Migrate…Scatter…GO!

By Karen D’Amore

“…GO into all the world and preach the Good News to creation.”

Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Autumn infiltrates the Midwest landscape…bursting with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues. Other indicators of the changing season are the vast scattering of migratory birds and waterfowl. Watching these flocks respond to their God-infused instincts moves me to emotional introspection. I’m amazed at how much we can learn from nature, when we’re being still enough to reflect. Migratory creatures instinctively know…to GO. With migration being critical to their survival, these creatures move on to temporary, seasonal places where the weather and food supply will support their survival.

As believers, we too know…to GO…as Scripture commands us to “GO…and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19a).  GO…means to change locations…to move…to scatter…to migrate. To GO may mean…across the room…across the street…across the city…or across the world. And, this call to GO is oftentimes a call to change locations, for merely a season. In John 6:35a, Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” As ambassadors for “eternal survival,” we must GO…migrate and scatter...taking the Bread of Life to the hungry (unbelievers). We’re not to simply build churches and wait for people to come to them, but rather we are called to be  the church and GO into our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and be the hands and feet of Jesus…spreading the Good News of the gospel.

When I initially enrolled in a class thirty miles across town in an area I’d normally avoid, I wasn’t recognizing it as a call to “GO.” Every Monday over two semesters, I’m connecting with eighteen classmates I’d otherwise never have met. After a few weeks in the class, God made me keenly aware that my purpose in this class extends far beyond the credential I’m pursuing. With ministry needs being revealed, I’m recognizing this class as a migratory place, where I’m to respond to Scripture’s command to GO. Acutely aware of opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus, my focus has shifted from my eventual credential to exercising the words of Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” [1]

Come spring…as the migratory creatures return to the Midwest, my class will end. During my brief migratory season, I don’t want to waste any opportunities to scatter the gospel amongst my classmates. Scripture exhorts us to “preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2a). As Christ-followers, let’s heed this exhortation as we GO…across rooms, streets, cities or the world…and be ready to preach the gospel…ALWAYS!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Where are you being called to GO?

2.  How can you be the church in your GO?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 8:4

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.

[1] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html

The Kaleidoscope of Our Faith

By Susan Klein

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24 (NIV)

If you had to describe your “faith walk” to someone, what would it look like? Could you whip out a “3-minute testimony”? Would your faith traditions and beliefs be the same as they were ten years ago? Five years ago? Would you say that your faith walk keeps changing, evolving? I know mine does.

Remember when every influential evangelical believer wore a “WWJD” bracelet or sported “I’m not perfect, just forgiven” bumper stickers? Did your kids attend AWANA or Pioneer Club, and create “wordless books” at VBS? Was The Purpose Driven Life  or Experiencing God  on your “top ten” reading list? If you’re grinning because you can relate, then you’ve likely experienced some of the trends and movements that have shaped the evangelical culture.

Perhaps, in your advancing faith walk, you’ve grown more interested in issues such as Calvinism vs. Arminianism, or prosperity teaching vs. self-denial. Or, maybe you’re just at a point where you now seem to have more questions than you did when you began your “faith journey.”

Not to fret. It’s all a natural part of our ever-changing kaleidoscope of faith. Oh, we’re all still looking toward the same Light, but the pieces inside of our scopes keep turning around and changing shape. Not to mention, my kaleidoscope doesn’t always have the same shapes as yours, which can make it downright “sticky” doing “Christian Community” together. So, how do we defend the black and white’s amidst so many grays? How do we keep from limiting something just by virtue of trying to define it? How do we bridge the chasm of our uniquely different kaleidoscopic views?

By understanding that we don’t understand everything. By exercising grace and love, especially amidst our differences. By simply allowing ourselves to be the selves that Creator God designed us to be. By not focusing so much on the changing trends and climate of Christianity, but rather, looking past them to the same vibrant and welcoming Light at the end of our tubes. And, by allowing ourselves (and others) to wake up to the possibility of new shapes and designs each day, even if some of them unnerve us a bit. It’s okay to question, to challenge, to wrestle, and to doubt. That’s what “faith” is all about.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What trends or movements in our Christian culture might have you a little bit on edge?

2. How can you maintain your focus on what is true, and right, and pure, and praiseworthy?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 4:6-8; Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 14:5-6

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 and also co-leads a Wednesday Night Community small group.

The Gift of Service

By Brita Crouse

“...So He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”

John 13:4-5 (NIV)

I love carrying out my family’s Christmastime traditions. We do the same things every year, and that is part of why I love the holiday season. One year though, our plans changed...and I was not happy about it. My attitude about this change in plans was very selfish. But, changing traditions turned out to be a gift!

The first year our Christmas traditions changed, my family helped serve a meal at a local homeless shelter. I was out of my comfort zone and worried about how to relate. However, my worries faded as I began having conversations with the people we were serving. They were just like me: desperately in need of a Savior. (I didn’t know this at the time, but I would eventually work for this very homeless shelter that made me so uncomfortable. An incredible gift!)

This first year of changing traditions was a catalyst for future Christmases. Since serving at the homeless shelter, my family has served our church family on Christmas Eve, given presents to the needy and welcomed people from other countries into our home to celebrate Christmas with us. I don’t share these things to make my family “look good,” but rather to show the arc of progression in my own attitude. 

The life of Jesus is our greatest example of a servant heart. He never complained about helping people, He just did it because He loved them. We see this especially when He humbles Himself to wash the feet of His disciples. He is God, yet He desires to serve others. We should also bear that attitude of service.

I initially had a horrible attitude about serving others when they were encroaching on my family’s traditions. But as I began to serve and see the people I was serving through the eyes of Jesus, I realized there is nothing else I would rather be doing. I now understand it is much better to give than to receive! Jesus calls us to serve others, so by obeying this call, we have the opportunity to represent Jesus well.

As we move into this holiday season, let us look for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let us serve one another in brotherly love. An act of service just may be the best gift you could ever give.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What things stop you from serving others?

2.  How can you serve others this holiday season?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:10; Mark 10:42-45 (NLT)

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56 and the Just Among Moms weekly childcare team.

The Sacrifice of “the Gift”

By Jen Wollner

“…the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son…”

Luke 2:6-7a (NIV)

‘Tis the season of gift-giving. And, let me tell you, I’ve been working my tail off! Going from store to store to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list takes a lot of time and energy. I’ve spent countless hours planning, researching and shopping. Not to mention handing over fistfuls of cash! Okay, not cash exactly, but the credit card bill adds up quickly!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to have the means to be able to shower my loved ones with various Christmas presents. And the joy I receive in giving is absolutely worth the effort. But, let’s be honest, the blessing comes with a bit of sacrifice, too. I’m using just about all of my free time and literally losing sleep to get ready for Christmas. I’m giving up hard-earned money, even sacrificing many hours of my mental and physical energy to earn extra money to pay for a special gift this year.

What about you? What are you sacrificing in order to give your friends and family precious gifts this Christmas? No gift is free. All gifts cost the giver in some way. There’s always something given up in order to bless someone else.

At this time of year, we often hear the analogy that Jesus is “the Gift” of Christmas. We’re encouraged to focus on a baby in a manger and the life He would ultimately give up. But what about the sacrifice before the Cross? The one that started in Mary’s womb? Have you ever thought about what Jesus gave up to come here? Have you pondered the sacrifice He made just to become human? Christmas…the very birth of Jesus…came at great personal cost.

Jesus left His Father. He gave up His crown. He sacrificed His majesty. He said good-bye to His perfect home and chose to come into a dark, sinful world. And He did it with great joy, knowing His obedience to His Father’s will would be worth it. You see, He gave up Heaven, so that someday, you could have it.

Now that’s sacrificial giving.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Spend some quiet time with Jesus today, thanking Him for the sacrifice of His birth.
2. How can you demonstrate sacrificial giving this Christmas to someone in need?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 2; Revelation 21:3-5, 22-27

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.

LUKE 2

(NIV)

 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place whileQuirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses,Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and the glory of your people Israel."

33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

41 Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

The Christmas Prayer
By Lexi Ellis

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 (NIV)

Because I have a typical evangelical Protestant background, liturgies were not a common experience for me. While studying abroad in Scotland, I came to love the timeless, powerful words that have been written for the traditional liturgies. There is something powerful about the church speaking as one voice about the eternal truths of our God - - especially around Christmastime. Today, may this be our timeless prayer:

“Wonder of wonders, God has to come to us!
Not as a judge, but a Savior.
Not in power, but as a servant.

Wonder of wonders, God has come to us!
Not in silence, but in the Word made flesh.
Not in the shadows, but bringing Light.

Wonder of wonders, God is with us!

Angels sang their anthems at the midnight hour to awaken a sleeping creation;
Shepherds came to worship you, and went away rejoicing;
Wise ones gave their hearts to you, so they could dwell in yours.
O Emmanuel, we adore You.

You came as a baby, to hold us in Your grace;
You came to us in a stable, so we would have no trouble finding you;
You came to us in poverty, to enrich our lives.
O Beautiful Messenger of Peace, we adore You...

God became one of us, so that we could
see the face of love,
hear the voice of peace,
be touched by the hand of grace,
know the heart of mercy…

Child of Bethlehem, be born in us today:
forgive us,
heal us,
make us new;
We will join the angels in singing your praise this Christmas day and all the days to come. Amen.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a place you can be alone today for a moment to read this aloud as a prayer to our God? Better yet, can you share it with someone else?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 2

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.

(1) Thom M. Shuman. Christmas day liturgy, Year B. Revised Common Lectionary.

Oh Holy Night

By Peggy Kleckner

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Luke 2:8-10 (NIV)

As Fresh Start writers this season, we were challenged to look into a Christmas carol and write about what we found there. I chose “Oh Holy Night.”

Here are the lyrics from the beginning of this song:

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,

When God as man descended unto us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Saviour.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

I suppose we are all more familiar with this version:

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. [1]

In either case “midnight” or “night” is what caught my attention. I am not fond of the dark. It can feel lonely and frightening. Which is why I love the answer the song gives to the “night” places of our lives. The “thrill of hope” is Jesus. In our seasons of life that are similar to the night, we recognize the ugliness of our sins or that particular sin that we just can’t seem to throw off. We are heartbroken that we can’t clean ourselves up to greet Him and then suddenly it dawns on us, and our weary soul realizes, of course, that is true. Why else would He have come?

Oh, how we should thrill at that realization! Christmas is His answer. Our hope, our only hope, is Jesus. Into our darkness breaks His glorious light. He came for us because He loves us and because, on our own, we would remain in darkness.

This year, as Christians, may we be carriers of the “thrill of hope” to those we encounter daily.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What dark place of your life needs His great light of love and hope?

2. Do you or someone you know need to be reminded of the “thrill of hope”?

FURTHER READING:

John 3:16-17; Genesis 1:3; 2 Samuel 22:29

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.

[1] Reflect on this song by watching and listening to it here.

In His Image

By Tracy Smith

“So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.”

Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

The older my oldest son gets, the more he looks like my dad. At the same time, he has certain facial expressions and mannerisms that are exactly like my husband. My youngest son is left-handed, just like his paternal grandma and maternal great-aunt. My nephew looks like and walks exactly like his dad. My niece is the spitting image of my sister, who is the spitting image of my mom.

Genetics has always fascinated me. I love looking at families and seeing who looks like who and who has whose mannerisms, way of walking, etc. Beyond looks, there are also personality traits that you will see reflected in family members. Kids look up to and imitate their parents.

When I am out in the world, do I look like and act like my Father? Genesis 1:27 says we are made in God’s image. Do I reflect who He is to those around me? Do I make an effort to represent my Father well?

In order to do that, I need to dig into the Word and see our Lord's character traits that I should be emulating:

• Do I show love or hatred? (Mark 12:31; Matthew 5:43-45)
• Do I show forgiveness or hold grudges? (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:21-22)
• Do I show mercy or harshness? (Luke 6:36; Matthew 5:7)
• Am I humble or am I full of pride? (Psalm 25:9; James 4:6)
• Do I reach out to the “least of these” or do I pretend I don’t see? (Matthew 25:40; James 1:27)
• Do we show grace or do we judge others? (Luke 6:37; Matthew 7:5)

When my son is out in public with my dad, it is obvious he is related. Do my actions show others that I belong to God?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Will you commit to studying His Word in order to know our Lord better so you can represent Him well?

2.  Is there one specific trait you know you struggle with representing well? Will you pray that the Lord will help you with this?

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 5:1-2; Genesis 9:6

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

Season of Loss

By Elizabeth Cole

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb…No longer will there be any curse…”

Revelation 22:1,3a (NIV)

In the midst of a holiday season, sometimes there is the life-shattering loss that others experience. Loss of a grandfather whose life was well-lived; sudden and heart-jolting loss of a husband and children; loss of physical mobility due to an accident; loss of all material possessions; utter loss of hope in the caverns of depression. And it’s only the second week of December. Such brokenness doesn’t seem to fit with the season….

As a result, the Christmas carol roiling around in my head doesn’t have a lot of festive “fa la la’s” in it, nor does it descend the C major scale proclaiming exuberant joy to the whole world. Rather, I find myself meditating on the plaintive cry of God’s people in bondage: O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Are you familiar with the words? The first verse laments captivity and loneliness and exile, asking Emmanuel to come and to ransom them. Take a moment to sing it softly to yourself.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Loss. Lament. Loneliness. Captivity. Not the usual theme of Christmas. And yet, read Jesus’ words as he quotes the prophet Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

Loss. Poverty. Captivity. Oppression. Not just a theme, but THE theme of Christmas. Into our cursed world of hopelessness and loss, a Rescuer appears. One who can save us from death’s final word, reverse Eden’s curse, and ultimately restore all that sin has broken. A Redeemer who not only intends to do what it will take to re-establish a right relationship with His people, but will then become “Emmanuel” in the truest sense of the word, choosing to dwell within those same people forever…God With Us.

So I’m thinking, those in whom Emmanuel resides…wouldn’t we want to tenderly participate in His plan to restore those suffering brokenness and poverty and bondage and oppression and loss? To proclaim with our hands and our mouths the Lord’s favor?

We desperately need Christmas…because of loss.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life is suffering loss right now? How will you let God use you to touch their lives?
2. Take some time to thank Jesus today for showing up; for being our Restorer and Redeemer and Rescuer.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 18:19; Romans 5:6-11; Colossians 1:13

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

The Visitor

by Becci J. Terrill

“…show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this
have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Hebrews 13:2

We’re expecting a visitor this holiday season - - someone we hardly know, who’s never been to our home before. He’s from another country, speaks a different language, and has different traditions.

Preparing for his visit has involved planning, shopping, arranging, rearranging and decorating our home. We’ve also been getting our minds and hearts ready, learning everything that we possibly can so that our visitor will feel welcomed and loved while he is with us.

We’ve even been counting down the days… as each brings us closer to “the day” when he arrives. As the number of days grows smaller, our excitement builds. What will our visitor be like? Will he enjoy his time with us? Will he want to stay?

As I reflected on our visitor, and how he has changed our life on every level, I was reminded of another Visitor who came long ago. Prophets told us He would come. People were watching and waiting for His long-anticipated arrival. But, when He finally came, only a small company of shepherds was there with His parents to bid Him welcome.

His coming, however, changed the world forever, and the life of every one who believes that He is the Son of God and accepts His gift of salvation (John 3:16).

During this season of Advent, as we prepare for “The Big Day,” let’s remember the Reason for the shopping, and decorating, and preparation. Let’s make time to step away from the busyness to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome and worship Jesus. And, unlike a visitor who will come and go after the holiday, I encourage you to invite Immanuel, God with us, to stay in your heart and home permanently.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are you anticipating this holiday season? Has it taken your eyes off Jesus? Make sure to focus on the real Reason for Christmas, and celebrate Him.
2. Would you like to welcome a child into your home? Check out Open Hearts and Homes for Children’s website (www.openheartsandhomes.org) for more information, or contact MissionHope at oakwoodnow.org.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14, 3:16-17; I Peter 4:9

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children’s Ministry Director at Oakwood Church.

Inspiring Transformations

By Karen D’Amore

 

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature:

the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

 

After instituting a variety of lifestyle changes, I’ve recently undergone an extreme physical transformation due to significant weight loss. At first glance, clients and acquaintances who hadn’t seen me in a while...didn’t recognize me. Before and after pictures chronicled the vast difference between the old me and the new me! As those in my inner community have witnessed my transformational process, many have expressed being inspired by those changes. Desirous and curious about the process leading to my physical transformation, they’ve asked, “What’s your secret?”

 

After repeatedly hearing the words inspire/inspiration, I contemplated those things which inspire us. I concluded that we’re generally inspiredby those “things” we find appealing or desirable! Witnessing the transforming power of Jesus in an old friend is what inspired me to desire the same for myself. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines inspire/inspiration using words like “to move, spur on...the act of influencing.”(1) When you think about it, we all have the capacity toinspire or influence those around us.   

 

As Christ-followers, knowing the value of spiritual transformation, we must be cognizant of our role as inspirers. As “new creatures...in Christ”...how are our transformed lives influencing those around us? Are we reflecting Jesus in a way that inspires others to want Him in their lives? With the awareness that physical transformation stems from discipline and personal efforts...we recognize that spiritual transformation is the result of surrender to the Almighty Transformer! By yielding to the power of the Spirit within us, He changes us from the inside out.

 

With conversion being the prerequisite for transformation, an encounter with Jesus should never leave a person unchanged! The new “creature” should look radically different than the old, with the believer’s mindset, priorities, and choices all reflecting that change. And through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the spiritually transformed life should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

 

Scripture exhorts us to “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). As Christ-followers, our transformed lives should perpetually radiate and reflect the glory of God. And as we reflect the Light of Jesus, may others be inspired to want what they see in our spiritually transformed lives. Let us each aspire to be...Spiritual Inspirers...stirring others to ask, “What’s your secret?!”

 

 GOING DEEPER:

1. Are there areas of your “old life” that need to undergo the Spirit’s transformation?
2. Pray that others will be inspired by your spiritual transformation and seek a relationship with the Almighty Transformer.

 

FURTHER READING:

 Ephesians 4:22-24; Galatians 2:20

 

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.

 

 

(1)http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspire

Silent Night

By Susan Klein

“For He Himself is our peace”

Ephesians 2:14a (NIV)

It wasn’t really a silent night but it became one. The auditorium quickly filled that cold December evening with noisy children, parents, and grandparents, all coming to see their kiddos perform in the Christmas Pageant. Dozens of little participants were backstage getting final instructions and adjustments to their costumes before heading on. At one point during the bustle of the program, unnoticed by anyone in the audience (except his mom), a little boy was ushered behind a prop to remove his outer cow costume. And then, it happened. A silence descended over the auditorium as the lights were dimmed. One little light stood out from the candle in his hand as he stepped forward and began to confidently sing his acapella solo.

“Silent Night, Holy Night

All is calm, all is bright…”

It wasn’t really a silent night but it became one. Go back in time two-thousand-plus years. A decree had been issued for a census to be taken of the entire Roman world. That included a tremendous number of citizens. People from all over hurried to their native city to register. Small towns filled to overflowing with people returning to be counted. Such was the case in Bethlehem. People and animals filled every nook and cranny. It was noisy and chaotic. In that crowd was a young couple; she about to give birth. Looking for a quiet and clean place to deliver amidst the chaos was challenging at best. Meanwhile, out in the fields nearby, the shepherds tended rambunctious flocks of sheep. Suddenly, deafening sound and blinding light descended upon them as a great company of heavenly hosts praised God saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom his favor rests.”

In booming voices they proclaimed the good news of great joy which was for all people, the birth of a long-awaited Messiah. Leaving their fields, the shepherds hurried off to see this thing which had been proclaimed. And when they arrived at the place where the baby lay, it happened. The night became silent, for God’s promised Peace had just entered the world. His perfect reconciling Peace, emparted to all people, had finally arrived. A silence filled the mother’s heart as she pondered the wonder of all these events. The shepherds silently and humbly bowed before the One who brought salvation, filled with awe and wonder at receiving such a great honor. The night was filled with peace.

In your bustling and perhaps hectic holiday schedule, find time to be silent. Allow the Peace of your Savior to settle over you and bring you great joy.

 GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you have this Peace? Do you desire it? Will you seek it?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27, John 16:33

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 and also co-leads a Wednesday Night Community small group.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

By Brita Crouse

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

Luke 2:15-16 (NIV)

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him

Born the King of Angels:

O come, let us adore Him, (3x)

Christ the Lord.

This song has always been one of my favorite Christmas carols because it perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season: joy in the birth of Jesus. But, it wasn’t until a few years ago, that these words of jubilation took on a whole new meaning for me.

For most people, Christmas emits positive attitudes and optimistic outlooks, but for my family it is also a stark reminder that an integral family member is no longer with us because it was around the holidays that my family suffered a great loss.

The words to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” have always been powerful to me, but until I experienced this grief, I could not fully understand the weight of its words or the purpose of the song, which is to call us to faithfulness.

In the verses above, we see the shepherds stepping out in faith by leaving behind their livelihood - - their sheep - - to seek out Jesus. What a courageous and rewarding act of faith!

We can see throughout Scripture we are not called to be faithful to God only during the good times, but at all times and through everything. Much like the marriage vows spoken by a husband and wife - - which call for faithfulness, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse - - we enter into a similar covenant with God when we become a Christian.

My family is not the only one who experiences polarizing emotions during the holiday season. But, we still have hope and joy in Jesus during the holiday season; a true testament to God’s faithfulness and our striving for faithfulness to God.

God continually conveys His faithfulness to us through His consistency and lavish downpour of blessings. Shouldn’t we show Him the same kind of faithfulness, despite our circumstance?

This Christmas season, take time to behold and adore Christ and His greatness with faith, joy and triumph.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Listen to Adeste Fideles/ “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” How can you apply these lyrics to your own life?

2. How can you be encouraging those around you toward faithfulness to God?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 2:8-19; Hebrews 12:2; 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.