Worship

By Peggy Kleckner

“He (Abraham) said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey, while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you…”

Genesis 22:5 (NIV)

How many of us in the church are stepping aside with our Father, trekking up the mountain alone with Him to worship?

Imagine yourself as the son in this story as he willingly carries the burden of the wood for the fire, gladly walking beside his father. (If you’re unfamiliar with the story, read Genesis 22:1-19 and Hebrews 11:17-19.)

Did the trek suddenly seem long, the weight heavier as they moved further up the mountain? Is this what motivated the question later, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” I think too often we accept the words of Scripture without feeling the cumbersome weight of them. Isaac walked uphill feeling the weight of his burden, yet the pleasure of his father’s company. As believers, isn’t that what our experience is as we enter into worship?

Let’s walk with them further. What about when they got to the top of the mountain and Abraham built the altar and still there was no lamb? Can you feel the confusion that Isaac must have felt? What about when he allowed his father to bind him and lay him on the altar? Why would he do that? He trusted his father. As believers, do we trust our heavenly Father when it seems that we are called to be bound and laid on an altar of His choosing? Are you there? Do you feel the fear, the questions? Lying still in submission to our Father, waiting for the knife, not understanding, unable to comprehend this new picture of our Father, yet still trusting. Your mind questions His goodness, even as your heart fully submits. Are you able to lie still?

Seemingly hopeless, helpless, “But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven ….‘Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him.’”

Your physical and emotional anguish at full measure, and suddenly, all is stopped by a few short sentences…..words. Now what do you feel?

“Abraham looked up and there in the thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son [instead of you].”

Now can you see Jesus? Can you see Him with your heart, your emotions? Can you feel the price paid for you?

Isaac came down the mountain without his burden, and having experienced true faith and worship. May we do the same.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Has God invited you to a closer look at sacrifice and worship?

2.  Are you still trying to pay the price for your own sins?

FURTHER READING:

Ezekiel 18:32; John 19:30

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.

The Transformer

By Vernette Kureck

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God‘s will is - - His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Was I going to be conformed or transformed? That was the question I was asking myself as I prepared to be baptized back in 1977. Baptism by immersion is a picture of the old life being buried under the water and rising up in new life with Christ. I had selected the above verse as a life verse since it was one I could use to gauge how I was doing in the Christian walk. I also loved the word “transformed”… this was the era of the new Transformer toys and our sons really enjoyed converting the many moving parts of some sort of vehicle into a disguised warrior. They quickly found out that if they didn’t follow the directions to move the parts, there could be breakage or malfunction.

Thankfully, I was not left alone in my transformation. Jesus gives us the Spirit of Truth, and He guides us in all things, as He tells us in John 16:13-15. The more I poured the Bible into my mind and responded to His counsel, the closer I was to His good and perfect will. The more I adhered to God’s way and followed His direction, instead of following my way or the world’s way, the more encouraged I became that I was pleasing Him. And as I tested God’s will in Christian service, I realized more and more that He was strengthening me, and He continues to do so. The renewal process began.

Paul’s charge to Timothy is: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). The daily battle is who to listen to…the world or the Word. To malfunction or to follow His guidance. For me, the old life is dead, so the choice is clear. I prayerfully commit to do His will, and ask for forgiveness when I do malfunction. (That is another whole devotional!) As believers in God, we are being converted and transformed into spiritual warriors. In order to be effective in the battle, we need to follow the Master Transformer and allow Him to do His work in us.

With His love and guidance, the battle will be won…and we will no longer be disguised. We will be renewed. We will be transformed. Approved, and pleasing to God.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What sources and resources are you using to renew your mind?

2. Is the world or the Holy Spirit counseling you?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 19:7-14; Colossians 3:1-17

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 49 years and are blessed with 8 grandchildren.  She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and with Family Promise.

Are You in Need of a Head Lift?
By Elin Henderson

“…My glory, and the One who lifts up my head.”
Psalm 3:3b (NIV)

A couple of years ago, I came across this verse during a particularly down  time in my life. We all have faced times like these and I can think of no better word picture then to say my head was hanging low.

Let me ask, though, what is so wrong with our heads hanging low? Nothing in itself—we all face down times. However, how would you live if your head literally hung low all the time? Imagine looking down and trying to walk around a busy street. Your sense of direction would be way off and you would risk hurting yourself and others around you. You would only see one thing—yourself. Would you be aware the needs of others around you? Would you know where you were going or how to get there? No! Your focus would be you!

The world offers all sorts of solutions to the very common problem of a downcast mood: exercise, caffeine, sugar or NO sugar, movies, coffee with friends, or my favorite, “Lay down and relax…imagine you are on a tropical island. Listen to the waves upon the shore and the breeze blowing through the palms…” I have found that this technique only works when you don’t live in the tropics with breezes blowing through your palms night and day! What they fail to add to that picture is the heat, humidity, mosquitoes and lack of privacy!

The word picture found in Psalm 3:3-4 is one that we can and should meditate on, though: “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.” Wonderful hope lies in these verses. What we are most in need of in low times is a “head lift”! God alone can lift our head and help us to look upward and outward, keeping our eyes off of ourselves and on Him. When we cry to Him, we can know that He hears us and will answer with His free “head lifting service,” placing us on solid ground with a good view of the road before us and the world around us.

Now, I am not saying that other “coping mechanisms” aren’t helpful. A hot bath, a good chick flick and dark chocolate are all helpful sidekicks. Of course, if you live in the tropics, the hot bath is kind of out and dark chocolate is not found at the local market—but at least we’ve got chick flicks! No matter our coping preference, may we never lose sight that He alone is the true lifter of our heads!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What in your life is bringing you down today, causing your head to hang low? What can you do to re-focus on the One who is the lifter of your head?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 24:7-10

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to eighteen-year-old Callie and fifteen-year-old Elias.

Literally?!

By Susan Klein

 “Now, all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)

While visiting a friend with two toddlers, I watched her older toddler push the younger one down. She encouraged him to say, “I’m sorry,” and then give his brother a hug. He obediently and immediately followed both instructions. She then recalled a time that he had toppled his brother on the kitchen floor. She had wisely instructed him to not push his brother down on the bare floor because it could hurt, as evidenced by his cries. Not long after, she heard her one-year-old whimpering in the carpeted living room. Her older toddler was quick to announce, “I didn’t push him down on the kitchen floor, and I said ‘I’m sorry’ and hugged him!”

The literal interpretation of her message had been followed to a “T,” but the behavior was still amiss.

As adults, how often do we repeat this very behavior with our heavenly Father? He might instruct us to show kindness to a difficult person. And then we do it - - once - - out of obedience. Then we walk away feeling justified and do our best to avoid any further contact with that hard-to-love person. Or maybe God is convicting us about our own negative attitude? We decide to make an extra effort to be more positive and grateful. We’re intentional in front of others, but at home we are quick to verbally let loose with our irritations and displeasures. Our inner-toddlers come out!

One of God’s commands is: “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth” (Exodus 20:4). I can honestly say I’ve never literally carved an image or made a statue to worship. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that there have been times in my life when I’ve figuratively made idols out of things. Anytime I’ve placed more importance on people or things than on God, I’ve made an idol. Thankfully, He has been paternal in pointing these out to me.

There really is just one instruction we need to heed literally: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39b). Not just sometimes, not just select people, not just when the mood strikes us…always. If we take a “literal” approach to following this one command, it will encompass all others.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend time with your Father asking Him to show you any “literal” behaviors that might need adjusting.

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 10:12; Micah 6:8; 1 John 4:7

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.

Unchanging Love
By Jen Wollner

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Years ago, I read a story about a woman who struggled for years with infertility. She desperately wanted a baby, but because of physical obstacles, it was proving to be a difficult goal to achieve. She went through tests and fertility treatments and nothing worked. At the beginning of the journey, she was very positive and hopeful that the Lord would answer her prayer for a child and she waited patiently, trusting Him for it. But, as the months and years wore on, she became weary and doubtful that it would ever happen. She was angry and bitter toward God because of the pain she had to endure. Just when she was about to completely give up, she became pregnant…and delivered a healthy, full-term baby boy. It was truly a miracle considering her circumstances and health problems!

As she reflected on her journey to becoming a mother, she said, “Even amidst my ugliness, and questioning and hatred I was expressing toward God, His plan still stood…He didn't let go of me when I let go of Him. He didn't change His mind or take away this blessing because of the way I acted. To me, that is extraordinary love. Extraordinary grace…He didn't take back the gift He had in store for us because of my actions…I realized in a fresh way how very much He loves me. In all my ugliness and in all my shunning and mistrust, He gave me what I didn't deserve.”

What profound truth! He never leaves us. He never changes. His will always comes to pass…it is always because of His faithfulness to us. There is nothing we can do or not do to change the unconditional, deep love He has for us. He isn’t even capable of loving us any more or less than He already does.

When we doubt Him, He is there. When we question Him, He answers. And, when we shake our fist at Him, He loves us. What incredible security we have in Jesus—who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow—and whose love for us can never change!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you believe that God loves you deeply and that, no matter what, that love can never change? If you struggle to believe this, ask Him to show you His unwavering love today.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 36:5; Psalm 40:5 

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three teenagers. She serves Oakwood in various Children's Ministry and Women's Ministry roles as needs arise.

Too Many Quarterbacks

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

A few years ago, while supervising recess, my sixth grade boys began playing tag football. “I’m Aaron Rogers.” “I’m Tom Brady.” “I’m Brett Favre.” “I’m Peyton Manning.” All of a sudden, there seemed to be five quarterbacks on each team. The kid holding the football stood there, unsure who to hike the ball to. It eventually got solved and the game started.

After recess, I said to a couple of the boys, “It seemed there were too many quarterbacks.” One boy stopped to think and said, “There shouldn’t be too many quarterbacks. It means no one can play the game well.” Another chimed in that they should rotate each recess to prevent the “too-many-quarterback-situation” again.

It made me realize we, as Christians, often do the exact same thing.  We’ve been given this incredible privilege of representing Christ’s love to a broken world and all believers play important roles… that don’t necessarily look the same. I wonder if sometimes, though, we spend time telling believers to all be quarterbacks…to go and do specific things a specific way. While we are called to be intentional in our words and actions, the reality is we don’t play the game well if there are too many quarterbacks. I think of the believers who serve, empathize, encourage quietly, and pray diligently. These roles are just as vital as the believers who preach, teach and exhort.

Additionally, Kingdom-building is multi-faceted:  There are plenty of issues of injustice to be passionate about. Missions, orphan/foster care, literacy, job sustainability, child sponsorship, anti-trafficking, Bible translating, pastor appreciation, homelessness, advocacy for the disenfranchised, equality for the oppressed…the list could go on and on.

God has designed us with specific talents and He inspires different passions. The work we as the Church have to do is approached most effectively when each believer is using his or her gifting and being an advocate for the issues of injustice that break his or her heart. Whether loud or quiet, your strengths are an asset to the Kingdom. Whether passionate about the orphaned, the homeless, the neglected, the ignored, the hungry or the uneducated, God wants YOU to make a difference for Him based on the specific issues you are drawn to. What is your gifting? What issues are you passionate about? The Church isn’t a team exclusively of quarterbacks…but it’s imperative to get in the game. You play an important part! [1]

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Take some time to identify your giftings and your passions.

2.    What do you need to do (or start doing) to use these unique giftings and passions for the Kingdom?

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 12:12-26; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] Need some pep music on the subject? Listen to Matthew West’s song, “Do Something” by clicking here. It’s a great song to start your day with!

Groaning
By Peggy Kleckner

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Romans 8:26 (NIV)

I often walked my two dogs in a small wood just through the park near my home. They considered these times quite a treat as they could roam freely off their leashes and I enjoyed the freedom to ponder. Such was the case that particular day a couple years ago.

It was quite a windy day, which was the reason for my choice. That wood acted as a shield for me against the nippy wind. As I walked further into its protection, I heard the trees “groaning.” What a mournful, deep, almost lonely tone it had to it. The trees had no leaves to mute the sound. They were being buffeted by a cold, strong wind. They had stood through the cold and wet of winter. They had bent under the weight of ice and snow. They had been pushed by harsh, winter winds, but they were still rooted and standing. God brought to my mind the above verse. He reminded me, that when I am being buffeted by change and adversity (my own cold, strong winds), I too will groan, but it will be the Holy Spirit within me interceding for me. When I don’t know what to pray or can’t seem to put words to my inner struggle, He does it for me. What a comfort to know that as truth.

I have hit “winter” seasons in my life. There have been times when my finances seem hopeless, when so many friends are suffering with no relief in sight, when my children are struggling with issues that I had hoped they would never have to face, and when relationships seem cold and lifeless. These are the times that I have to turn over my prayers to the groaning of the Spirit. I have no words to express my anguish. I don’t know what to pray, but I trust the Spirit to intercede for me with “groans that words cannot express.”

Just like those trees I observed that day in the woods, we may feel barren, vulnerable and buffeted, but the Spirit intercedes for us and reminds us that spring will indeed come again. God will refresh us and we will sprout yet again.

Is your heart buffeted by strong winds? Take courage, the Spirit intercedes for you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you frustrated that you can’t seem to put voice to your struggles?

2. Are you willing to believe the truth--that the Holy Spirit does indeed intercede for you? Will you relax in the secure arms of God today, resting in that truth?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:22-27; Psalm 121; Isaiah 40:10-31

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.

Life on the Edge

By Elin Henderson

“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling…”

Jude 1:24a (KJV)

         

Do you ever get the feeling that you are living life on the edge of a cliff? That the dirt and rocks are crumbling under your feet, and the solid ground is threatening to give way and send you tumbling? The pressures of life seem to be pushing us over that edge. There is only one hope for rescue, for relief, for safety... and that is “Him who is able to keep you from falling.”

Many of us can testify that we spend more of our time “on the edge” hanging on for dear life than on solid ground. There are a lot of reasons for this. It is partly because of the many pressures bearing upon us (family, work, friends, even church), as well as pressures from within that we place on ourselves (guilt, attempting to appear successful, etc.). And if that weren’t enough, our enemy is constantly trying to use those same pressures to drive us over the edge, where we fall into the sin of doubting God’s sufficiency.

As we are experiencing these pressures, a panic can overtake us and send us in a desperate search for help, for a solid footing. The world’s answer is “Eat better, to exercise, talk to a friend, reduce our stress loads, take a vacation, etc.” While that advice is not bad, at its best, it is only a temporary fix.

For a lasting solution, we need to be reaching out to the ONLY source of strength, God Himself! His strong arm is always ready to reach down and rescue us. His grip is not weak or insufficient. He won’t let go!! Only when WE  let go of HIS  arm and start reaching for other things do we find ourselves back where we started, tottering on the edge of the cliff once more. 

So the next time the pressures of this life start pushing you towards the edge, and the ground beneath your feet begins to crumble, reach out. Grab onto the only TRUE source of help, the only One who can keep you stable as you live “life on the edge.”

         

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some ways that we can remind ourselves to continuously reach out to Him?  Ideas: Time in His Word, memorizing the Word, and/or prayer (on our own and with a good friend or mentor).

2. What if we do fall? Then what? Are we left alone to fend for ourselves? Isn’t it great that He is there for us even when we fail and fall?

                                                                 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 37:24; Psalm 56:13; Psalm 116:18; Psalm 145:14a

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to eighteen-year-old Callie and fifteen-year-old Elias.

The Right Help

By Susan Klein

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘go, I wish you well; keep warm and fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” 

James 2:15-16 (NIV)

I was stuck! Having almost finished my grocery shopping, my loaded cart decided it was no longer going to move. In the very back of the store, I wondered, “How am I going to make it all the way up to the check-out?”  I inspected all the wheels, but I couldn’t find anything wedged in that could be the cause. The handful of shoppers in the area took no notice.

With seemingly no options, I shoved the cart across the floor, which was no easy task. An employee came by and I quickly voiced my predicament so he might offer help. He checked the wheels, got the stuck one to move a tiny bit and then said, “That should help.” I moved a few inches and the most ear-piercing screech came from the bum wheel. He just chuckled, shrugged his shoulders and walked away. A few inches more and the wheel not only screeched but then froze up again.

As I heaved the cart forward, many heads turned to see what the screeching noise was, but none offered assistance. “Really, couldn’t someone just get me a new cart?!” I muttered under my breath. Eventually, I turned the cart around and pulled it backward the rest of the way. The wheel remained stuck, but at least the screeching stopped.

Driving home, I mulled (stewed?) over the situation. To his credit, the worker had at least made an attempt to help. But when his effort failed, he simply walked away. I had to wonder…how many times might I have offered the wrong kind of help to someone? Worse yet, did I ever turn a blind eye to the needs of a person right in front of me? How many moms with screaming toddlers have I passed by in a store? How many times have I said, “I’ll pray for you,” when I could have easily done something tangible to help?

I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions, but I think I can/will resolve to be more aware and more compassionate. As a child of the God who IS LOVE, and has imparted to me that very love, I will resolve to be more actively mindful of those around me.

“Lord, give us eyes to see, hearts of compassion, and hands that help.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what ways have you been shown “the right help,” when you really needed it?

2. How might you be a vessel of compassion to someone?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 11:25; Luke 10: 30-38; 1 John 3:17-18

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.

Blessings in the Back

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

“Well, Lord, I got here…late. I think that’s the best I can do today,” I thought, dropping into the chair toward the back of the church. Emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me. I started my God-conversation in my head as I settled in, dumping on Him about all the issues going on in my life. It seemed there were just too many demands, and too little of me lately.

From my vantage point in the back, I stopped long enough to take a look around - - and was stunned at the blessings of God represented in the families around me. There were newborn babies; multiple generations of family worshiping together; cancer survivors; teens sitting together - - not alone; accident victims recovering; children brought to their forever families through adoption. I saw others in the midst of struggles…how God was providing tangible help during joblessness, counseling to struggling relationships, friendships to the lonely and hurting. 

“See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

And streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

Looking back, I think I was meant to be late to church that morning for a specific divine appointment that could not be held in my normal center-of-the-room seat. That morning, I could see some of the new things that God was working on. And in focusing on what He was doing for others whose stories I knew, I could feel assured that He was also doing the same for me…even if I did not perceive it.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  There are 31 days in January.  Can you list 31 “new things” for the new year you see God doing for you or others you know?

2.  Try sitting in the back of your church service, and let God remind you of His faithfulness.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 42:9; Psalm 36:5

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

20/20 Vision?

By Susan Klein

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

My husband recently underwent a routine eye exam. His ophthalmologist asked him if he was having trouble seeing out of his current prescription lenses because his distance vision was actually…improving! After wearing corrective lenses since childhood, his distance vision is now close to 20/20, an improvement one would not usually expect to happen with age. With that declaration, the doctor also informed him that his near vision is gradually worsening, and that he will likely soon require reading glasses.

While mulling this over, I couldn’t help but think of how this parallels our spiritual vision. As we age, we tend to grow in our faith and understanding of biblical precepts, seeing things more clearly that God has revealed to us through His Word, through the sharpening of other Christ-followers, and through life circumstances.

But at some point, while the bigger picture may become crystal clear, some of the smaller concepts can actually grow fuzzy and unclear. The more we know, the more questions we seem to have. While we are sure of our salvation and our foundational truths, we start to develop our “list of questions to ask God” on topics that are not so clear.

As my husband’s nearsightedness is worsening in proportion to his farsightedness getting better, I believe the same is true with our spiritual sight: As our wisdom and faith grow, God proportionately allows us to encounter more of the mysteries that cause questions and even, at times, raise doubts. Job is a great biblical example in the Old Testament. He had immense wisdom and faith, yet went through a severe time of testing, questioning and even doubtfulness. But God knew his strong faith could withstand the test, and in fact, even be strengthened by it. [1]

Faith and doubt must coexist. Faith is believing, against all odds. It is trusting, amidst the impossible. A person of little faith has little to question, while a person of great faith has much to cloud his understanding. If we had perfect 20/20 vision, or all the answers, there would be no need for faith to exist.

If you find your spiritual vision changing as you encounter more unanswerable questions and mysteries, have no fear. God is likely growing your faith exponentially!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some of your burning questions that seem unanswerable?

2. When you start to have doubts, does it concern you, or do you cling to your faith in God’s sovereignty, comfortable with not having all the answers?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 4:18-22; James 1:2-6

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.

More is More
By Jen Wollner

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Luke 7:47 (NIV)

This isn’t just an ordinary woman…she has a “reputation.” Everyone in the room knows about her sinful ways. They all look on as the woman stands behind Jesus, weeping uncontrollably. Her tears fall, wetting his feet. As she cries, she crouches down and wipes his feet with her hair, kissing them and pouring expensive perfume on them. She is judged, criticized and looked down on…but Jesus honors her faith and commends her actions of love.

When I first read the story about this “sinful” woman and her worship of Jesus, I misunderstood it to mean that if a person sins more, Jesus forgives more; and if a person sins less, He has less to forgive. As I studied it further, though, I realized that the point of the story wasn’t that the woman sinned more than others or that her sin was somehow worse in Jesus’ eyes, but rather that she recognized her sin more completely. Consequently, she was more aware of the deep mercy Jesus had for her. She treasured His forgiveness because she had an accurate view of her sin. She was overcome with gratitude for His love that was freely offered to her, in spite of her shortcomings and poor choices. Because of the love He lavished on her, she was able to reciprocate and love Him in an extravagant way, sparing no expense to worship Him as He deserved. Her actions spoke volumes about her faith and love for her Savior.

What about us? Is our view of our sin realistic based on the truths of God’s Word? Do we love much because we recognize how much we are forgiven and loved by Jesus? We can’t appreciate the mercy Jesus offers unless we recognize our dire need for that mercy. We can’t accept Jesus’ grace and forgiveness if we don’t acknowledge that a Savior is absolutely essential. And we can’t reciprocate Jesus’ love for us, much less show that love to others, if we don’t confess and repent of our mistakes, humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross. Only when we know what we are saved from, do we overflow with love for our Savior.

As Easter approaches and we reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord, let’s allow the truth of His forgiveness to wash over us and fill our souls. Then, let’s pour our whole hearts out to Him and love Him abundantly and unrestrained.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever taken time to truly contemplate the depths of your sin…and the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness and love? Meditate on this two-part reality throughout the day today.

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 John 3:1a

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three teenagers. She serves Oakwood in various Children's Ministry and Women's Ministry roles as needs arise.

No “I Don’t Knows”

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Lord, you have examined me and know all about me.

Psalm 139:1 (NCV)

Recently, we had a student teacher work join our team. During our prep time, she was getting ready for a conference with a student. I happened to be in the room as she read his book, looking for pieces that he would struggle with ahead of time. Suddenly she sighed, looked up from her work, and said to me, “How am I supposed to know what to prepare for him if I don’t know what he doesn’t know?” The question caught me off guard as I fumbled an answer back, trying to encourage her.

Despite my probably lame answer, it got me thinking. In teaching, a lot of times we do identify what our students will struggle with ahead of time and plan supports to help them even before we introduce the skill. There’s no magic crystal ball so I pondered her question: How do we know what they won’t know?

And then I realized. I know what they will not know because I know them.  I know my students’ challenges, their strengths, their passions, their wiring and their interests. All of these things mesh together as I work to preemptively identify the barriers they’ll face, and what I can do to remove those barriers in their learning.

Being the ever-perfect Teacher, God is impeccable at this. He's the Master of this because He knows us intimately. He's created us. He loves us vastly. And He's for us. God preemptively removed the barrier of our rebellion and sin and had a perfect plan from day one for our reconciliation and redemption. From knowing the plans He has for us, to creating our inmost being, to gifting us with spiritual gifts based on our wiring and giving us strengths that will allow for His Kingdom work…God fully and beautifully knows us. [1]

There are no “I don't knows” when it comes to God's teaching. Every day, His perfect way reveals how beautifully He knows our challenges, our strengths, our passions, our wiring and our interests.

Today, may we be reminded that God is our perfect Teacher. May we turn to worship because we are so thankful that our God has a plan for us. May we rejoice in the fact that when it comes to God and knowing us, there’s never a moment where He says, “I don’t know.”

Going Deeper:

1. Take time today to jot down or reflect on the ways that God is your perfect Teacher. Consider reading through Psalm 139.
2. In what ways has He proven that He knows you?

Further Reading:

Psalm 139; Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Corinthians 1:30

[1] Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Lexi’s family includes her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

Measuring a Life
By Elizabeth Cole

“Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 23:37 (NIV)

A popular musical was a huge hit when it debuted on Broadway in the 90’s due in large part to its dark, gritty, “in-your-face” portrayal of AIDS and young moderns in New York City. The characters are tragic representations of the hopelessness that life becomes without a Savior. In the midst of such bleakness, the friends sing this question: “525,600 minutes, 525,600 moments so dear…How do you measure a year in the life?”

The suggestions are offered: in daylights, in sunsets, in cups of coffee? In miles, in laughter? And the final suggestion soars in rich harmony, “How about love?”

Listening to the song, I find myself marveling at biblical truth found in a most unexpected place. Indeed, how about love?

In his psalm, Moses highlights both the value and the limit of our days, our years and, ultimately, of our lives. The Message paraphrases verse 12, “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”

An honest query responds. What is a life lived wisely and well? The Lord Jesus gives us His answer when asked about the greatest commandment. In one word: Love.

Love foremost for the God of the Universe; love for every single individual we meet; love that distinguishes us as followers of Christ; love that compels us daily; love with our actions and our material possessions; love that is willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of another’s good; love that points to Love Himself.

In the song, the soloist adds, “Remember that love is a gift from up above.” Hmm…imagine that: Truth on Broadway.

How will you measure this year in your life? How about love?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is God your First Love?
2. What changes would you need to make in your life to put Love at the top of your to-do list?
3. What individuals need you to live Christ’s love in their lives? What one step would you take in that direction this week?

FURTHER READING:
John 13:34-35; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Revelation 2:4

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