Age of Loneliness

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“…but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another…”

1 John 1:7a (NIV)

I read an intriguing article about addiction yesterday. It was thought-provoking, and I found myself wrestling with my own perceived notions and presumptions. But the point the article made was aligned with Scripture beautifully.

The article talked about how we approach addiction in our society, particularly in how we choose to address it based on our understanding of it. The article claims that addiction is not just the result of an exclusive need for a particular substance or a chemical hook, though that can be a factor. Instead, it noted that the lack of, or the perceived lack of, human connection  is also a factor that feeds and fuels addiction…and this may have even more of an impact than the chemical composition of the substance. Johann Hari writes:

“Human beings are bonding animals. We need to connect and love. The wisest sentence of the twentieth century was E.M. Forster’s  - - ‘only connect.’  But we have created an environment and a culture that cut us off from connection, or offer only the parody of it offered by the Internet. The rise of addiction is a symptom of a deeper sickness in the way we live - - constantly directing our gaze towards the next shiny object we should buy, rather than the human beings all around us. The writer George Monbiot has called this ‘the age of loneliness.' We have created human societies where it is easier for people to become cut off from all human connections than ever before.” [1]

We see this in story after story in Scripture. God created Adam for relationship with Him, and then additionally created another human because it was not good for Adam to “be alone.” David and Jonathan were friends who sacrificed for each other and cared deeply for one another. We see Paul’s deep relationships with each of the churches he wrote to as he greeted them in his letters and wrote that he missed them.

While on earth, Jesus built relationships with His disciples and followers, and He continually commanded us to love each other. We are called to enter the vulnerability and messiness that comes with intentional community. Loving is hard and certainly not always glamorous or conflict-free. There is a cost.

But there is incredible joy that comes with coming alongside each other and “doing life together.” It allows us to experience and to be the tangible work of the Church. It also taps into our specific design that God created. Today and every day, let’s be people that reject the appeal of this “age of loneliness.”

GOING DEEPER: 

1.      Take some time to reflect on your “community.” Is your fellowship loving, healthy and life-giving? What needs to change?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:2-3; 1 Corinthians 10:24

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable dog named Calvin. She teaches sixth grade and serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start coordinator.

[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/the-real-cause-of-addicti_b_6506936.html

Come!

By Elin Henderson

"And the spirit and the bride say come…”

Revelation 22:17a (KJV)

We all love receiving an invitation in the mail. Whether it is to come  to a wedding, a birthday party, a holiday celebration or baby shower, we are thrilled to be included and able to share in the joy of the event.  Implicit in the invitation is the fact that provision has been made for you to attend. There’s no need for worry. There will be food for you, a place at a table will be set and a name tag will be waiting at the door. We know that the host has made provision, and we can relax and enjoy the celebration!

Reading through the Scriptures, I am always amazed by the number of times that Christ liberally shares an open invitation for all people to come. “Come follow me and be my disciples…Come and drink... Come find everlasting life and salvation... Come find rest in me.” (Mark 8:34; John 7:37; John 3:16,17; Matthew 11:28)

These aren’t empty invitations. They can only exist because provision has been made, a place has been prepared and set. We can come  to Him because He first came  to us!  He “…came to seek and save...came to comfort… came to enable…came to give life.” (Luke 19:10; John 15:26; Acts 1:8; John 10:10) 

When we accept this invitation, we can be assured of  “…a place at His table…our name written in the registry…a down payment/seal that has been placed upon us…the full price of our attendance has been paid…our needs being met on our journey along the way.” (Revelation 19:9; Philippians 4:3; Ephesians 4:30; I Corinthians 6:20; Philippians 4:19)

He comes (bringing all the provision we need); we accept the invitation and come (choosing to believe it to be so); and amazing things happen! Now that’s an invitation that we just can’t pass up! Let’s pass it on and share it with others! He came   so we could come! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Can you think of someone who needs to hear about this invitation? Start praying that God will open a door for you to share it with him or her!

2.      Perhaps you have already accepted this invitation to salvation. What about the other invitations Christ offers post-salvation, like: victory over sin, peace in the midst of struggle or His strength in weakness? Have you picked up those invitations and come to Him by faith - - believing that He will indeed provide?    

FURTHER READING:

Luke 19:10; John 15: 26; Acts 1:8; Matthew 10:10

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 fifteen-year-old Callie and thirteen-year-old Elias.

Note to Self
By Lisa Boyer

“...but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.”
2 Corinthians 10:12b (KJV)

Dear Self,

When your loving heavenly Father gently points out some area in your life that He wants you to work on, it’s because He knows you are ready to deal with it, change it and move on. The other day when God tapped you on the shoulder and pointed out something that needed attention, you took it and ran with it. But you ran in the wrong direction!

You immediately began beating yourself up for how you’d been handling it and then you proceeded to make a list of everything that you don’t do right in that area of your life. The result wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was downright ugly. You became completely defeated...before you could even begin to take the journey God wanted you to take.

What happened? The area God pointed out wasn’t that major. It was such a simple thing; not a sin issue, a self-improvement issue. And when it comes to self-improvement, nothing can make you spiral out of control like...oh yes, others. Is that where your mind went? Is that how your list became so long? God showed you one thing He wanted you to improve and your problem-solving mind looked around to see how others do that one thing. But instead of finding solutions, you compared yourself with them and saw more and more problems; things others handle better than you do. The Bible makes it very clear that isn’t the route to take. Comparing yourself with others is not wise, and look where it landed you!

Can we please start over? Whatever area God wanted you to begin to work on, He knows you’re ready to deal with it, or He wouldn’t have brought it up. He wants to gently lead you down a better path. Trust Him.

Love,
Me

PS: One more thing: Get rid of the list. The list didn’t come from God...you made up that list. While it is true that there will always be someone who does “it” better than you, that same someone will always be able to find someone who does “it” better than she. Comparing never helps.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you tend to spiral down the wrong path when God shows you an area to work on? Next time will you sit quietly before Him and let Him show you His solution?
2. Are you in the habit of comparing yourself to others? Today, will you begin to measure yourself by God’s standard?

FURTHER READING:  2 Corinthians 10:18; Proverbs 3:5

Lisa has been married to Ted for 24 years and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood. 

Pursuing Hospitality

By Susan Klein

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” 

Romans 12:13 (NIV)

I remember a time from my early childhood when moms would gather in our kitchen to discuss child-rearing, how to get stains out of clothes, and what to fix for dinner. I also recall the costume parties where neighbors from our street gathered in our four-family apartment building’s basement to unwind and have a little fun together. If someone was sick, children would be shuffled off to the neighbor’s or meals would be prepared and taken over. There was a sense of peace and security about this community of people.

I also remember how my dad loved to just “go for a drive” on a Sunday afternoon. We’d all pile into the car and inevitably end up at someone’s house for “just a quick visit.” It was not uncommon back then, and even welcomed. Not so much the norm today. To just show up at someone’s door would mortify some. Now we have to check our busy calendars, plan in advance, and hope nothing more important comes up that requires our attention. Times have definitely changed. Gone is the sense of peace and security (for many people) that comes with “community.” Our time is divided by so many things that there’s hardly room left for hospitality.

But God’s Word says that we are to practice hospitality; to spend time with guests and strangers. In fact, “practice,” in this case, is “to continually pursue” it. It’s really not optional. It’s what we are here for. God created people to live in community with each other, to do life together, to help carry each other’s burdens, and to celebrate life’s joys together. Oh, how we miss out on the blessings God has for us when we don’t pursue hospitality! One of my own greatest joys in life is inviting people into my home to get to know them, to share a meal with them, or to pray with them. Much laughter and many wonderful conversations have taken place around our kitchen table. It truly is a blessing for all involved. (And they really don’t care if my house is clean.) So, why do we let “other things” rob us of this blessing?

What if we were to start a new (old) trend? What would happen if everyone committed to setting aside some time every week or month to pursue hospitality? I’ll give you a glimpse of what would happen. New friendships would be made, peace and security would return, blessings would flow, and God would be glorified. Now, what could be more important than that?!!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Invite someone you don’t know very well over for lunch after church, or drop in on a shut-in. Be creative!

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:8-10

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 an on-site small group.

Life-Giving Power of the “Son”

By Karen D’Amore

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

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

Blindsided by winter’s sudden arrival, I entered the season ill-prepared for what was to come. With a relentless scorn, winter snarled, pounced and bit like a raging lion…over and over again. Windows and walls insulated me from the frigid and frozen landscape. My heart ached to see my beloved wildlife forage relentlessly to ease their hunger since winter had robbed them of their natural food sources.

Finally, we had a day of reprieve where winter recoiled and the powerful sun was the victor. The rapidly melting snow - - puddled into micro-pools - - drew birds to flock for refreshment. Color emerged from beneath the thick blanket of snow and symphonies of birds shouted melodies of spring. From the dead of winter, the outside world came alive… resuscitated by the power of the sun.

Venturing beyond my protective barriers, I immersed myself in the thawing environment. With my lawn chair aligned with the unobstructed sun, I basked in the outstretched rays, drinking in every morsel of warmth.  And as the brilliant sun penetrated the surface of my skin, it seemed to awaken my soul. For the first time in months, I felt revived and alive. There was a stark contrast between how un-alive I’d felt throughout the frigid dark winter and how I felt moments after exposure to the powerful sun. As exposure to sunlight infuses our body with nourishing vitamin D, it restores, renews and replenishes us. God masterfully created the sun  to be life-giving!

I recall a season in my life when I experienced this stark contrast… spiritually. I was a prodigal daughter wandering in darkness and dead in my sin. Once my soul was exposed to the “Son,” I saw the Light and re-committed my life to Christ. After experiencing the power of the “Son,” I felt instantly resuscitated, restored and renewed! For the first time in my life, I felt truly alive.

As sun-deprived seasons affect us emotionally and physically, Son-deprived lives suffer spiritually. Are you suffering from Son-deprivation? Are you in need of restoration and renewal? Turn your face to God and bask in the eternal-life-giving power of His “Son!”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you prevent Son-deprivation?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 6:11; Romans 8:2, 9-11

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.  She also serves on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events team.

The Purse
By Elizabeth Cole

“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”
Romans 9:20 (NIV)

During my high school and college years, I lived in San Diego, just across the border from Tijuana, Mexico. Though less than a two hours’ drive, I felt like I’d entered a completely different world. Rich smells; bright colors; shops with no names; clamor and dust and life all rolled together.

One of the biggest differences for me was “the purchasing experience.” Nothing like what I was used to at Fashion Valley Mall, that’s for sure! Most differently, no pricetags. Instead, as we walked around the market, someone would hold out a purse she’d made and call out, “How much?”

I’d stop, take the purse, consider it, and then offer a price…based on what I saw, what its value was to me. And then its creator would come back with her evaluation of the purse…and so the bargaining would begin. And it would conclude at the point that worth was mutually determined, and the creator gave the purse to me, the purchaser.

Funny thing: the purse itself never got a say in the matter. It didn’t get to determine its own beauty or value. Ultimately, its worth was determined by the creator and the purchaser. In fact, it’s absurd to envision the bag joining in the bargaining, pointing out its flaws, highlighting its shortcomings, and rejecting what its creator and its purchaser were deciding. Unimaginable, yes? Or maybe not so much…

I wonder, when did we, the created,  decide that we get to determine our own value, our own worth? Or lack of value…or lack of worth? And beyond that…when did we, the purchased,  decide that we get to determine our lack of beauty or lack of usefulness? It sure seems a little presumptuous for the created and purchased to self-exalt her negative opinion above that of the Creator/Purchaser. Your Creator/Purchaser has made His valuation extremely clear: You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ.

I wonder what would change in our lives if we settled the issue once and for all. If we authentically embraced that our Creator lovingly “knit us together in our mother’s womb” and our Purchaser lovingly paid the highest price possible to become our Owner…and Master…and Friend. Perhaps we’d find ourselves in a completely different world.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you identify a consistent “trigger” that prompts you to exalt a negative opinion of yourself above God’s stated opinion? What could you ask God to help you do about it?
2. Meditate today on the value of the currency God used to purchase you: His own blood.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9

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

Kyrie Eleison

By Tracy Smith

 

"What's more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go..."

Genesis 28:15a (NLT)

 

As a teen, I really liked the song, "Kyrie Eleison" by Mr. Mister. At the time, I did not know what "Kyrie Eleison meant (and I didn't have Google to look it up!) but I knew I liked the rest of the lyrics to the song. I especially liked the chorus and this verse:

 

"When I was young and thought of growing old

Of what my life would mean to me

Would I have followed down my chosen road

Or only wished what I could be" [1]

 

As a young teen, these words made me think - - where am I headed? Will my life in 20 years be what I imagine now it will be? Will I end up taking a road I cannot even imagine?

 

A few years ago, I heard the song on a radio station featuring, "80's Songs." I had two thoughts: I'm old; they are featuring songs of my teenage years as a "theme" on the radio and, secondly, now I can find out what "kyrie eleison" means!  It means, "Lord, have mercy." [2]

 

Now, the song takes on a whole new meaning! Here is the chorus:

 

"Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel.

Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night.

Kyrie eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?

Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light."  [1]

 

Lord, have mercy down the road that I must travel. Lord, have mercy through the darkness of the night. Lord have mercy, where I'm going, will you follow? Lord, have mercy on the highway in the light. The song just comes alive with knowing what all the words of the song mean.

 

The phrase, "where I'm going, will you follow?" really resonates with me. The Bible is very clear that the Lord is with us always, wherever we go.Genesis 28:15 (NLT) tells us, "...I am with you, and I will protect youwherever you go..." Joshua 1:9 (NLT) says, "This is my command - - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

 

As we travel our road, we only need to remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go and He will have mercy on us.[3]

 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you sometimes forget that God is traveling your journey with you, even when you are struggling? 2. If so, what can you do to remind yourself He is always with you?

 

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

 

[1] http://www.metrolyrics.com/kyrie-eleison-lyrics-mr-mister.html

[2] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kyrie+eleison

[3]Want to listen to this song? Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NDjt4FzFWY

Love in the Middle Of

By Lexi Cole Ellis

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..."

1 John 3:1a (NIV)

In 1882, George Matheson sat alone on the night of his sister’s wedding. Twenty years prior, Matheson was first in his class, a promising minister and engaged to be married. Devastatingly, he gradually became blind and his fiancée left him because of it. His sister cared for him, but life was changing with her marriage. Alone and blind, this accomplished minister struggled with resurfaced feelings of loss.(1) 

Loss is universal. The older I get, the more profound loss I see in my life and in the lives of people I love: loss of a relationship, loss of health, loss of a job, loss of a dearly loved one. Some loss is chosen; often, it’s loss we never asked for. Recognizing his own loss, Matheson wrote this hymn in five minutes:

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that follows all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seeks me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that lifts up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be. (2)

There are two things that have touched me through this hymn. The first speaks of a love from a powerful God that is unfailing. The mere fact that His love is steadfast is extremely powerful. His is a love that will never let us down…it won’t let us go. Secondly, Matheson alludes to the Holy Spirit who follows, seeks and guides us. In the midst of loss, we can choose to be in relationship with the Creator of the Universe who comforts His children and guides them through His Spirit.

Our loss is oh so real. Our God comforts and heals in the midst of our brokenness, and  His love is forever constant. Matheson experienced loss - - loss of his sight, loss of a loved relationship, loss of a hoped-for future - - but in that, he chose to cling to His God of Love.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How have you seen your God of Love at work in the middle of your own loss?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 66:13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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) http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/oltwnlmg.htm

(2) When I was in college, we sang this hymn arranged by my director. Here’s another arrangement of this hymn if you would like to listen to it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiZ9xXoZ1Mk

Just Be Held

By Karen D'Amore

 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with 

my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

 

It hit from out of nowhere! On New Year's Eve I was healthy, fit and running a 10k (6.2 mile) race. But within days, my body was in a tailspin, with everything from head to toe...misfiring. I felt like a stranger in my own body; after a stressful and discouraging three months of being examined by seven different doctors, the source of my physical issue(s) still remained an undiagnosed mystery.

 

Hearing this familiar song, in light of my current life-storm, reduced me to a puddle of tears:

 

                        "But life hits you out of nowhere...And barely leaves you                                 holding on

                         There's freedom in surrender...Lay it down and let it go

                         So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far                                away...

                         You're not alone...stop holding on...and just be held"

 

While desperately seeking and waiting for definitive answers, it felt like my world was falling apart. I looked for "anything" to hold onto to steady me. In that moment of sheer exhaustion...as my grip on "everything" broke loose and the ability to continue holding on diminished...God met me in this song:

 

                        "Your world's not falling apart...it's falling into place

                         I'm on the throne, stop holding on...and just be held"

 

"Holding on" requires action or effort on our part, whereas "being held" requires a posture of submission. My "holding on" efforts had me fixated on, and drowning under, the weight of my circumstances. With my faith rattled, I began to question God and His love for me.  But as this song began to infiltrate my daily life, God drew me into remembrance of His desire to carry us through the "deep waters" of life. (Isaiah 43:2)    

 

                        "If your eyes are on the storm...you'll wonder if I love you still

                         But if your eyes are on the cross...you'll know I always have

                         And I always will..."

 

Inspired by the exhortations in this song...I finally let go...and fell into the arms of God. And as God continues to carry me through this storm, I still don't know what the future holds for me physically. But I do know Who holds my future.

 

                        "And not a tear is wasted...in time, you'll understand

                         I'm painting beauty with the ashes...your life is in My hands"

 

While I no longer have the strength to "hold on," I've chosen to exercise faith in His plan and...

 

                                                ...Just Be Held. [1]

 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Is there something you need to "let go" of and trust God to carry you through?

 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 94:18-19; Matthew 11:28-31

 

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.metrolyrics.com/just-be-held-lyrics-casting-crowns.html 

Revolutionary?

By Susan Klein

“The God who made the world and everything in it is

the Lord of heaven and earth…”

Acts 17:24 (NIV)

Man’s modern inventions never cease to astound. As God metes out intelligence, man’s imagination for creating new and useful tools expands. One of the more recent sophisticated inventions is the 3-D printer, which can actually replicate a 3-dimensional object. The field of robotics is also advancing inconceivably. Today, I watched a video of a (terrifyingly realistic) robot made to resemble a human. [1]

As often is the case, some things are created for beneficial purposes and others are not. Even if the best intentions existed in its conception, a new invention in the wrong hands can reap horrific consequences. We’ve all seen sci-fi movies that depict this idea. (Watch the video link below.) So what is one to make of all these new inventions?

There’s a tiny little story in the book of Genesis, tucked in between the flood and the call of Abram. You might be familiar with it. Chapter 11 starts, “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.” It goes on, “They said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves…’ ”

Ah, their intention exposed. Worshiping Creator God was not enough for them anymore, they wanted to be elevated to worship status or “make a name for ourselves.” Alas, God knows every inclination of man’s heart. I wonder how high the tower got before He put an end to their evil plan and let them suffer the consequences?  Apparently, they hadn’t learned from the flood.

How far will God let man go today in his quest for “worship status”? Some would say He must be turning a blind eye to what is going on. Not so. Though man has a tendency to repeat the past rather than learn from it, God is quite actively aware and in control. He sets His limits.

We need not fear inventions, or terrorists, or ruling authorities, or anything of this earth. Nothing happens outside of God’s knowing and allowing. Even Satan was not allowed to test Job or sift Peter as wheat without God’s approval. Lamentations 3:38 states, “Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?”

In these, sometimes scary, advancing times, let us hold unswervingly to the assurance of His sovereignty and the eternal hope of His return.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What worldly activites or advances give you cause for concern?

2. Keep your feet cemented in God’s truths as you await His return.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 45:7; Acts 17:24-30

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.

[1] http://news.discovery.com/tech/robotics/realistic-robot-lady-cheerfully-agrees-to-destroy-humans-160322.htm