think Wii bowling is the same as “real” bowling. In fact, we miss out on the experience of the “real deal” in the sport if we never move beyond the virtual version.

I doubt anyone would rather be a “Wii bowling expert” over the real sport. And yet, I think we sometimes do that as Christians. We miss out on the real deal because we’re too busy concentrating on the virtual, or the temporary, here on Earth. Rather than pursuing God’s master plan and listening for His guidance in our life, we choose our plans, solutions and desires. We may think we’re great at bowling - - we’re handling life on our own pretty well - - until we stop and see we’re only moving our arm with a white controller. My success in Wii bowling - - my own ways and achievements - - isn’t as fulfilling as the choice to follow Jesus and experience the real sport, which is surrendering to Him and being His disciple.

I want to experience the real deal. I want to realize I am part of God’s incredible master plan to restore, rebuild and renew the world. I don’t want to think the virtual - - my own ways and my own busy-ness in life - - is “good enough” when there is so much more beyond the TV. I want to live life in full pursuit of God. I’m still not an expert at bowling, despite winning on the Wii, but I am thankful for the reminder to get off the couch, turn off the TV and live for Him!

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 55

GOING DEEPER:

1. What parts in your life are acting like the Wii - - that distract you from the “real deal” of God’s master plan?

2. What do you need to do to change this?

Lexi is married to Andrew and has an adorable puppy named Calvin. She serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Nature’s Revelation

By Susan Klein

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.”

 Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)

Who doesn’t enjoy watching the sky fill with blazing oranges and brilliant pinks as the sun sets on a warm summer night? Or driving through the countryside in the fall with a palette of colors splayed across the trees? God definitely delights our senses through His creation. But, have you ever stopped to ponder what He is saying through His creation? The above verse, as well as others in Scripture, allude to the fact that He speaks to us - - not only through His Word - - but also through His creation. While admiring its beauty, we should also consider its message.

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas are trying to lead a group of misguided people away from their idols to the One True God by using nature as an illustration. Paul states, “He has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their season…” (verse 17, NIV) How often do we look at a rainy day as just a spoiler of our outdoor plans? Yet, God is speaking his kindness and compassion by providing the rain for the crops so we don’t go hungry. Conversely, at times, He has withheld rain and caused drought when He is speaking His displeasure with His people.

In Romans 1, Paul informs us that God has made many things about Himself plainly known through His creation, but some just don’t see it or aren’t listening. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - - His eternal power and His divine nature - - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.” (verse 20, NIV) How easy it is to get caught up in just enjoying His creation for our own personal pleasure. But God has valuable truths to reveal to us through His creation, if we are willing to listen.

Next time you admire that vibrant rainbow in the sky, ponder what God is speaking to you about His promises. When you gaze at those majestic mountaintops, listen for His voice to reveal His mighty power in your own life. When you hear of a tsunami or tornadoes that ravage towns and villages, ask God what He might be trying to convey through the devastation. He is faithful to answer. “He does not leave Himself without testimony.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Read the verses below to see how God has spoken through His creation in the past.

2. Determine to seek His voice as you observe His creation in the future.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 65:9-13; Habakkuk 3:3-6; Matthew 5:45

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council.

Fragility

By Peggy Kleckner

"I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." [Paul to the Corinthians]
1 Corinthians 2:3 (NIV)

Today, I began my day before God a bit whiny. It seems I am forever discontent, wrestling with this body of flesh. My heart wants to be strong and stalwart for Him, but my flesh is weak and timid.

Thankfully I have been taught the discipline of bringing my whole self before Him and He meets me as I am, not as I want to be. He always knows what I need. Out of the devotional book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, I read this:

“Do not compare yourself with others, who seem to skip along their life-paths with ease. Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy. I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence. Accept this gift as a sacred treasure... Rather than struggling to disguise or deny your weakness, allow Me to bless you richly through it.” [1]

Here plainly was a new thought. Fragility is sometimes a:

• gift given by Him
• doorway through which He would bless me
• sacred treasure, one He has entrusted to me.

In my weakness - -  my fragility - -  I would find Him, my strength. My weakness is not to be tossed aside but accepted as gift from the Giver of good gifts.

In my struggling to wrestle out of my weaknesses, I have found I forever need a Savior. I have found my need can only be matched by His great grace. I have found Jesus came because I cannot succeed at being perfect. The very things I have despised in myself, things the enemy taunts me with by saying that I am not good enough for God, are the very things God uses to nudge me back to Himself lest I begin to believe the lie I can do it on my own. The answer to the enemy is, “Yes, I know the places that I have fallen short and I gladly bring them before the King and receive the grace Jesus offers to those who believe He paid it all.”

It is hard to accept dependence on Jesus. Certainly the flesh cries out the world-cry of independence. Shouldn’t we one day be able to walk on our own? No, we were built for relationship…children of the King of kings. We are accepted, loved, treasured. Why would we want to walk away from that?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What weakness is pressing you to believe the lie that God is not good, or that He will not accept you?

2.  Will you consider looking at your hardship, pain or weakness as gift?

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 2:4; Hebrews 4:14-16; Isaiah 33:6

[1] Sarah Young wrote the devotional in response to her personal time with God and reading the Bible, artistically writing from Jesus’ perspective. Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2004).

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.

Peace
By Lisa Boyer

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

“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)

It was an uncomfortable feeling, no, not uncomfortable, it was awful. I had knots in my stomach. Right away, I knew what it was: anxiety. I was anxious. I quickly tried to figure out why, but nothing came to me. As I contemplated my condition, Philippians 4:6 came to mind, “be anxious for nothing.” I laughed as I realized that in my terrible state, I was being very biblical. I was, in fact, anxious about nothing!

When times are tough, we go in search of peace. When we need God’s peace, we are quick to follow the whole verse of Philippians 4:6. We let our requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication. And we try our best to do it with thanksgiving. But when there are no obvious problems, do we need peace? Do we go in search of it? Or does it become the neglected fruit of the Spirit, sought after only when it becomes obviously missing, replaced with anxiety, sometimes without cause?

The other fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…affect those around us in obvious ways. Peace can be so easily neglected. And yet, when peace is neglected, anxiety takes its place. And when we are anxious, can we truly display the other fruit? Anxiety affects our ability and tendencies to show love, to have joy, to display patience, to be kind, good, faithful or gentle and most certainly to exhibit self-control.

In Paul’s closing remarks to the Thessalonians, he said, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV). Every circumstance. Good times, bad times, all the time.

Let’s proactively pursue peace today by taking everything to God in prayer, with thanksgiving.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you find yourself being anxious? Will you pray today and let your requests be made known to God with thanksgiving?

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:15; John 14:27

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.

Fill ‘er Up

By Jeannine Sawall

“…Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4b (NIV)

When you drive a large vehicle and are pulling a big camper behind you, you need to make frequent stops at the gas station to fill up the tank. Fortunately, the car manufacturers decided to make things easy on drivers by putting a handy little gauge right on the front panel to let you know when your tank is about to run dry. If it wasn’t for that gas gauge, we’d have to guess how far we could go before our tank was empty. I’m sure we’d have been stranded on the side of the road more than once if it weren’t for that handy little gauge!

As Christians, we also need to fill up our spiritual gas tanks on a daily basis. In order to grow and mature, we need to make sure we are seeking to establish our relationship with the Lord routinely.  Fortunately, the Lord has also given us a “gas gauge.”  The Holy Spirit prompts us to spend time in prayer, in the Word and in fellowship with other believers. He warns us when we’re running dry.  However, it seems this gauge is a little easier to ignore since we won’t literally be left sitting on the side of the road if we don’t stop to fill it up. However, spiritually, we certainly can be left stranded. If we don’t stop to put the effort into our relationship with the Lord, we stifle the work He wants to do through us. We miss the blessing of having that relationship deepen and grow, and we won’t have the resources necessary to sustain us through difficult times.

Oftentimes, it’s easy to put off time with the Lord. We fill our tanks up with other things, sometimes even good things. How often have we chatted with a friend, gone shopping, read a book, gone to an exercise class, sat down for a bit and watched a favorite show…and at the end of the day, we never sat with the Lord? While it’s not always easy, we need to prioritize that time with our Father and fill up on Him. He provides the spiritual gas necessary to walk this Christian life. When we respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, we won’t run dry and we won’t run out of time. He will fill us up and give us the power to do whatever He calls us to. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What do you fill up on?

2. Have you established a regular quiet time alone with God?  If not, make it a priority to establish one.

FURTHER READING:

Colossians 1:9-10; Psalm 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3-8

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

It is Well

By Lexi Ellis

“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”

Psalm 34:1-2 (NIV)

In the late 1800’s, Horatio Spafford had it all: a thriving legal practice, wealthy real estate investments, a loving wife and five children. And then it hit. In 1871, the Spaffords’ son died and the Great Chicago Fire destroyed Horatio’s investments. Horatio decided the family needed a vacation. When unexpected business came up, he sent his wife and four daughters on the ship with plans to meet them shortly. The boat collided and his four daughters drowned. Within two years, Horatio and Anna Spafford buried all five of their children. [1]

It was in the midst of this unspeakable disaster that Horatio wrote the well-known hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” There are two things that have been impactful for me. The first is the phrase: “It is well with my soul.” I love that Spafford doesn’t sugarcoat it. He was in the midst of immense mourning. He didn’t fake it and say it is “golly, ol’ grand with my soul.” But he doesn’t allow bitterness to overcome him. It hurts, it’s sad, it’s painful…but it is well. Why? The hymn explains because of what Christ has done for us. It is well because Christ has taken all of our sin, reconciled us with God and is coming back soon.

The other thing that so impacts me in the hymn is that our God is in relationship with us, regardless of our present circumstance. He is our God in times of happiness and in times of sadness. Another worship song I love echoes that truth:

All of my life, in every season,

You are still God.

I have a reason to sing,

I have a reason to worship.

I will bring praise. I will bring praise.

No weapon formed against me shall remain.

I will rejoice. I will declare. God is my victory and He is here.[2]

God meets us where we are - - in the midst of joyous celebrations and unspeakable pain. Incredible. I want my life song to be similar to Horatio Spafford’s beautiful hymn and be able to say to my Lord every morning, “It is well.”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

          When sorrows like sea billow roll;

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

          It is well, it is well with my soul. [3]

GOING DEEPER:

1. Identify what kind of “season” you are currently in.

2. What do you need to do so you can honestly say “It is well with my soul” each morning?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 34

[1] http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-and-the-story.html

[2] Hillsong, “The Desert Song”

[3] For all the verses of the hymn sung by Chris Rice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HLyhEdh92E&feature=related 

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

The Encourager
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“When the church in Jerusalem got wind of this [the spreading of the good news of Jesus], they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on things. As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in it all. He threw himself in with them, got behind them, urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives. He was a good man that way, enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit's ways.”

Acts 11:22-23 (MSG, paraphrase)

Have you ever been blessed by an Encourager? Maybe it was a teacher, a parent, a pastor or a workplace mentor. Encouragers seek to build others up, to stretch their training, to motivate and praise another’s progress. They leave lasting impressions. Barnabas was just such a person. In fact, Barnabas wasn’t even his given name…it was the nickname he earned from the apostles. The name “Barnabas” translates to “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Talk about an insight into a person’s character!

Barnabas demonstrated strong faith, ministered with joy, and taught new believers. He didn’t stand on the sidelines “supervising”…the above paraphrase of verse 23 says he “threw himself in with them.” He was active in the building of the early church. Barnabas served with Paul on his first missionary journey. He also mentored John Mark, who wrote one of the gospels.

He is a great example to the rest of us, not only in how he encouraged, but what he encouraged. In a time of opposition, Barnabas urged the younger in the faith to stick with it for the rest of their lives. Sound familiar? Our times have plenty of opposition to Christ-followers, too. We would do well to equip others in advance, so that the time of our greatest pain or hardest struggle is not the time to wrestle with a faith in Christ. From the very beginning, Barnabas intentionally urged others to stay faithful and resolve to obey God.

As this school year starts, let’s keep our eyes open to ways to throw ourselves in with others…to mentor, teach, inspire, disciple, and help equip for the opposition that is always just around the corner.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you had a Barnabas in your life? What made that person’s influence special to you? Pray for ways to translate that influence on to someone else.

FURTHER READING:
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn serves Oakwood Church in Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls.

Blessed Are The Peace-MAKERS

By Susan Klein

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

James 3:18 (NIV)

Sitting in a crowded coffee shop, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation between two women at the table just inches from mine. “Everyone in my family is so stressed and angry all the time. I feel like I’m always walking on eggshells around them. I don’t want to say or do anything to make matters worse. I just try to keep the peace, you know - - stay upbeat.”  I had to wonder how this dear woman’s circumstances were going to change by staying “upbeat.”

A common misconception that “peacekeeping” and “peacemaking” are one and the same couldn’t be further from the truth. Like this woman alluded to, peacekeeping involves avoiding the strife or conflict. It is merely keeping a status quo, not addressing the issue. The strife still exists, just lingering under the surface, temporarily out of sight. Left unresolved, it will likely bubble back to the surface when the right button is pushed. Peacekeeping is more a calling of “truce,” not necessarily a means of reconciliation. It won’t lead to a harvest of righteousness.

Peacemaking is a different matter altogether. It involves sowing, or action, as implied by the verse above. It is taking proactive (sometimes difficult) steps toward dealing with, and hopefully ending, the strife. It is the biblical response to conflict. In Genesis 13, Abraham demonstrated peacemaking skills with his nephew, Lot. When they came to Bethel, the land could not sustain all the animals and people of their tribes together. Fights and quarrels broke out among their herdsmen over the land. Abraham didn’t try to “keep the peace” or smooth things over by placating the men. He graciously decided to give Lot first choice of the land while he moved his flocks elsewhere. This ended the conflict and created an atmosphere of peace. God blessed Abraham’s choice.

Recognizing that God is Sovereign, and that every conflict that comes into our lives is ordained by Him for His great purpose, we ought to seriously consider how we respond to that conflict. Are we acknowledging His presence in the midst of the trial? Are we seeking to glorify Him with our response? Are we learning what He is trying to teach us through the strife? Are we attempting to minister to someone else in the heat of the conflict?

Peacemaking, not peacekeeping, produces a harvest of righteousness.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Want to learn more about “Peacemaking”?

2. Be equipped at a Wednesday Night Community on-site small group at Oakwood this fall entitled “Resolving Everyday Conflict,” a video series by Peacemaker Ministries. Or, read the book The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. [1]

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 13:1-12; Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:17-18

[1] This book is available to borrow at the Oakwood Church library or can be purchased on many websites, including http://peacemaker-ministries.mybigcommerce.com/the-peacemaker/.

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council.

Trust Without Borders

By Karen D’Amore

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

Proverbs 3:5a (NIV)

The song was playing on the radio on my drive to church, and by the end of Sunday morning worship, we were singing the same song. Scribbling the lyrics on a church bulletin…I found the penetrating words replayed in my mind for days:

                   “Spirit lead me…where my trust is without borders

                   Let me walk upon the waters

                   Wherever You would call me

                   Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

                   And my faith would be made stronger

                   In the presence of my Savior” [1, emphasis added]

“Trust”…such a small, but powerful word. Dictionary.com defines trust as “reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. of a person or thing; confidence; a person on whom or thing on which one relies.”

Trust…in and of itself…is difficult enough, but “trust without borders” is a concept I sometimes struggle to embrace. As a believer for many years, my trust in the Lord has been an ongoing growth process. Using obstacles and adversity to drive my faith-roots deeper into Him, God’s faithfulness in every (even confusing) aspect of my life has reinforced my ability to trust Him.  Hindsight reveals that He has never forsaken me!

But, in spite of God’s unwavering faithfulness, new obstacles tend to stir up doubt, drawing me to place borders on my trust. Currently, as I am immersed in confusing circumstances and injustices that stretch me beyond my comfort zone, I find myself questioning God. When His methods of resolution and timeliness differ from mine…my trust sometimes wanes.

Our key verse exhorts us to “lean not on our own understanding.” As I meditate on this Scripture, I’m learning that trust means walking in obedience…in blind faith! Trust rests in God’s perfect plan, regardless of how confusing or uncomfortable that process may be. Trust accepts God’s ways even when it conflicts with ours. Trust abandons pre-conceived time limits and waits patiently on God’s timing. Trust believes in God’s faithfulness even when circumstances appear hopeless.

My faith journey has resembled a strenuous hike through deep valleys, around blind curves and over rugged terrain. Each, though, has been a necessary element to build my faith muscles and deepen my ability to trust in God. Seeing God’s faithfulness in the obstacles along that rugged path serves to develop and strengthen the parameters of my trust. Recognizing that God’s ways were/are always better than mine helps diminish my doubts.

As my faith journey continues, I yearn for “trust without borders.”  I pray my feet will obediently wander…where my faith will be made stronger…in the presence of my Savior!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What’s hindering your ability to fully trust God?

FURTHER READING:

Jeremiah 17:7; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 14:27, 29

[1] http://www.songlyrics.com/hillsong/oceans-where-feet-may-fail-lyrics

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.

Jailbreak!
 By Elin Henderson

“…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5b (NKJV)

Your day is progressing as usual when suddenly the sound of alarms fills your head. “Emergency! Jailbreak, Cellblock A!” Quickly, you run to see what the problem is when you realize that the escaped convicts of Cellblock A have opened Cellblocks B and C! Now, true chaos begins to fill your world. Before you know it, the top security inmates in solitary confinement are working their way free from their cells! What do you do??

Do you ever feel that there are jailbreaks in the prisons of your mind? Those thoughts that you believed were locked up with the keys thrown away suddenly dig a hole through the floor and begin to wreak havoc in the world of your mind? We all have different levels of security that we think are impenetrable. Some thoughts get detained in low security facilities, while others are sealed away in quiet recesses where few know about them (if any). Yet, at different times, when our guards are down, these thoughts break free. In their escape, they bring others along with them. Before long, your carefully controlled mind becomes a cesspool of unwanted escapees!

There is no parole for “good behavior” amongst the errant thoughts. They must be taken captive and sent back to the confines of their cells. Unfortunately, they are often joined by cellmates with similar tendencies and issues. One group of criminals called “Woeful Worries” has a tendency to overtake us when we are overwhelmed. Another gang, the “Guilt Gang,” stages a coup when we are already down-and-out about ourselves! Then there are those high security “Past Pain Prisoners” who lurk in the dark corners of solitary confinement where we try to keep them quiet and inactive. The list goes on….

It is a full-time job keeping a vigilant eye on the imprisoned thoughts of our minds. They are often repeat offenders that you might have to lock up every 5 minutes until the phase passes. But, while we are the prison matrons so to speak, we aren’t alone! There is the Boss in Charge -- the Architect and Creator -- the One who built the prison and knows its every nook and cranny. He’s on call 24/7, always there to help! Not only that, He is willing to help with guard duty, Philippians 4:7b “…will guard your hearts and MINDS through Christ Jesus.” When we catch an errant thought on the loose, our job is to bring it back to the Big Boss to deal with, lock away again and help guard the cell door!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What kinds of thoughts have been breaking free from the prisons of your mind lately? 

2. What promises does the Big Boss offer about His ability to deal with even the worst of escapees? Will you act on them today?

FURTHER READING: 

2 Timothy 1:12; Philippians 3:21; Ephesians 3:20

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.

Hail

By Peggy Kleckner

“I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD.”

Haggai 2:17 (NIV)

We recently experienced hail in our area. To many, it was an inconvenience, an oddity. It lasted only a short period of time. Maybe it kept them indoors; maybe they had to run for cover while they were at the State Fair; maybe they watched from a front room window. Did it bring to anyone’s heart the thought of God? His sovereignty?

What about those with gardens? Did they see the work of their hands demolished in a few short minutes? The work of their hands - - breaking up the soil, planting, weeding, watering, pruning etc. - - all perhaps brought to ruin in a few short minutes. Were they just beginning to harvest the fruit of their labor? Did it seem unfair or even cruel? Were they angry, seeing God as unjust?

Let’s broaden our view. What about the droughts, the mudslides, the hurricanes? Are these also not under the sovereign hand of God? Are not all of these things troubling our world today, impacting all of us?

Who then is seeking God? The verse above says that God Himself struck their work and then it says sadly, “yet you did not turn to me.” God is not cruel; He is compassionate. If the fruit of our own work brings contentment without God, it isn’t true contentment. We have been seduced by a lie, blinded by the enemy. Our days will end without Him and we will have lost the greater for a meager handful.

It is His compassion that demolishes the work of our hands in order to help us seek the greater, a relationship with Him. A relationship built on truth, not lies.

We are implored to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Seek Him first. Acknowledge that He is God, acknowledge our need for the saving grace of His Son, Jesus. Without Jesus, there can be no restored relationship with God. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. None of us is God. We all need Jesus. It is the recognition of our neediness that draws us back to God.

Is it God’s intent to demolish? No, it is His intent to bless. Haggai 2:19 (NIV) says this: “Is there any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. From this day on, I will bless you.”

Come, let us return to the LORD.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Where in your life are you experiencing famine, drought or hail?

2.  Instead of trying harder are you willing to seek God?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 30:15-18; Psalm 103; John 12:44-46

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.

Foundations

By Tracy Smith

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

While on a recent road trip, we were playing CDs we’ve had for years. One 20-year-old song is one I’ve always loved, but have not heard in a while. The song is sung by the band Big Tent Revival and is called “Two Sets of Jones’.” The song is a modern retelling of the Wise Man/Foolish Man parable. It tells a tale of two young families. One family builds its foundation on money, success and material things. The other builds its foundation on Jesus. The chorus goes like this:

And the rain, came down,
And it blew the four walls down
And the clouds they rolled away
And one set of Jones' was standing that day [1]

The song goes on to talk about how the family with the wrong foundation falls apart through hard times while the other family stays strong. 

The parable is found is found in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus points out that those who hear His words and put them into practice are like the wise man who builds his house on the rock. When the winds and rains come, the house is standing in the end. Those that hear His words and ignore them are like the man who builds his house on the sand. When the wind and rain come, the house crashes down because the foundation was not firm.

The song asks two important questions. The first: “Is your life built on the rock of Christ Jesus or a sandy foundation you’ve managed to lay?” [1]

There are so many sandy foundations we can build our lives on: money, success, looks, education, earthly relationships, careers, etc. Each of us has to look into our own hearts to see what sandy foundation beckons to us.

I’ll end with question number two from the song: “There’s two sets of Jones’, which one will you be?” [1]

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What is the sandy foundation you struggle with? What can you do to avoid using that as your foundation?

2.  The video for the song shows the story of the song, watch it here at this link (plus you get a flashback to 90’s styles!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7qPchMdcO8

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 3:11; Luke 6:47-49

[1] http://www.lyricsmania.com/two_sets_of_jones_lyrics_big_tent_revival.html

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.

People-Watching, or People-Engaging?

By Susan Klein

“…a time to be silent and a time to speak…”

Ecclesiastes 3:7b (NIV)

Sitting in the airport with an hour and a half layover, I decided to make the most of my time and do a little journaling. The sea of people around me soon became a distraction. This was a prime place for people-watching! One man in particular stole my immediate attention as he disembarked the plane in his traditional Indian Dhoti looking quite like Gandhi himself. I tried to imagine what his story was.

Pocketing my pen, I let my eyes roam. An elderly man in a wheelchair, a rambunctious toddler trying to escape an exhausted mother, two Asian students in a big hurry…the diversity was endless! Some looked excited to be traveling, while others appeared anxious. The techno-savvy crowd plugged in their electronic devices and popped in their earbuds to shut out the commotion. Which passengers would endure long journeys and which would have just a short hop? Who wanted to be flying and who dreaded it? Who would enjoy a smooth flight and who would be re-routed or delayed? I could only guess as I observed. Yet, two common threads became visible in this vast array: They all had baggage, and they all had a final destination.

Re-opening my journal, it occurred to me that these were mere observations. I had no idea where people were actually going or what was running through their minds. I didn’t know whether they were wrestling with struggles or resting in security. Were they carrying bags of pain or bags of peace? Did they confidently know where their final destination in life would be? I was convicted that as a “people-watcher,” I would never know the answers. It would take actually engaging in conversation to find out what was really going on behind those faces.

How comfortable it is to just sit and watch and wonder. Many actually prefer it that way, averting their eyes when we look in their direction for possible fear of having to converse. But is it what God desires of me? Am I created to watch, or to engage? Some of those people are heading in the wrong direction and their destination will not be what they expected. Do I just sit by and watch, or will I take a risk and try to offer a word of hope or encouragement?

Buckling myself in my seat on the plane, I noticed a nervous-looking young mom across the aisle from me. As she adjusted her baby for take-off, I asked, “Is this your first time flying with him?” We enjoyed sweet conversation until her baby drifted off to sleep.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How uncomfortable are you with engaging strangers in conversation?

2. Consider exploring Bill Hybels’ book: Just Walk Across The Room. [1]

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 25:11; Ephesians 4:29, 5:1

[1] For more information on this book, go to http://www.zondervan.com/just-walk-across-the-room-2 (the publisher’s website). It can also be purchased through many other websites and is available to borrow at Oakwood Church’s library.

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council.

How Do You Love Me?

By Jeannine Sawall

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Two years ago, I was sitting on the boat in the middle of the lake, reflecting with a discouraged heart. Life had been full of difficulties and sorrows of late, and it had left me exhausted and disheartened. The many verses I knew about God’s love kept coming to mind. Verses that reminded me of His great love for me: Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 5:8.  Verses about how He delights in me: Proverbs 8:31, Psalm 18:19.  Verses proclaiming I am his beloved daughter: 1 Samuel 12:22, Ephesians 5:1. Grumbling, I said under my breath, “Yeah…maybe His kinda-loved-just-a-little-bit daughter!”

I looked up and out, and noticed the boat was covered in a swarm of dragonflies. It was then that the Lord gently rebuked me and reminded me of His great love for me…not as second choice daughter or His last thought…but His every thought. Every dragonfly pair created a small heart. Imagine the entire vessel adorned with little blue hearts. He said to me, “How do I love you? Everything I created sings about my love for you. Even these dragonflies are my personal love letter to you.” Tears filled my eyes as I quietly confessed my doubts and discouragement to Him and thanked Him for His love letter.

Oftentimes in the midst of life, we can feel the Lord has forgotten about us. Or maybe not completely forgotten about us…but we aren’t on His list of top hundred (maybe million!) things for the day. We can question His love for us when tragedy strikes or we fall onto hard times. After all, if we  had the power to control all things, we wouldn’t let any beloved child experience the kind of trial or trouble that seems to plague this earth. Sometimes, just in our everyday busy-ness, we may doubt God really delights in us with His great love. We question if He really rejoices over us with singing. However, if we take a moment to look outside of ourselves and look up, we will be reminded of His great love through all the wonders He created with us in mind.   

When life brings doubts, ask the Lord to send assurances. He is faithful to lift us up. How does He love us….let me count the ways. He loves us so much that even dragonflies are His personal love letter!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you ever felt like God’s “kinda-loved-just-a-little-bit daughter”?  What do you do to capture and replace those thoughts?

2.  When you doubt God’s love for you, how do you bring your heart back in line?

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:16, John 3:16, Psalm 8:3-4

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

Extra Absorbent

By Elin Henderson

“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things…”

1 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV)

How many of us have stood in front of the paper towel, tissue, diaper or toilet paper section of the grocery store and had to decide which type to buy? Absorbent? Extra absorbent? Super absorbent? There are so many options! For me, personally, it has been awhile since I had this much variety to choose from. When I am in Africa, IF I find any paper towels in the store at all, I buy them…extra absorbent or not! 

I couldn’t help but think the other day when I was reading the well-known “love” passage in I Corinthians 13, how much we as Christians are called to be extra absorbent when it comes to life and wrongs. It is possible to read this verse as saying “Love absorbs all things,” True love takes the hit, cleans up the spills, and absorbs the mess of sin and hurt. The fact is that we live in a messy world with plenty of accidents (purposeful and accidental). Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we love in such a way that we absorb the hurt and still stay in one piece! That requires some serious absorption! To absorb hurt is truly the harder road to take. Humanly speaking, it is easier to reciprocate hurt than it is to absorb it. Our natural tendency is return the “favor” to the one who hurt us. We tend to think, “Oh yeah? Well, two can play that game.” The Holy Spirit calls us to do what is humanly impossible; He calls us to a “God-likeness” that covers and absorbs a multitude of sins with a deep love that does not reciprocate hurt for hurt.

So how absorbent have you been? What happens when life spills hurt on to you? Today, let’s look to our source of True Love, and show His love to the messy world around us by becoming extra absorbent.

                            

GOING DEEPER:

1. What other truths about love’s extra absorption can you learn from 1 Corinthians 13? How will you live it?

                                                           

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 10:12b, 17:9

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. 

Time of Adjustment

By Lexi Ellis

I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you..."

Jeremiah 29:14a (ESV)

Our nine-month-old puppy, Calvin, loves to have a “puppy playdates” with my parents’ dog, Riley. Calvin has grown up with Riley, but now that Calvin is bigger, he’s not as easily pushed around like when he was younger. While both dogs genuinely enjoy each other, there always seems to be a time of adjustment whenever I bring Calvin over. Calvin pushes the envelope and will go over to Riley, put his paws on Riley’s side and “stand up,” attempting to elevate his head above Riley’s. Riley, being the bigger and in-charge dog, isn’t too fond of Calvin’s attempts to upset the fruit basket. There’s occasional growling (nothing inappropriately aggressive), but clearly communicating and figuring it out. Then, ten minutes in, they’re best friends. Every time, it’s an identical beginning scene.

It makes me think of the “times of adjustment” I’ve had to go through: unexpected changes, conflict or challenges that upset the status-quo or didn’t go the way I was expecting. Chosen or not, the boat’s been rocked and I feel shaky. Feelings of tension, fear, uneasiness and insecurity usually ensue as I struggle to be “top dog” of the situation or challenge. I long for the time of adjustment to be over so I can have (perceived, of course) everything back under control.

And yet, like Calvin and Riley’s beginning ritual, times of adjustment do not last forever. Often they’re necessary for the joy and plain-old-fun that awaits. As I look back on those times of adjustment, I have had the privilege of seeing God at work, or something was learned, or something better resulted.

In the verse above, Israel was going through a time of adjustment.  (They’re in exile!) Earlier in this chapter, God says He knows and has prosperous, hope-filled plans (Jeremiah 29:11). Through it all, God says that even in the midst of their times of adjustment - - and our times, as well - - He will be found, He will deliver and restore.

Right now, Calvin and Riley are running around, taking turns with a green ball. Despite any rocky starts, there’s good to come. We know God promises that all works out to His glory, and often we’ve seen His hand at work in the past. May we be those who choose to depend on Him in the midst of times of adjustment.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some current times of adjustment in your life or a friend’s? What Scriptural promises and attributes do you know of God during this time of adjustment?

2. Think of past times of adjustment in your life or a friend’s. How did you see God at work?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 25

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