Embracing (not necessarily understanding) Sovereignty

By Susan Klein

“Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.”

Romans 9:18 (NIV)

Every once in awhile a verse comes along that just baffles the mind. (The above being a likely candidate.) It seems to contradict everything we know, and challenge our rational thinking. Therein lies the problem: God is not rational. God is sovereign.

“Sovereignty” is a concept that’s difficult for the finite mind to process. In fact, it’s not a word originally found in Scripture. You won’t see it listed in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It’s been inserted in newer versions of the Bible for our purposed benefit. It is a word that tries to encapsulate all the infinite qualities of God (isn’t that an oxymoron?). John MacArthur defines it this way: “God orders everything, controls everything, and rules over everything.” (1) Scripture says, “Our God is in Heaven; he does whatever pleases him (Psalm 115:3, NIV), The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths (Psalm 135:6, NIV).” It is a concept the human mind can’t wrap around and the human heart despises. We want everything to be black and white, to make sense. We also want to think we have some iota of control. Thus, the dilemma: we are not sovereign.

The more we try to understand sovereignty, the more confusing it can become. Did God choose me, or did I choose Him? Does it really matter if I evangelize? Does God care what color socks I put on today? Will my moving to another state or changing jobs be in His sovereign will? Words like “foreknew,” and “predestined” are the source of much confusion and heated debate amongst believers. So what do we do about this “sovereignty” thing?

I suggest we “embrace” it. If God truly is in control of everything, shouldn’t that be more comforting than baffling? It really lets me off the hook - - I don’t have to have all the answers. If I can embrace His sovereignty, it should eliminate a world of worry. If I walk in faith that He’s got my back, I can walk confidently into every situation, known or unknown. If He’s in control of every outcome, I should never suffer through another sleepless night wondering. Instead of trying to wrestle the control away from Him, I can choose to embrace His sovereignty and live a life of peace. Peace is good.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you wrestling with a passage or a Scriptural concept?

2. Do you question the validity of Scripture that appears contradictory? Surrender to God, and embrace His sovereignty.

FURTHER READING:

Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:11

(1) http://www.gty.org/resources/Articles/A167/Gods-Absolute-Sovereignty

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. Susan’s part of the Peace Team at Oakwood and leads an on-site small group at Wednesday Night Community.

Faithful

By Karen D’Amore

“…Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Mathew 25:21a (NIV)

On our tenth wedding anniversary, I asked my husband the question, “So, after ten years of marriage…if you had to choose one word to describe me, what would that one word be?” Aware of my husband’s propensity to embellish things with humor, I knew I was asking a loaded question! I was pleasantly surprised when he took my question to heart, and responded in sincerity with the word…“Faithful.”

As a writer, I LOVE words; as a wife who loves words…I loved the word my husband chose. Merriam-Webster’s defines “faithful” accordingly:

          -obsolete: full of faith

          -steadfast in affection or allegiance: loyal

          -firm in adherence to promises of duty: conscientious

          -given with strong assurance: binding (1)

Upon reflecting on the true definition of the word “faithful,” I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to consistently uphold and exemplify its meaning, so as a constant exhortation, I had the word “Faithful” permanently inscribed on my inner left wrist.

A year later, I was deeply impacted by an interview between Sean Hannity and Rev. Billy Graham. When asked, “How do you want people to remember you?” Billy Graham responded, “I want them to remember that I was faithful: faithful to the gospel, faithful to the call that God gave me!” (2) Billy Graham’s response ignited and inspired the same desire in my heart. I too, long to be “full of faith”; faithful to the gospel, and to God’s call on my life! As honorable as it is to make faithfulness a hallmark in our human relationships, the faithfulness that matters most is in our relationship with God. “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT).

As Christ-followers, our faithfulness to God is demonstrated through our obedience to Him. His heart becomes our heart; His mind our mind; His will our will. We cannot be faithful to Him…while choosing our will over His. Jesus, our supreme example of faithfulness, had only one desire, “…Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42b, NIV). His permanent inscriptions of His faithfulness and obedience to the Father - - His nail scarred hands - - should become our continual exhortation to be faithfully obedient.

Starting with faithfulness in the little things, let’s be good stewards of our families, jobs, finances, ministries and in that which God has entrusted us. And may our faithfulness reflect an eternal pursuit to hear His descriptive words…

                   “…Well done, good and faithful servant!”

GOING DEEPER:

1. What interferes with your faithfulness to God? 

FURTHER READING: 

Revelation 2:10; 2 Samuel 22:26; 1 Corinthians 4:2

1) www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

2) http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2014/04/21/hannity-revisits-interview-rev-billy-graham/

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.

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)

I recently 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 New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to Callie and Elias.

Father Knows Best

By Tracy Smith 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) 

Years ago, it had been a very long day dealing with a preschooler and a toddler asking me “why” approximately 352 times; at the 353^rd “why” I finally snapped, “Because I’m the mom and I told you to!”  Yes, the saying that we are all convinced we will never say to our own children!  Did they really need to know every reason why I wanted them to do something? Couldn’t they just trust that, as their mom, I would not ask them to do anything crazy and that I loved them and only wanted what was best for them?

It was a “light bulb” moment for me. Don’t we do the same thing with God? How often do we continually ask the Lord “why,” instead of trusting that He has our best interests at heart?

• Why  do I have to deal with this anxiety disorder?
• Why  did my husband lose his job back in 2003?
• Why  did he have to spend so many years “underemployed” before finding a good job?
• Why  do people hurt each other in such evil ways?
• Why  does so-and-so not like me? 

The “why’s” can go on and on and on. I’m so glad that we don’t have a God who snaps His answer out at us, like I did to my boys all those years ago. His answer is right there for us in Isaiah 55: His ways and thoughts are not like ours; they are higher. He knows the whole picture when we are only seeing a part.  Sometimes, you may find out the answer to your “why” and sometimes you may not. But through it all, we have to remember to trust that as our Father, He only wants what is best for us.

GOING DEEPER

1. Is there a “why” you are holding on to? What can you do to lay it at His feet and trust in Him?

FURTHER READING

Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 33:3; Romans 8:28

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.

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. 

Cash the Check

By Susan Klein

“Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both.”

Luke 7: 41-42a (NIV)

While waiting in line at the bank, I overheard the teller explain to the lady in front of me, “I’m sorry ma’am, we cannot cash this check for you. You have insufficient funds in your account to cover it.”  In order to cash the check, she would have to first make a deposit into her account. She left the bank - - check in hand.

I pondered this as I waited my turn. I was holding a check that my daughter asked me to deposit into her account for her while away at school. If I did not deposit it for her, she could find herself in a similar situation, with insufficient funds to pay her debts. She was counting on me to make that deposit for her.

How often do we view our spiritual life in this manner? After sinning, we feel left with with a debt, which must somehow be paid. We try to write a check from our storehouse of “good deeds,” hoping that we’ve banked enough of them to cover over our offense. “I give to the poor, I serve at church, I don’t ever drink excessively…that should count for something.”…until the next time we sin. If the funds seem insufficient, we look for more good deeds to deposit into our account, hoping it will be enough to cover our debt and please our Creditor. But is it ever enough?

No. It isn’t. We can’t ever satisfy the debt we owe to God for all of our sins. No sacrifice is great enough, no amount big enough. We’ll always have “insufficient funds” to cover our debt. However, the Creditor is not asking us for payment. In fact, He knew a long time ago that we’d never have enough in our account so He chose to make a deposit on our behalf. It cost Him dearly, but He did it out of love. His deposit, unlike ours, is limitless. It keeps replenishing, and can never be depleted. Any past, present or future debt has already been covered by His magnanimous deposit. We’ve been given the great riches of His grace and mercy, and we are free to draw on them at any time. No more “debt,” no more “insufficient funds,” no more standing in line at the bank wondering.

Go ahead, don’t be afraid. Cash the check!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you know with certainty that your debts have been “paid in full” through the cross of Jesus Christ? (If not, consider reading http://www.oakwoodnow.org/resources/following-jesus.html) Are you living like it’s true?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 3:23-25; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:32; Romans 13:8

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.

Beyond Think & Say

By Lexi Ellis

“…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Micah 6:8b (ESV)

We live in a time of overwhelming spiritual capability and resources. Unlike past-century Christians, we have access to extensive amounts of theological commentaries and books, beautiful amounts of traditions, collections of hymns and liturgies, churches and leaders, freedom to worship freely and technological abilities that connect with us with other believers and ideas. Additionally, we have the privilege of a complete cannon of Scripture and a Holy Spirit who dwells in believers to convict and comfort.

We are incredibly blessed. And yet, I wonder if we, at times, get in a rut of Christian living compared to the authenticity of our Christian ancestors who knew persecution at a much deeper level. Despite having an amazing amount of resources, despite having easier access to know the right things to say and think…acting on our faith is harder.

Mark Batterson, a pastor and writer, puts it this way: “Have we accepted a Christianity that is more educated but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic?” [1]

The incredible blessings of resources we have for spiritual development at our fingertips isn’t inherently a bad thing. The tragedy is how often we fool ourselves into believing that saying and thinking is enough. In an age where we have the capability of understanding needs at a greater level than ever before, how often do we shy away from actually doing something for God. Batterson goes on to say:

“At the end of the day, God is not going to say well-thought or well-said to His servants. There’s only one commendation and it’s this: ‘well-done good and faithful servant.’ It’s time to make a difference. It’s time to care. It’s time to act. That’s how we get unstuck.” [1]

As we begin a new year, what do we need to do to go beyond what we think and what we say? How should we restructure our time to serve others? How should we pray for open doors to be a light? What can we do? I am so incredibly grateful for the extensive amounts of resources that allow me to strengthen and deepen my faith through what I know and say. May we, as believers, be those who go beyond what we say and know…and do something.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What do you need to do differently in 2015 to actively live out your faith?

2. What steps do you need to take so that you are actively doing…beyond just saying and thinking godly things?

FURTHER READING:

Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 28:16-20; James 1: 26-27

[1] Mark Batterson, Unstuck: Moving from the Mundane to the Meaningful  Bible study, Bluefish, 2013. Available for Oakwood attenders on RightNow Media.

Lexi is married to Andrew and has an adorable puppy named Calvin. She teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School, serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Unchanging Love
By Jen Wollner

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

Two 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 elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Sifted Like Flour
By Elin Henderson

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But, I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’”
Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

There is a common joke among missionary women. I call it the phases of “becoming.” Phase 1: You find bugs in your flour, completely freak out, and promptly throw out the entire bag. Phase 2: You are still freaked out by the bugs but you have learned that you can carefully sift the flour and get them out. Phase 3: You move past serious sifting and just look for the major bugs and pick them out by hand. Phase 4: You have “become” and you see the bugs and say, “Good, bugs! More protein!” and just leave them in there.

God uses Satan to sift us and remove the bugs in our lives! Satan came asking for Peter and God said, “Go ahead, have at it.” We see this with Job in the book of Job and with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. And, interestingly enough, it isn’t always through the victories that we win. It isn’t always in the overcoming that we grow, but sometimes in our failure, as well. “When you have returned to me,” Jesus says to Peter, indicating that He wasn’t necessarily walking with the Lord all the time in His trial of sifting.

But, Christ gave him two wonderful promises that are reflected in our own relationship with Christ as well: The first and most significant is Christ prays for us when we are in process of being sifted…“But, I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail.” We are not alone, despite how we feel. Satan is only given so much “rope,” so to speak, and no more. We are God’s and He watches over us. Christ prays for us and the Father knows our limits. The second promise is that when it is over, we will be able to strengthen, encourage and comfort others with what we have learned…”But, when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren.” What a privilege to be able to show compassion and love to others in their time of need.

So, next time you feel like you are being tossed to and fro in Satan’s sifter, remember that you are prayed for and when you come out of it, you will be strengthened in your confidence in the Lord, able to encourage and support others in a deeper way…and hopefully with a few less bugs!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What kind of “sifting” have you endured in your life?
2. Who do you know who is facing something similar? How can you encourage that person? 

FURTHER READING: 

Luke 22:54-62; 1 Corinthians 1:3-5, 10:13; 1 Peter 4:13, 5:10; 1 John 5:18-19

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 Callie and Elias. 

From Plunder to Prosperity

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah29:11 (NIV)

I have heard this verse in countless graduations, baby dedications, and sermons. I have heard it so often that it almost sounds stale. Recently, my eyes were reopened to this Scripture because I had completely missed the context of what Jeremiah was saying.

This verse is written to the Israelites after they were sent into exile. 

          The land was plundered. 

          The wealth was gone.
          They were forced to leave their homes and all that they knew.
          They were subject to a foreign ruler.
          The leaders…king and soldiers…taken captive.
          Families were separated…if they had survived the onslaught.
          Only the poorest of the land were left.  (2 Kings 24)

The Israelites were reaping the consequences of their disobedience to God.  Their lives were savaged.

Maybe you can relate.

Whether it is as a result of living in a fallen, sinful world, or the consequences of personal actions, lives are savaged every day. The faithful of Israel, as well as the fallen, were all subject to the exile. It’s the same today. 

So how do we respond when we are facing our own “exiles”? Expanding our view of Jeremiah 29, God tells His people:

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters…. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity…” (NIV)

In other words, carry on and work to flourish in the new place. God has not forgotten us, and He has a plan that is greater than the here and now. From the place of brokenness, He will bring healing when each of us seeks Him with our heart.  

And that message is never stale.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Examine your reactions when havoc invades your life. Do you retreat? Pray for God to show you how to flourish in the circumstance.

FURTHER READING:
2 Kings 24:8-16; Psalm 40

Along with caring for her husband and two children, 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 We Women Ministries.

Recalculate…Recalculate
By Elin Henderson

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promises…but is longsuffering toward us not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

1 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

For those of us who are geographically and directionally challenged, the invention of the GPS has been a godsend! Our years of endless wanderings and countless wrong turns are over…for the most part. Not only do these miraculous machines tell you exactly where to go, but they can compensate even when you don’t follow their meticulous instructions. If you miss the turn you will soon hear, “Recalculate…recalculate…turn left at the next intersection” and voila, you are back on track.

Praise the Lord that He is a God of patience and long-suffering. Even when we don’t follow His well-laid-out plans, He graciously says, “Recalculate…recalculate” and comes up with a new plan b…c…d…. let’s just say, some of us take longer to learn!

We see this concept again and again through Scripture. He always wants to give second chances, new opportunities, and detours, to get us back on track and depending on Him. Our job? Repent, which really means to just admit you were on the wrong track/road and turn to follow Him. Look at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Did God have to ask, “Where are you?” when He came down to walk with them? No, He knew where they were. He was offering them a “recalculate” – a moment to admit they were wrong and turn to Him. When God came to Cain and said, “Where is your brother?” did God not know where Able was? No, He knew, He was simply giving Cain a chance to admit His wrong and turn to Him. The people of Israel lived in a permanent state of “recalculation” it seemed – sometimes on the right track, sometimes way off.

He is not slack concerning His precious promises toward us. Promises such as: He will guide and direct us; provide for all of our needs; give grace for each situation we face; be our all and all; so on and so forth. In His longsuffering, He will try again and again to show us His ways and lead us toward Himself! May we respond quickly to His voice and even quicker to the gracious and patient “recalculations” He offers us!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Feeling a little lost lately? Has God been sending any “recalculate” messages to your soul’s GPS? What are some ways that you can more quickly respond to His still small voice?
2. Make a list of God’s promises from Scripture and post them where you can be reminded frequently – Maybe alongside your car’s GPS!

FURTHER READING:
II Chronicles 6:26b; II Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 86:15

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

The Story’s Not Over

By Lexi Ellis

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord...”

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (ESV)

Both were soooo close! I had purchased a loveseat at a garage sale and it was just inches too big. The afternoon was spent desperately trying multiple ways to get it into our apartment…the awesome price now just a waste of money. Then, a job opportunity unexpectedly became a “no.” Devastated, I was outside moving the loveseat to the patio, right as my husband left for a run without his phone and locked me out. I called my dad, asking him to bring the spare key over. While waiting, I sat on the couch that I couldn’t have, crying over the opportunity I thought I couldn’t have either. Being the perfect dad of girls, when my dad found me, he said, “Wow, rough day, huh?” and sat down, scooping his arms around me as I curled up next to him. Tears continued to fall as I tried to explain why everything was falling apart.

My dad listened as I lamented at the irony and symbolism of my couch and career opportunities being soooo close to what I wanted…and all I ended up with was being locked outside my apartment. Instead of telling me I was being dramatic, my dad looked at me and said, “Lex…the story is not over.”

We need that sometimes. The story is not over. Looking back, the loveseat ended up being donated and, sweetly, the Lord showed me the family that would be blessed by it; the $30 I spent on it wasn’t a waste at all. And despite a couple more roller coasters, the employment opportunity ended up in a way in which God worked exactly according to His perfect timing, even when it didn’t make sense.  

The story is not over. I grew up memorizing that God has plans for us, but the spiritual principles of verses 13 and 14 of Jeremiah 29 have been meaningful for me. The story is not over because when we seek the Lord, He not only finds us, but restores us. The story is not over because He not only gathers us, but brings us to a better place.

In the midst of our challenges, sometimes we need the reminder as we’re crying on a couch that our God is big, His timing is perfect…and the story isn’t over.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Identify the circumstances that need the reminder that the story is not over.

2. Consider writing “the story is not over” somewhere prominent as a reminder.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 147: 1-6; Jeremiah 29:11-14

Lexi is married to Andrew and has a puppy named Calvin. She serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School, and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

At Just the Right Time

By Vernette Kureck

“But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

Galatians4:4 (NIV)

What does that mean…the time had fully come? Another way of saying it is “when the fullness of time had come.” Okay, that really clarifies it! How about: “at just the right time,” God sent His Son. According to the dictionary, the fullness of time means completion of the time during which something has been accomplished or completed. With the birth of Jesus, all the prophesies of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah’s birth were fulfilled. So something was definitely being completed at the right time.

But was it the right time for Mary to be pregnant? For Joseph? The law would say “no,” because she was a virgin and betrothed to Joseph. Joseph could have had her stoned to death. Instead, Mary answers the angel Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant...may it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). And after Joseph considers quietly divorcing her, an angel  appears in a dream telling him not to be afraid, that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and he is to name him Jesus because he will save people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21). From a human perspective, this was a very difficult situation…a situation that would require both of them to be strong in their faith.

Every Christmas season, I rejoice in the birth of our Redeemer-Lord and ponder all that God has accomplished in His sovereignty. At times in my life, I do question, “What is He doing now? This isn’t the right time for this to be happening!”

That is when I think again of Mary and Joseph’s faith. And I return the words of Joseph’s ancestor King Solomon, who said, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Mary and Joseph didn’t have the full Bible, nor the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide them as we do. So in faith, I must believe that I am here at just the right time  and, in just the right time,  God is accomplishing His work; He will complete it. May I answer His call with “I am the Lord’s servant.” 

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what way and in what time is the Lord calling you to serve? 

2. How are you answering? 

FURTHER READING:

Ecclesiastes 3; Philippians 1:6

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married over 40 years and have two sons. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren. She serves on Oakwood's prayer chain.

Prowling Enemies
By Jen Wollner

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
1 Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)

My children use to watch a kids’ science show on PBS called “Fetch.” Recently, the show featured a segment about wolves that live in Yellowstone National Park. Along with many other facts, we learned that when wolves hunt for food, they rarely attack a healthy animal, but rather prowl around looking for a sick or old animal that is weak. By patiently observing a pack of elk, for instance, the wolves find one that will be an easy catch. And, what a feast they had!

Later that night, my husband and I were watching a “20/20” special report about money scammers who intentionally targeted vulnerable people, including the elderly. I immediately thought about the wolves we had learned about earlier in the day. Clearly, the scammers believed that certain people, in certain life circumstances, were more susceptible to falling into their trap. And they were right. They had stolen millions of dollars over several years.

This parallel between the animal world and the world of humans also carries into the spiritual realm. We learn from our verse for today that we have a spiritual enemy, Satan, who prowls around looking for someone to devour. He’s watching us. He knows our weaknesses. And, he’s patiently waiting for a vulnerable moment to attack…just like the wolves and the money scammers.

But, the verse doesn’t end there. Peter tells us to resist and stand firm in our faith. We are to be self-controlled and alert to the enemy’s schemes. He isn’t creative; he will tempt us and discourage us in mostly the same ways. He knows when we are most vulnerable and will take advantage of the situation. But Scripture is clear that we can protect ourselves with a healthy, powerful faith and an awareness of his tactics.

Let’s not turn a blind eye to Satan and the destruction he wants to perpetuate in our lives. Let’s be vigilant in strengthening our faith so that we aren’t helpless during his assaults and can resist and stand firm when they come.

Be on guard...the enemy is on the prowl!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you most at risk of succumbing to the damaging work of the enemy?
2. Make a plan for how you will strengthen your faith and resist his next attack (see Jesus’ example in Matthew 4 for ideas).

FURTHER READING:
Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

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 New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

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 husband and two children, 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.