Friday, September 29, 2017

The Comfortable Cross
By Elin Henderson

“…Come, take up the cross and follow me…”
Mark 10:21b (NKJV)
           
We sing about the “wonderful cross,” the “glorious cross,” and the “cross of victory.” But do we really understand, in full, what the cross signifies? What it means for our lives when we are called to take up that “cross” and follow Him? Yes, it is wonderful. It is glorious. It does bring victory over death. But what about when Jesus carried His cross? It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t comfortable!

We see Christ bearing up under the strain of a heavy, cumbersome rough-hewn tree, but then we somehow envision our cross in a different fashion. We see something small, manageable, possibly made of balsam wood, sanded and varnished till it shines. Maybe there is even a little cushion in the crux of it for ease in carrying?!

We want to serve, and we want to follow His example in cross-bearing. But we often shy away from the suffering and struggle it entails. “I’ll go where you want me to go, Lord! Anywhere…as long as there is running water, electricity, people who love me, easy communication.…” Of course, this applies to those in overseas ministry only, right?

What about those at home? “I’ll serve where you want me to serve, Lord! Anywhere…except in the dangerous   inner city, or among those who might be resistant to the Truth, or…” And the list goes on. We pick and choose the cross we want to bear. But there is no window shopping for a comfortable cross. There is one cross, and one cross alone, that brings life!

Ministry, anywhere, brings along with it the cost of sacrifice. The cross isn’t meant to be comfortable, but we are also not meant to bear it alone! (Matthew 11:29-30) He knows the weight of the cross we are called to bear, and He will carry it along with us.  Let’s not shy away from what is hard and instead look for a comfortable cross. Rather, let us embrace the true cross of Christ: heavy, rough and uncomfortable, yet all the while wonderful,  glorious,  victorious  and life-giving.

GOING DEEPER:                                                       
1. Is there a cross that God is calling you to today? What steps do you need to take to embrace that cross?
2. What things do you need to let go of in order to do so?

FURTHER READING:


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 sixteen-year-old Callie and fourteen-year-old Elias. 

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Lightning Bug
By Peggy Kleckner

“….let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

I am always delighted when I notice God’s encouragement in my day. Sometimes, it is a large display and some days it is simple and very small. The other night I looked up just in time to spot a firefly outside the bedroom window…just one going by lit up. I smiled in secret joy, knowing that He knew I had noticed.

So, what’s the big deal? I mean really, a firefly is just a beetle. Ah, but a beetle with the gift of light! Who hasn’t been tickled by the display of fireflies lighting up the night? Perhaps you have even taken a mason jar out at night and chased after them, collecting them and then setting that jar on a picnic table to watch the display of God’s splendor in the body of a bug!

I have to tell you that I have enjoyed thinking about that bug all week. I was struggling with some discouragement that particular day, and that little light was enough to remind me that I serve a very BIG God. The bug’s light isn’t constant - - it flashes on and off - - but it still lights up the night around itself. I am lit up by my BIG God and my little light might be used by Him at just the right time to encourage someone. I don’t have to be perfect to be used by God to point others to Him.

I couldn’t help giggling when I thought of the worship song with the line that says, “He has told every lightning bolt where it should go.” So, I have been singing to myself, “He has told every lightning bug where it should go.” [1] Yep, right past my window in order to encourage me!

The funniest conclusion to this story is that about two days later, I came back from a walk to have my husband tell me of his encounter with a firefly right in the den of our house! He was watching TV when he noticed a small green light….that moved. He had to wait a minute for it to fly away from the light of the TV in order to catch it and release it back outside.

I am hoping that he too was encouraged that God indeed does tell every lightning bug where it should go!


GOING DEEPER:
1. What or whom did God use to encourage you this week?
2. What small thing can you do to encourage a friend or neighbor?

FURTHER READING:



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.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Impersonating “The King”
By Karen D’Amore

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Elvis Aaron Presley died on August 16, 1977 at the young age of 42. An American singer, musician and actor, “Elvis” was one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Referred to as the “king of rock and roll,” many called him…“the king.” Since his death, Elvis has remained one of the world’s most popular music icons, as well as, one of the most popular celebrities impersonated. [1]

During my brief residency in Las Vegas, I quickly learned that “Elvis” was synonymous with “Vegas!” The streets, The Strip and entertainment stages were saturated with Elvis impersonators. Truly a one-of-a-kind with distinct attributes! His curled lip, gyrating hips, jumpsuits, colorful collared shirts, long sideburns and famous phrase: ”thank you, thank you very much” were (and still are) his commonly mimicked characteristics. Some of the impersonators I witnessed were ridiculously poor; others bore so close a resemblance, one would think “the king” was still alive.

Thirty-six years after his death, millions of devoted followers and thousands of impersonators actively seek to keep “the king’s” memory alive. This, to me, is a powerful testament to the multitude of lives touched by Elvis.

Researching the life of Elvis Presley, I found some interesting parallels to the life of Christ. Those close to Elvis tell of his passion for the Bible and fervent pursuit of God. Later in life, he became a prisoner to success and appeared to wander from The Truth. [2] In hindsight, one might conclude that Elvis (in a convoluted way) was attempting to model his life around spiritual truths and impersonate the Jesus he longed to know. It’s reported that when fans acclaimed Elvis as “the king,” he would reply, “I’m not the king. There is only one King.” [3]

Scripture refers to Jesus as “THE King.” As Christ-followers, we are exhorted to impersonate Jesus… “THE King!” With His distinct virtues and attributes poignantly revealed throughout Scripture, we need to meditate on The Word to learn how to imitate Him and follow in His footsteps.

Considering the range of poor to excellent Elvis impersonators, I’m drawn to reflect on myself as a “Jesus impersonator.” Do I walk like Him? (Colossians 2:6) Do I talk like Him? (Colossians 3:17) Do I think like Him? (1 Corinthians 2:16) Do I love like Him? (Matthew 22:37)

As those impersonators who look nearly identical to Elvis draw people to believe “the king” is still alive…we as Christ-followers should so closely impersonate Jesus that we reflect to the world… “THE King” is alive in our lives!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How well are you impersonating Jesus? 
2. Are there attributes being poorly imitated?

FURTHER READING:

[1] http://www.biography.com/people/elvis-presley-9446466   
[2] http://www.elvisinfonet.com/
[3] telegraph UK blog - link no longer active

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. 


Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Misunderstood
By Lexi Cole Ellis
 
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)
 
Recently, I watched a fascinating documentary chronicling the seven days following Princess Diana’s shocking death. [1]

It’s known that Queen Elizabeth often puts duty to the crown above all else. After Diana’s unexpected death, the queen’s days of media silence were interpreted as heartless and a slap to the family. But one member of Queen Elizabeth’s staff said that, in fact, the opposite was true and her silence was completely misunderstoodInstead of focusing on comforting her people (the public), the Queen forwent this duty and chose to remain focused on her grieving grandsons.

This made me think of Joseph in the Old Testament. Wrongly accused of sin, he actually took a stand against wrong. And for this, he was unfairly imprisoned. Surely, he must have had a similar feeling of being misunderstood by others. He was left and forgotten by others - - not just for a moment - - or even a week - - but for YEARS! [2]

Even though he knew that the misunderstanding was unjust, Joseph didn’t sit and turn to bitterness. Instead he allowed himself to be used by God, and he was eventually put in a position of trust again. “But the Lord was with him [Joseph] and caused everything he did to succeed” (Gen. 39:23, NLT).

Whether it be the big, unjust misunderstandings or the smaller moments where one is misunderstood in a conversation or situation, it’s easy to become the victim and allow bitterness to grow. Regardless of the circumstances, we need to recognize that it’s less about dwelling on how unfair the misunderstanding is, and instead we need to choose to focus on the work that God is doing in our lives and in others.

And so I need to ask myself...

Am I allowing Him to use me despite my circumstances?

Is my attitude getting in the way of the work He wants to reveal in my life? 

We aren’t called to be complicit or doormats that are taken advantage of, but we are called to be gracious and moldable by God, despite what happens to us...fair or unfair.  When we are receptive to His teaching and trust in His faithfulness, God is in the business of taking moments where we’re misunderstood and using those moments for His Glory. 

GOING DEEPER:1.      What is your first response when you feel misunderstood? What needs to change so your heart is moldable to God’s teaching in times of misunderstanding?

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

[1] Diana: 7 Days that Shook the World. Netflix. Director: Ben Ryder, 2017.
[2] Genesis 39

Monday, September 25, 2017

A Season for Everything
By Brita Crouse

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

I have come into the pastime of drying flowers. Unintentionally, I started a collection of flowers many years ago, and this accumulation now sits on my dresser. I was recently looking at these flowers, determining which ones to keep and which ones to toss. It’s so hard because each of these flowers serves as a reminder of a season in my life.

Corsages from high school dances, chosen just for me, take me back to more carefree days.  Bouquets of unique and vibrant flowers from my best friends’ weddings…fill me with memories of love, happiness and the start of something new. The deep, dark red of a carnation from a funeral spray reminds me of pain and suffering endured…and the sudden abruptness of life. My favorite color of roses, from one of my happiest days, convey the excitement of a new beginning and the achievement of a lifelong dream.

We all, individually and collectively, go through many seasons during a lifetime.

Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 says there is a time to…”

…be born and a time to die.
…plant and a time to harvest.
…kill and a time to heal.
…tear down and a time to build up.
…cry and a time to laugh.
…grieve and a time to dance.
…scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
…embrace and a time to turn away.
…search and a time to quit searching.
…keep and a time to throw away.
…tear and a time to mend.
…to be quiet and a time to speak.
…love and a time to hate.
And a time for war and a time for peace.

There is purpose and meaning behind each of life’s seasons, determined by the One who makes the seasons change. In a world of changes, He is the True Constant. And as Ecclesiastes demonstrates, the highs in life cannot be experienced without the lows.

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” [1]

We may not always have an immediate understanding of the work that God is doing in our lives…but there is purpose, and there is meaning.

Those dried flowers that I see on a daily basis? A reminder that God is constant through it all.

GOING DEEPER:
1.       What season of life are you currently in? How can you encourage those in similar seasons?
2.       How can you walk alongside those in seasons you have already experienced?

FURTHER READING:


Brita recently moved back to her home state of Wisconsin where she works as an Elementary School Counselor. She and her family have attended Oakwood for 20 years.


Friday, September 22, 2017

Feed Me
By Elizabeth Cole

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

It started out innocently enough. The flower shop was doing poorly, but Seymour had come across a most unusual plant. Convincing his employer, Mr. Mushnik, that this flower could be just the thing to turn business around, Seymour displays “Audrey II” (named after the girl he loves) in the window of Mushnik’s Flower Shop. And the customers stream in to see the beautiful oddity.

All’s well at this point in the story. Audrey II is the best thing that’s ever happened to Seymour. But late one night, alone in the dark of the flower shop, Seymour discovers what his beloved plant really wants from him: his blood. At this point, Little Shop of Horrors turns into a classic, dark tragicomedy. At first, Audrey II is satisfied with just a manageable amount of nourishment, but soon a band-aid isn’t nearly enough to cover the evidence. And her pretty little silence becomes a loud, booming bass voice shouting, “Feeeeed Meeee!” Shortly after that, the truth comes out: Audrey II’s intention is to completely consume both Seymour and everyone he cares for…which she proceeds to do quite successfully by the end of the musical.

Ever notice how small secrets in our lives don’t stay that way forever? Isn’t it interesting to note what we do in the darkness of night, or in the darkness of privacy? How habits that begin as easy to hide behind a “band-aid” start requiring more and more and more of our lives? Like a big, ol’ alien vampire-plant, they call out “feed me” and start consuming all that matters most.

I don’t know a single person who purposefully set out to become addicted. Addictions are insidious, seeming just fine…so manageable…at the onset. But make no mistake, when fed, they will eventually kill. Kill innocence, trust, relationships, health, hope.

Makes you glad to have a Savior who’s all about rescuing, doesn’t it? A Friend who gave His blood so you wouldn’t have to. A Deliverer who sets us free. Scripture makes it very clear that we have access to a power that breaks bondage, a power that can starve an addiction and feed a life of soul-freedom. No addiction…ever, anywhere…is beyond the reach of our Redeemer.

It is for freedom that you have been set free.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you feeding today?
2. Envision a life of soul-freedom. What will you do today, in Christ’s power, to live it?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:19-23, Romans 8:1-17; 2 Corinthians 3:17


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


Thursday, September 21, 2017

So CloseBy Lexi Ellis

“If you love me, keep my commands.”John 14:15 (NIV)
 
When walking in the woods, I’ll have my dog, Calvin, off-leash with his correction collar on. Since he was a puppy, he’s been trained specifically that “here” means come all the way back to us. But once and a while, after hearing “here,” he’ll turn around quickly, start running towards me but stop before coming back all the way...trying to see if he can get credit for obeying. Our trainer was clear that if “here” means come all the way back to me, then halfway may be so close, but it isn’t fully obeying.

Scripture is filled with examples of men and women who were so close but struggled to fully obey God’s command because of their heart condition. Their actions resembled obedience, but their attitudes revealed pride, anger, manipulation and bitterness.

Aaron and Miriam got sick of obeying God’s call to follow Moses and turned to bitterness and gossip. God’s response was His own version of a correction collar in the form of temporary leprosy for Miriam. (Numbers 12) They were so close to obeying, but allowed title and pride to rule.
Gideon obeyed and God used him to accomplish a task only possible with God. Yet later in his life, Gideon allowed idols and pride to become his legacy. [1] Gideon was so close to obeying God fully but struggled to give God the credit and used God’s victory for his own glory and revenge.

After a correction collar that looked like a big fish, Jonah obeyed, went to Nineveh, and preached repentance, but got grumpy and angry when his version of justice wasn’t allowed by God. He basically said, “I knew you would be compassionate, God, and I’m annoyed you aren’t giving these people  what they deserve.” Jonah was so close to obeying fully but missed a deeper understanding of God’s grace. (Jonah 4)

This isn’t a problem exclusively in the stories of Scripture. We often struggle in obeying God’s call fully because of our attitude. We complain, quit or manipulate so we get more credit. While God recognizes we are selfish and doesn’t require perfect people to do His work, we are also called to pursue complete obedience. When God calls “here,” we need to refuse to come halfway but instead come to Him completely...in action and in attitude.  
 
GOING DEEPER:
1.      In what ways are you only “so close” to fully obeying God?
2.      What do you need to do to move closer to full obedience?
 
FURTHER READING:
 
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] For more on Gideon, check out Priscilla Shriver’s Bible study, “Gideon: Your Weakness, God’s Strength” or listen to Oakwood Church’s two sermons (August 9 & 16) in the “Blurry” series, https://vimeo.com/album/3524060  

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Hi...My Name is Martha
By Stephanie LaCasse

“’Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I had a list - - a long list - - of the tasks I needed to accomplish that morning. I set my alarm a half hour earlier than normal, so I could get up before the kids and get the tasks checked off my list before the day began. As I ran back and forth in the living room, my eyes kept glancing at my Bible on the coffee table. I definitely felt like I should be sitting down with the Creator, but instead I chose to rationalize with Him.

Lord…not right now. I have to get a load of wash in, get the boys’ soccer stuff ready to go…

And without realizing it, I drowned Him out. He just didn’t understand that I have so much to do and not enough time to do it in. You can probably see where I’m going. So many of us struggle with not being in the Word.

Hi…my name is Martha, and I’m a workaholic.   

I think many of you can relate. There is too much to do and not enough time. Perhaps you’re familiar with the story of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha. Martha was “…distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” Jesus didn’t say that the distractions were not important things. I’m sure they were important as she was preparing a meal for THE SAVIOR. Can you imagine?!

When Martha laments that Mary is not helping her (how many of us can relate to that!?), Jesus makes an important point. He explains that what Mary chose was better. Martha is doing what needs to be done, but there will always be things that need to be done. It never ends. But sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him, reading His love letter to us (a.k.a. the Word) and talking to Him….that is what is BETTER.  [1]

Today: Spend a few moments with Him. Silence… Even just a few moments. Listen to Him. Pray to Him. Devote yourself to Him. Trust me…you won’t be disappointed.

GOING DEEPER:
1.      What are you “distracted” by in your life? How can you minimize these distractions?
2.      Find a time and place to regularly spend time with Jesus. Pen it in your calendar, and do not allow anything to deter you from spending time with your SAVIOR as Mary did.

FURTHER READING:

Stephanie is a mom of three young sons and wife to Dave, who is currently in seminary preparing for chaplaincy in the US Army. In her spare time, she’s employed at a law firm.

[1] Luke 10:40-42

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

 Shaky Faith?
By Susan Klein

 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience…”

Recently, as a friend and I strolled the streets of a festival, we passed a young man with a sign that read, “Jesus came to die for sinners who stop sinning.” Somewhat uneasy about the last three words, we felt the need to inquire about his theology.

He first asked us a few questions to determine our beliefs. Agreeing that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that we’re granted free will, put him at ease. He spent much time backing his position that if we are believers, we must choose to not sin anymore. At no time did we argue, always showing respect for each other’s viewpoint.

After listening for a while, we discovered that he believes salvation is based on one’s choice to not sin. In other words, you must completely stop sinning to be saved. I asked if that made salvation conditional on our behavior rather than on God’s gift of grace. He quoted several verses that he felt defended salvation by works/obedience.

Wanting to clarify his true perspective, I gently implored, “Are you saying that if you (a professed believer in Jesus Christ) sin tomorrow, you will lose your salvation?”

This brought an emotional response from him. Visibly shaking, he replied, “Yes.”

My heart ached. I needed to give him the reason for the hope that I have.

Sometimes, wrong teaching or even difficult life circumstances can cause us to doubt the security of our salvation. I discovered this man was speaking from a place of hurt, feeling he’d been lied to in the past. As a result, he lives with shaky faith, and the awful burden of trying to constantly re-earn his salvation. And, unfortunately, this is the message he is promoting.

I gently shared with him that Jesus didn’t die only for past sins, but for every sin we will ever commit, once for all. I wanted him to believe that we are saved solely by grace, through faith, not by any good deeds and that salvation is a free and irrevocable gift from God. I, however, could not change his mind. [1]

I left promising to pray for him. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will speak truth into his heart, showing him that, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” [2]

GOING DEEPER:
1. Has anything, or anyone, ever shaken your faith?
2. Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope you have?

FURTHER READING:

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.

[1] 1 Peter 3:18

[2] Galatians 5:1