The Ultimate Sacrifice

By Karen D’Amore

“…and He died for all.”

2 Corinthians 5:15a (NIV)

What began as an ordinary Sunday…ended in the most dreadful carnage imaginable. October 1, 2017 was the final night of the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. Country music artist Jason Aldean was performing his final set of the evening before 22,000 people. At 10:05 pm, as the attendees joyfully sang and danced with the music, an active shooter on the 32^nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel blasted the crowd with an arsenal of gunfire.

Videos captured smiles collapsing under desperate expressions of panic and fear as the crowd ran for their lives. After ten minutes of active repetitive gunfire, the horrific incident would be deemed the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history with an excess of 500 people sustaining injuries and 58 succumbing to death. 

In the aftermath of the mass shooting, countless stories chronicled details and emotions of how victims, witnesses, first responders and families were personally impacted by the devastating incident. News and social media became inundated with tear-stained testimonials of survivors sharing expressions of gratitude for their personal heroes. Though sickened and disheartened by the terrifying videos and unfathomable details of the incident, the stories of heroism had a magnetic pull on my heart.

So many survivors shared details of the protection provided by heroes who covered and shielded them from the spray of gunfire. Many of those heroes made the ultimate sacrifice…taking fatal bullets while shielding loved ones, and in some cases, protecting total strangers. Those survivors who lived, due to the shielding of those heroes, will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made on their behalf. And I can only speculate that they will never take for granted the modern-day “saviors” who saved them.

As I contemplated the innumerable acts of bravery and heroic sacrifices, I was keenly aware of the fact that not one person rejected those acts of sacrificial protection. In fact, medical responders shared the heart-wrenching details of victims begging to be saved.

These heroic stories are a vivid depiction of what happened on the cross. [1]  

What began as an ordinary day thousands of years ago, ended with the most incomprehensible act of bloodshed known to mankind. Scourged with flesh-gouging whips…pierced with a crown of thorns…impaled with three nails… Jesus hung for hours and laid down His life on a cross. Protecting all who choose to believe…from eternal death…Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for all of mankind.

Let us never forget - - or take for granted - - the Savior who shields us from eternal death. And let’s be vigilant in rescuing those who continue to reject His sacrificial protection.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Who do you know who needs rescuing?

FURTHER READING:

John 11:25; John 10:11; Romans 5:8

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

[1] John 3:16

Re-train Your Brain

By Susan Klein

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

It’s a fact that as we age, we lose brain cells. Dementia, depression, and Alzheimer’s Disease are all associated with this loss. Our body, however, has a certain capacity to reproduce brain cells, or neurons, known as “neurogenesis.” Various factors can influence this process. Stress can inhibit neurogenesis while aerobic exercise can promote it. Just by learning a new task, you can stimulate your brain to replace lost neurons. (1)

A simple exercise to try would be: If you are right-handed, try brushing your teeth with your left hand. Using the opposite hand stimulates an area of the brain less frequently used, promoting growth of valuable neurons. Gradually move up to vacuuming, eating, or even writing with the non-dominant hand. The more neurons you generate, the healthier your brain will be. Who doesn’t want a healthier brain?!

While regeneration of brain cells is beneficial in staving off certain age-related diseases, regeneration/renewing of the mind reaps even greater benefits. Paul writes to the Christ-followers in the Roman Church to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Essentially, he is warning them not to get “stuck in a rut” by living in the same worldly patterns and beliefs of their sinful past, which are actually harmful. By choosing to make healthy lifestyle changes and working with the Spirit toward being more Christ-like, they are triggering an invisible metamorphosis within, reaping benefits that continue on into eternity. Who doesn’t want a spiritually healthy mind?!

This week, try doing some tasks with your non-dominant hand, read a new book, or incorporate a brain puzzle into your routine to strengthen your brain. (2) Also, spend some time seeking God on what it looks like to strengthen your spiritual mind. Be open to His transforming work in your life.

Just for kicks, as you are brushing your teeth with your opposite hand, put a sticky note on the bathroom mirror with a new Bible verse on it and try memorizing as you brush. Not only will you be stimulating your brain in two different ways, you’ll be transforming your mind at the same time. Who doesn’t want to accomplish three things at once?!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What repeated (perhaps non-beneficial) patterns/habits might you need to consider replacing with better choices?

2. In what ways are you proactively working toward a healthy body and a health mind?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Timothy 4:8

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

(1) https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/can-you-grow-new-brain-cells

(2) www.lumosity.com

Lessons from Kickball

By Lexi Ellis

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Matthew 7:1-3 (NIV)

I recently noticed something while supervising recess. During kickball, a kicker often sends the ball back to the pitcher, claiming it was too fast or not straight. Automatically, the outfield complains. “Just kick it.”  “Hurry up!”  “That was straight!”   However, when the teams have switched, the once-complainers do the same thing, demanding the “perfect pitch.” Now the new outfield team complains, echoing identical phrases. Back and forth, the outfield complains at the kicker sending the ball back…until it’s their turn.

And while it’s funny to watch, I realized we often do the exact same thing: We’re critical of someone else, but find plenty of excuses for when we do the exact same thing. I’m annoyed when someone is running late, but justify why I’m late myself another time. I make a judgment on someone’s response and then have that same attitude another day. Unfortunately, this isn’t unheard of in the Christian community. We are heartbroken by past prominent Christian leaders who were vocally critical of sin…only to find out they were entrenched in that same struggle.

The Message paraphrase of the verse above uses “sneers” and “smudges” instead of the common “splinter” and “plank in the eye” translation. If I’m honest, there are times my thoughts quickly jump on someone else’s smudge - - his or her failures or faults. And sadly, our dwelling on this smudge often is, in reality, an attempt to inflate ourselves. How foolish of us! Jesus goes on in this verse to call this what it is: pure hypocrisy. Dwelling on someone else’s smudge and ignoring my own sneer is not only a lack of compassion, it reveals an uglier, judgmental condition of my heart.

Being critical of others’ shortcomings quickly turns into something I use to boost myself up. Unfortunately, because we all have sin and things we’re working on, the things I’m critical of are commonly the very things I am no better at when I remove the excuses I use to make my own faults “different” or “okay.”

It’s pretty silly seeing my kids complain and do the same thing moments later in an easy-going game of kickball at recess. But I’m thankful for the reminder to reject time and energy spent on others’ smudges and choose to invest it in asking for His help in continually addressing my sneers.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take time to honestly reflect on the time and energy you spend on others’ smudges.  

2.  Take time alone with your God to repent and ask His forgiveness.

FURTHER READING:

Luke 6:37-42; James 4:11-12

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.

Understanding Grace

By Tracy Smith

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)"

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)

I few years ago, I read A Heart for Freedom by Chai Ling, one of the student leaders in the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising in China. In writing her memoir, she struggled with how much personal information to include in order to fully tell her story, including sad choices. Her husband especially struggled with her sharing certain things since he feared how people would judge her, until he heard the following at a conference:

"The key to understanding grace, Dr. Keller said, is recognizing that we are all dead in our sins…If we were merely sick in our sins, there would be degrees of illness and degrees of treatment. But dead is dead. When we're dead, we don't need treatment, we need a resurrection, and there is nothing we ourselves can do to bring that about. So grace is not only a free gift from God, it is also indispensable to our lives. On top of that, even though grace is a free gift to us, it was purchased at the price of Jesus' life - - which makes it infinitely costly, as well. If we have received this gift of grace, Dr. Keller continued, which is both indispensable and infinitely costly, on what basis do we look down our noses at others for the sins or wrongs they have committed?" [1]

This made me think of how often we judge others based on our own "pyramid" of sins. To use the sickness analogy from the book: Those sins at the bottom of the pyramid are not so bad, they don't even require medicine! The ones above may need some antibiotics and the ones in the middle may require hospitalization, etc. We look at where we are and judge those around us based on where they are in our own little pyramid. We forget that no matter how we view the sin, the cost was the same - -Jesus’ life!

As Dr. Keller pointed out, the Bible says we were all dead to sin. Not degrees of sickness - - death. We are all in the same place: guilty and in need of a Savior. I wonder what would be different if we refused to judge the sins that bring others to Christ… and what would happen if we all were as transparent as Chai Ling.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Whom are you judging and need to extend grace instead?
2. What in your life is God is asking you to be more transparent about?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 3:24; Titus 3:3-7

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] Ling, Chai, A Heart for Freedom (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2011) 321.

Wanted: Stretcher Bearers
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.”
Luke 5:18-20 (MSG)

Imagine the classified ad: “Help Wanted: Stretcher Bearers. Individuals needed to help carry someone who cannot carry himself. Job requirements include a good sense of balance and a strong back. Patience and compassion are a must. The desired candidates will display creativity in problem solving. No salary is offered, but the benefits are priceless.”

The men in this portion of Scripture demonstrate great characteristics of being a Stretcher Bearer:

·         They recognized the man could not help himself.

·         They interrupted their own activities and got involved.

·         They physically carried the paralyzed man.

·         They encountered a big obstacle when they got to their destination…a huge crowd blocked their access to Jesus.

·         They got creative. Carrying the man up the likely stairs (how precarious that must have been!), they made an opening in the roof over the spot where Jesus was.

·         They worked together as a team to lower their friend through the roof.

Most of us will need a Stretcher Bearer at some point in our lives. My friend, Karen, described Stretcher Bearers that came to her aid when her husband John was nearly killed in a car accident. Karen was five months pregnant with their second child when John was taken by Flight for Life with serious injuries. Stretcher Bearers drove Karen to the trauma hospital an hour away, made meals, babysat her daughter, sat with her in the hospital, decorated their Christmas tree, wrapped her Christmas gifts, cleaned up after their four dogs, did laundry, grocery shopped, and ran an endless number of other errands. Her Stretcher Bearers continued their work for weeks, taking John to rehabilitation appointments, and later, caring for Karen and the new baby. Just as the paralyzed man’s Stretcher Bearers took him to Jesus, Karen’s Stretcher Bearers brought her closer to Jesus as well.

Today, John is fully recovered with only a slight limp when he tires. Baby Xander is an active toddler. And Karen shares her stories of the miracles performed in this crisis, giving praise to God and His provision for her through His people.

Being a Stretcher Bearer may not be a glamorous job, but witnessing a miracle is a priceless benefit!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time when you have needed a Stretcher Bearer. Send a note of appreciation.
2. Is there someone whose burden you can help to carry for a while?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9-10

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

Giving Thanks

By Susan Klein

 

“Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverance and awe.”

Hebrews 12:28b (NIV)

 

In the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln drafted an official proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving and praise, to be observed every successive year on the fourth Thursday of November. In this proclamation he states,

 “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”  “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”(1)

 

 As Americans, we gather together with friends and family on this day to celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful blessings and freedoms which have been bestowed upon us. As Christ-followers, let us consider how we might worship our God in an expression of gratitude for these gifts which come from His gracious hand. Scripture gives us some thought-provoking tools to accomplish this.

 

T- Trust in the Lord and do good, (Psalm 37:3a)

H- Honor the Lord with your wealth, (Proverbs 3:9a)

A- In all your ways acknowledge Him, (Psalm 3:6a)

N- Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- - think about such things.(Philippians 4:8)

K- Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, (Colossians 3:1b)

S- Sing praises to God, (Psalm 47:6a)

G- Give thanks in all circumstances, (1Thessalonians 5:18a)

I- Requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, (1Timothy 2:10)

V- And over all these virtues put on love, (Colossians 3:14a)

I- Walk before me in integrity of heart, (1 Kings 9:4)

N- Whoever is kind to the needy honors God, (Proverbs 14:31)

G- “Fear God and give Him glory,” (Revelation 14:7) 

GOING DEEPER

1.      On this day which has been set apart, how might you worship God with your gratitude?

 

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 9:15; James 1:17; Psalm 100: 4-5

 

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) http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm

 

A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart

By Brita Crouse

“Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts.”

1 Timothy 4:4 (NLT)

When I was in college, I had a psychology professor who started out each week by asking us what we were thankful for from the previous seven days. His reasoning for this weekly ritual was both scientific and spiritual. Every Monday, he would remind us what studies have proven: the positive impact that talking about what you are thankful for has on overall life satisfaction and happiness. The more you talk about your blessings, the happier you will be with your life. Also, talking about your blessings will make you more aware of the ways God is working in your life.

Being the curious college student that I was, I decided to put his theory to the test in a practical way. It was my junior year, infamously the most difficult one. My roommate and I were struggling to stay positive. We both had leadership roles within our dorm, which weighed heavily on us, as well as rigorous academic schedules. Things were rough and our tendency was to complain. A lot. But, putting theory into practice, we decided to make a list of things we were thankful for, hopeful that our attitudes would change.

God works in amazing ways, let me tell you. He changed our pessimistic, cynical attitudes right around when we made that list. Some of the things we put on the list were silly, like the Packers or frozen yogurt. Some of the things were more serious, like each other and our church. But, each item on the list was important to us, and God had somehow used every item to bring us closer to each other and to Him. I would say my professor’s theory was pretty accurate!

It can be so easy to complain about our circumstances. But wishing we were someone else, living somewhere else or doing something else does not change anything. God desires to bless us, but we sure ought to acknowledge those blessings. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I am a religiously free, college-educated, working, independent woman just to give myself some perspective and a change of attitude.

If each of us took more time to think and talk about how blessed we are, I’m sure there would be a lot less complaining and a lot more praising. Even more…we can easily turn our weary, hardened hearts to happy, thankful ones, just by counting our blessings! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What are ways you can be actively and daily counting your blessings?

2.  Make a list of what you are thankful for this week. Share that list with someone close to you.

FURTHER READING:

Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 1:3

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.

The Quality of Noticing & Doing
By Lexi Cole Ellis

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

Recently, I’ve found a lot of peace, and felt a stronger connection to God, by taking the time to slow down, focus on prayer and meditate on His Word. As I’ve learned to slow down, I’ve used guided meditating sessions that are aligned with my faith, and they have been extremely helpful. One session looked at “…increasing focus and removing distractions by strengthening the quality of noticing.” The practice looked at noticing blessings, noticing gifts of loved ones, and inserting moments of gratitude to the Lord - - however small - - into pockets of the day.

As I was reflecting on improving my “quality of noticing,” I realized that Jesus is the most excellent example of strong, intentional noticing. He was a master of noticing the disenfranchised, marginalized and rejected from society. Think of the blind, the lame, the sick, the outcasts, the women, the tax collectors that He noticed while the rest of society had been blind to their worth.

One example is Luke 8:43-48 where a sick woman, outcast from society “…touched the fringe of His garment… And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people…how she had been immediately healed.”  Jesus noticed while others were convinced it doesn’t matter. [1]

Jesus wasn’t just an apt “notice-er” but also an active “do-er” when He noticed those who were not treated with the full dignity of being Image-Bearers of God. He did something about it. He healed; He restored; He acted. And the amazing thing is, when we believe in Him, we are given His Spirit and a command to be active notice-ers and active do-ers.

In light of all of this, it makes me wonder: Do I need to strengthen my quality of noticing others… and then do something about it?

Not just thinking or having good intentions, but legitimately and actively praying for others and noticing when I can be the tangible hands and feet of Christ. We’ve been given beautiful examples where Jesus countlessly noticed others and then lovingly, actively did something about it. And we, the Church, are called to do the same.

GOING DEEPER:

      1.      Take time to reflect…how strong is your quality of noticing and doing?
2.      What is something small you can do today to be a blessing to someone else in need?

FURTHER READING:
Micah 6:8; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 13:16

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

[1] Luke 4:47, ESV, emphasis mine

My True Identity

By Sarah Walker

For we are [God’s] workmanship...
Ephesians 2:10a (ESV)

We live in a world where oftentimes our value, our worth, is measured according to our performance. Sometimes the pressures are spoken, and sometimes they are merely felt. I have succumbed to these pressures to perform in the past. My identity, self-worth and value has been thoroughly intertwined with my performance. Can you relate?

It is so easy to become wrapped up in our performance - - to judge how lovable we are to God based on how we feel or what we are accomplishing. But that is not the way of God. My true identity is rooted and grounded in Him. My value is in Him. Only He determines what success is for me. Not my ability. Not my performance. Not the approval of others. Not the rejection of others.

I am His workmanship. He created good works for me to walk in. He will see the work He is doing in me through to its completion. I am His child. He has adopted me. He is my heavenly Father. I am loved by Him, and that is all that matters. He created me, fashioned me and intimately knows me. My identity is in Him and Him alone. My true identity is secure in Him when I have a feel-good-about-my-performance day just as much as when I have a performance-failure day. He is my true anchor.

In God, there is truth. There is forgiveness for sin and forgiveness for failures in performance. There is grace. In Him, a heart willing to serve and be obedient to Him is more important than executing perfectly that which He has asked me to do. The god of performance is not so gracious and forgiving.

In God, my identity is rooted in Jesus. I am God’s workmanship. I am His creation. I don’t have to force it. I don’t have to work to keep my identity there; it already is! God has promised to keep me. He has promised He won’t lose me. He has promised that He won’t leave me or forsake me. I am His. I belong to Him. Forever. And the evil one can’t, and won’t, be able to snatch me away from His hands. I am a child of God. Dearly loved for who I am, not what I’ve done.

GOING DEEPER:

      1.      If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, do you believe this is true about you? If so, declare who you are in Jesus!
2.      When the temptation comes to define yourself by your performance, remind yourself what God’s Word says: You are God’s workmanship!

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 1:6, Psalm 139:13-16

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott co-lead a summer/winter neighborhood small group.

Stripping Season

By Karen D’Amore

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.”

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

A hush befalls summer as it slips into seasonal slumber. The transition into autumn stimulates my senses into over-drive, with bursts of brilliant scarlet, crimson and gold dotting the landscape. As Mother Nature stirs with climatic nuances… the winterization process begins its descent… one falling leaf at a time. Awed by nature’s cyclic phenomenon, I was drawn to explore the scientific intricacies of autumn.

Research disclosed that tree roots, branches and twigs can endure freezing temperatures; however, most leaves are too fragile and cannot. Plant tissue too fragile to endure the harsh winter freeze must be sealed off and shed to ensure a tree’s survival.  As the autumn sunlight decreases, veins transporting sap within the leaves will gradually close. A separation layer of cells then form at the base of the leaf stem. Once this layer is complete, the leaf is separated from the tissue that connects it to the branch…and it falls off. (1)

In the Midwest, autumn reflects vivid brushstrokes from the paintbrush of God. The landscape - - chameleon-like in its changing colors - - transforms from lush to barren as trees are stripped bare of their leaves. Learning of the necessity for the trees to be stripped of their leaves in order for them to survive drew me to see parallels in the believer’s spiritual life.

As Christ-followers, we must undergo a similar stripping process. In order to be “transformed into the likeness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:18b, NIV), there are attributes from our old self and old life which must be stripped from our lives. This stripping process is critical to our spiritual survival.  God’s work in His stripping process calls us to discard…not accumulate. He spurs us to toss ungodly traits or habits, purge impure thoughts, put off carnal attitudes and repent of sin. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self…” (Ephesians 4:22a, NIV).

Just as nature eventually replaces leaf-stripped autumn trees with new leaves, we must replace our stripped away carnal traits, with new Christ-like attributes. “Be made new in the attitude of your minds…putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22b).

“Autumn is a symphony of permanence and change.”

--Bonaro Overstreet (2)

As you succumb to the changing season, invite spiritual revival. Be stripped for the sake of holiness and be changed!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Pray to be stripped of anything hindering your spiritual growth.

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthian 5:17

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) dnr.wi.gov/eek/veg/trees/treestruecolor.htm

(2) http://www.allgreatquotes.com/autumn_fall_quotes.shtml

Toward Danger

By Tracy Smith

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

A couple of years ago, I saw a news headline about a former U.S. Marine who saved a baby from a smoking vehicle. The details were pretty amazing. On his way home from his wedding rehearsal, he heard a mother crying for help.  She and her daughter were trapped in their smoking car. Without a thought, he ran toward danger to help free the baby. His brother and future father-in-law also ran toward danger and saved the mom. What is even more amazing is that this young Marine had lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan - - running toward danger was not new to him. [1]

This got me thinking about professions that require people to run towards danger: law enforcement, firefighters and the military are just a few.  I am so thankful for those who make it their job to face danger in order to save others. I do believe that some people are hard-wired to be the ones who run into danger to save others. They are the ones who become law enforcement officers, firefighters and soldiers.

As I read this article only weeks before Veterans Day, it made me think about our military and how thankful I am for their willingness to face danger to keep our country safe. And I’m thankful for the training they receive to do the jobs they do. In the article, the Marine tries to explain his actions by saying, "With the Marines, you are taught to be prepared and act.” His training overtook his conscious mind, and he was able to act in a way that saved a little girl.

May we know our Lord’s Word so well that when we are in a difficult situation our and knowledge of Scripture can automatically fill our mind and prepare us in our actions (Psalm 86:11).

The things our military men and women do to keep us free are not easy. They run toward danger on a regular basis. For that, they deserve our respect and our thanks.

If you know a veteran or someone who is currently serving in our military, please consider thanking them for their sacrifice and their service.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you know someone who is hard-wired to run toward danger rather than away? Are you willing to thank them for what they do to keep others safe?

2.  Do you know God’s Word so intimately that it would automatically fill your mind in a tough situation? If not, are you willing to take steps to change that?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 6:10-17; I Corinthians 16:13

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.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/17/marine-amputee-rescues-baby-from-smoking-car.html