Psalm 118

(NIV)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

2 Let Israel say:
    “His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
    “His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say:
    “His love endures forever.”

5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
    he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
    I look in triumph on my enemies.

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
    but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
    in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
    but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and my defense[a];
    he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory
    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
16     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord
    through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
    you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
23 the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The Lord has done it this very day;
    let us rejoice today and be glad.

25 Lord, save us!
    Lord, grant us success!

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you.[b]
27 The Lord is God,
    and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
    up[c] to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will praise you;
    you are my God, and I will exalt you.

29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

Giving Thanks

By Susan Klein

 

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

Hebrews 12:28b (NIV)

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

S- Sing praises to God, (Psalm 47:6a)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 9:16; James 1:17; Psalm 100: 4-5

 

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood.

 

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

A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart

By Brita Crouse

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

1 Timothy 4:4 (NLT)

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

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:

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

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

FURTHER READING:

Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 1:3

Brita is currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

Understanding Grace

By Tracy Smith

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

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping Burnout At Bay
By Susan Klein

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

Having been “on the run” since fleeing King Saul, David eventually settles in Gath, and becomes a mighty warrior and the favored servant of King Achish. Preparing his men for a large battle, King Achish tells David he cannot fight and must return to his home. Disappointed and bewildered at the king’s request, since he knows how much trust the king has placed in him, David and his men return to find their town raided and burned by the Amalekites, and their women and children taken captive. David and his men weep aloud until they have no strength left to weep. As if that is not devastating enough, his own men become so embittered that they want to place blame on David and even speak of stoning him!

At this point, no one could possibly blame David for giving up! He has served his king, fought relentlessly, and faithfully led his army. And for what? The thanks for his hard work is to be told to “go home.” Adding insult to injury, he finds his town destroyed and his family, along with everyone else’s, carried off by the enemy. And then, while weeping in great distress, his trusted friends choose to place blame on him. Talk about burnout! I’d probably throw in the towel and head for the hills! “No thank-you! I don’t need this job anymore! You can’t pay me enough to stay at this.” Sound a tiny bit familiar?

But this is not what David does. He is not about to succumb to burnout! Verse 6 says he encouraged himself in, or found strength in, the Lord. The word “encouraged” here can be interpreted to be fortified, repaired, to prevail, recover, strengthen and withstand. David takes a “time out,” and fortifies himself with what we could infer is some intense alone time with his God. He finds renewed strength and endurance in the only One who can give it to him. He doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him when the chips are down. He goes for some refueling!

After his much-needed time with God, he finds himself not only refreshed, but with renewed purpose, ready to go after the raiders of his town. And he is rewarded by carrying with him God’s blessing and promise to recover all that was taken from him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you tend to respond to the pressures of your job or of life?

2. Just as David and Jesus himself did, don’t forget to spend some alone time with God being refreshed and refueled.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 28:6-8 

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.

Stripping Season

By Karen D’Amore

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

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

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

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

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

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

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

“Autumn is a symphony of permanence and change.”

--Bonaro Overstreet (2)

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

GOING DEEPER:

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

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthian 5:17

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

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

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

Don’t Look at the Water!

By Jen Wollner

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, 

cried out, “Lord, save me!””

Matthew 14:30 (NIV)

Two of my children used to hate having their hair washed during a bath. They just don’t like the water running into their eyes. I keep saying, “Look at me and keep your head up,” but both of them will inevitably move and all the water goes right into their faces. They are so focused on the water that they can’t focus on me. Occasionally, they will follow my instructions and when their faces end up dry, they are glad they trusted me. But, even with this proof of success, fear and doubt oftentimes still rise up in them the very next bath time.

We read of a scenario like this between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 14. Jesus sends the disciples out on the Sea of Galilee while He goes up on a mountainside to pray alone. During the night, He goes out to meet them…by walking on the water! When Peter sees Jesus, he says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus obliges and says, “Come.” So, Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk on the water toward Jesus. Suddenly, though, he is aware of the strong wind and waves around him and he becomes afraid. As soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. Interestingly enough, just hours before, the disciples had witnessed Jesus miraculously taking two fish and five loaves of bread and turning them into enough food for about 5,000 people…with twelve baskets to spare! In spite of just having witnessed the Lord’s power and provision, Peter’s doubt and fear still crept in when he focused on his situation instead of on Christ.

There are many fears we are facing today, aren’t there? Maybe it’s relationship woes, financial crisis or health problems. Whatever it is, it will eventually sink us unless we stay fixed on Jesus. When we look only at our circumstances and the storms going on around us, we become filled with worry. But, when we look past the wind and waves of life and stay close to Him, we are filled with peace and joy. Our faith won’t be perfect and there will be times when we slip back into doubt and worry, but with the Lord’s help, we can refocus on Him.

As Peter was sinking in the waves, he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and caught him. Each time our fears begin to sink us, let’s call out to our Savior for help. He won’t let us drown!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you most afraid of today? What can you do to turn away from your fear and focus more on Jesus, your ever-ready Rescuer?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:34

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.

Lessons from Kickball

By Lexi Ellis

 

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way 

you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use,

 it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Matthew 7:1-3 (NIV)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GOING DEEPER:

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

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

 

FURTHER READING:

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

 

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable puppy named Calvin. She teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School. Lexi serves with Children's Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death

By Elin Henderson

“He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name sake. Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

Psalms 23:3b-4a (NKJV)

What are we to do when the Shepherd’s path of righteousness leads us straight into the valley of the shadow of death? Aren’t those paths supposed to just go through the green pastures and by the still waters? Isn’t restoration, feeding, and ongoing care all part of His pastoral program for us? Then, what in the world are we doing in the valley of the shadow of death?

Oftentimes, the paths of life do not follow the plans we have in our heads. If we come upon suffering, we automatically think it must be because we strayed off the “straight and narrow” and now find ourselves on the wrong trail. We then conclude that God had to come down and put us through a few dark valleys to remind us to stay on the right path. While that could be true, I can’t help but see these two verses in Psalms 23 side-by-side and ask myself, could suffering and deep need be just what He wants for me right now? I didn’t necessarily stray off the righteous path but rather the righteous path took me straight into the valley of the shadow of death.

Many faithful servants over the years of history faced serious suffering. Not always was it a punishment, but many times it was a test of faith and a soul-strengthener. It is in these valleys full of shadows, fear, death, evil, enemies, and the unknown, that our Good Shepherd reminds us time and time again of His presence, never to leave or forsake us. From entry to exit, there is a change that takes place within us as He demonstrates His watchful care over us.

So, the next time you find yourself heading into a valley, remember that the Shepherd has led you there and He won’t abandon you. Allow Him to guide and direct you through the shadows and the death, and may you emerge on the other side, more in love with your Good Shepherd and with a deeper faith in His guidance, direction and care.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What encouragement do you find is Jesus’ purpose and example in suffering for us?
2. How can your valley experience be a help to someone else?

FURTHER READING:
I Peter 2:21, 3:18, 4:19; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:29

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.

One Day to Live

By Karen D’Amore

“Teach us to number our days…”

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

I was packing for vacation when I learned of my friend’s hospice placement. It’d been eighteen months since her diagnosis with stage-four pancreatic cancer; a diagnosis carrying a death sentence that doctors believed would come quickly. After being advised to get her affairs in order, Pam embraced the uncertainty of her tomorrows.  Living daily with the mindset that she had…one day to live…she used every doctor’s appointment and chemo session as a platform to point others to Jesus. With Jesus perpetually radiating from her cancer-ravaged body, she allowed Him to use her cancer for His glory.

I felt conflicted about leaving on vacation knowing Pam’s hospice status and the uncertainty of her numbered days. Thinking this over while waiting in line to board my plane, I had an epiphany. We all stood in numerical order according to the pre-assigned numbers on our boarding passes. I couldn’t board the plane and choose a seat until my number was called. As I pondered this boarding system, I saw parallels in the numbered days of our life. We’re each holding a boarding pass…to our final destination… but with an unknown number. Unlike the sequential order of our numbered boarding passes for the plane, only God knows the number we hold.  God has predestined the number of our days!

As my number was finally called, and I boarded the plane, God stirred in my heart a strong conviction regarding “time” and the brevity of life.  As I thought about Pam, I was keenly aware that God would be calling her number very soon. And as I reflected on the past eighteen months of her life, I was impacted by how she lived each one of those days as if it were her last. Living with a hypersensitivity to the briefness of her time…she allowed God to redeem her limited “time”…for His express purpose.

Regarding the uncertainty of time, I spent my vacation deeply introspective. My souvenir watch serves as a constant reminder that our days are numbered. This fact of life was reinforced when Pam’s numbered days came to an end - - just days after my return home. Reflecting on the many years that she and I were friends, I will best remember and revere how she redeemed her final eighteen months. How she profoundly impacted my perception of our “numbered days” and revealed the value of using our time wisely. I’m inspired to live with her mindset of having only… “One day to live!”

As the minutes on the clock sound…Tick…Tock…Tick…Tock…remember to make each day count for the Kingdom…as tomorrow is never guaranteed!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you gain an eternal perspective regarding your time?

FURTHER READING:

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Psalm 39:4; Job 14:5-7

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.

Wind

By Susan Klein

“Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hand?”

Proverbs 30:4 (NIV)

Fall has arrived in Wisconsin and with it… so have the winds. I was sitting at the table this morning, having my coffee, as I watched the leaves shower my backyard with each new gust of wind. Before I made my way out on this blustery day, I decided to ponder this mystery called “wind.”

Wind is truly amazing if you think about it. Wind cannot be seen, yet you know it is there by its effect on other things. A gentle breeze makes small ripples on a lake, blows wisps of hair around your face or brings relief on a hot day. Stronger winds are necessary to scatter seeds and remove old leaves from trees in preparation for winter. Gale force winds can leave a path of destruction in their wake, including the loss of lives. You also can’t hear the wind, but you hear its effect as it brushes against or between objects.

In Scripture, wind is known as ruah  in Old Testament Hebrew and, on occasion, pneuma  in New Testament Greek; both are also translated to mean “breath” or “spirit.” Many concur it is “the breath or Spirit of God.” Ruah first shows up in Genesis chapter one as “spirit,” where we read that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It appears in chapter two as “breath,” when God “breathed into his (man’s) nostrils the breath of life…”

All throughout Scripture, we read of God’s breath or Spirit coming upon people: sweeping over lands, parting waters, closing seas, bringing life and bringing death. It is important to note that in all cases, only God can control this powerful force. “He let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by His powers” (Psalm 78:26). “Even the wind and the waves obey Him” (Mark 4:41). “He makes winds His messengers” (Psalm 104:4).

As I watch the leaves swirl about, it gives me great peace to know that my heavenly Father sovereignly controls this mighty force. And like the wind, even though I cannot see my God, I know He is there, in Spirit, by the effect He has on me and on everything around me. And though I cannot hear Him, I know He speaks to me through the effects of His Word on my heart.

“It’s your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:

1. How are you aware of God’s breath in your daily life?

2. Watch and listen for Him today.

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 15:8,10; Psalm 135:6-7; Acts 2:1-4

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

(1) “Great Are You Lord,” All Sons And Daughters, Integrity Music, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU

Toward Danger

By Tracy Smith

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

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOING DEEPER:

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

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

FURTHER READING:

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

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

[1] http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/17/marine-amputee-rescues-baby-from-smoking-car.html

Wanted: Stretcher Bearers
By Carolyn Hulliberger

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

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

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

·         They recognized the man could not help himself.

·         They interrupted their own activities and got involved.

·         They physically carried the paralyzed man.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9-10

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

Altered Box

By Lisa Boyer

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

Every couple of years at work, we set aside a few days to clean the office. A couple years ago, we were under new management and that management had a much different idea of what clean was. To her, clean was uncluttered - - everything not in use and no longer useful was being discarded. This was serious. A dumpster was literally rolled into our office which we filled several times.

During this process, my coworkers found a few metal card file boxes and I was anxious to know their fate. It didn’t take much to get permission to take them home; after all, they were antiquated office supplies that were no longer useful. But I was excited about having them. I’m sure my coworkers thought I was a bit crazy, but I just couldn’t help it. When I looked at those metal boxes, I didn’t see what they saw; I saw what they would become. The latest crafting buzzword is “altered” and that was my plan for these boxes. If I was successful, those plain metal boxes were going to become works of art.

I altered the outside of the first box with alcohol inks, scrapbook paper and ribbon. I was so happy with how it turned out…until I opened the box. I was so focused on making the outside of the box beautiful, I neglected the inside completely. I had been more concerned with impressing the recipient of the box with its appearance than with the precious possessions the box would someday hold.

It reminded me of how God alters our lives…He begins with the inside…our hearts…He even moves into our hearts in the form of the Holy Spirit. Being altered by God takes a lifetime because we are being altered into His image, from the inside out. Over time He is seen on the outside through our actions, smiles, and attitudes. We are His work of art!

By the way, I brought two of the altered boxes to work to show my coworkers…suddenly, everyone wanted one of those old metal boxes!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been more concerned about your outward appearance than the condition of your heart? Today, will you pray and ask God to alter you into His image from the inside out?
2. As you interact with other believers, will you extend them grace, remembering that they too are in the midst of the altering process?

FURTHER READING:
1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2

Lisa has been married to Ted for 23 years and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood.