Nature’s Revelation

By Susan Klein

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.”

 Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)

Who doesn’t enjoy watching the sky fill with blazing oranges and brilliant pinks as the sun sets on a warm summer night? Or driving through the countryside in the fall with a palette of colors splayed across the trees? God definitely delights our senses through His creation. But, have you ever stopped to ponder what He is saying through His creation? The above verse, as well as others in Scripture, allude to the fact that He speaks to us - -  not only through His Word - -  but also through His creation. While admiring its beauty, we should also consider its message.

In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas are trying to lead a group of misguided people away from their idols to the One True God by using nature as an illustration. Paul states, “He has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their season…” (verse 17, NIV) How often do we look at a rainy day as just a spoiler of our outdoor plans? Yet, God is speaking his kindness and compassion by providing the rain for the crops so we don’t go hungry. Conversely, at times, He has withheld rain and caused drought when He is speaking His displeasure with His people.

In Romans 1, Paul informs us that God has made many things about Himself plainly known through His creation, but some just don’t see it or aren’t listening. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - - His eternal power and His divine nature - - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.” (verse 20, NIV) How easy it is to get caught up in just enjoying His creation for our own personal pleasure. But God has valuable truths to reveal to us through His creation, if we are willing to listen.

Next time you admire that vibrant rainbow in the sky, ponder what God is speaking to you about His promises. When you gaze at those majestic mountaintops, listen for His voice to reveal His mighty power in your own life. When you hear of a tsunami or tornadoes that ravage towns and villages, ask God what He might be trying to convey through the devastation. He is faithful to answer. “He does not leave Himself without testimony.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Read the verses below to see how God has spoken through His creation in the past.

2. Determine to seek His voice as you observe His creation in the future.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 65:9-13; Habakkuk 3:3-6; Matthew 5:45

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.

Just in the Nick of Time

By Elin Henderson

“For I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.”

Psalms 55:16 (KJV)

Who doesn’t love a good movie or book where all hope is fleeting, the end is drawing near, the enemy appears to be winning, and THEN… just in the nick of time, the hero arrives on his white steed and saves the day?! The hype and suspense leading up to the victory is often frustrating and hard to endure. But once the final blow is dealt, everything makes sense. You breathe a sigh of relief and leave the movie theater, or put down the book, with a sense of satisfaction!

I am amazed as I look through Scripture how many times it seems that all hope was lost, and defeat seemed imminent, but THEN…just in the nick of time, God intervenes in a miraculous and incredible way - - bringing victory not defeat - - relief not disappointment.

In 1 Samuel 23:14-29, David certainly encounters one such story. Saul had once again chased David into a trap. He was stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Ironically, he was on a rock and in a hard place (a mountain)! He was surrounded on all sides with no way of escape. All hope seemed lost as the enemy advanced. But instead of panicking and giving in to anxiety when Saul was moving in for the kill, he wisely calls out to the Lord and THEN…just in the nick of time, a message comes to King Saul informing him that the Philistines were invading his homeland and he had better skedaddle home before he lost everything!  

Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place right now? Feeling frustrated and anxious? Keep looking to the Lord and calling out to Him. It’s often in the waiting for His deliverance that great changes happen in our own hearts as our faith is strengthened. So stand strong today. Be still and wait for His deliverance, for we are assured that…just in the nick of time, He will move, work and save! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Can you think of any other “just in the nick of time” stories in Scripture?

*hint: Genesis 22:1-19 – A father, a son and a big choice!!

*hint:  Exodus 14 – A LOT of people, an army and a Red Sea!

2. How does this impact your life today in the midst of your situation? 

FURTHER READING:

2 Peter 3:9; Exodus 14:13a; Isaiah 25:9

Oakwood’s missionaries, Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes Mission in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to sixteen-year-old Callie and thirteen-year-old Elias.

Peace
By Lexi Cole Ellis

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

“I did what everyone expected me to do. I planted a megachurch. I wrote a bestseller. I started a college, planted other churches, and spoke at conferences. But there was a big problem: I lacked peace. Based on what I read in the Word, there were too many inconsistencies. My lifestyle did not resemble the life of Jesus, and the church I read about in Acts seemed so foreign.” [1]

Wow, I resonate with that. Okay…not any of the actual things Francis Chan did. I actually haven’t done any of those things! But I resonate with the idea of doing “what you’re expected to do,” yet still lacking peace.

So the next thought that I have is, Wow, I feel that way sometimes, too. Followed by, Wow! He didn’t feel peace after doing all those things? I’d be impressed with myself if I could just do one.

Bottom line, it’s probably safe to say that peace doesn’t necessarily come from any degree of success or accomplishment. So what IS peace? A Google search will give externally-focused definitions like “freedom from disturbance” or “freedom from violence”; however, Scripture talks about a different kind of peace that comes from God. This, too, resonates with me. [2]

Feeling at peace isn’t tied to what we do. It’s remembering who we are when we accept what Christ has done for us. In the verse above, there’s the phrase “peace of Christ” and then we are called to peace, which surely means that being at peace is achievable.

We see a similar phrase used in the book of Philippians. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Additionally, peace is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, so it must be something that we can receive, feel or have. God’s Word also says that He blesses us with peace, along with giving us strength (Philippians 4:7; Galatians 5:22; Psalm 29:11).

Scripture shows us that peace is something that we can have, but it’s not tied to what we do. It’s tied to my gratitude toward and my relationship with God. Peace is a result of loving God, from recognizing who He is in my life, and pursuing a relationship with Him. Attainable peace comes when I turn my focus to Him…it’s really not about me.

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Spend some time reflecting. What needs to change to better pursue, or receive, God’s peace?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 34:14; Psalm 85:8; Isaiah 26:12

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

[1] Introduction by Francis Chan in David Platt’s book Follow Me, p. ix

[2] Google definition of “Peace”

Peace
By Lisa Boyer

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV, emphasis added)

It was an uncomfortable feeling, no, not uncomfortable, it was awful. I had knots in my stomach. Right away, I knew what it was: anxiety. I was anxious. I quickly tried to figure out why, but nothing came to me. As I contemplated my condition, Philippians 4:6 came to mind, “be anxious for nothing.” I laughed as I realized that in my terrible state, I was being very biblical. I was, in fact, anxious about nothing!

When times are tough, we go in search of peace. When we need God’s peace, we are quick to follow the whole verse of Philippians 4:6. We let our requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication. And we try our best to do it with thanksgiving. But when there are no obvious problems, do we need peace? Do we go in search of it? Or does it become the neglected fruit of the Spirit, sought after only when it becomes obviously missing, replaced with anxiety, sometimes without cause?

The other fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…affect those around us in obvious ways. Peace can be so easily neglected. And yet, when peace is neglected, anxiety takes its place. And when we are anxious, can we truly display the other fruit? Anxiety affects our ability and tendencies to show love, to have joy, to display patience, to be kind, good, faithful or gentle and most certainly to exhibit self-control.

In Paul’s closing remarks to the Thessalonians, he said, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV). Every circumstance. Good times, bad times, all the time.

Let’s proactively pursue peace today by taking everything to God in prayer, with thanksgiving.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you find yourself being anxious? Will you pray today and let your requests be made known to God with thanksgiving?

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:15; John 14:27

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. 

Blessed Are The Peace-MAKERS

By Susan Klein

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

James 3:18 (NIV)

Sitting in a crowded coffee shop, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation between two women at the table just inches from mine. “Everyone in my family is so stressed and angry all the time. I feel like I’m always walking on eggshells around them. I don’t want to say or do anything to make matters worse. I just try to keep the peace, you know - - stay upbeat.”  I had to wonder how this dear woman’s circumstances were going to change by staying “upbeat.”

A common misconception that “peacekeeping” and “peacemaking” are one and the same couldn’t be further from the truth. Like this woman alluded to, peacekeeping involves avoiding the strife or conflict. It is merely keeping a status quo, not addressing the issue. The strife still exists, just lingering under the surface, temporarily out of sight. Left unresolved, it will likely bubble back to the surface when the right button is pushed. Peacekeeping is more a calling of “truce,” not necessarily a means of reconciliation. It won’t lead to a harvest of righteousness.

Peacemaking is a different matter altogether. It involves sowing, or action, as implied by the verse above. It is taking proactive (sometimes difficult) steps toward dealing with, and hopefully ending, the strife. It is the biblical response to conflict. In Genesis 13, Abraham demonstrated peacemaking skills with his nephew, Lot. When they came to Bethel, the land could not sustain all the animals and people of their tribes together. Fights and quarrels broke out among their herdsmen over the land. Abraham didn’t try to “keep the peace” or smooth things over by placating the men. He graciously decided to give Lot first choice of the land while he moved his flocks elsewhere. This ended the conflict and created an atmosphere of peace. God blessed Abraham’s choice.

Recognizing that God is Sovereign, and that every conflict that comes into our lives is ordained by Him for His great purpose, we ought to seriously consider how we respond to that conflict. Are we acknowledging His presence in the midst of the trial? Are we seeking to glorify Him with our response? Are we learning what He is trying to teach us through the strife? Are we attempting to minister to someone else in the heat of the conflict?

Peacemaking, not peacekeeping, produces a harvest of righteousness.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Want to learn more about “Peacemaking”?
2. Be equipped at a Wednesday Night Community on-site small group at Oakwood this fall entitled “Resolving Everyday Conflict,” a video series by Peacemaker Ministries. Or, read the book The Peacemaker  by Ken Sande. [1]

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 13:1-12; Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:17-18

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.

[1] This book is available to borrow at the Oakwood Church library or can be purchased on many websites, including http://peacemaker-ministries.mybigcommerce.com/the-peacemaker/.

Trust Without Borders

By Karen D’Amore

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

Proverbs 3:5a (NIV)

The song was playing on the radio on my drive to church, and by the end of Sunday morning worship, we were singing the same song. Scribbling the lyrics on a church bulletin…I found the penetrating words replayed in my mind for days:

                        “Spirit lead me…where my trust is without borders

                        Let me walk upon the waters

                        Wherever You would call me

                        Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

                        And my faith would be made stronger

                        In the presence of my Savior” [1, emphasis added]

“Trust”…such a small, but powerful word. Dictionary.com defines trust as “reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. of a person or thing; confidence; a person on whom or thing on which one relies.”

Trust…in and of itself…is difficult enough, but “trust without borders” is a concept I sometimes struggle to embrace. As a believer for many years, my trust in the Lord has been an ongoing growth process. Using obstacles and adversity to drive my faith-roots deeper into Him, God’s faithfulness in every (even confusing) aspect of my life has reinforced my ability to trust Him.  Hindsight reveals that He has never forsaken me!

But, in spite of God’s unwavering faithfulness, new obstacles tend to stir up doubt, drawing me to place borders on my trust. Currently, as I am immersed in confusing circumstances and injustices that stretch me beyond my comfort zone, I find myself questioning God. When His methods of resolution and timeliness differ from mine…my trust sometimes wanes.

Our key verse exhorts us to “lean not on our own understanding.” As I meditate on this Scripture, I’m learning that trust means walking in obedience…in blind faith! Trust rests in God’s perfect plan, regardless of how confusing or uncomfortable that process may be. Trust accepts God’s ways even when it conflicts with ours. Trust abandons pre-conceived time limits and waits patiently on God’s timing. Trust believes in God’s faithfulness even when circumstances appear hopeless.

My faith journey has resembled a strenuous hike through deep valleys, around blind curves and over rugged terrain. Each, though, has been a necessary element to build my faith muscles and deepen my ability to trust in God. Seeing God’s faithfulness in the obstacles along that rugged path serves to develop and strengthen the parameters of my trust. Recognizing that God’s ways were/are always better than mine helps diminish my doubts.

As my faith journey continues, I yearn for “trust without borders.”  I pray my feet will obediently wander…where my faith will be made stronger…in the presence of my Savior!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What’s hindering your ability to fully trust God?

FURTHER READING:

Jeremiah 17:7; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 14:27, 29

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.

[1] http://www.songlyrics.com/hillsong/oceans-where-feet-may-fail-lyrics

Rearrange

By Elin Henderson

“…according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

Philippians 3:21b (NKJV, emphasis added)

Every now and again, do you get this urge to change things up a bit and reorganize?  The new “minimalistic living” kick finally gets to you after you get sick and tired of fishing around in a sea of spatulas, spoons, whisks and other unknown kitchen tools, and you finally just dump out the whole drawer and reorder it. 

Once inspired, you now start tackling a room at a time: rearranging, reorganizing and purging.  When you are done, it’s like you’re living in a new home and life seems so much easier - - until the mess builds up again!

The word “subdue” in Philippians 3:21b actually means “to rearrange in rank and order.” [1] It is like prioritizing and reorganizing something that has become out of order. The context of this verse is referring to Christ’s return. And, yes, at that time He will most certainly restore order to His kingdom. But, what about in the meantime? 

We rearrange our furniture, our wardrobes, our utensil drawers, our medicine cabinets and our schedules.  But sometimes we need to take some time to allow God to do some internal rearranging in our hearts.  Our world system is so skewed these days that we can easily be deceived into arranging our lives according to its standards. 

It’s time we call in the “Master Rearranger” to start doing some subduing in our hearts today.  We need some “rank and order” placed back into our thinking and living. When we allow Him to bring order, families work in harmony. Ministry makes sense. In general, we become effective and infective lights to the world around us. 

Do you feel the need for a little rearranging in your heart and life today? Maybe some priorities or goals that have gotten off base or even turned upside down?  It can happen so slowly and deceptively that it isn’t until we call in the Master Rearranger that we even realize how far we were from true order and rank. 

Oh Lord, give us the boldness to invite you into the mayhem that we call our “living space” and allow you to do some serious subduing in our lives today!  

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Just like you wouldn’t tackle rearranging your whole house in one day, rather taking it room by room, what room do you think the Master Rearranger needs access to in your heart today?

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 51:10; Psalms 25:4; Isaiah 55:9

Oakwood’s missionaries, Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes Mission in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to sixteen-year-old Callie and thirteen-year-old Elias.

[1] Wiersbe, Warren, The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Chariot Victor Publishing, Colorado Springs, CO: 1989. (page 94)

God’s Critic

by Becci J. Terrill

Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?

You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

Job 40:1-2 (NLT)

“I don’t like...”

The words were simple, clear and honest. And boy, did they hurt!  Something that I had loved for so long. Something that I had been excited to share with someone else  - - had been totally rejected. I could feel my heart sinking inside.

As I choked back my feelings about this person and their response, the Spirit gently reminded me that I have had a similar response to God. Me? No! As I thought more, I realized the truth. Me? Yes. God has nothing but my best in His plans, and so many times all I can say is, “I don’t like...”

Think about it.

1Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

How many times have you looked in a mirror and not liked what you saw? How many times have you wished for a different_____? If you’re like me, you’ve stopped counting. Every time we do this, we are telling God, “I don’t like… the way you made me.”  Or how many times have you wanted a different circumstance than the one God has you currently living in? Every time we do this, we are saying, “I don’t like…” to God. 

Each time we do this, we become God’s critic.

We are not alone. In the Old Testament, Job too, questioned God. God’s response to Job is also for us:

“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.”
Job 38:2-4 (NLT)

Ouch! God continues to question Job, and Job realizes that none of us have the right to be God’s critic. I love his reply to God:

“I am nothing - - how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

Job 40:3-5 (NLT)

I can just picture Job putting his hand over his mouth before God! Just as I had to “cover my mouth” and respond lovingly to the rejection of my friend who “didn't like…” So too, I need to cover my mouth every time I want to respond that way and be God’s critic.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What have you been telling God that you “don’t like” about your life?
2. How might your attitude change if you started thanking God for this - - trusting that you are His masterpiece and He has a plan and purpose for your life?

FURTHER READING:

Job 38-42, Ephesians 2:10

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

It is Well

By Lexi Ellis

“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”

Psalm 34:1-2 (NIV)

In the late 1800’s, Horatio Spafford had it all: a thriving legal practice, wealthy real estate investments, a loving wife and five children. And then it hit. In 1871, the Spaffords’ son died and the Great Chicago Fire destroyed Horatio’s investments. Horatio decided the family needed a vacation. When unexpected business came up, he sent his wife and four daughters on the ship with plans to meet them shortly. The boat collided and his four daughters drowned. Within two years, Horatio and Anna Spafford buried all five of their children. [1]

It was in the midst of this unspeakable disaster that Horatio wrote the well-known hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” There are two things that have been impactful for me. The first is the phrase: “It is well with my soul.” I love that Spafford doesn’t sugarcoat it. He was in the midst of immense mourning. He didn’t fake it and say it is “golly, ol’ grand with my soul.” But he doesn’t allow bitterness to overcome him. It hurts, it’s sad, it’s painful…but it is well. Why? The hymn explains because of what Christ has done for us. It is well because Christ has taken all of our sin, reconciled us with God and is coming back soon.

The other thing that so impacts me in the hymn is that our God is in relationship with us, regardless of our present circumstance. He is our God in times of happiness and in times of sadness. Another worship song I love echoes that truth:

All of my life, in every season,

You are still God.

I have a reason to sing,

I have a reason to worship.

I will bring praise. I will bring praise.

No weapon formed against me shall remain.

I will rejoice. I will declare. God is my victory and He is here.[2]

God meets us where we are - - in the midst of joyous celebrations and unspeakable pain. Incredible. I want my life song to be similar to Horatio Spafford’s beautiful hymn and be able to say to my Lord every morning, “It is well.”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

          When sorrows like sea billow roll;

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

          It is well, it is well with my soul. [3]

GOING DEEPER:

1. Identify what kind of “season” you are currently in.

2. What do you need to do so you can honestly say “It is well with my soul” each morning?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 34

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

[1] http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-and-the-story.html

[2] Hillsong, “The Desert Song”

[3] For all the verses of the hymn sung by Chris Rice:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HLyhEdh92E&feature=related 

Worthy of Suffering

By Susan Klein

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job?’”

Job 1:8a (NIV)

How do you feel about suffering? Are you a willing participant? Are you even worthy to suffer? (What…”worthy?”) In my most recent reading of the Old Testament Book of Job, I became convicted that I want to be like Job because he was “worthy” of suffering. Let me show you three ways in which he was worthy, and you decide for yourself.

First, God sees that Satan has been prowling the earth (no doubt looking for someone to devour), and God says, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (1) God knew Job’s heart, and that he could withstand any amount of suffering while keeping a proper perspective on life and God. He went so far (in His sovereignty) as to suggest Job as Satan’s next victim.

Second, after four messengers come to deliver the anguishing news to Job that everything he’d possessed is now gone, including his children, Job tears his robe, shaves his head, and falls to the ground in worship. (2) I don’t know about you, but that probably would not be my first response. Mourning, yes, worshiping, no. I’d likely be too consumed with grief to even think of worship. Job recognizes that he came into the world with nothing, and he will leave with nothing. He knows that God is the giver of all things, and He can also take them away if He so chooses. Job does not doubt God’s sovereignty. He worships Him, not for what He does, but for who He is.

Third, as if all of that is not enough to deal with, God, yet another time, gives permission to Satan to strike Job, this time in his physical body, proclaiming, “He still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him for no reason.” (3) Wow! God knows Job’s integrity is intact, and can withstand yet another blow of suffering! Job had to have amazing faith in God, as well as being secure in God’s love for him.

Like Job, I want my faith to be so intact that I not only suffer well through the little things, but that God would consider me worthy of any catastrophe, knowing I would glorify Him with a right response.

What about you? Are you worthy of suffering? Can you hear God saying, “Have you considered my servant ________?”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Meditate on Job’s story and seek the Holy Spirit’s assistance with any perspective changes you might need to make.

FURTHER READING:

(1) Job 1:8; (2) Job 1:20-21; (3) Job 2:3

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 small group.