Children of Light

By Karen D’Amore

“For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of Light.”

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

The conflict erupted over a light! As my husband was trenching to run electricity to the outermost corner of our wooded four acres, a neighbor interrupted his trenching. When asked what he was doing, my husband informed her that he was installing a lamp post to illuminate one of our walking trails. With a hyper-sensitivity for her privacy, the neighbor expressed resistance over our plan to install the light. Even after showing her that the light would not be visible from where her house is situated on her own wooded property, she still continued to dispute the light.

My husband and I wrestled  through much discussion from two opposing perspectives. From a perspective of “entitlement,” we certainly believed we had every right to put a light on our own property. We were also well aware that opting for “entitlement” would be a decision carrying potential to create major friction with our neighbor. As believers, who are called to live as children of “THE Light” and we needed to consider the perspective as ambassadors for Christ.

Ephesians 5:9 says, “for the fruit of THE Light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth” (NIV, emphasis added). As children of Light, following God produces the fruit of righteousness. This righteousness encompasses all that is consistent with the holy character of God. While children of darkness live to please themselves, children of Light should live to please God. After being saved by faith in Christ, we’re not merely improved; we are radically transformed from darkness to serving the Light. This change in our condition should be reflected by change in our conduct.

That change in conduct oftentimes means we’re called by God to waive our rights to exercise the fruit of righteousness. It means we make decisions to forego what brings us delight so that we can maintain peace with others. As children of Light, sacrificing a desire like a lighted walk in the woods is a small price to pay in order to walk in obedience. Choosing to embrace opportunities to glorify God, we extend the love of Jesus to those around us…asking Him to use those decisions to relinquish our rights to impact hearts for the Kingdom of God.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you struggling with the “entitlement” trap, resisting righteousness versus your “rights”?

2. How can you relinquish those “rights” and choose to better reflect the fruit of a child of the Light?

FURTHER READING:

Colossians 1:10; Isaiah 2:5

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.

Choose Joy

By Brita Crouse

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

“I’m so ready for this to be over so I can move onto something else.” I was surprised to hear one of my friends express this discontent over her current stage of life, secretly wishing she was having the experiences of another one of our friends. I was surprised, not because what she was saying was unbelievable, but because I was feeling the very same way.

As we sat around the dinner table, talking with friends, I was somewhat relieved to know I was not alone in feeling this way. This feeling of wanting more or wanting something else was not just unique to me. As I took my turn speaking this struggle out loud, I watched the heads at the table nod in agreement. I couldn’t believe it. All this time I had been feeling burdened and there were others going through the exact same thing. 

I am a student. Most of my friends are married or homeowners or settling into careers. This whole year has been a constant battle for me. I am continually reminding myself that just because we are in different places, does not mean any of us are in a better place than the others.

My heart hurt as I began to realize this opportunity I have been given to attend an amazing school and learn from some of the best professionals in my field, was being wasted away on envy.

When I read the verse above, all I could think was How?  How is it possible to always be joyful? How can I always be praying? How can I give thanks in every situation, especially when I am feeling the way I do about my current one? These seem like daunting tasks. But, this is God’s will for us.

As I considered what it means to be joyful, I found it is more of a constant state. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is an overall state of being. We all have good days and bad days…and that is okay! But, our attitude through all of it should be a joyful one. Something easier said than done, but as believers, we have the power of prayer. Praying for a change of heart or mind or even just some perspective is a great place to start when trying to change a discontented attitude into a joyful one.

Is there a situation leaving you feeling discontent? Give thanks for the lessons you can learn through this circumstance. Pray about it. Choose joy instead.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you choose joy and take an attitude of thankfulness today?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 15:13; James 1:2-3

Brita is currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

Deconstructing

By Lexi Ellis

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

A friend of mine is in a time of deconstruction professionally. Programs and procedures she’s built in the past need to be reorganized, revamped and simplified. She completely understands the necessity of restructuring to be more efficient and effective, but there’s almost a sense of mourning over the initiatives previously constructed…great for then, but now not best. There is a clear need to simplify… but wow, is it hard.

God sometimes calls us to deconstruct spiritually. In the chaos of busyness and extensive to-do lists, God invites us to deconstruct. Sometimes there comes a time to “go back to the basics.”

In the midst of all the “stuff” we have designed and chosen (which often isn’t in-and-of-itself bad), there are moments we need to stop and examine what we’ve built or elevated. And within them, we need to deconstruct:

• our expectations. Unrealistic expectations hinder our relationships with others and with our God. They also commonly lead to bitterness when our expectations aren’t met. These need to be identified, torn down and shifted. 

• our self-righteous or self-centered attitudes. The focus on exclusively ourselves, or our accomplishments, rather than oneness with God is something that desperately needs to be taken apart, replaced by a spirit of humility. 

• our trust and dependence on ourselves. This one often regularly needs to be deconstructed. When we exclusively pursue our own ability rather than seeking God’s best, we miss out on the privilege of being part of God’s plan.

Oh, but the work it takes to spiritually deconstruct! And the struggle to simplify or get rid of the things we’ve accomplished “on our own.” But when we build up unhealthy expectations, self-righteousness, and self-dependence, it becomes more difficult to pursue an active relationship with Christ. Deconstructing is imperative because it allows us to simplify and fully embrace the “great love the Father has lavished on us so that we could be called children of God” (1 John 3:1, NIV). 

My friend is deconstructing and simplifying programs and initiatives in her job. It’s hard, but needed. May we likewise tear down the things we’ve built up that shift our dependence away from God and hinder an active relationship with Him. 

Going Deeper:

1. What have you built up in your life that prevents you from the simple, incredible gift of Christ?

2. What do you need to do to deconstruct unhealthy expectations, self-righteous or self-dependence?

Further Reading:

Psalm 27:4; Hebrews 12:1-2; Isaiah 57:15

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

Carriers
By Peggy Kleckner

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”
Mark 2:3-5 (NIV)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the needs of your friends and family? Have you wondered what to pray or how to pray for people whose needs seem bigger than your faith?

I was walking and praying one day when I just had to flat out tell God that I had no idea how He should or could resolve the issues in my friend’s life. Her struggles seemed to be jumbo-sized and the list just seemed to continue on relentlessly. I wondered aloud how to pray for a friend like that. What words could possibly express or contain that immensity? In a moment, I had His answer.

Have you ever seen the series MASH? Out of that series came just the picture I needed. Remember when all the wounded would be brought in carried by corpsmen? They would line up all the stretchers that were filled with the wounded, casualties of all types. The chief doctor would look each one over and determine what was needed. Once that determination was made, the corpsmen were told where to put each patient and what order each should be brought into the operating room. Well, that’s our job, too. We are just the corpsman. We don’t determine what is needed. We bring our prayer concerns to the Father without telling Him what needs to be done.

We are only the “carriers,” like the people in the verse we find in the gospel of Mark. Those friends brought their friend on a stretcher. They were relentless in their pursuit to bring him to Jesus. They came together to bear him up. They didn’t give up until he was at the feet of Jesus. Mark doesn’t note that they even made a request. They were just carriers. Jesus knew what was needed and He answered their faith.

What a relief to know that we don’t even need to know what to say, we are just to bring our friends to Jesus. He knows just what they need.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been trying to tell God what to do with each of your prayer requests? Are you willing to just bring them, lay them at His feet and trust Him to know just what is needed?

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:26-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 5:13-20

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

Say Yes to the Fight

By Elizabeth Cole

“Go in peace and be freed…”

Mark 5:34b (NIV)

Today is one of those mixed-emotion days. With great solemnity, many of our fellow citizens will visit cemeteries today with spring blooms in their hands and tears on their faces. The day was originally called Decorating Day when it began shortly after the Civil War: a day to honor our fallen soldiers and to decorate their tombs with flowers. To acknowledge that our peace was acquired with a price they paid with their death.

And then with great joy, our fellow citizens will fire up the barbecue, plant some annuals and delight in the presence of the living. I’ll have a college student just arriving home, and she’ll be celebrating her freedom today…spelled S.U.M.M.E.R. 

President Theodore Roosevelt said in his 1902 Memorial Day speech, “Peace and freedom. Are there two better objects for which a soldier can fight?”

As a nation, we will spend today in peace and in freedom because others said “yes” to the fight.

As followers of Christ, we will spend today in peace and in freedom because our Creator said “yes” to the cross. Because Jesus says to us, as He said to the woman healed after 12 years of bloody suffering, “Go in peace and be freed…”

So I’m wondering what we’re doing today with that oh-so-costly peace and freedom. I wonder but that some of us have mistaken what real peace looks like, seeking it in circumstances… where there is no peace. Not recognizing that Jesus offers Himself and that “in me you have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). Or that we’ve forgotten how we get to use our freedom:  “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13, NIV).

That peace and freedom we have, both physically and spiritually? Given so that we can serve in love, so that we can “fight the good fight” for others to experience the same. For under-aged sex trafficking victims in Milwaukee to experience peace and freedom. For refugee mamas and their littles who escaped an ISIS-ravaged town to find peace and freedom. For…[you fill in the blank]…to know peace and freedom.

“Peace and freedom. Are there two better objects for which the follower of Jesus can fight?”

Say yes to the fight today.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where is God calling you to fight for peace and freedom for others?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 10:36; Galatians 5:1

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.

The Wait

By Jen Wollner

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV)

An eight-year-old boy, abandoned by his mother, lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe with his nine-year-old sister. His dark brown eyes sparkle with life. He desires to help people and dreams of one day becoming a policeman. He hopes for a family, though it’s an unlikely prospect. Children of his age, with an older sister in tow, are rarely chosen by an adopting family. But, God has a plan…

A young couple in America, full of life and love, desires to have children. Tears flow as they say good-bye to a baby they never got to hold in their arms. Their dream for a family burns strong in their hearts, but after many years of marriage, they still don’t see an answer to their prayers. They wonder if it’s just simply not meant to be. But, God has a plan…

As the children wait in the orphanage, God is working...

As the couple waits in their quiet home, God is working...

Waiting is difficult. Oftentimes, excruciating. I believe it’s so frustrating partially because we feel as though nothing is happening. God isn’t hearing us, much less answering. When we go through long periods of waiting, we often don’t see any movement in our situation…and we begin to lose hope.

But, dear friends, take heart! God has not forgotten you! He is here. He hears all of your prayers and collects all of your tears. And, He is working. Nothing is impossible for Him! Not rescuing two children from an orphanage and placing them with loving parents half a world away. And certainly not bringing joy and life to a home once plagued by infertility and disappointment.

You may not see it yet, but one day, His plan will unfold before your eyes. It may not look like you thought it would. The timing may be off. The answer may be very different than you imagined or desired. God may say to you, "Not this...but this instead." But, as you seek Him and surrender to His will, you will step out of the wilderness, the waiting, into the glorious promised land divinely designed for you.

God has a plan. Rest assured, He is working.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What desire of your heart are you waiting to come to fruition? Take heart in the truth of God’s Word and character!

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 5:1-3; Psalm 40; Romans 8:28

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

Faithful in Prayer

By Brita Crouse

“Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.”

James 5:13 (NLT)

For every year of college, I tried to have a “theme verse” that I would carry with me throughout the school year as a reminder or an encouragement. My very first year of college, I chose the verse from above. Little did I know what the year would bring and the significance it would hold for me.

The first year of anything can be full of challenges and trials, yet, those hard times can often be contrasted with joys. Here, in my first year of college, I found myself hundreds of miles from home, far away from family and familiarity. This hardship was contrasted with the joy of having my best friend as a roommate. There were these disparities all year long as I suffered the loss of a loved one, yet received unconditional love and support from my college friends. I experienced times of loneliness and sadness, but grew immeasurably as an emerging adult.

As I’m close to the end of my first year of graduate school, I am experiencing some of those very same situations I did five years ago as a freshman in college. My family grieves over the condition of a loved one, yet is filled with immense happiness as we prepare for two little additions. Once again, I am far away from anything familiar, yet I have found excitement in exploring a new city and forming new friendships. While there are definitely days of emotional struggle, I have my brother living a short drive away if I ever need support.

The verse above similarly highlights these contrasts of life. There is suffering and hardship and there is happiness and joy. But, through it all, we are to pray. Looking back on these experiences, I know my prayer life was not always perfect, but it was one thing that helped me through the difficult times and allowed me to express gratitude during the happy times.

I think of Hannah and Mary, David and Solomon, who used their prayers to show thanks and gratitude for their blessings, as well as anguish and desperation in times of trial. These men and women of the Bible stayed in communication with God no matter the circumstance. And the amazing thing is, God heard every one of these prayers, just as He hears our prayers today.

Let’s follow the examples of these men and women and be faithful in prayer, no matter the circumstance. 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you experiencing a trial right now? How is this trial being contrasted with joy?

2.  How can you be faithful in prayer this week?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Romans 12:12

Brita is currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

Our Anchor

By Susan Klein

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. For I am the Lord, your God.

Isaiah 43:2a, 3a (NIV)

In the internationally-acclaimed film Beasts of the Southern Wild,  a hurricane devastates a remote part of Louisiana. As a little girl named “Hushpuppy” and her dad ride around in his makeshift boat surveying the damage and looking for survivors, she has some rather poignant reflections for a six-year-old. Staring into the water, she muses, For the animals that didn’t have a dad to put them in a boat, the end of the world already happened. They’re all down below trying to breathe through water.

Do you ever feel like you’re beneath the storm waters of life, wondering if you’ll make it to the surface so you can breathe again? Or maybe you’ve made it to the top, but have no strength left to heave your body over the edge of the boat to safety. Do you need a dad to lift you up and place you securely in the boat?

Beloved, you need not be overcome by the floodwaters. No matter how raging your storm is, the end of the world has not yet come for you. You have a heavenly Father who cares. He will pick you up and carry you through all of life’s difficulties, just as He promised His people in the book of Isaiah. He is the same God today, ready with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm to lift you into His lifeboat and keep you from drowning. He is your anchor, your life raft, your security. No storm is too great, no circumstance too difficult for Him to overcome. He is the calm in your storm. Cling to The Anchor!

For those who reject the Father’s hand, the end of the world has indeed already happened. Unless they make the choice to receive His help, and believe the soul-saving act of His Son, they are already perishing. But there is always hope. Our heavenly Father desires that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

In the movie, Hushpuppy’s dad wasn’t prone to show affection, but through this one act, she realized how very much he loved her and would not let her die. How much more must our heavenly Father love us if He will not only rescue us from life’s storms, but also gave His Son’s life to save our souls from eternal destruction!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you know for sure you have the blessed assurance of salvation God has offered to you? (If not, please email us atinfo@oakwoodnow.org and ask how you might receive this assurance.)

2. How will you demonstrate that you confidently trust Him to be your anchor when the storms of life are pressing in?

FURTHER READING:

John 16:33; Psalm 22:8, 24; Isaiah 41:10, 13

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.

Wound Check

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Sandy was an incredible young lady with a memory like a steel trap. She loved hugs, never met a stranger, and was always smiling.

Sandy had another remarkable trait:  she could literally feel no pain.

Born with a cognitive disability, the “wiring” to the pain center in her brain was affected. As a result, her sunny disposition was never impacted by headache nor heartache.

Sounds great, right? But if Sandy was hurt, she couldn’t tell anyone. As a young child, an unknown burn became severely infected and could have killed her. After the incident, her parents instituted regular “Wound Checks”  to identify any unknown injuries.

We don’t like it, but pain is a necessary component to our lives. Pain tells us to remove the hand from the hot stove, to stop the knife when the finger gets in the way, to draw fresh boundaries in a hurtful relationship. 

Pain also moves us to look for comfort from the hurt. When the ache takes over,  it is natural to look to someone who can help us. Someone who has been there. A person who has faced the diagnosis, survived the divorce, or mourned a similar loss. Those who have gone before can provide the much-needed “Wound Checks,”  because they know the pitfalls of the journey.

God sent us the Ultimate Comforter in Jesus. He came to earth as a human, willing to experience all of the emotions that come with that. He knew the betrayal of a friend (Judas),  and wept with those who grieved for a loss (Lazarus). And let’s not forget the physical pain of the torture He endured at the Crucifixion. 

Isaiah 61 says the Messiah has been sent to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, …to comfort all who mourn,…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” His very mission includes performing Wound Checks with us. 

Like Sandy, there are times when we need to submit to the Wound Check and listen to Christ and those He uses. Like Sandy’s parents, sometimes we need to love someone enough to do the Wound Check for them.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Who can you help with his/her Wound Check?

2.  How is Jesus, the Ultimate Comforter, helping you with your wounds?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 119:76; Ephesians 3:16

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.

“Look for the Helpers”

By Tracy Smith

“..not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

The recent devastation in Nepal has reminded me of the Boston Marathon bombing several years ago. After the Boston tragedy, it was so hard to continue to hear the awful details of what happened that day. It was so very sad. Through Facebook, I was reminded of a quote by Mr. Rogers:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

Those were the stories I focused on and the stories I continued to read and watch. Over and over again, you would hear stories of people running towards the danger to help others - - with no regard for their own safety. You heard stories of runners finishing a 26.2 mile run and continuing on to local hospitals to see if they could donate blood, and average citizens giving first aid in order to save a life. Boston locals stepped up in many ways also: offering a place to stay for stranded runners, feeding them and offering the use of their phones to runners that were lost after being diverted off the course of the marathon. Amazing.

Those examples showed how people responded in an extreme circumstance. What can this look like in our everyday lives? Luke 3:10-11 (NIV) says this, “‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’” We can do this by looking out for people in need, and when we see the need, try to find a way to meet it.

There are so many options: volunteering at a non-profit that helps those in need, helping an elderly or disabled neighbor with yard work, offering a glass of water or a cup of coffee to the person fixing your washing machine, giving a frightened child a hug, or just smiling at the cashier who is having a rough day. The opportunities are endless, if we just take the time to slow down and look. I hope someday that someone remembers me as the helper who made a difference.

The next time the news shows something scary happening, take the time to look for the helpers.

GOING DEEPER

1. Is there someone in your world who needs a helper? If so, are you willing to pray regarding what you can do to be a helper?

FURTHER READING

Matthew 25:35-40; Hebrews 13:16

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, 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.

Both

By Lexi Cole Ellis

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! TheLord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren the entire family is affected - - even children in the third and fourth generations.”

Exodus 34:6-7 (NLT)

Two songs were playing on the radio. As I was switched back and forth between the two Christian radio stations, one song proclaimed God’s love is like a waterfall while the other declared God roaring like a lion. The polar opposites made me smile as I envisioned the imagery… God’s love gushing over like water falling but then God’s power synonymous with the commanding roar of a lion. Both pictures are accurate from a theological standpoint.

So if both are true, is there a contradiction? It seems like it. Or perhaps our minds and our language wrestle with the idea that God can be both because of the limits of our “human-ness.”

The reality is, without both songs, I miss out if I focus on one attribute of God because I don’t see the fullness of both (sometimes seemly incompatible) characteristics. How easy it is to focus on the facets or statements of God I like, and choose to ignore parts that show the opposite. I like the parts about strength…but I’d rather ignore the part about serving. I like verses about receiving…but do I have to see the “both” of giving to receive? [1] In the verse above, it’s easier to focus exclusively on the compassionate and gracious God, the one who forgives and loves. Verse seven talks about punishment for the guilty and future generations’ experiencing the consequences of that sin. Hmmm…not really a fan of that part. How can God be the God of both?

At the end of the day, that’s where trust and faith comes in. While I am called into a relationship with God, I am not His equal in understanding His ways and His attributes. I resonate with what God says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” (NIV)

Part of being in an active and growing relationship with God means that we’re willing to wrestle with the “both’s” that seem contradictory…and are willing to trust when it doesn’t make sense. I’m thankful that flipping back and forth between the two songs reminded me to stop ignoring the parts of Scripture that I don’t naturally cling to and realize that the “both’s” reveal how incredibly complete God is.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some of the characteristics of God that you tend to ignore?

2. What parts of God’s “both” in Scripture do you need to address?

GOING FURTHER:

Philippians 2:1-11; Psalm 33:3-4

[1] http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/seven-great-bible-paradoxes-rodelio-mallari-sermon-on-bible-truth-151576.asp

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

The Twisted Tree

By Brita Crouse

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)

“Only in the Midwest…,” my classmates and I complained as we stepped outside into the unexpected April snow. It was a cold and dreary spring day and the current weather was making us all irritable. As we walked between buildings to get to class, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks by an enormous tree, standing unassumingly in the middle of a courtyard. I made this walk every week and I had never really noticed this tree before.

I lost step with my friends as I paused to look at the dozens of gnarled, twisting branches and the grooved, weathered bark. The tree didn’t have any leaves yet, so there it stood, completely uncovered, vulnerable. It had a strong, thick trunk, which must have kept it in place for many decades. Years of sunshine, rain, and fresh air grew this tree from seed to its present state. It was tall, towering over me at an intimidating height. Its unique beauty held my attention and left me standing in awe.

That tree is not unlike our relationship with Christ. I’m sure the tree analogy is nothing new; I have heard it many times. But, after seeing this old, tough, beautiful tree, the analogy was brought to life.

The seed of faith was planted early for me, but it wasn’t without constant care and support and admonishing that I was able to grow and flourish in my love for God. As my roots grew “down into Him,” I was able to build my life on Him as the foundation.

Life is not without its storms though. Just as the tree showed signs of trial, I have places in my own life where there are branches that are twisted, places where the bark has been stripped away and weathered from the blowing wind and pelting rain. Yet, there is beauty in this, as well.

If we are deeply rooted in Christ, we can experience an overflow of thankfulness because of our faith, despite any storm we may be experiencing. I know that is easier said than done. Yet because of our faith, we can boldly face any of life’s storms because all trees require water to grow and flourish!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How is your  faith like a tree?

2.  Are you or someone you know experiencing one of life’s storms? Reflect on and discuss how this

storm can make your faith more deeply rooted.

FURTHER READING:

Job 29:19; Ephesians 3:17; Jeremiah 17:7-8

Brita is currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

Marriage Tears

By Kelley Kuphall

Love the Lord your God: with all your heart! With all your soul! With all your mind! With all your strength!

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

I was crying in church...before the sermon even started. The husband on the video said his wife was his best friend and she said that's how it started and that's how it will end.[1] I had tears in my eyes, but I was able to hold them back from falling. Just like I was holding everything back, even my heart to God's working.

Then my pastor[2] started to preach, and his openness made me feel like he was talking to just us - - sitting in the 11th row. Everything from the series was sinking in and the weight of my superego starting pouring out. I was crying for my selfishness and sin. Crying for my friend’s marriage ending in divorce and for our own marriage - - not entirely bad, but is it what God would call “good”? How were we honoring God when we only aspire to glorify each other? My heart was breaking for the things of God again. How can God take something so ugly and make it beautiful?

I heard a quote that’s stuck with me: “Love God the most and you will love each other more.” I have this hanging up in our dining room, and yet, I forget about the “loving God” part. Of course I love God. But more than my husband? More than myself? The series at church has been driving home the truth that problems in a marriage are not just between the husband and wife, but between each individual’s relationship with God.

We sang “Take it all, Take it all, my life in your hands” and “All to Jesus I surrender” in the closing song. As I sang, I asked myself: Do I really want Jesus to take it all? Can I really say I surrender it all to Him? And that's when I had to ask for my husband's hanky. It was that uncontrollable, shoulder-shaking, nose-sniffling cry that was probably very evident to the rows behind us, but it felt so good to release my inner struggles and give it to the One who not only created me, but created my life and family. He knows the hurt and heartache, the old wounds and doubts. Why not let Him heal it? I checked the box on our communication card that we would like to speak to someone about our marriage. Let's be honest and vulnerable in our Christian walk, so others can see Christ both working in and changing our lives.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you willing to surrender your marriage to the Lord so that He can take it all and use it for His glory?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Ephesians 5:1-2; Ephesians 5:22-33

[1] Watch Ted and Judy’s story by clicking HERE.

[2] Roger Ellis, April 26, 2015: “Hitched: to Struggle.” Watch the sermon by clicking HERE.

Kelley’s a wife and mom who works part-time at a Christian counseling clinic and has a personal direct sales business. Kelley serves with Oakwood’s worship team and is the coordinator for the HeartLove Place Birthday Cake ministry.

Live Your Purpose

By Karen D’Amore

“….whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31b (NIV)

The primary focus of the two-day work conference was to educate and equip salon owners and employees with innovative ways to grow their business. With the course material bearing a distinctively “worldly” perspective, I wrestled to find balance between growing my business “their” way…and growing it God’s way. After a two-day immersion in semantics like success….prosperity.…power….and money….I found myself growing resistant to the material and my attention fading. Fortunately, I perked up and re-engaged when one presenter grabbed my attention with the exhortation to... “Live your purpose!”

For days, following the conference, I pondered that exhortation, while questioning… “What is my purpose?” While searching through Scripture, I prayerfully sought God’s perspective on the subject. As I considered our key verse, I recognized that as a Christ-follower, everything  in my life should bring honor and glory to God. So, in my roles as a wife, friend, family member, employee, co-worker…and nail technician…my purpose is to glorify God.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV). Relating this Scripture to my position in the workplace, I acknowledged that I need to perform my job as though I’m working for God Himself. With my supervisor expecting each employee to incorporate the conference material into their business plan, I vowed to “live my purpose” by growing my business “God’s way”! I explained to my boss, that if I attempt to grow my business through self-focused efforts…God will not get the glory for what “I” do. However, if I exercise faith in God and strive to glorify Him in every aspect of my job, growth in my business will be unexplainable…except for Him.

While coworkers stressed to shine and hustled to produce with implementation of those conference growth strategies, I worked to exercise faith in growing my business God’s way. Praying for empowerment to do the “unexplainable,” God exceeded my requests, enabling me to defy logistics and produce record personal sales. When asked how I did it, I threw up my hands and replied, “Jesus!” Aware of my personal limitations and weaknesses, I was strengthened as I experienced God’s power and accomplished that which I deemed impossible. Glory to God for making the impossible Him-possible!

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8, ESV). Christ-followers: what’s your purpose? To bring glory to your Heavenly Father! Now…GO…be His disciples…and live your purpose!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you living His intended purpose?

FURTHER READING:

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Revelation 4:11

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.

You Are What You Have Been Becoming

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest.”

Galatians 6:7 (The Message, paraphrase)

If you had a crystal ball and could see the future, how do you imagine your life in…

10 years?

25 years?

50 years?

The funny thing about this exercise is that if I reverse it and go back in my head to the person I was 10 or 25 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to see my life exactly as it is now. But the decisions I made in those years have absolutely impacted my reality today. You see, our future eventually becomes our present. So often, we are lulled into complacency, thinking we have plenty of time to work on that future “me.” In actuality, the only day any of us is guaranteed is the day we are presently in.

Choices matter. The media we watch, how we treat our bodies, the friends we have, are all important. Perhaps you’re like me: All too often, my choices today don’t necessarily reflect the person I would like to think I’m working to become, especially in my relationship with Jesus. Because He is not physically next to me demanding my time, it can be easy to choose checking email or catching up on Facebook over spending time in my Bible with Him, developing my prayer relationship with Him, or even writing this devotional.

I read a quote recently: “You are what you have been becoming.” It made me think about who I want to be, and to look for role models in those areas. For instance, my grandma was the definition of a “prayer warrior.” I find myself often thinking of her when I pray these days. I have other friends who have exceptional hearts of compassion. They are influencing me, as well. It can help to find a “Jesus with skin on,” a person who is demonstrating how to live out an aspect of the Christ-following life, to have as a mentor.

So, back to the original question with a twist…how will Jesus be demonstrated in your life in 10 years? 25? And what can you do today to start to get there?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Ask the Lord to show you how you can be involved in another’s life as a role model or mentor.

FURTHER READING:

Hosea 10:12

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.