Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Is the Tank Full?
By Elizabeth Cole

“…be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2b (NIV)

Have you ever noticed that Batman’s batphone rings at some of the most inopportune times? Once, it was right before his birthday gala. Other times, it’s when he’s exhausted after a long hard day as Bruce Wayne. Despite its unexpectedness, the call never seems to catch him unprepared. He finishes the call, slides down his secret pole into the Batcave, hops into the Batmobile and off he goes. Here’s the thing that gets me: He never has to stop and get gas in that car before he heads off to save the world. Now granted, he’s got Alfred (oh, that we all could have an Alfred…), but if I were Batman, my first stop would invariably have to be the Mobil station!

Seldom in our lives do we get to see what’s coming next. I think about our sister in Christ who is sharing her life with friends in a medical crisis; I think about my daughter’s friend who thought she was just going to spend a day out on her ATV, not in the emergency room with a broken back; I think about the friend who, out of the blue, says at dinner, “Something’s missing in my life…”

Will we be ready? Are we actively seeking to further understand and gain knowledge of who God is through study and application? Are we daily being filled up with the Source of our Power through reading His Word and sharing our hearts with Him through prayer? God is so very kind – He regularly blesses our private time with Him by giving us opportunity to share that very day what we’ve learned from Him in the quiet moments. What a sweet way to anticipate, be ready, filled up and available to His call… whenever it comes, no batphone needed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What would it take for you to be more prepared for the unexpected moments God gives in which you have opportunity to affect another’s life?
2. Would you ask God for His divine help in making sure your “tank stays full”?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 8:26-40; Acts 16:16-34

Elizabeth is a wife, and mother to three grown daughters and two son-in-laws. She is the Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Dread
By Lisa Boyer

“So it is My word that goes out from My mouth: it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

Dread. It’s such an ugly word and an even uglier emotion. It crept up on me slowly, but then I was overwhelmed by it.

A while back, I had an appointment I didn’t want to keep, but couldn’t bring myself to cancel. The dread had begun as a simple thought, “I don’t want to do this,” but it quickly grew into “I can’t do this.” It kept me up the night before until finally I fell asleep praying…no, crying out to God to do something…anything.

Yet there it was, the morning of the appointment, and the dread was still with me. Again, I began to pray and cry out to God. Through my turmoil came the fleeting thought that I should stop praying and read my Bible. But, I was up an hour early and I just wanted to use that time to pray…pray until something happened. Before long, the fleeting thought became persistent: I should read my Bible now. But I knew my answer wasn’t going to be in today’s Bible reading. What kind of answer to my dread was I going to find in Matthew chapter 11?

So, to calm that persistent thought (but more to prove that Matthew didn’t contain the answer to my prayer), I postponed my prayer time, opened my Bible and began to read Matthew 11. Jesus and John the Baptist, no comfort there…unrepentant cities, certainly no comfort there…rest for the weary, wait, rest for the weary in Matthew 11? What is this? Verse 28 & 29: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)

That was me…weary and burdened! I closed my Bible and returned to prayer. This time, I knew what to pray and how to pray. I talked to my gentle Savior about my burden, my concern, my worry and how it had turned to dread. Then I left it all in His capable hands and accepted His rest. My dread was gone, replaced by rest and peace.

Looking back, I have to laugh because I was convinced that I wouldn’t find comfort in my daily Bible reading, I suppose because it wasn’t a Psalm or Proverb, but God is so amazing and His timing is always perfect.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a moment to reflect on those times when dread begins to fill your heart. Is there a pattern you can identify and begin to change?
2. Think back to a time God used His Word to perfectly address your circumstances. Thank Him for His intimate awareness of and kindness toward you through that experience.

FURTHER READING: 

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.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Prayer, Fasting & the Power of Jesus
By Elin Henderson

“…This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Mark 9:29b (NKJV)

Ever come upon a problem that is so vast, so impossible, and despite your greatest spiritual endeavors, you are unable to affect it? Jesus’ disciples came upon such a circumstance as this in Mark 9:14-29. It wasn’t like they were at a spiritual low. They had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration! If that wasn’t a literal and metaphorical spiritual high, I don’t know what is?!

They were equipped, sent out, and were on “active duty.” But, then they came upon this insurmountable situation. A boy possessed by an evil spirit was brought to them. Who knows how long they tried in vain to deal with this spirit, long enough for a large crowd to form and for the father of the child to become very frustrated! Jesus comes upon this scene and immediately the crowds turn to Him. He listens to the problem and intervenes, freeing the boy of his bondage and healing him fully.

I can only imagine that as soon as the disciples could get Jesus alone, they frustratingly cried out, “Why couldn’t we do that?” His reply was succinct but impactful. “Some issues can only be dealt with by prayer and fasting” - - and the unspoken but evident power of Jesus!

There are situations that we face that are way beyond us, even if we are walking in the light and power He has given us. Do you have any of these in your life right now? Someone you love that is SO far from the Lord that you wonder if they will ever turn back? A relationship so devastated that it seems no recourse is possible? Someone so beyond healing that you wonder if they will ever be whole again? We actively try and help but then, nothing happens. Jesus reminds us here that some of these really heavy situations are only dealt with by prayer, fasting and the power of Jesus! Our part is the prayer and fasting, but the real work is through the power of Jesus! He alone can set the captive free and heal the sick and wounded. Let’s not grow weary, but continue on, praying, fasting and believing that He is able!
         
GOING DEEPER:                                               
1. If you have identified a situation in your life that would fit into this category, what are some ways you can apply this principle?
2. Are there others you can ask to join you?

FURTHER READING:

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 fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Making Each Day Count
By Karen D’Amore

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Once on a trip to my Southern California homeland, my husband and I set aside a day to re-visit our favorite coastal attractions. The sunrise launched a picture perfect summer’s day for our coastal adventure. Opting to take the most scenic route, we merged onto the two-lane winding canyon road, which would intersect directly with Coast Highway. Within moments, traffic slowed to a screeching halt. Unable to see beyond the bend in the road, the passing emergency vehicles would alert us to the reason for snarled traffic.

My heart sank as we approached the accident scene, where a twisted bicycle caught my attention. My stomach welled with angst as we neared the covered body of a deceased cyclist…his cycling shoes beyond the edge of the tarp. Chills accompanied tears as I noted the song playing on the radio as we passed: “I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow…Love, like I’m living on borrowed time. It’s good to be alive.” [1]

The evening news chronicled the life of the deceased cyclist, who was a recently retired local Chief of Police. With a face now attached to those cycling shoes…images from the scene plagued my mind for days. And as I reflected on this man setting out to enjoy an exhilarating coastal ride, I speculated that he never once considered it would be his final ride.

Years have passed since that tragic day and yet every time  I hear that song, my mind replays images from that tragic scene. It also draws me to reflect on how truly fleeting life is. God has numbered each of our days and only He  knows our total count. Considering that though, we can’t count the days but we have the power to make each day count. Acknowledging that our destiny is in God’s hands should enlighten us to what really matters and spur us to evaluate our priorities.

I recently saw a Facebook post that said: “Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it’s inspiring.” As believers, we’re called to live our earthly lives in alignment with the will of the Father. Each day, we’re presented opportunities to serve and glorify God through our lives. James 4:14 reminds us, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (NLT). As we consider the brevity of life, let’s strive to make each day count for God…while we still have the chance.

GOING DEEPER:
1.  How can you make each day count for the Kingdom?

FURTHER READING:


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.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Helpless in His Hands
By Jeannine Sawall

“In this world you will have troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

As Christians, oftentimes, we don’t like to think about being absolutely helpless in the hands of our God.  We like to think that somewhere, somehow, we still have some type of control over what’s going on in our lives. We like to think that when difficulties arise, there is something we can do to help, some 1-800 number we can call for support, a positive thinking attitude we can adopt to make us “feel” better. There’s got to be something we can do…right?!

The psalmist made no bones about it…life is hard and full of suffering. We may find ourselves in situations so beyond our control there is no way out, no matter what we try to do. Perhaps it’s the loss of a job, a divorce, a betrayal, an unplanned pregnancy. Or perhaps the worst has happened and we have lost a loved one. Whatever the situation is, suffering is never easy and there’s never an easy way out. People may say “it’ll get better,” “you just need to get a grip,” or “just pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”  The only bootstrap in the Christian life we can get a grip on to make things “okay” is the Cross.

Knowing Christ is there, in the midst of our suffering and interceding for us is a comforting thought, but it may not always bring immediate feelings  of comfort.  However, it’s hanging on to this truth, even if by our fingernails, that will eventually get us to that place of comfort and through the crisis. Unfortunately, much of suffering is a long process and there’s no mention anywhere in the Bible of a detour or a short-cut through it. It is only through a purposeful stepping one foot in front of the other that we ever reach the other side of the valley. And along the way, we can count on the Lord to walk with us.

We all will all have to face many crises in our lives. Maybe you are in one now. When these times come in our lives, we can choose to look up and hang on to truth no matter what our feelings are telling us. The Shepherd walks with us, offering comfort and support along these difficult journeys - - holding us up, sometimes when we don’t even know He’s there.  It’s in these instances that the best  place we can be is helpless in His hands. He has overcome the world and He will help us through to the other side.

GOING DEEPER:
1. When feelings tell you something contrary to the truth, what do you listen to?
2. Who do you turn to in times of crisis and suffering?

FURTHER READING:

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

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Surrender
By Peggy Kleckner

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

A while back, I woke up one morning pondering surrender. The picture I thought of is putting up the white flag and coming out with your palms in the air. What a vulnerable, trusting position! We have all seen that picture played out in the movies, but those people were surrendering to their enemies. Imagine trusting your enemies enough to lay down your weapons and turn yourself over to their will. What a frightening picture! It is no wonder this is done only as a final choice, when no hope is left and it seems to be the only option to save your life.

As Christians, we are called to surrender. However, we are called to surrender our lives to the lover of our souls! Why do we struggle so? Why is it so difficult to come out from our burdens, lay down all of our masks and surrender to the One who created us, knows us best, has good plans for us and has such a tender heart toward us? Is it a lack of faith? Faith is defined as unquestioning belief, complete trust or confidence. Do we trust ourselves more than we do our Lord? Oh Lord, help our unbelief, our lack of true faith! Do we think God is not big enough to rescue us from our sinful nature? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to rescue us from the hold of our enemy? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to change our attitudes and renew our minds? Help our unbelief! Is God not able to do above and beyond all that we can think, hope or dream? Help our unbelief!

Let’s take a few minutes and picture ourselves coming out of hiding with an air of "everything is fine,” out past our self-built walls of protection and throw our empty palms in the air. He is waiting for us and we will find rest in Him.

Lord, we do believe, but help our unbelief!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you still struggling to trust God? Can you hear Him calling you to surrender it?
2. Ask Him to help you with any unbelief, doubt or lack of trust.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 118:8, Matthew 11:28, Proverbs 3:5

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, September 22, 2014

God is Food
By Jen Wollner

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 (NIV)

Back when my older son was in preschool, he learned a mealtime prayer that went like this: “God is good. God is great. And we thank Him for our food. Amen.” Often, he would say it before dinner and my younger son, who was two at the time and loved to copy his older brother, wanted to say it as well. The problem was that he was still developing his verbal skills, so this is his version: “God is food. Thank you food. Amen.”

My husband and I would chuckle a little when he would say, “God is food,” but as I thought more about it, I realized how profound that statement really was. Jesus calls Himself the bread of life. He says that God sent Him as “bread from heaven” and that anyone who “eats” of Him will have eternal life. He goes on to explain that if we come to Him in faith and believe that He is the Son of God, who died for our sins, we will receive the gift of eternity in Heaven with Him.

But, there is even more to the idea of God being “food” for us. We are bombarded daily by things that drain us—job commitments, family needs, household duties, social obligations, volunteer work—you name it! While many of these tasks are good things, they still wear us down and exhaust us by the end of the day. What we need is something to fill us up again. Something to refresh us. Something to restore our strength or patience or perseverance. Something to quench the hunger and thirst of our bodies, souls and minds. That is just what the Lord does for us! He meets our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs…and He meets them abundantly. Our part is to “eat” and “drink” of Him. We do this by attending church services or Bible studies. We do it by spending time alone with Him, studying His Word. And, we do it by having a continuous dialog with Him through prayer— focusing on His attributes, affirming our trust in Him, thanking Him for His past faithfulness, telling Him our needs and concerns, and then listening to His reassuring voice. A close, intimate relationship is what Jesus desires to have with us so that He can not just sustain us, but fill our cups to overflowing!

God is more than good. And, He’s more than great. He is food…for life.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What specific situations or responsibilities in your life are draining you today?
2. What do you need most from Jesus right now to make it through your day? Ask Him for these things.

FURTHER READING:
John 6:25-59; John 4:1-26

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.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Spiritual Binoculars
By Elin Henderson

“…SEE I have given into your hand, the king…, his city, his people and his land.”
Joshua 8:1b (NKJV, emphasis added)

The children of Israel were given a HUGE task of subduing countless cities in their Promised Land, cities of the Cannanites, Jebuzites, Hittites, Amorites, and more! And these weren’t just your average cities, they had GIANTS in them! That’s why out of the first 12 spies to go in, 10 came back with a negative report! Can you imagine the reports if they would have had binoculars like today?!

Our spiritual walk is a lot like Israel in the Promised Land. We cross over Jordan into what we think will now be spiritual bliss and peace and find our own Jerichos, Ais, and more as our “welcoming committee”! Had we a spiritual pair of binoculars that could see into ALL of the areas of our lives that needed reforming, we would be overwhelmed.

God was gracious to Israel when they finally entered the Land. He didn’t reveal ALL of the places they had to conquer, but rather, gave them one city at a time with the same simple instructions each time: “Don’t be afraid or dismayed…arise, go up…See I have given into your hand the King of Ai, his people, his city and his land.” [1]

The same is true with us, only our cities and their kings have different names like Cape Fear with its popular suburb of Unbelief, the thriving metropolis of Insecurity with its king Sir Pride, and the little towns of Comparison and Jealousy…to name a few! God only gives us a brief  look through His spiritual binoculars to spy out the next city saying, “SEE! There is where we are going next…NO scanning the horizon for other cities because you will surely find them! Don’t you worry, we’ll get to those sooner or later, but let’s focus our energies on this one right now!” 

So, every now and again when the General hands over His spiritual binoculars and shows you the next city to conquer, don’t scan the horizons for more (you know they are out there already). Instead, just take a quick look, hand them back, ask Him what the plan is, then get ready for another wild adventure as you trust Him! 
         
GOING DEEPER:                                               
1. What spiritual “city” is in your scope right now?  Are there more than one?
2. Why don’t we need to be afraid or dismayed as we go into battle with these cities?
3. Do we ever finish in our conquests? (Find out in Joshua 13:1!)

FURTHER READING:

[1] Joshua 8:1, NKJV, emphasis added

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 fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Power of Words
By Karen D’Amore

“The tongue has the power of life and death…”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV, emphasis added)

Stunned, I sat motionless. My heart welled within my throat and battled the impulse to vomit. Tears choked in a struggle with suppression…but eventually gave way to sobbing. Rendered speechless, I recoiled, silently retreating to a protective place of isolation. As that childhood jingle harmonized in my head, I became incensed by its falsehood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” SO WRONG!!!

Expended like fiery darts, those harsh, cutting words pierced my heart. It’s been years since those powerful words crushed my spirit. Yet when brought to remembrance, those old wounds become fresh. Though the power of forgiveness has loosed me from the paralyzing effects of those hurtful words, in moments of vulnerability, those crushing words rise to the surface and re-play themselves in my mind.

Sadly, even after experiencing the heart-altering effects of wounding words, I’m no more faultless at spewing thoughtless, hurtful words myself. Though the pain I’ve experienced heightens my awareness and consciousness in controlling my tongue, emotions have been known to over-power me. When guided by anger, frustration or emotions, words are likely to be spewed…and spewed words are rarely kind or sweet.

A popular contemporary Christian song by Hawk Nelson, serves as a powerful reminder:
“Words can build you up…words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out.
Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word…Unless it points the world back to You [Jesus].” [1]

Words…are loaded with power! They have the ability to bring laughter and joy, teaching and instruction, encouragement and comfort. When used appropriately, words have life-giving power. Yet when used to mock, belittle, embarrass, deceive and tear down, words hold the power to destroy. Because words have the power to change lives (some for the better and others for worse), it’s imperative we THINK before we speak. Better yet, when in delicate situations, we - - as believers - -  should pray before we speak!

As Christ-followers, we must choose our words carefully, remembering our number one priority should be to build up the Kingdom of God...not tear it down. Being mindful of the power of the tongue, may we pause before we speak and ask ourselves truths that I recently saw on a mug:

                   T – is it True?
                   H – is it Helpful?
                   I –  is it Inspiring?
                   N – is it Necessary?
                   K – is it Kind?

And most importantly…may we choose life-giving words that point others to Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have your careless words wounded another? Seek forgiveness and be reconciled.

FURTHER READING:


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.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

What’s in a Word?
By Susan Klein

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.”
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Growing up, did you ever hear your mother say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”? Wise woman! I think in our culture’s pursuit of “freedom of speech,” we’ve let go of that old adage. Our words, depending on how we use them, can be like a soothing balm to the soul, or as stabbingly painful as a double-edged sword. And, like toothpaste out of a tube, once they leave our mouths they can never be put back!

The book of Proverbs has a lot to teach us about our words. It says that when used appropriately, they can be pleasant as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone. When aptly spoken, they are like apples of gold in settings of silver. We are also told that a gentle answer turns away wrath, and the tongue of the wise commends knowledge. However, Scripture warns that when we misuse our words, they can pierce like a sword, or stir up anger. And that the Lord detests lying lips, and the mouth of a fool gushes folly. We are also cautioned that a gossip betrays a confidence so we are to avoid one who talks too much.

James thought this was such an important topic that he devoted most of his book’s third chapter to it! He validates that none of us are perfect and that we will all stumble at some point with our words. He gives us a good analogy when he compares our tongue (or words) to a bit in a horse’s mouth and to the rudder of a ship. Though each item is small, the bit controls the whole horse and the rudder steers the whole ship. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of our body, but if used improperly, it can corrupt the whole person or set the whole course of her life on fire.

So, how are we to avoid the calamity of loose lips or stinging words? By guarding our tongues. We do this by first taking each thought captive to see if it is pure or poison, then by being slow to speak. It is generally when we speak too quickly that we get ourselves into big trouble!

Let’s put our mother’s advice to practice and use our words to build each other up, then we will bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you think of a situation where you used your words wrongly? How could you avoid repeating that mistake?
2. Ask God to help you be quick to listen and slow to speak.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 34:12-14; Ecclesiastes 10:12-13; James 1:26

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

How Long?
By Jeannine Sawall

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”
Psalm 13:1 (NIV)

How often in our lives can we relate with King David and ask the Lord “How long?” I know in my own struggles, “How long?” rang out time and again while I watched friends and family around me birth baby after healthy baby while I lost baby after baby in miscarriage. “How long, Lord, before I will hold my own baby?” “How long, Lord, before you take me out of this dark place?” “How long, Lord, before I feel your presence again?” 

As Christians, we often find ourselves in a time of waiting. Perhaps today you find yourself in the agonizing days of “How long?”  How long will I be unemployed? How long will my child wrestle with God? How long until I find a husband?...struggle with ill health?...be united with my loved one whom I miss in earnest? How long Lord until you return?! How long does life have to continue to be so difficult? Waiting in “How long” can cause us to become discouraged and lose hope that God will deliver us!

However, if we read on in Psalm 13, David, while acknowledging his grief and frustration, remembers the promises given to him. He reminds himself of what God has done in the past. He goes on to say, “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me” (Psalm 13:5, NIV). Knowing that David asked questions in hard times can help strengthen our faith. We no longer have to rely on saying the “right words,” giving Christian platitudes or the lie of “I’m fine.” We can share our heartsickness with our loving God, realizing He doesn’t need or want “pretty words.”  Instead, He wants us to share our hurts and frustrations honestly, but also remember to trust in the promise that He is who He says He is.

We also have to remember that God works unencumbered by time. He does not wear a watch and He does not need a calendar app to remind Him how much time has passed. When we are in a season of “How long,” we are called to follow David’s commitment…to believe God still is in control, still is unfailing and still keeps His promises. Sometimes in the midst of difficulties and waiting, our hearts may not sing the same song our minds tell us to, but we can embrace the words of belief and trust…no matter how long it takes.

GOING DEEPER:
1.  Are you in a season of waiting? How will you show the Lord that you believe He is faithful?
2.  Have you lost hope because God is taking too long? What could you do today to re-orient yourself to hope?

FURTHER READING:

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.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Act Love Walk
By Tracy Smith

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God."
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

This has always been one of my favorite Bible verses. Two years ago, while on Pinterest[1], I saw a project that was labeled as a craft for the kids, but I want to do something like it for myself! It was the words "Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly" stacked on top of each other in three different lines. Layered under the words "Act Justly" was a pair of handprints. Under the words "Love Mercy" was a drawn heart. And under the words "Walk Humbly" was a pair of footprints. I thought that was genius - - it perfectly illustrated the verse by pulling out the three action words: act, love and walk.

Act justly. Merriam-Webster online defines just as, “acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good.”[2] How do we find out what is upright and good? His Word.

Love mercy. I once heard mercy described this way: not getting what you deserve. The Lord showed us mercy in not allowing us to “get what we deserve,” which is an eternity separated from Him. We are called to show the same type of mercy to those who hurt us. Not always an easy thing to do.

Walk humbly with our Lord. We need to stay in step with our Lord. If we are walking with Him, our path will stay on course. If we are walking with our Lord, we will find the strength to love mercy and act justly.

I have “pinned” the artwork on my Pinterest board; now I need to “pin” the verse onto my heart!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which action word from Micah 6:8 do you struggle with most?
2. Can you commit to praying and asking God to help you make strides in this area of your life?

FURTHER READING:

[1] Pinterest is an online social photo-sharing website comprised of “pinboards” collected and posted by theme


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.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Lying Still
By Peggy Kleckner

“Be still and know that I am God….”

I have a dog with an aggressive behavior problem. We didn’t know this little detail when we got her and, truthfully, it is just plain hard. Her first reaction to another dog is aggression. I have noticed it is her response to fear. When she feels afraid, she displays anger. Apparently, somewhere in her past, she had a run-in with a dog that has left a lasting impression on her. She sees or hears another dog and she answers with aggression: full force, hair on end, yank with full body weight-against-the-leash aggression. I am not exceptionally strong and calm pitted against the aggressive fear displayed by a four-year-old black lab…hence my description that this particular dog behavior is “hard.”

I don’t want my dog to live out her life (or mine for that matter) unable to walk calmly through the neighborhood. I could just keep her in the confines of our home and yard, but that is an awfully small life.

What I came to recognize as a part of God’s plan of healing was an older dog in the neighborhood. It is a very large, docile dog. He doesn’t move toward us, or away from us. He just lies still. I have found that I can count on that.  So, I am using that part of my walking path as a training ground for my dog.  She notices the dog and responds with anger and aggression so I - - as her master - - respond in return with reproof of her actions. She settles and two steps later attempts the same reaction. I reprove again and so it goes. Meanwhile, amidst this commotion, the large dog remains still.

Yesterday, for the first time we walked by without incident. No, my dog is not wagging her tail in friendliness or going up to meet new dogs yet, but there has been progress. She has begun to discern what behavior her owner will allow. She has discovered this because God put a still dog in her path. One dog, which is willing to not react negatively to her displayed behavior.

I wonder if perhaps we as believers are called to be a still witness in front of an agitated society. Sometimes we are not called to confront or to repair, we are called to witness to His strength, which allows us to stand still. In our stillness, they may come to know God, or know more of Him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you allow God to keep your heart still when confronted with anger?
2. Are you standing firm in your faith, so that others can see Him more clearly?

FURTHER READING:

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.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

It Is Finished
By Susan Klein

Jesus said, “It is finished.” 
With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:30 (NIV)

Every once in awhile, I find my mind wandering to the memories of sins in my past. Old feelings of guilt overcome me and I wonder how God could possibly have forgiven them all, not to mention how He keeps forgiving my many trespasses in the present…and those yet to come. I want to cry out like King David in the Old Testament, “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways” (Psalm 25:7, NIV). That is when I have to take my thoughts back to the finished work of the Cross.

When Jesus uttered the words, “It is finished” from the Cross, He wasn’t talking about His physical life being over. He was speaking of the completion of the task He had been called to perform by the Father: bearing all the sins of the world and paying the penalty for each and every one of us. The word “finished” here indicates a conclusion of a job or task, a goal achieved - - yet not just ended but brought to perfection.  In essence, Jesus was saying, “Father, what you have asked me to do has been perfectly completed, now and forevermore.”  (Jesus spoke of this completed work before it even happened in His prayer to the Father in John, chapter 17.) Since I know this to be a true statement, how can I possibly question His forgiveness? Who am I to suggest that my sins are too great for this finished perfect work?

In their song, “You Love Me Anyway,” the Sidewalk Prophets describe this very sentiment:

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas' kiss
But You love me anyway
 [1]

God loved us so much that He willingly gave us His perfect Son, who demonstrated His love by dying on the Cross and paying the penalty once and for all for every sin ever committed on the face of this earth. His one act of selfless, perfect   love was the final payment, bringing all sacrifices to a final end. Conclusion: “It is finished.”

Dear ones, it truly is finished. We are once and for all, now and forever, completely forgiven. Let’s live like it!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What sins in your own life might you have trouble viewing as “forgiven”?
2. Ponder the personal significance of these three words, “It is finished.”

FURTHER READING:

[1] You Love Me Anyway, These Simple Truths Album, By: Sidewalk Prophets, Word Records / 2009 

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

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Collections of Remembrance
by Jeannine Sawall

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."
Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

Years ago, we began a tradition of collecting ornaments to mark special events and occasions in our family life. As babies were born, first-year ornaments adorned the tree. School days, sports, instruments, drivers’ licenses and currently, high school graduation ornaments commemorate special days. Adding to these are ornaments from around the country and world, reminding us of the travels we've had and the memories we've made. Our collection is never complete.

It's become tradition for our family to unwrap these ornaments together. I love to hear the boys "ooh and ahh" as they carefully unveil each ornament and relive the memory. I LOVE that they remember. These simple reminders of places we've been, fun times we've had, the glimpses of our family history bring such joy. While I collect ornaments, I have friends who collect spoons or patches, balls of yarn or crystal pieces. There's no end to what someone can collect. 

God collects tears. When I came across this verse, I wondered, "Why would He collect tears?"  As I pondered His unique collection, I thought about the reasons behind our collections. We want to be reminded. We want to remember where we've been. We want to remember what milestones have passed. We want to remember special people who have gone before us. Each piece of my collection represents one of those events/places/people. And while God does not need to collect my tears to remember, He wants me to know He remembers. Each tear I have shed in sorrow, He makes note of. Each tear that falls, He tenderly collects it, so not one is forgotten or missed.  

Whatever hurt or sorrow you are experiencing, take hope in the fact that the one who loves you most is aware. He is aware you are hurting and is grieving with you. He has not forgotten you but remembers you each moment of each day. I love what 19th century clergyman and author Phillip Brooks said:

"We talk about God remembering us, as if it were a special effort. But if we could only know how truly we belong to God, it would be different. God’s remembrance of us is the natural claiming of our life by Him as true part of His own."

We can trust that He has not forgotten us. He is the one who promises to wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).  And until that day comes, He continues to collect each tear that falls. Take comfort, dear ones, the God of the universe remembers you!

GOING DEEPER:
1) How can these verses encourage you to walk with hope, despite times when tears fall?
2) Who do you know needs to be encouraged that God remembers them?

FURTHER READING:

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

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

More Than You Can Handle
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Surely God is my help;
The Lord is the one who sustains me.”
Psalm 54:4 (NIV)

There is a saying that goes, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

It’s a lie.

How do I know this?  Because, at times, I have been given plenty more than I can handle…on my own.  You see, the saying needs to be changed to, “God won’t give you more than HE can handle.”

As Christ-followers, we are not shielded from the consequences of living in a fallen, imperfect world.  Accidents still happen, disasters still strike, disease still occurs. 

And we can’t handle it…without Him.  In fact, I believe there have been times when I was given more than I can handle for the express purpose of turning my wholehearted attention to the Savior who loves me.

Because I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.

So while God doesn’t promise that He won’t give us more than we can handle, He does promise many other provisions when life falls apart, and we surrender to His working in our lives.  Here are just a few:

His Courage:  “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

His Guidance:  “I will counsel you and watch over you,” says the Lord.  Psalm 32:8

His Peace:  “Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”  John 14:27

His Presence:  “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

His Caring:  “Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

His Forgiveness:  “In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7-8

His Help:  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

His Love:  “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.”  Romans 8:38-39

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been trying to handle circumstances on your own, only to find yourself buckling under the weight? 
2. Which of God’s provisions do you especially need today?

Along with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with junior high girls.