Clear the Court!

By Peggy Kleckner

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus....”

Romans 8:1 (NIV)

A couple years ago, I awoke with a crowded mind. Oh, the thoughts that were confronting me, thoughts of all my shortcomings! I said the wrong thing in this conversation. I did too much in that situation, and not enough in the other one. I didn’t finish this task or start that one. What a clatter of chatter!

I headed to my personal time with the Lord pretty beaten down for first thing in the morning. I quietly took my place and began to bring my thoughts to Him.

As I did so, I envisioned a courtroom. Lots of voices and confusion surrounded me as I reluctantly took my seat in the place of the accused. The one true Judge entered and, at the sound of His gavel, order was established from the chaos. It was His authority that had the right to rule over my mind, so the chaos became quiet.

He knew that was not enough, so He called for each witness and let each one speak. One by one, my thoughts were marched forward and their accusations were heard. My head hung low, but my lips remained quiet before these accusers.

After all of the accusations, I realized there was One who approached the bench on my behalf. I had forgotten that I have an Advocate! Jesus spoke on my behalf. He presented the documentation that I am His, and that His work on the Cross has paid for all of these accusations. A smile came across the face of the Judge, answered by the smile of Christ. The court was cleared and once again, I was refreshed by the gift of the full payment of the Cross. There I stood in the joy of God’s amazing grace. 

How often have I run from my thoughts, rather than ask for a court hearing? How often have I tried to bring order to the chaos of my mind? How foolish, when all along God stands ready to judge my thoughts for me. These hearings help to remind me that without the Cross, I have no freedom. Without Christ, I do stand condemned before a Holy God. 

But in Christ, there is now no condemnation for (place your name here)!

The courtroom cleared and God gathered me in His arms.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What accusations are you trying to stuff behind a barricade, rather than bring out into His light?

2.  Are you willing to sit quietly before the only One who has the right to judge you?

FURTHER READING:

John 8:31-36; Romans 3:21-26; Job 16:19-21

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. 

Is That With a “K”?

By Lisa Boyer

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - - it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

She had given me her last name, but I was sure I had heard wrong and gave her a chance to correct me, “Is that with a K?” I asked. “No,” she replied, “Sinner - - like in the Bible.”

Wow! I’d never met anyone with Sinner as their last name. I wondered... was her last name proudly displayed in her home in the same way as yours and mine are? Did her parents send out a Christmas letter and sign it The Sinners?  What was it like growing up as a Sinner? 

Truthfully, I know what it was like growing up as a sinner. I didn’t say it out loud as part of my official name, but sinner was definitely my title. While I regularly earned that title, I had a very difficult time owning up to it and claiming it. I had no problem professing my faith and stating that I was a Christian, but under no circumstances did I want anyone to know that I was a sinner, EVER.

Those days are over for me, and I now own up to my title. I am certainly not proud of it, but if I deny that I am a sinner, am I not in essence denying my need for a Savior? How can I truly share what God has done in my life without starting at the beginning, that I was a sinner?

I am so grateful that God doesn’t wait until we sinners clean up our lives before He’ll love us! Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NIV).

I recently saw a paraphrase of that verse which said “I loved you at your darkest.” At my darkest - - while I was actively in sin - - He loved me. Even now, in dark moments - - when I’m caught in sin - - He still loves me, forgives me and restores me to a right relationship with Him. 

My name is Lisa Boyer and I am a sinner, but because of God’s love for us, I have a Savior, Jesus Christ. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you acknowledged that you are a sinner and found a Savior in Jesus, the One who died for you? (For more information, go to Following Jesus at Oakwoodnow.org.)

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 5:1

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 serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood. 

Live Like the Lid is Off

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

John 10:10 (The Message, paraphrase)

A number of years ago, Sony made a commercial for a game system that depicted fleas in a jar. The fleas were shown to be jumping all around in the jar, some even soaring out of the top. A lid is put on the jar for three days, then removed. The fleas no longer have the limitations of the lid. But guess what? The fleas no longer jump higher than the height of the lid. They have been trained, and don’t bother to attempt to go beyond, although no restrictions remain. And their offspring? They stay at the lowered height, never venturing above the top of the jar. (1)

Sometimes, we humans are no smarter than the fleas. We put restrictions on ourselves and our lives, never venturing beyond the familiar. Or perhaps we did try something new, only to bang our heads and simply gave up. Maybe we were even told by others there was a limit, so instead of pushing at a boundary, we took their word for granted and never attempted to venture out.

But what if we were smarter? What if we lived like the lid was off of our lives, similar to:

• Peter and Andrew, the disciples who left their family fishing business to train with Jesus
• Ruth, who left her homeland to support her mother-in-law
• Esther, who was bold enough to approach a king, risking death
• The boy with a lunch, who handed it over to be the source of feeding thousands
• Paul and Barnabas…leaving Jerusalem and taking the message of the Messiah to the world

I don’t know what the label says on your lid…what might be containing you. There are lots of lids. Some are labeled “condemnation”...”victim”… “stupid”… “fat”…“ugly.” Mine is labeled “fear.” Fear of ridicule, or losing someone I love, or losing personal safety. But like the paraphrase of John 10:10 above says, Jesus Christ came to give us life.  It is a precious and important gift. Don’t let your lid keep you from exploring life.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Does your life have a lid? What label is written on it? 
2. Think of how you can help someone struggling to remove their own "lid."

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 10:39; Luke 9:24

(1) To see the commercial, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlpjA-QgmQM

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls.

Too Many Quarterbacks

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Recently, while supervising recess, my sixth grade boys began playing tag football. “I’m Aaron Rogers.” “I’m Tom Brady.” “I’m Brett Favre.” “I’m Peyton Manning.” All of a sudden, there seemed to be five quarterbacks on each team. The kid holding the football stood there, unsure who to hike the ball to. It eventually got solved and the game started.

After recess, I said to a couple of the boys, “It seemed there were too many quarterbacks.” One boy stopped to think and said, “There shouldn’t be too many quarterbacks. It means no one can play the game well.” Another chimed in that they should rotate each recess to prevent the “too-many-quarterback-situation” again.

It made me realize we, as Christians, often do the exact same thing.  We’ve been given this incredible privilege of representing Christ’s love to a broken world and all believers play important roles… that don’t necessarily look the same. I wonder if sometimes, though, we spend time telling believers to all be quarterbacks…to go and do specific things a specific way. While we are called to be intentional in our words and actions, the reality is we don’t play the game well if there are too many quarterbacks. I think of the believers who serve, empathize, encourage quietly, and pray diligently. These roles are just as vital as the believers who preach, teach and exhort.

Additionally, Kingdom-building is multi-faceted:  There are plenty of issues of injustice to be passionate about. Missions, orphan/foster care, literacy, job sustainability, child sponsorship, anti-trafficking, Bible translating, pastor appreciation, homelessness, advocacy for the disenfranchised, equality for the oppressed…the list could go on and on.

God has designed us with specific talents and He inspires different passions. The work we as the Church have to do is approached most effectively when each believer is using his or her gifting and being an advocate for the issues of injustice that break his or her heart. Whether loud or quiet, your strengths are an asset to the Kingdom. Whether passionate about the orphaned, the homeless, the neglected, the ignored, the hungry or the uneducated, God wants YOU to make a difference for Him based on the specific issues you are drawn to. What is your gifting? What issues are you passionate about? The Church isn’t a team exclusively of quarterbacks…but it’s imperative to get in the game. You play an important part! [1]

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take some time to identify your giftings and your passions.

2. What do you need to do (or start doing) to use these unique giftings and passions for the Kingdom?

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 12:12-26; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

[1] Need some pep music on the subject? Listen to Matthew West’s song, “Do Something” by clicking here. It’s a great song to start your day with!

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

More is More
By Jen Wollner

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Luke 7:47 (NIV)

This isn’t just an ordinary woman…she has a “reputation.” Everyone in the room knows about her sinful ways. They all look on as the woman stands behind Jesus, weeping uncontrollably. Her tears fall, wetting his feet. As she cries, she crouches down and wipes his feet with her hair, kissing them and pouring expensive perfume on them. She is judged, criticized and looked down on…but Jesus honors her faith and commends her actions of love.

When I first read the story about this “sinful” woman and her worship of Jesus, I misunderstood it to mean that if a person sins more, Jesus forgives more; and if a person sins less, He has less to forgive. As I studied it further, though, I realized that the point of the story wasn’t that the woman sinned more than others or that her sin was somehow worse in Jesus’ eyes, but rather that she recognized her sin more completely. Consequently, she was more aware of the deep mercy Jesus had for her. She treasured His forgiveness because she had an accurate view of her sin. She was overcome with gratitude for His love that was freely offered to her, in spite of her shortcomings and poor choices. Because of the love He lavished on her, she was able to reciprocate and love Him in an extravagant way, sparing no expense to worship Him as He deserved. Her actions spoke volumes about her faith and love for her Savior.

What about us? Is our view of our sin realistic based on the truths of God’s Word? Do we love much because we recognize how much we are forgiven and loved by Jesus? We can’t appreciate the mercy Jesus offers unless we recognize our dire need for that mercy. We can’t accept Jesus’ grace and forgiveness if we don’t acknowledge that a Savior is absolutely essential. And we can’t reciprocate Jesus’ love for us, much less show that love to others, if we don’t confess and repent of our mistakes, humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross. Only when we know what we are saved from, do we overflow with love for our Savior.

As Easter approaches and we reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord, let’s allow the truth of His forgiveness to wash over us and fill our souls. Then, let’s pour our whole hearts out to Him and love Him abundantly and unrestrained.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever taken time to truly contemplate the depths of your sin…and the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness and love? Meditate on this two-part reality throughout the day today.

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 John 3:1a

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.

Worship

By Peggy Kleckner

“He (Abraham) said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey, while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you…”

Genesis 22:5 (NIV)

How many of us in the church are stepping aside with our Father, trekking up the mountain alone with Him to worship?

Imagine yourself as the son in this story as he willingly carries the burden of the wood for the fire, gladly walking beside his father. (If you’re unfamiliar with the story, read Genesis 22:1-19 and Hebrews 11:17-19.)

Did the trek suddenly seem long, the weight heavier as they moved further up the mountain? Is this what motivated the question later, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” I think too often we accept the words of Scripture without feeling the cumbersome weight of them. Isaac walked uphill feeling the weight of his burden, yet the pleasure of his father’s company. As believers, isn’t that what our experience is as we enter into worship?

Let’s walk with them further. What about when they got to the top of the mountain and Abraham built the altar and still there was no lamb? Can you feel the confusion that Isaac must have felt? What about when he allowed his father to bind him and lay him on the altar? Why would he do that? He trusted his father. As believers, do we trust our heavenly Father when it seems that we are called to be bound and laid on an altar of His choosing? Are you there? Do you feel the fear, the questions? Lying still in submission to our Father, waiting for the knife, not understanding, unable to comprehend this new picture of our Father, yet still trusting. Your mind questions His goodness, even as your heart fully submits. Are you able to lie still?

Seemingly hopeless, helpless, “But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven ….‘Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him.’”

Your physical and emotional anguish at full measure, and suddenly, all is stopped by a few short sentences…..words. Now what do you feel?

“Abraham looked up and there in the thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son [instead of you].”

Now can you see Jesus? Can you see Him with your heart, your emotions? Can you feel the price paid for you?

Isaac came down the mountain without his burden, and having experienced true faith and worship. May we do the same.

GOING DEEPER: 

1. Has God invited you to a closer look at sacrifice and worship?

2. Are you still trying to pay the price for your own sins?

FURTHER READING:

Ezekiel 18:32; John 19:30

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.

Embracing (not necessarily understanding) Sovereignty

By Susan Klein

“Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.”

Romans 9:18 (NIV)

Every once in awhile a verse comes along that just baffles the mind. (The above being a likely candidate.) It seems to contradict everything we know, and challenge our rational thinking. Therein lies the problem: God is not rational. God is sovereign.

“Sovereignty” is a concept that’s difficult for the finite mind to process. In fact, it’s not a word originally found in Scripture. You won’t see it listed in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It’s been inserted in newer versions of the Bible for our purposed benefit. It is a word that tries to encapsulate all the infinite qualities of God (isn’t that an oxymoron?). John MacArthur defines it this way: “God orders everything, controls everything, and rules over everything.” (1) Scripture says, “Our God is in Heaven; he does whatever pleases him (Psalm 115:3, NIV), The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths (Psalm 135:6, NIV).” It is a concept the human mind can’t wrap around and the human heart despises. We want everything to be black and white, to make sense. We also want to think we have some iota of control. Thus, the dilemma: we are not sovereign.

The more we try to understand sovereignty, the more confusing it can become. Did God choose me, or did I choose Him? Does it really matter if I evangelize? Does God care what color socks I put on today? Will my moving to another state or changing jobs be in His sovereign will? Words like “foreknew,” and “predestined” are the source of much confusion and heated debate amongst believers. So what do we do about this “sovereignty” thing?

I suggest we “embrace” it. If God truly is in control of everything, shouldn’t that be more comforting than baffling? It really lets me off the hook - - I don’t have to have all the answers. If I can embrace His sovereignty, it should eliminate a world of worry. If I walk in faith that He’s got my back, I can walk confidently into every situation, known or unknown. If He’s in control of every outcome, I should never suffer through another sleepless night wondering. Instead of trying to wrestle the control away from Him, I can choose to embrace His sovereignty and live a life of peace. Peace is good.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you wrestling with a passage or a Scriptural concept?

2. Do you question the validity of Scripture that appears contradictory? Surrender to God, and embrace His sovereignty.

FURTHER READING:

Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:11

(1) http://www.gty.org/resources/Articles/A167/Gods-Absolute-Sovereignty

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. Susan’s part of the Peace Team at Oakwood and leads an on-site small group at Wednesday Night Community.

Faithful

By Karen D’Amore

“…Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Mathew 25:21a (NIV)

On our tenth wedding anniversary, I asked my husband the question, “So, after ten years of marriage…if you had to choose one word to describe me, what would that one word be?” Aware of my husband’s propensity to embellish things with humor, I knew I was asking a loaded question! I was pleasantly surprised when he took my question to heart, and responded in sincerity with the word…“Faithful.”

As a writer, I LOVE words; as a wife who loves words…I loved the word my husband chose. Merriam-Webster’s defines “faithful” accordingly:

          -obsolete: full of faith

          -steadfast in affection or allegiance: loyal

          -firm in adherence to promises of duty: conscientious

          -given with strong assurance: binding (1)

Upon reflecting on the true definition of the word “faithful,” I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to consistently uphold and exemplify its meaning, so as a constant exhortation, I had the word “Faithful” permanently inscribed on my inner left wrist.

A year later, I was deeply impacted by an interview between Sean Hannity and Rev. Billy Graham. When asked, “How do you want people to remember you?” Billy Graham responded, “I want them to remember that I was faithful: faithful to the gospel, faithful to the call that God gave me!” (2) Billy Graham’s response ignited and inspired the same desire in my heart. I too, long to be “full of faith”; faithful to the gospel, and to God’s call on my life! As honorable as it is to make faithfulness a hallmark in our human relationships, the faithfulness that matters most is in our relationship with God. “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT).

As Christ-followers, our faithfulness to God is demonstrated through our obedience to Him. His heart becomes our heart; His mind our mind; His will our will. We cannot be faithful to Him…while choosing our will over His. Jesus, our supreme example of faithfulness, had only one desire, “…Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42b, NIV). His permanent inscriptions of His faithfulness and obedience to the Father - - His nail scarred hands - - should become our continual exhortation to be faithfully obedient.

Starting with faithfulness in the little things, let’s be good stewards of our families, jobs, finances, ministries and in that which God has entrusted us. And may our faithfulness reflect an eternal pursuit to hear His descriptive words…

                   “…Well done, good and faithful servant!”

GOING DEEPER:

1. What interferes with your faithfulness to God? 

FURTHER READING: 

Revelation 2:10; 2 Samuel 22:26; 1 Corinthians 4:2

1) www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

2) http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2014/04/21/hannity-revisits-interview-rev-billy-graham/

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.

Are You in Need of a Head Lift?
By Elin Henderson

“…My glory, and the One who lifts up my head.”
Psalm 3:3b (NIV)

I recently came across this verse during a particularly down  time in my life. We all have faced times like these and I can think of no better word picture then to say my head was hanging low.

Let me ask, though, what is so wrong with our heads hanging low? Nothing in itself—we all face down times. However, how would you live if your head literally hung low all the time? Imagine looking down and trying to walk around a busy street. Your sense of direction would be way off and you would risk hurting yourself and others around you. You would only see one thing—yourself. Would you be aware the needs of others around you? Would you know where you were going or how to get there? No! Your focus would be you!

The world offers all sorts of solutions to the very common problem of a downcast mood: exercise, caffeine, sugar or NO sugar, movies, coffee with friends, or my favorite, “Lay down and relax…imagine you are on a tropical island. Listen to the waves upon the shore and the breeze blowing through the palms…” I have found that this technique only works when you don’t live in the tropics with breezes blowing through your palms night and day! What they fail to add to that picture is the heat, humidity, mosquitoes and lack of privacy!

The word picture found in Psalm 3:3-4 is one that we can and should meditate on, though: “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.” Wonderful hope lies in these verses. What we are most in need of in low times is a “head lift”! God alone can lift our head and help us to look upward and outward, keeping our eyes off of ourselves and on Him. When we cry to Him, we can know that He hears us and will answer with His free “head lifting service,” placing us on solid ground with a good view of the road before us and the world around us.

Now, I am not saying that other “coping mechanisms” aren’t helpful. A hot bath, a good chick flick and dark chocolate are all helpful sidekicks. Of course, if you live in the tropics, the hot bath is kind of out and dark chocolate is not found at the local market—but at least we’ve got chick flicks! No matter our coping preference, may we never lose sight that He alone is the true lifter of our heads!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What in your life is bringing you down today, causing your head to hang low? What can you do to re-focus on the One who is the lifter of your head?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 24:7-10

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.

Father Knows Best

By Tracy Smith 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) 

Years ago, it had been a very long day dealing with a preschooler and a toddler asking me “why” approximately 352 times; at the 353^rd “why” I finally snapped, “Because I’m the mom and I told you to!”  Yes, the saying that we are all convinced we will never say to our own children!  Did they really need to know every reason why I wanted them to do something? Couldn’t they just trust that, as their mom, I would not ask them to do anything crazy and that I loved them and only wanted what was best for them?

It was a “light bulb” moment for me. Don’t we do the same thing with God? How often do we continually ask the Lord “why,” instead of trusting that He has our best interests at heart?

• Why  do I have to deal with this anxiety disorder?
• Why  did my husband lose his job back in 2003?
• Why  did he have to spend so many years “underemployed” before finding a good job?
• Why  do people hurt each other in such evil ways?
• Why  does so-and-so not like me? 

The “why’s” can go on and on and on. I’m so glad that we don’t have a God who snaps His answer out at us, like I did to my boys all those years ago. His answer is right there for us in Isaiah 55: His ways and thoughts are not like ours; they are higher. He knows the whole picture when we are only seeing a part.  Sometimes, you may find out the answer to your “why” and sometimes you may not. But through it all, we have to remember to trust that as our Father, He only wants what is best for us.

GOING DEEPER

1. Is there a “why” you are holding on to? What can you do to lay it at His feet and trust in Him?

FURTHER READING

Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 33:3; Romans 8:28

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.

Groaning
By Peggy Kleckner

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Romans 8:26 (NIV)

I often walked my two dogs in a small wood just through the park near my home. They considered these times quite a treat as they could roam freely off their leashes and I enjoyed the freedom to ponder. Such was the case that particular day a couple years ago.

It was quite a windy day, which was the reason for my choice. That wood acted as a shield for me against the nippy wind. As I walked further into its protection, I heard the trees “groaning.” What a mournful, deep, almost lonely tone it had to it. The trees had no leaves to mute the sound. They were being buffeted by a cold, strong wind. They had stood through the cold and wet of winter. They had bent under the weight of ice and snow. They had been pushed by harsh, winter winds, but they were still rooted and standing. God brought to my mind the above verse. He reminded me, that when I am being buffeted by change and adversity (my own cold, strong winds), I too will groan, but it will be the Holy Spirit within me interceding for me. When I don’t know what to pray or can’t seem to put words to my inner struggle, He does it for me. What a comfort to know that as truth.

I have hit “winter” seasons in my life. There have been times when my finances seem hopeless, when so many friends are suffering with no relief in sight, when my children are struggling with issues that I had hoped they would never have to face, and when relationships seem cold and lifeless. These are the times that I have to turn over my prayers to the groaning of the Spirit. I have no words to express my anguish. I don’t know what to pray, but I trust the Spirit to intercede for me with “groans that words cannot express.”

Just like those trees I observed that day in the woods, we may feel barren, vulnerable and buffeted, but the Spirit intercedes for us and reminds us that spring will indeed come again. God will refresh us and we will sprout yet again.

Is your heart buffeted by strong winds? Take courage, the Spirit intercedes for you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you frustrated that you can’t seem to put voice to your struggles?

2. Are you willing to believe the truth--that the Holy Spirit does indeed intercede for you? Will you relax in the secure arms of God today, resting in that truth?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:22-27; Psalm 121; Isaiah 40:10-31

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. 

Cash the Check

By Susan Klein

“Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both.”

Luke 7: 41-42a (NIV)

While waiting in line at the bank, I overheard the teller explain to the lady in front of me, “I’m sorry ma’am, we cannot cash this check for you. You have insufficient funds in your account to cover it.”  In order to cash the check, she would have to first make a deposit into her account. She left the bank - - check in hand.

I pondered this as I waited my turn. I was holding a check that my daughter asked me to deposit into her account for her while away at school. If I did not deposit it for her, she could find herself in a similar situation, with insufficient funds to pay her debts. She was counting on me to make that deposit for her.

How often do we view our spiritual life in this manner? After sinning, we feel left with with a debt, which must somehow be paid. We try to write a check from our storehouse of “good deeds,” hoping that we’ve banked enough of them to cover over our offense. “I give to the poor, I serve at church, I don’t ever drink excessively…that should count for something.”…until the next time we sin. If the funds seem insufficient, we look for more good deeds to deposit into our account, hoping it will be enough to cover our debt and please our Creditor. But is it ever enough?

No. It isn’t. We can’t ever satisfy the debt we owe to God for all of our sins. No sacrifice is great enough, no amount big enough. We’ll always have “insufficient funds” to cover our debt. However, the Creditor is not asking us for payment. In fact, He knew a long time ago that we’d never have enough in our account so He chose to make a deposit on our behalf. It cost Him dearly, but He did it out of love. His deposit, unlike ours, is limitless. It keeps replenishing, and can never be depleted. Any past, present or future debt has already been covered by His magnanimous deposit. We’ve been given the great riches of His grace and mercy, and we are free to draw on them at any time. No more “debt,” no more “insufficient funds,” no more standing in line at the bank wondering.

Go ahead, don’t be afraid. Cash the check!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you know with certainty that your debts have been “paid in full” through the cross of Jesus Christ? (If not, consider reading http://www.oakwoodnow.org/resources/following-jesus.html) Are you living like it’s true?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 3:23-25; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:32; Romans 13:8

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood.

Beyond Think & Say

By Lexi Ellis

“…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Micah 6:8b (ESV)

We live in a time of overwhelming spiritual capability and resources. Unlike past-century Christians, we have access to extensive amounts of theological commentaries and books, beautiful amounts of traditions, collections of hymns and liturgies, churches and leaders, freedom to worship freely and technological abilities that connect with us with other believers and ideas. Additionally, we have the privilege of a complete cannon of Scripture and a Holy Spirit who dwells in believers to convict and comfort.

We are incredibly blessed. And yet, I wonder if we, at times, get in a rut of Christian living compared to the authenticity of our Christian ancestors who knew persecution at a much deeper level. Despite having an amazing amount of resources, despite having easier access to know the right things to say and think…acting on our faith is harder.

Mark Batterson, a pastor and writer, puts it this way: “Have we accepted a Christianity that is more educated but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic?” [1]

The incredible blessings of resources we have for spiritual development at our fingertips isn’t inherently a bad thing. The tragedy is how often we fool ourselves into believing that saying and thinking is enough. In an age where we have the capability of understanding needs at a greater level than ever before, how often do we shy away from actually doing something for God. Batterson goes on to say:

“At the end of the day, God is not going to say well-thought or well-said to His servants. There’s only one commendation and it’s this: ‘well-done good and faithful servant.’ It’s time to make a difference. It’s time to care. It’s time to act. That’s how we get unstuck.” [1]

As we begin a new year, what do we need to do to go beyond what we think and what we say? How should we restructure our time to serve others? How should we pray for open doors to be a light? What can we do? I am so incredibly grateful for the extensive amounts of resources that allow me to strengthen and deepen my faith through what I know and say. May we, as believers, be those who go beyond what we say and know…and do something.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What do you need to do differently in 2015 to actively live out your faith?

2. What steps do you need to take so that you are actively doing…beyond just saying and thinking godly things?

FURTHER READING:

Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 28:16-20; James 1: 26-27

[1] Mark Batterson, Unstuck: Moving from the Mundane to the Meaningful  Bible study, Bluefish, 2013. Available for Oakwood attenders on RightNow Media.

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

Unchanging Love
By Jen Wollner

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Two years ago, I read a story about a woman who struggled for years with infertility. She desperately wanted a baby, but because of physical obstacles, it was proving to be a difficult goal to achieve. She went through tests and fertility treatments and nothing worked. At the beginning of the journey, she was very positive and hopeful that the Lord would answer her prayer for a child and she waited patiently, trusting Him for it. But, as the months and years wore on, she became weary and doubtful that it would ever happen. She was angry and bitter toward God because of the pain she had to endure. Just when she was about to completely give up, she became pregnant…and delivered a healthy, full-term baby boy. It was truly a miracle considering her circumstances and health problems!

As she reflected on her journey to becoming a mother, she said, “Even amidst my ugliness, and questioning and hatred I was expressing toward God, His plan still stood…He didn't let go of me when I let go of Him. He didn't change His mind or take away this blessing because of the way I acted. To me, that is extraordinary love. Extraordinary grace…He didn't take back the gift He had in store for us because of my actions…I realized in a fresh way how very much He loves me. In all my ugliness and in all my shunning and mistrust, He gave me what I didn't deserve.”

What profound truth! He never leaves us. He never changes. His will always comes to pass…it is always because of His faithfulness to us. There is nothing we can do or not do to change the unconditional, deep love He has for us. He isn’t even capable of loving us any more or less than He already does.

When we doubt Him, He is there. When we question Him, He answers. And, when we shake our fist at Him, He loves us. What incredible security we have in Jesus—who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow—and whose love for us can never change!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you believe that God loves you deeply and that, no matter what, that love can never change? If you struggle to believe this, ask Him to show you His unwavering love today.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 36:5; Psalm 40:5 

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.

Sifted Like Flour
By Elin Henderson

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But, I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’”
Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

There is a common joke among missionary women. I call it the phases of “becoming.” Phase 1: You find bugs in your flour, completely freak out, and promptly throw out the entire bag. Phase 2: You are still freaked out by the bugs but you have learned that you can carefully sift the flour and get them out. Phase 3: You move past serious sifting and just look for the major bugs and pick them out by hand. Phase 4: You have “become” and you see the bugs and say, “Good, bugs! More protein!” and just leave them in there.

God uses Satan to sift us and remove the bugs in our lives! Satan came asking for Peter and God said, “Go ahead, have at it.” We see this with Job in the book of Job and with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. And, interestingly enough, it isn’t always through the victories that we win. It isn’t always in the overcoming that we grow, but sometimes in our failure, as well. “When you have returned to me,” Jesus says to Peter, indicating that He wasn’t necessarily walking with the Lord all the time in His trial of sifting.

But, Christ gave him two wonderful promises that are reflected in our own relationship with Christ as well: The first and most significant is Christ prays for us when we are in process of being sifted…“But, I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail.” We are not alone, despite how we feel. Satan is only given so much “rope,” so to speak, and no more. We are God’s and He watches over us. Christ prays for us and the Father knows our limits. The second promise is that when it is over, we will be able to strengthen, encourage and comfort others with what we have learned…”But, when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren.” What a privilege to be able to show compassion and love to others in their time of need.

So, next time you feel like you are being tossed to and fro in Satan’s sifter, remember that you are prayed for and when you come out of it, you will be strengthened in your confidence in the Lord, able to encourage and support others in a deeper way…and hopefully with a few less bugs!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What kind of “sifting” have you endured in your life?
2. Who do you know who is facing something similar? How can you encourage that person? 

FURTHER READING: 

Luke 22:54-62; 1 Corinthians 1:3-5, 10:13; 1 Peter 4:13, 5:10; 1 John 5:18-19

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. 

From Plunder to Prosperity

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“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.”

Jeremiah29:11 (NIV)

I have heard this verse in countless graduations, baby dedications, and sermons. I have heard it so often that it almost sounds stale. Recently, my eyes were reopened to this Scripture because I had completely missed the context of what Jeremiah was saying.

This verse is written to the Israelites after they were sent into exile. 

          The land was plundered. 

          The wealth was gone.
          They were forced to leave their homes and all that they knew.
          They were subject to a foreign ruler.
          The leaders…king and soldiers…taken captive.
          Families were separated…if they had survived the onslaught.
          Only the poorest of the land were left.  (2 Kings 24)

The Israelites were reaping the consequences of their disobedience to God.  Their lives were savaged.

Maybe you can relate.

Whether it is as a result of living in a fallen, sinful world, or the consequences of personal actions, lives are savaged every day. The faithful of Israel, as well as the fallen, were all subject to the exile. It’s the same today. 

So how do we respond when we are facing our own “exiles”? Expanding our view of Jeremiah 29, God tells His people:

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters…. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity…” (NIV)

In other words, carry on and work to flourish in the new place. God has not forgotten us, and He has a plan that is greater than the here and now. From the place of brokenness, He will bring healing when each of us seeks Him with our heart.  

And that message is never stale.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Examine your reactions when havoc invades your life. Do you retreat? Pray for God to show you how to flourish in the circumstance.

FURTHER READING:
2 Kings 24:8-16; Psalm 40

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 We Women Ministries.