Free

By Lexi Ellis

“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.”
Romans 8:1-2 (The Message paraphrase)

Four years later, I can still distinctively remember it…feeling hopeless and just staring at my laptop’s blank screen. Writing a paper wasn’t usually difficult. For a class, I had to analyze a societal message and its effects in my life. Originally, I had a researched, beautiful outline in which I wrote of my struggles with having a healthy relationship with food. It was a comfortable vulnerability, un-messy. And yet, my professor wanted me to re-do it. After lots of tears, I was convicted I needed to address issues beyond my simplified outline. I had to ask questions with unknown answers…or ones I might not like.

So after processing and praying, I approached the blank screen and wrote how my food issues were a coping mechanism for a simple reality: I struggle with self-hatred. It takes work to overcome a flood of critical, self-deprecating thoughts. But even after I learned the tools to help manage this, I felt guilty. For some reason, the guilt from struggling with self-hatred was worse than acknowledging the “food stuff.” Here I was with this struggle that seemed so stupid. It was terrifying to realize that acknowledging it through writing would force me to address it.

Part of the enormous beauty of the Cross is that Christ conquered guilt and shame. Paul writes that in Christ “there is no more condemnation.” A synonym is criticism. There is now no more criticism. What Christ has done for us (and our acceptance of His gift along with an ongoing relationship with Him) means we are free.

How powerful that He freed us from the bondage of hell and the bondage of guilt!  In John Bunyan’s classic Pilgrim’s Progress, the character Christian has been carrying a heavy, horrific burden. When he encounters freedom in Christ, this immense baggage drops, “loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble; and so continued to do…and I saw it no more.” [1]

While life doesn’t always get easier, we are free from shame. When life is hectic, it’s important to be aware the Cross also released us from guilt. I’m thankful that a blank screen caused me to recognize - - while it was hard to process how gripping that guilt was on my life - - I serve a bigger God who has freed me. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What guilt/shame do you struggle with?

2. Take it to the Lord - - He has conquered guilt.

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:1-4 (The Message paraphrase)

[1] Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress, chapter 3 (http://www.learnthebible.org/c_p_pilgrims_progress_chapter_3.htm)

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

Race Encouragers

By Karen D’Amore

“…I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”

Romans 1:12 (NIV)

Watching my co-worker train for her first half marathon has drawn me to reminisce about my  race days, many years ago. I recall the energy and enthusiasm of the spectator-lined streets, with race supporters clapping, cheering and chanting: “You can do it!” “You’re almost there - - KEEP GOING!” Initially, I planned on being my co-worker’s race day “spectating-cheerleader,” until she encouraged me to train and run the race with her.

To aid in my training, I purchased and activated a Fitbit. Worn on the wrist, this high-performance wireless device tracks steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, very active minutes and quality of sleep. With my pre-set fitness goals programmed into the application, my Fitbit buzzes when I’m close to reaching my goals and displays vivid fanfare when I’ve reached my goals. My Fitbit has been my perpetual cheerleader and encourager throughout my training. With every “buzz” of encouragement…I’m compelled to “KEEP GOING!”

In my early race years while living in Southern California, training/running conditions were optimal year round. Now in the Midwest, winter weather hinders my training/running capabilities. Though environmental obstacles threaten to discourage my training, my Fitbit’s goal-achieving alerts inspire and encourage me to persevere and stay on course with my training, even amidst ice and snow. Being impacted by the encouraging power of this little bracelet-like device, I pondered the possibility of such a device for spiritual training.

Scripture likens our faith-walk to “running a race.” That racecourse is inundated with obstacles and hindrances which impact our endurance and perseverance. While we wrestle with the internal hindrances of sin, we also encounter external hurdles like sickness, death, betrayal, injustices and hardships. And while, as believers, we’re responsible for running our own personal race, we’re not called to run alone.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25a, NIV).

To be successful in our race as believers, we need to be one another’s “cheerleaders.” We need to applaud each other when we’re doing well, and pray for one another when we stumble and fall. And when obstacles become sources of discouragement, tempting our teammates to quit the race, we need to be their “race encouragers!” We need to function like Fitbits - - “buzzing” with encouragement, urging our fellow believers to “KEEP GOING” and finish the race!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How can you function like a “Fitbit” and become a race encourager?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 15:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13

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.

Don’t Forget the First-Aid Kit!

By Elin Henderson

“But a certain Samaritan….came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him…and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine…”

Luke 10:33-34 (NKJV)

This story is a familiar one. Three men passed by the wounded man in this parable told by Jesus, but only one was ready and willing to help. The other two had neither the supplies nor the heart to reach out to a fellow human being in need. The third man, however, was not only moved with compassion but was also ready and able to serve. He had bandages and medicine on hand and that, coupled with his willing and generous heart, brought healing and hope for this stranger.

How about us? Sometimes it isn’t enough to just have compassion for another suffering soul, we have to have our first aid kits metaphorically ready to be of use. Do we travel prepared and looking for the wounded and hurting? Our first aid kits may not have literal bandages and medicine in them, but we can stock them with ample amounts of God’s promises and His Word. That, coupled with a liberal dose of prayer and the power of His Spirit, can bring healing to the physically, emotionally or even spiritually battered and torn that lie strewn across our paths.

So, the next time you are getting ready for a trip down the road from your Jerusalem to Jericho, be sure and pack your first aid kit! You never know whom God might place in your path. Keep your physical and spiritual eyes open, your compassion in ample supply, and your first aid kit ready!

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. What kind of things would you pack in your spiritual “first aid kit”? Are there ways we can be preparing ourselves to be more aware of the hurting around us and more efficient in the use of our first aid?

2. Have you ever been on the receiving end of a “first aid kit”? What help did you receive and how can that propel you as you pack your own kit?

FURTHER READING:

1 Peter 3:8; Deuteronomy 15:11; James 2:15-17

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

A Tragic Tumble
By Elizabeth Cole

“So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin.”
Romans 14:13 (GNT)

Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.

I’ve always felt so sad for Jack and his friend Jill. On what seems to be an appropriate and well-intentioned mission, Jack falls. After considerable thought and pondering, I’ve come up with a number of questions about this tragedy:

1.Did you carelessly wander off the path, Jack? No map? Is that what caused you to fall down?

2. New shoes? I’ve noticed in the church nursery that new shoes are a guarantee for at least two falls per hour.

3. A little too chatty to pay attention to that turn in the road?

4. Or maybe someone had strung a line across the trail to trick you?

While Jack’s fall is certainly concerning, especially the part about his broken crown, it’s Jill who gets my particular sympathy. Apparently, she was just innocently trekking along—doing her best—when all of a sudden Jack’s fall tripped her up short and sent her tumbling too.

Yes, it’s Jill who has my heart. The Jill who’s struggling with an addiction and is invited out for “just one” with the girls. The Jill who’s trying to figure out what godly “wife-ing” and parenting looks like, but encounters consistent criticism, husband-bashing and harshness. The Jill who’s new to following Christ and experiences rejection by a fellow believer for being a little too authentic. The Jill who’s getting ready to give up trying to make a friend at church. The Jill who thought that love, surrender and obedience to Christ really matter.

Being in Christ means being in Christ together. What we think and what we do matter, not only in our own walk with Christ, but in those lives whom God has placed beside us on this part of the path. May we choose this day to be women who grab a hand and help another woman along the way. May this be a day of deciding to lay aside what could cause a sister in Christ to stumble and, instead, to intentionally “walk in the Spirit.” May we live in such a way that others see what we do and give praise to our Father in heaven.

Walk well today, Jack.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Whom has God placed in your life right now to influence her spiritual walk? How are you doing with that divine privilege?
2. Take a moment to thank the Lord Jesus for those He’s placed beside you to influence you for His good in your life.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 5:22-26; Matthew 5:16; 2 John 6

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

The List
By Lisa Boyer

“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NIV)

When I’m stressed, I make a list. The list helps relieve my stress by taking an overwhelming project and breaking it down into several do-able items. I then work my way through the list crossing things off as I get them done. The idea is that when everything is crossed off the list, the overwhelming project will be done.

A couple years ago, I named a list “To get ready for Tuesday.” Tuesday has now came and went, and I was happy that the event I was getting ready for was a success! Or at least I thought it was until I found my “To get ready for Tuesday” list and discovered that I hadn’t done everything on the list!!! One third of the items on the list weren’t crossed off! Was it possible for the event to have been a success if the getting ready for it list was never finished?

Using the marvels of hindsight, I reviewed the list again… oh yeah, that probably didn’t need to be on the list, um, neither did that, whoa, that either, wow, what was I thinking when I put that on there? No wonder I had been so stressed! I had taken a simple event and created a monster! Not only was the event a success with one-third of the list unfinished, it would have been a success even if I had left one-half of the items on the list unfinished! Better yet, I should have left those things off the list completely.

I’ve always (secretly) prided myself on being like a woman named Martha in the New Testament, a person who gets things done. But there’s a downside to being like Martha… “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (Luke 10:40, NIV). I had certainly become distracted, and sadly, not all the preparations had been necessary.

How often do I add to my list (and my life) things that aren’t essential? I still want to be a “Martha,” but I don’t want to be worried “about many things” (Luke 10:41) and miss out on important moments.

The next time I am stressed and make a list, I’m thinking it’ll be a whole lot shorter!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have non-essential things distracted you from what is important?

2. What steps will you take to correct that today?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 10:38-42

Lisa has been married to Ted for over 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog and serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood. 

F.T.O

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

Psalm 33:20-22 (ESV)

Our fourteen-month old puppy, Calvin, can be a little stubborn. After a long time of exercising, we’ll get home, I’ll feed him and he’ll clearly be tired. However, he’ll stubbornly want to stay awake “until Daddy gets home” and paces around the room tiredly. I’ll pick him up and hold him; he’ll resist a little as I force cuddle time. I’ll give him a chew toy and he’ll chew and blink, as he drifts asleep in my arms. We’ve started calling these “breaks” F.T.O. for “forced time-out.” Often, it’s been exactly what he needed. Though it’s a little bit harder now that Calvin is fifty pounds, I’ll still occasionally pick him up and hold him when it’s necessary. He’ll think about jumping away for a minute and then cuddle up, resting his head in my neck, eyes blinking until he falls asleep.

Sometimes, God puts us in a forced time-out because it’s what we need. Not as a punishment, not to be mean, but as to reveal to us a new way, because He knows best. F.T.O. might be an answer to prayer that says “wait” or “no.” F.T.O. might be a plan or timing we never could have dreamed up.

I think of a friend who recently received a “no” from God to plans she had made. Through the tears and “why’s,” she choose to trust that His forced time-out was exactly part of His plan and blessing for her life. What a privilege it has been to look back and see specific ways God was holding her during that time and how His F.T.O. was exactly what she needed. Only our God truly knows what’s for our best…often more so than we do. In the midst of our angst and pacing around, God sometimes picks us up and holds us, showing us His way is best.

When Calvin sometimes needs the forced time-out, I’m thankful for the reminder that we serve a God who has perfect plans for us…and lovingly holds us.

GOING DEEPER:

1. When has God used F.T.O. in your life? Is there a situation you can look back on and say “Yup, God’s way was better” or are there circumstances right now where God is calling you to trust His plan?

2. What truths do you know about the Lord that you can rely on today as you walk through change or unknown?  (Want some ideas? Click on the further reading verses.)

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 18:30; Isaiah 40:21-31; Exodus 34:6-7

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

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 over 45 years and have 2 sons. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren.

Vessels of Mercy

By Susan Klein

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?  And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us…”

Romans 9:22-24a (NASB)

I’ve been camping out in the book of Romans lately. Our pastor is preaching from it and our small group is delving into it. As often happens when immersed in God’s Word, a passage that I’ve previously read a number of times suddenly comes to life. In chapter nine, Paul is expressing his despair over Israel’s rejection of the Messiah. Being a Jew himself, he goes so far as to say that his great anguish has made him wish/pray that he, himself, could be cut off from Christ if it would lead to the belief of his Jewish brothers. Wow! I desire to see the lost come to know Christ, but would I be willing to give up my salvation in order for it to happen? My life, maybe. But, my salvation?

Fortunately, God does not call us to do something so extreme. Paul knows this to be true. He himself advocates God’s grace as being irrevocable. But Paul makes another good point in the above text. While we can’t trade places with someone who is perishing, we are to be “vessels of mercy.” Have you ever thought of yourself in this way? If you’ve accepted God’s  gift of grace and mercy, you are a vessel of His  mercy! Let me gently paraphrase the above text:

God is just, and is rightfully capable of exercising His powerful wrath on those who deserve it. But, He is also long-suffering (desiring that no one perish) toward those who reject Him, exercising great restraint so that His glory may be shown through us, His chosen ones, prepared in advance to share His mercy with others.

You may think of yourself as a “cracked pot,” a “broken pitcher,” or even just a “lump of clay,” but The Potter desires to use you just as you are to be His “vessel of mercy” to those around you. You don’t have to get your cracks filled, your pieces glued back together, or be molded into a beautifully crafted urn before He can use you. Whether you’re battered and broken, or a mere piece of greenware, you’re filled with the riches of His grace and mercy. Are you a willing vessel, ready to be poured out on someone?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you giving more thought to the condition of your vessel or what’s inside?

2. What are you pouring out?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 4: 7-10; Jude 21-23

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and co-leads a small group at Wednesday Night Community.

Tangled Trees

By Elin Henderson

“…the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Son of David, the Son of Abraham…”

Matthew1:1 (NKJV)

Let’s face it, most of our family trees are interesting sights to behold. There are some straight and lovely branches, and then there are the gnarled branches, and the ones you wish you could snap off and hide. Usually, our trees are a tangled mess of the good and the bad.

Jesus was no different than we when it comes to tangled family trees. On his mother’s side, there were more than a few gnarled branches. The first chapter of Matthew does a great job of listing out the key characters in Jesus’ family tree.

Among the many names there are a few that stand out. He had many upright and godly men in His tree: names like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon. Then there are the lesser known Uzziah and Jotham, both who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (II Kings 15:34).  BUT, there are a few shady characters as well. Do you remember Rahab? She was the prostitute (not the best career choice) who hid the Israelites who came to scout out Jericho. Next someone named Abijam. I Kings 15:3 says, “…he walked in all the sins of his fathers…his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God…” Then Ahaz, who was so bad, he made Abijam look good (II Kings 16:3)!! On and on it goes through the list - - some good, some bad.

Jesus truly had a controversial family tree. It was part of His identity, but He didn’t live in relation to that. He was a Branch that stood out among all the others. Jeremiah 23:5 calls Him the “Branch of Righteousness.” Why? He lined Himself up with a different point of reference: His Heavenly Father.

I find hope in Jesus’ tangled tree. It reminds me that my past does not dictate my future. Yes, there are some great things in my family tree, but you know, there are some pretty ugly things, as well. My hope and prayer is that as I look to Him, He will continue to make all things new in my life, including my branch of the family tree.

GOING DEEPER:                                             

1. As the holiday season has wrapped up, having brought relatives from far and wide to remind us of our tangled trees (!), what can we learn from the good and even the bad that make up our family trees?

2. How can we stand out as branches of righteousness in the midst of it all this new month…and throughout the year? 

                                                           

FURTHER READING:

Zechariah 3:8, 6:12; II Corinthians 5:17

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 Callie and Elias. 

Clear the Court!

By Peggy Kleckner

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus....”

Romans 8:1 (NIV)

A couple years ago, I awoke with a crowded mind. Oh, the thoughts that were confronting me, thoughts of all my shortcomings! I said the wrong thing in this conversation. I did too much in that situation, and not enough in the other one. I didn’t finish this task or start that one. What a clatter of chatter!

I headed to my personal time with the Lord pretty beaten down for first thing in the morning. I quietly took my place and began to bring my thoughts to Him.

As I did so, I envisioned a courtroom. Lots of voices and confusion surrounded me as I reluctantly took my seat in the place of the accused. The one true Judge entered and, at the sound of His gavel, order was established from the chaos. It was His authority that had the right to rule over my mind, so the chaos became quiet.

He knew that was not enough, so He called for each witness and let each one speak. One by one, my thoughts were marched forward and their accusations were heard. My head hung low, but my lips remained quiet before these accusers.

After all of the accusations, I realized there was One who approached the bench on my behalf. I had forgotten that I have an Advocate! Jesus spoke on my behalf. He presented the documentation that I am His, and that His work on the Cross has paid for all of these accusations. A smile came across the face of the Judge, answered by the smile of Christ. The court was cleared and once again, I was refreshed by the gift of the full payment of the Cross. There I stood in the joy of God’s amazing grace. 

How often have I run from my thoughts, rather than ask for a court hearing? How often have I tried to bring order to the chaos of my mind? How foolish, when all along God stands ready to judge my thoughts for me. These hearings help to remind me that without the Cross, I have no freedom. Without Christ, I do stand condemned before a Holy God. 

But in Christ, there is now no condemnation for (place your name here)!

The courtroom cleared and God gathered me in His arms.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What accusations are you trying to stuff behind a barricade, rather than bring out into His light?

2.  Are you willing to sit quietly before the only One who has the right to judge you?

FURTHER READING:

John 8:31-36; Romans 3:21-26; Job 16:19-21

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. 

Is That With a “K”?

By Lisa Boyer

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - - it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

She had given me her last name, but I was sure I had heard wrong and gave her a chance to correct me, “Is that with a K?” I asked. “No,” she replied, “Sinner - - like in the Bible.”

Wow! I’d never met anyone with Sinner as their last name. I wondered... was her last name proudly displayed in her home in the same way as yours and mine are? Did her parents send out a Christmas letter and sign it The Sinners?  What was it like growing up as a Sinner? 

Truthfully, I know what it was like growing up as a sinner. I didn’t say it out loud as part of my official name, but sinner was definitely my title. While I regularly earned that title, I had a very difficult time owning up to it and claiming it. I had no problem professing my faith and stating that I was a Christian, but under no circumstances did I want anyone to know that I was a sinner, EVER.

Those days are over for me, and I now own up to my title. I am certainly not proud of it, but if I deny that I am a sinner, am I not in essence denying my need for a Savior? How can I truly share what God has done in my life without starting at the beginning, that I was a sinner?

I am so grateful that God doesn’t wait until we sinners clean up our lives before He’ll love us! Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NIV).

I recently saw a paraphrase of that verse which said “I loved you at your darkest.” At my darkest - - while I was actively in sin - - He loved me. Even now, in dark moments - - when I’m caught in sin - - He still loves me, forgives me and restores me to a right relationship with Him. 

My name is Lisa Boyer and I am a sinner, but because of God’s love for us, I have a Savior, Jesus Christ. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you acknowledged that you are a sinner and found a Savior in Jesus, the One who died for you? (For more information, go to Following Jesus at Oakwoodnow.org.)

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 5:1

Lisa has been married to Ted for over 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog and serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood. 

Live Like the Lid is Off

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

John 10:10 (The Message, paraphrase)

A number of years ago, Sony made a commercial for a game system that depicted fleas in a jar. The fleas were shown to be jumping all around in the jar, some even soaring out of the top. A lid is put on the jar for three days, then removed. The fleas no longer have the limitations of the lid. But guess what? The fleas no longer jump higher than the height of the lid. They have been trained, and don’t bother to attempt to go beyond, although no restrictions remain. And their offspring? They stay at the lowered height, never venturing above the top of the jar. (1)

Sometimes, we humans are no smarter than the fleas. We put restrictions on ourselves and our lives, never venturing beyond the familiar. Or perhaps we did try something new, only to bang our heads and simply gave up. Maybe we were even told by others there was a limit, so instead of pushing at a boundary, we took their word for granted and never attempted to venture out.

But what if we were smarter? What if we lived like the lid was off of our lives, similar to:

• Peter and Andrew, the disciples who left their family fishing business to train with Jesus
• Ruth, who left her homeland to support her mother-in-law
• Esther, who was bold enough to approach a king, risking death
• The boy with a lunch, who handed it over to be the source of feeding thousands
• Paul and Barnabas…leaving Jerusalem and taking the message of the Messiah to the world

I don’t know what the label says on your lid…what might be containing you. There are lots of lids. Some are labeled “condemnation”...”victim”… “stupid”… “fat”…“ugly.” Mine is labeled “fear.” Fear of ridicule, or losing someone I love, or losing personal safety. But like the paraphrase of John 10:10 above says, Jesus Christ came to give us life.  It is a precious and important gift. Don’t let your lid keep you from exploring life.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Does your life have a lid? What label is written on it? 
2. Think of how you can help someone struggling to remove their own "lid."

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 10:39; Luke 9:24

(1) To see the commercial, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlpjA-QgmQM

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

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)

Recently, 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

[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!

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

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

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.