Joyful Concert
By Peggy Kleckner

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn  - -  shout for joy before the LORD, the King.”
Psalm 98:4-6 (NIV)

I have been enjoying a concert since early spring…right outside my front window! First came the tips of daffodils boldly proclaiming their presence, followed by their bouncy yellow blooms. Next came the tulips spattered about in different colors…a few here, a few over there. Each type of plant showed up for its part in displaying His splendor. Each group proudly pushing up past the dirt, taking time to sprout leaves and set down roots before producing its blossoms.

Oh, but the wonderful sway of the most recent music! Triumphal shouts of irises boldly proclaiming their colors. Big leaves followed by tall shoots that burst into blooms! This year was the first for some of those colors. What a treasured surprise. To add to the fun, they showed up while my mom was visiting from Florida. Each day we viewed yet another added color. We enjoyed the playful staccato notes of daises, as well as the wispy featherlike tinklings of paper irises. How like God to add joy to my days. What a delicious experience to share with my mother.

Some days, I wonder what the music is. I think of all of the instruments in an orchestra or a band and I imagine which ones would play the part of the tulip, the daffodil, the daisy. Are my irises trumpets? Are the daisies piccolos? It just sets the mind to giggling. Oh, how He must delight in my delight!

May each of us also be willing to bloom for His glory and the delight of those around us!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What joyful surprises has He placed in your days recently?
2. Are you blooming according to His timing, or are you trying to compete with those planted around you? Who plans the concert, you or God?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 61:11; Genesis2:4-9; Jeremiah 17:7-8

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. 

Déjà vu
By Karen D’Amore

“For You, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver.”
Psalm 66:10 (NIV)

The experience of déjà vu is accompanied by a compelling sense of familiarity in a present situation. In the movie Groundhog Day we see the essence of déjà vu personified. Cynical, self-centered TV meteorologist Phil Connors has been sent to Punxsutawney, PA to broadcast the annual Groundhog Day festivities. After grudgingly covering the event, he awakens the next day to find himself trapped in an endless cycle of Groundhog Days. When his self-indulgent behavior fails to change, events repeat themselves in the same way they occurred the original day. Given opportunities to learn from the previous day’s failures and to respond to others differently, Phil continues to fulfill his own self-seeking pleasures, at the expense of others. As desperate attempts to change the events or escape the cycle of the time loop prove futile, Phil grows increasingly despondent. Eventually, he comes to the realization that he is powerless to change his circumstances…the only thing he can change is himself. When a transformed Phil emerges as a thoughtful, caring, selfless new man, the time loop is broken and he is set free from Groundhog Day.

This fitting cinematic compression likens itself to the refining process of a believer. As Christ-followers, every detail of our lives falls under God’s scrutiny, as He purges out remnants of our carnal life. Oftentimes, He will bring us back to the same point over and over again; leaving us in that place until the desired lessons are learned and His finished product has been produced. Whether it be lessons in forgiveness, loving the unlovable, selfishness, pride, or lack of trust…the refining process continues as impurities are eradicated from our character.

Just as silver is refined by being held in the middle of the fire, where the hottest flames burn away the impurities, the Lord will hold us in that “hot spot” until the desired transformation takes place. And while the silversmith knows the silver is completely refined when he can see his image reflecting in the metal, the Lord will rejoice in His completed work when He sees His reflection in our lives.

Do you find yourself stuck in a place of Déjà vu, wrestling over and over with the same familiar lessons? Lend yourself to God’s refining moments…He may not move you forward until you do!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a stronghold in your life in which God is continually re-testing you? Surrender to His character refinement today.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 10:22-23; Jeremiah 9:7

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

Words From My Friend

By Vernette Kureck

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

Zzzzt  went the notification on my cell phone. I had just played the word “bible” for 70 points and was waiting expectantly for a response from my opponent. Yes, I really enjoy playing “Words with Friends.”

It is challenging, fun and nourishes my competitive spirit. But even more challenging and enjoyable is to be in God’s Word - - the Bible - - and have my spirit enriched, encouraged and edified.

• To be enriched like Paul when he says in Colossians 3:16 (NIV) to “Let the message [the Word] of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Collective, good Bible study and worship nourishes the soul to overflowing and promotes a thankful attitude, making you rich.

• To be encouraged with King David when he says in Psalm 37:4 (NIV) to “Take delight in the Lord [the Author of the Word] and He will give you the desires of your heart.” When you commit your ways to the Lord, your heart desires things that are pleasing to God and you will be blessed and be a blessing.

• And lastly, to be edified like Jesus. “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalms 119:89, NIV) We can be strong in our beliefs because what we have is Truth and Truth is unchanging. Jesus came as the Living Word and now we have the Bible as His living Word. Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted for forty days. Always His answer to the devil began with “it is written.” Yes, we can be firm when we have His words in our minds and hearts.

The old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” shares all the friendship qualities we have in Jesus. He is not my competition but He is challenging, enjoyable and nourishes my heart, soul and mind. And I don’t have to hear Zzzzt  to be notified He has made contact. All I need to do is open and read the Word from my Friend and be expectant as to what Truth He has for me now.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Google the lyrics to What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

2. How are you being enriched, encouraged and edified?

FURTHER READING:

John 1:1; Luke 4:1-14

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 45 years. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren from their two sons and their wives. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain.   

Face Value

By Elin Henderson

“…while we don’t not look at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)

         

We are so quick to judge things at face value. What you see is what you get…or so we think.  But, we all know that this isn’t the truth.  If you don’t believe this, then watch “Antique Roadshow” and you’ll soon find out that the little old lady who has this old vase on her dining room table is actually putting flowers in a Ming Dynasty 14^th century urn! 

The disciples in Jesus’ time had to learn some hard lessons in taking things at face value. He rarely spoke straightforward to them, instead He used life experiences and parables to teach principles. We see this clearly in Mark 6:30-44 where Jesus feeds the 5,000, then appears to them in verses 45-52 walking on the water and calming the seas. Mark tells us that the disciples were astounded, “For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened” (v. 52, NIV). They were taking His first miracle at face value, but there was more that Jesus was trying to teach them. He had a deeper lesson of His sufficiency, His power and His ability to take care of them. 

This was just one example of many which Jesus used to teach His disciples to stop taking life happenings at face value but to look beyond to what HE was doing!  Isn’t that the same challenge for us today?  He is calling us to go beyond life’s circumstances, even the miracles in our lives, and see His under-workings and marvelous power on our behalf. Not just so we can be amazed at the work, but at the WORKER behind it and that we might grow in our knowledge and love of Him!   

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1.  What circumstances have you been in recently where you might have been looking at the “face value” and missed the lesson?

2.  What other stories from Jesus’ ministry to His disciples can you think of that show this principle?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

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 thirteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

Change the Storyline

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!”

Psalm 32:1-2 (NLT)

I have a Confession to make.

Do I have your attention? As any writer of crime shows or soap operas knows, the Confession is powerful. The storyline changes once the Confession happens. 

Jesus knows it, too. During the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6, Jesus instructs His followers how to pray. Very specifically, His example of speaking to God includes a request for forgiveness of our debts/sins. 

This is a part of prayer that can be hard. I don’t like to discuss my daily (hourly!) shortcomings. In prayer, so often I want to accentuate the positive and ask for my requests.  Here’s the problem…

When I neglect to confess my sin, I diminish the power of God’s grace in my life. 

Without seeing my sin and the darkness of my human condition, I ignore the beauty that is the relationship with my Savior. Without professing my issues to the God who adores me, I gloss over the call to turn to Him in dependency and need. Without the daily realization that I am a ragamuffin human completely undeserving of the love and attention of the God of the universe, I begin to believe that I can do this Christian life on my own.

A paraphrase of 1 John 1:8-9 puts it this way:  “If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins - - make a clean breast of them - - he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.” (The Message)

Confession is pivotal. With Confession, God is able to clean out the wounds we have from our own sins, and those others created. When we confess our fears and failures and shortcomings, we become vulnerable and teachable. When that happens, God can change our storyline.

Do you have a Confession to make?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Spend time in thoughtful confession with God today.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 32:5; 2 Chronicles 7:14

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Focus

By Tracy Smith

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - - that's what I had in mind for you."

Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

It is so easy, as women, to have our focus in the wrong direction. The world bombards us with images of all we should or shouldn’t be, and many times the messages oppose each other. It’s impossible to figure out which message to listen to, and more impossible to live up to the expectations. Then we see that woman that has what we want. Jealousy sets in and we think, “I want to be like her.”  I cannot tell you the number of times I wished I was the more “prim and proper” sort who did more listening than talking and when she did talk, used a quiet, reserved voice. Those who know me are chuckling as they try to imagine that  scenario - - it’s just not me.

While reading the magazine Just Between Us, I came across a couple of truths that I have been unable to get out of my mind. “Getting a New View of You,” was an interview with Andrea Stephens, founder of a ministry called B.A.B.E.™ that reaches out to “teen girls to help them see themselves as God sees them - - beautiful, accepted, blessed and eternally significant. She teaches them they are created on purpose and for a pur-pose.”[1] Wait a minute - - God created me the way I am -- loud talking, not prim and proper personality and all? I’ve been learning this lesson slowly over the past five years as God has been using various people and events to show me that He created me a certain way for a reason, and that I should embrace that and thank Him for it. 

Then, Andrea was asked:

“JBU: It is so easy to compare ourselves with other women. How do we keep from being envious of others?

Andrea:  It takes concerted effort. Someone else’s looks, talents, or personality is not better or worse than ours - - just different. When we start thinking we wish we had someone else’s thick hair or winsome ways or ability to be organized, that is the time to stop and thank God for giving those things to her. Then ask Him to bless her. This helps guard our heart from jealousy.”[1]

Wow! That just spoke to me and is something I have not heard before. In order to not be jealous, pray for the person and thank God for giving her those things and ask God to bless her. Amazing insight!

Taking the focus off of ourselves and putting it onto God and what He has done for someone else is a wonderful concept I cannot wait to try!

GOING DEEPER:

1. If there is someone you know whom you have jealous feelings toward, will you take the time to do what Andrea suggests and pray for her?

2.  Think about something you do not like about yourself and think about how God could use that for Him.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 139:1; Romans 12:4-8; Isaiah 64:8

[1]  Fink, Constance B. “Getting a New View of You.” Just Between Us Summer 2012: 18-21. Print

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and leads a great group of Junior High girls.

Note to Self
By Lisa Boyer

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

Dear Self,

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

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

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

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

Love,
Me

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

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

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

Lisa has been married to Ted for more than 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

Don’t Miss Him!

By Elin Henderson

“…Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.”

Mark 6:48b (NKJV)

         

They almost missed Jesus??!! Really!! We ask ourselves, “How?”! It’s not like there are many pedestrians wandering about on the water in the middle of a stormy night!  Of course we will give them the benefit of the doubt, because if you have been following the news lately and watching the story unfold about the missing Malaysian airliner, then you might understand how difficult it can be to see things on the high seas when the waves are rough.   

The disciples were no doubt focused on the storm, the waves, the water, the wind and the last thing that crossed their minds is that Jesus might show up walking on it all!  Then, when they finally did see Him, they completely freaked out. 

Let’s not be too rough on these guys though. We all find ourselves at times out on life’s stormy seas and when Jesus comes into view, we are so focused on the wind and waves that we often miss Him. We are more worried about how to get out of the mess we are in than who is there with us. Of course. He has been there all along, but we can easily miss Him even when He makes Himself very visible, because our human eyes can’t see past the storm. 

Give us eyes of faith, oh Lord, to not let You pass by unseen…to not miss Your presence even in the midst of the storms of our lives. Help us not to be so surprised at finding You walking on the waves but to expect You there. Help us to fix our eyes on You until YOU settle the storm! 

GOING DEEPER:      

1. Have you ever missed Jesus in the storm?

2. How can we sharpen our focus and search so that He won’t pass by unseen? 

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 12:2; 2 Kings 6:17-23

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 thirteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

Behind the Scenes (Act Three)

By Karen D’Amore

“…Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Luke 6: 27-28 (NIV)

Feeling safe within the confines of the retreat walls, I didn’t want the day to end. With God’s protective presence oozing from every corner, I longed to linger in that protective bubble. My still-raw emotions weren’t ready to re-emerge into the battlefield of life. But as I reflected on and basked in God’s work behind the scenes, I felt empowered and safe to face my abuser. With confident assurance that God was standing in the gap, I could trust Him to help fight my battles.

With a heart saturated with valuable “take-a-ways” gleaned from the retreat, I would prayerfully cling to every word of encouragement. When weeks later, I crossed paths with my abuser, I was eased by her subdued countenance. I would later learn that others who were also victims of her abusiveness had called her out on her behavior. They’d made it clear that slander and other such abusive behavior would not be tolerated.

Personally, I was exhausted and preferred to wash my hands of her, but…God had different plans! He’d commanded me to love her in the past and God was calling me to continue loving her. On that first encounter, following the retreat, I could feel God nudging me to “tell” her that I loved her. And so, in obedience to that nudge, I cupped her cheeks in the palm of my hands and told her that I loved her. Sobbing, she collapsed into my arms, begging for forgiveness. I assured her that all was forgiven, just as Jesus has and continues to forgive me. I encouraged her that the past was behind us, never to be discussed again and that we would move forward into the future…stronger and better than ever.

I once read that the true mark of maturity is that when someone hurts you, you try to understand their situation instead of trying to hurt them back. We never know the history motivating the actions of those who wrong us. And though I don’t believe God calls us to be anybody’s “punching bag,” He does call us to respond in love.  Sometimes that love must be tough…and other times that love must be merciful, but true, godly love must always be Holy Spirit-empowered.

With love standing the test of time, Jesus was glorified through the loving of my abuser. Yes, He empowered me to love and love and keep on loving…and I’m blessed to share that love finally  reaped redemption!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What ways can you show love today…even when it’s hard?

FURTHER READING:

 Philippians 1:12

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

Behind the Scenes (Act Two)

By Karen D’Amore

“…Do not be afraid or discouraged…For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

2 Chronicles 20:15b (NIV)

As God’s intercession and work behind the scenes re-opened the door for my retreat involvement, I faced a two-week time-crunch in finalizing details. Requiring my undivided attention, I made every attempt to avoid distractions. Unfortunately, a few days before the retreat, life threw me a curve ball.

For years, I’d lovingly tolerated an unbeliever’s ongoing abusive behavior. Our association was such that I didn’t have the capacity to distance myself. I’d spent years praying for empowerment to love her with God’s love, through the repeated bouts of slander and behavior. Days before the retreat, she unleashed her venom on a handful of people, including me. It was the final straw as I reached my breaking point. Though I abstained from ill or evil action, my flesh ached for revenge and wrestled against exposing her evil ways. I questioned why God had not intervened. How could He possibly expect me to continue extending His love? How long must I remain silent, when I so wanted to vindicate myself from her lies?

It was a challenge to suppress my fresh wounds and raw emotions as I mingled with the retreat attendees. Distracted by my disheartened, angry and heavy heart, I questioned my ability to fulfill my ministry commitments in the midst of my turmoil and pain. But as the retreat speaker began to share…the Word of God came to life. Her words of wisdom were salve to my wounds…soothing my troubled heart: 

“God will deal with those who curse you.”

“Love, love, love, and keep loving…and there will be redemption.”

“God will stand in the gap between people who will try to hurt us.”

“We’ve all been hurt, abandoned and betrayed.—Lift up your eyes!”

The speaker’s timely words reinforced God’s presence in my painful battle. And as I reflected on His work behind the scenes to ensure my presence at the retreat, I was confident that He was standing in the gap, protecting me from my abuser. Called to love - - even unlovable enemies - - I would continue loving through Him and trust in His redemption.

A believer’s life is God’s stage and He is always  at work for the good of His children. When we don’t understand His ways, retrospect reveals His unseen hands were always there fighting for and protecting us.

Trust when God’s confusing, silent or unseen. He’s working for your good from behind the scenes.

Act Three comes tomorrow: More Love...finally…reaped redemption! To God be the glory!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What do you need to do today to love and trust God to help you fight your battles?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:28

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

Behind the Scenes (Act One)

By Karen D’Amore

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”

Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

Serving on the Women’s Ministry Special Events team, I’m privileged to help plan the women’s special events for our church. To insure my availability for events, I block-off my work schedule nearly a year in advance. As our team was planning our spring retreat, I eagerly anticipated aspects I’d envisioned and be facilitating. Several months prior to the retreat, we found and booked our retreat speaker. When her availability dictated a change in the retreat date, every team member was onboard with the date change except  me!  Though three months away, I was actually 100% booked for work. Barring an emergency, salon policy would prohibit cancelling or moving those appointments.

Sensitive to my heart and time I’d already invested, our team leader asked me privately how I felt about my inability to participate. I responded, “It’s not my event…its God’s. The circumstances are no surprise to Him so I will trust in His will and plan.” At our next team meeting, I committed to help with the pre-planning, though saddened by my inability to participate in the event itself.

Believing God had directed me to facilitate a hands-on activity at the retreat, I was confused by this emerging schedule snafu but I chose to rest in His unseen plan. I put a block on my work schedule prohibiting new appointments from booking in, should any of the existing appointments possibly  cancel.

As the retreat date drew closer, I’d periodically check my work schedule for changes. Over the course of two months, several appointments rescheduled. Two weeks prior to the retreat date, my work schedule was 100% clear. With each client randomly rescheduling on her own, I was granted the day off. My retreat visions were revived and my participation in the actual day was reinstated!

As the hindsight curtain opened, God’s work behind the scenes was exposed. His fingerprints became visible in the clearing of my work schedule. Aside from the retreat activities I’d facilitate, He revealed a much greater purpose for my presence. And it was His masterful intercession, which served as a priceless source of encouragement. God’s protective presence would be vital in an unseen, forthcoming heartache.

Stay tuned: Act Two... from Behind the Scenes, God the Protector emerges center stage!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV), “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

2. How does God’s Word speak into your circumstances right now?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 41:10

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

He is Yahweh

By Brita Crouse

“Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”

Psalm 148:13 (NIV)

This year, I have been reading through a daily devotional on the different names of God. [1] So far, it has been such a learning experience. God has A LOT of names because He possesses so many amazing characteristics! The one recurring name I have found to be most interesting is Yahweh.

We first see this name of God come up in Exodus 3:14. Moses has been called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He has been instructed by God to talk to Pharaoh and to introduce himself to the Israelites as their leader, but of course he is scared and doesn’t want to do it. Moses asks God this question in verse 11 (NIV): "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God’s authoritative and empowering reply to Moses is: “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'”

Yahweh. I Am. The Lord. This is the name God has given Himself. There is power in this name. Here are some examples of that:

•  Yahweh- The Lord, I AM

•  Yahweh Jireh- The Lord will provide

•  Yahweh Rapha- The Lord who heals

•  Yaweh Nissi- The Lord my banner

•  Yahweh Sabaoth- The Lord of hosts

•  Yahweh Shalom- The Lord is peace

•  Yahweh Tsidkenu- The Lord our righteousness

•  Yahweh Mekoddishkem- The Lord who sanctifies you

•  Yahweh Rohi- The Lord my Shepherd

•  Yahweh Shammah- The Lord is there

Knowing how many characteristics God has calls for respect and reverence. There is no one like Him! Knowing how many names God has should change the way we see God and deepen our relationship with Him. He is the source of everything. He is Lord.

His Word is filled with His many different names and we are blessed because He is all of these things and more to each one of us.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Listen to “He is Yahweh” by Vineyard Worship. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYavc_py1os) How do these names of God apply to you in your everyday life?
2. Pick any Bible passage. Read through it and write a list of the names of God that were found in or inspired by that passage. 
3. *Extra Reading: John Piper’s blog post, “Yahweh is the Sweetest Name I Know.” http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/yahweh-is-the-sweetest-name-i-know

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 3:10-15; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 113:1-3

[1] Ava Pennington, Daily Reflections on the Names of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2010), 26-28, 47-73.

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56 and the Just Among Moms weekly childcare team.

The Purse
By Elizabeth Cole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth is a wife and mother of three grown daughters. She is the Director of Connecting and of We Women at Oakwood Church.

Children of the King

By Susan Klein

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Matthew 25:45 (NIV)

In the children’s storybook, The Children of the King, by Max Lucado, five orphans learn that they are about to be adopted by a King. The older four set out to hone their skills and talents so they might impress him when he arrives. The youngest child is just a stable girl at the city gate and has no specific talents to perfect. She mucks stalls, feeds the horses and offers the weary travelers a place to sit and rest. The villagers strongly encourage the older four in their endeavors, explaining that only those with great gifts will be allowed to live in the castle. The youngest girl is cast aside, put off even by her own siblings who have no time to waste on mentoring her.

Much like this story, we are all drawn to and admire those who possess great talents and abilities. Who doesn’t enjoy listening to someone who is gifted with great musical talent or oratory skills? But, what about those who are always behind the scenes doing the menial tasks? How often do we admire the person who cleaned the toilets in the public restroom we just used, or hold in high esteem the disabled young man who bags our groceries for us? Are they not also created in the image of God, and given purpose and value?

In the story, the king finally arrives in the village to claim his children. His physical appearance is not like that of a king, so he is not immediately recognized by the villagers. Everyone is so busy preparing for his arrival that they pay no notice to the stranger walking in their midst. In the end, it is the stable girl who draws his attention. She is not too busy to offer him rest or to speak kind words to him. She is the one who rides off to the castle with him, though He promises to return and try again with the other children.

Like the stable girl, we should never be so busy honing our skills and trying to impress that we miss out on spending time with our King or being helpful to others. And, what if we were to emulate the King? We would look with favor upon the simple people of this world and appreciate their value as well.

Let’s be intentional in noticing all the children of the King!

GOING DEEPER:

1. When God calls on you, are you usually available?

2. Who in your life might need you to take notice of them?

FURTHER READING:

1 John 5:1-2; Romans 12:3-8; Matthew 5:3-8

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She and her husband Mark co-lead an on-site small group studying 2 Corinthians with Oakwood's Wednesday Night Community.

“Choose to Get Up”

By Jeannine Sawall

“…I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been laying on and went home praising God.

Mark 2:11 (NIV)

It had probably started as just another day for the man with the mat. Wake up and lie there. Same ol’, same ol’ but what else was he to do…he was paralyzed. However, what started out as an ordinary day soon presented him with choices that would change his life.

Sometime during the day, friends showed up wanting to take him to see Jesus. Rumor had it, Jesus was healing the sick. He could have chosen to just stay home that day and send his friends on their way. After all, what were the odds that after being paralyzed for so long, he would be healed? But he made the choice to go! When they got to the house, the crowds were so big, they could not get anywhere near Jesus. Should they just give up and go home? How would they ever get near him…it seemed impossible? But they made the choice to press in and find a way to Jesus. Finally, the man is face-to-face with the Healer. Jesus, seeing his faith, tells the man to “take up your mat and go home.” The paralytic had a final choice to make…would he believe the Healer and get up, or would he choose to stay lying there on his mat. We’re told “Immediately, he stood up, took up his mat and went home praising God.” His choices brought him total healing, both of body and in spirit by having an intimate encounter with the Healer.

We face similar choices each and every day. What may start out as an ordinary day may hold an extraordinary outcome when we choose to meet with Jesus. Each of us has something in our life that paralyzes us. It could be fear, anger, a broken relationship, depression, addiction, bitterness…the list is long. However, the Healer is waiting for us to come. He reaches out His hand and says “Get off your mat and go….” We have the choice to continue to lie there and remain paralyzed in our current situation, or to get up. When we make the choice to get up to see Jesus, no matter the difficulties, He is more than able and willing to change our circumstances if we just press in. Suddenly, we are no longer lying there paralyzed, but on our feet, on our way and praising the Lord.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What situation in your life paralyzes you? 

2. How will you choose to respond to Jesus when He says, “Take up your mat and go?”

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:16, Isaiah 30:21

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

Kyrie Eleison

By Tracy Smith

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…”

Genesis 28:15a (NLT)

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

“When I was young and thought of growing old

Of what my life would mean to me

Would I have followed down my chosen road

Or only wished what I could be” [1]

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

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

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

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

Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night.

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

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:

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

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6

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

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

[3] Want to listen to this song? Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNKbHJ3PTu4

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and leads a great group of Junior High girls.