Freedom: Sacrifice & Work
By Lexi Cole Ellis

“He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

Titus 2:14 (NLT)

Three patriotic days: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day. The flags go up, parades, furniture sale, the call to pause. And yet, each day has a specific purpose. Memorial Day is to remember those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. The Fourth of July is to celebrate our freedom and the birthday of our country. Veterans Day is to honor those who are or have served to defend and maintain those freedoms.

Different days of remembrance, different purposes. But recently, I was drawn to two significant similarities in which all three of these holidays parallel our faith.

Each holiday asks us to acknowledge that sacrifice comes with freedom. We’ve heard the phrase “freedom is not free” because there is a cost. In the same way, Jesus Christ gave up His right to live and suffered immensely in order to reconcile a relationship with His People. And before His death, Jesus commanded us to love because “…greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [1] Just as we pause to be thankful for our patriotic freedoms, may we recognize the ultimate sacrifice Christ gave as He laid down His life.

Each holiday also acknowledges that freedom requires ongoing work. It wasn’t granted in 1776 and, while there’s certainly been progress, there’s still a long way to go. The ideas are there but the battle continues. In the same way, the war for our eternal salvation has been won but the battle against spiritual warfare continues… And that takes ongoing work. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” [2]

Moreover, as we fight against spiritual battles, we are also called into the active work of loving others in the midst of a messy world. Just as we pause to recognize the fight for freedom isn’t over, may we accept the challenge of engaging in spiritual battle and the call to actively love others in the name of Jesus.

This Fourth of July - - as we enjoy the flags, the parades, the moments to be grateful - - may we take the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice that our Heavenly Father made for us. And may we answer the call to actively continue the work of freedom to a broken world until He returns.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Take time in prayer to thank God for His sacrifice and the tools He gives us for spiritual battle and loving others.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:6-8; Ephesians 6:10-14; 1 John 4:7-12

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, are blessed with their daughter and a dog. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] John 15:13, ESV
[2] Ephesians 6:12, ESV

Trusting God With “Whatever!”

By Karen D’Amore

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart...”

Proverbs 3:5a (NIV)

As an extreme “creature of habit,” I’m most comfortable with the routine and familiar elements in my daily life. My daily regimen is etched with repetition, including servicing the same familiar clients, week after week. A proverbial struggle is when my flesh resists those periodic disruptions to my routine (comfort zone). A recent season, in which God has been unlocking doors to the new and unfamiliar, has translated into a litany of new, unfamiliar clients on my appointment books.

Jane (not her real name) was a new pedicure client. When I learned from the receptionist of Jane’s oddly disturbing behavior and numerous phone calls while booking her appointment, I had perplexing concerns about servicing this new client. On the morning of Jane’s appointment, I was overcome by a wave of anxiety as I anticipated her evening pedicure. Stressing to the point of nausea, the salon bathroom became my temporary prayer closet. While I was praying over the appointment, God impressed upon my heart the word…whatever.

 I was reminded to practice what I’ve been preaching for many years! I believe that as Christ-followers we can trust that “whatever” passes through our life…was first sifted through the hands of God. So as I anticipated this unfamiliar client, who had already displayed warning signs of a potential nightmare, I felt God asking me, “Will you trust me with this...whatever ?!” Trusting and believing that God was allowing this “whatever” for His express purpose, I chose faith over fear and embraced the “disruption” as a potential ministry opportunity.

Jane’s sixty-plus minute appointment turned into an adventure resembling Disneyland’s’ Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride! I quickly learned that Jane, who suffers with severe OCD, is a patient in a local treatment facility. Unfamiliar with this condition, I followed the Holy Spirit’s leading, in my dialoging with Jane. While her condition made our interaction frustrating and at times annoying to me, God faithfully infused my heart with supernatural patience and compassion. And as God gradually peeled back the complex layers of this troubled young lady, I soon learned that her condition has derailed her (once strong) faith in God - -  leading her down a path of perceived hopelessness.

Like a divinely-scripted scenario from an inspirational stage show, God appointed this opportunity to encourage Jane and steer her back into a relationship with Him. As we exchanged hugs, Jane professed her hunger to re-unite with God and trust Him with her disorder. Confident that this appointment was a divine disruption and definitely a God-allowed whatever,  the experience served to deepen my trust and readiness to trust God with those future…whatevers.

Are you willing to cup-open your hands and trustingly pray: Whatever…Lord?

GOING DEEPER:

1. How’s your trust?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 17:7; Psalm 37:3

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. 

The Attraction

By Susan Klein

“…the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you.”

Job 22:25 (NIV)

Oh, oh. Here comes trouble! Two rambunctious boys with a haggard looking grandma in tow were plowing up my drive. It was early morning the second day of my garage sale. The brothers engaged in rough horseplay and loud noises as they approached. The younger one ran straight toward me to shove a fistful of pretzels in my face. And then, just as abruptly, ran off to take a luggage cart with wheels for a test drive through my flower beds.

The older boy was immediately drawn to something on one of the tables while the grandma perused the clothing rack.

“Nana, can I buy this?” he called across to her. I had to adjust in my chair to see what could possibly have attracted this disheveled 8-ish year old with the mismatched socks, mohawk haircut and a bushel of dirt on his clothes. Of all the items in my garage, his eyes were glued to a cut glass covered candy dish.

“What would you do with something like that?” questioned Nana, incredulously.

“Use it for decoration!” he replied, proudly. So entranced with its sparkling beauty, he handled it ever so gently. After a few seconds, he pleaded again. Nana assured him it would never bode well in his chaotic home and, if inquired, “Mom would surely say no.” He persisted (even I offered up an encouraging plea) only to meet with adamant refusal. He held his ground, not moving from his spot, until Nana paid for her items and started heading for the car. Realizing the prized item would not be his, the boy shuffled out of my garage with his pouty face. My mommy heart broke for him!

Perhaps he had never seen anything like it before. What if he just wanted to bring a little bit of beauty into his (maybe turbulent) home? Why deny him the joy of a $2.00 item that he viewed as valuable?

His fixation on the object spoke a thousand words to my heart. What do I prize? What thing of beauty can capture my heart in such a mesmerizing way? These lyrics came to mind.

Lord, You are more precious than silver.
Lord, You are more costly than gold. 
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds, and
Nothing I desire compares with You. [1]

What if every day, these words were my thoughts? What if every day, I was as entranced with my Lord as this boy was with the garage sale treasure?

GOING DEEPER:

1. What earthly gems might be distracting you from the brilliance of your Savior?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 6:21; Psalm 119:36-37

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

[1] More Precious Than Silver, Lynn DeShazo, Copyright © 1982 Integrity's Hosanna! Music.

How Will We Be Remembered?

By Susan Klein

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

 A couple of years ago, I attended the funeral of a beloved childhood pastor of mine. I remember him as a big burly man with a booming voice. I also remember he had the all-encompassing hug of a huge teddy bear. He was my pastor when I went though my most turbulent teen years, and I will always be thankful for the unconditional love he displayed for me.

One of his greatest legacies in my life was teaching me about “faith.” He took a small group of us teens to a college for a week during the summer just to teach us what faith really looked like through impactful examples and exercises. I had never heard or seen such teachings, and they had a profound effect on my life.

Fast-forward to the funeral, now 40 years later. I was anticipating hearing many glorious stories about how he impacted others in their faith walks. This, sadly, was not the case. While some spoke of his generous service to the community, and others spoke of his great “motivational speeches” and his “optimism,” not one person spoke of the things I remembered: his great love and bold faith. It was like going to a funeral service for the Apostle Paul and hearing about what a good tent maker he was. Disheartened, I wanted to jump up from my seat and yell, “You’re all missing the true picture!” I wanted to share my own life-impacting memories with everyone, about how I would never know the Lord as my Savior if it were not for this man’s investing in my life.

It caused me to wonder what might have happened over the past 40 years that I hadn’t seen him. Had his faith waned? Did he become less bold in his proclamation of his Lord? Did worldly matters choke out his spiritual fervor? Or, were people possibly just oblivious to these qualities of his life? Were their hearts hardened to his teachings, only hearing the things they wanted to hear? I may never know the answers to these questions this side of heaven.

One question it has given me pause to consider, “How will I be remembered?” Will people comment on my faith or my clean house? Will they have seen the love of Christ lived out in my life or remember me as someone who lived for self?

How will you be remembered?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Which character traits of yours are most evident to others?

2. Are there areas where your light has dimmed, and needs refueling?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12; Deuteronomy 6:6-9

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 an on-site small group.

A Blip on the Radar
By Lexi Cole Ellis

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Recently, I was listening to the radio and the hosts asked listeners to call in with their “Five Word Commencement Speech.” Essentially, they were asking for the best piece of advice for new graduates in five words or under. One caller’s intriguing response was: “A blip on the radar.” She went on to explain that often things feel like a big deal at the moment.  But in reality, when you look back, they were only a “blip.”

What Biblical advice this is also! As I look back, there are moments that were certainly challenging; but in hindsight, they were blips. Blips aren’t life-altering, gut-wrenching trials that take up a large amount of screen on the radar. Blips are moments that maybe once caused stress and worry, but don’t matter all that much now because they weren’t chronic or long-lasting.

I can think of plenty of blips in my life, but I struggled to think of “blips on the radar” situations in Scripture.  So many of the stories we read are life-altering trials, while also being beautiful examples of God’s faithfulness in the midst of those trials. One example came to mind.

The prophet, Jeremiah, experienced a blip. As God’s messenger, Jeremiah was deeply grieved when the nation of Israel refused to heed God’s warning. Jeremiah also laments, “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.” However, his response to this blip is telling. He goes on to say, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will tumble and not prevail.” Regardless of his situation, Jeremiah’s perspective remained firm that God is in control. Also, Jeremiah responds to this blip in his life by turning to prayer. He praises God: “Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.”  [1]

I’m thankful for the caller on the radio that reminded me to look back at situations in my life that really did end up being just a blip on the radar. When we are experiencing a “blip”, may we remember to keep the perspective that God is always with us. And may we also be reminded to turn to prayer and praising of God in the midst of our blip.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Take time to look at the “blips on the radar” moments in your life. Where have you seen God at work?

2.    Is someone you know going through a blip right now? How can you be the tangible hands and feet of Christ to that person?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:28; Joshua 1:9-10; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, recently became new parents and have an adorable dog. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] Jeremiah 20:7b-13 NIV

An Answered Prayer
By Sarah Walker

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (ESV)

My husband was traveling out of town for business, so I had scheduled a play date at a park with a dear friend and her son. To my knowledge, she did not have a close personal relationship with Jesus. Therefore, I prayed for God to guide me if I should share anything about my faith with her. And if so, I asked the Holy Spirit to show me how and when I should speak.

Little did I know how God would answer that prayer!

On my way to the park, a low tire pressure sensor turned on in my car. I stopped at the dealership to have it looked at, which happened to be less than a mile away from my destination. It turned out that I had a flat tire! Needless to say, this was not exactly the outcome I had in mind when I said that prayer.

As much of a hassle as it was to have a flat tire, I later discovered that I had been given the perfect opportunity to share with my friend how good God is. And how He provided for every seemingly mundane detail in this situation. There were several “coincidences” involved in this fiasco that could only be from God:

1. I “just so happened” to find the flat tire when I was right by the dealership.

2. The new tire was “luckily” under warranty.

3. A woman in the dealership “unexpectedly” had a car seat in another car that my son could use, so we were able to get to the nearby park while the tire was fixed.

In the end, I discovered I had been given the perfect opportunity to boast about God’s goodness and provision! Sometimes God does that. Sometimes He answers our prayers in ways that we can’t predict or anticipate. If we aren’t paying attention we might miss the answers…especially if that answer is given in a manner that a person would interpret as a hassle or an inconvenience.

When I prayed that God would give me an opportunity to share about Him with my friend, I never once thought He would use a flat tire to do so. Though unanticipated, it was without a doubt an answer to my prayer. It became clear that I could view an “inconvenience” like a flat tire as an outcome that only our God would use for His purposes.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Might God be answering your prayers through unexpected means as well?

2.    Are you facing any unfortunate circumstances that God could use for his glory?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:31, Ephesians 3:20-21, 1 Peter 3:15

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott are involved in a small group focused on prayer.

Fair, Not Equal

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Philippians 4:19-20 (NIV)

I learned this phrase when I was student teaching and have used it quite a bit in my classroom. Whether it’s a first grade room or fourth graders, there seems three little words I hear about six times a day.  “That’s not fair!”  To which, I calmly reply, “I will always be fair; I will not always be equal.” There’s a big thing in education called differentiation: It means we assess individual needs and address them. But my six-year-olds struggle with it. So to reinforce it, we do a skit. A doctor is visiting three sick patients. The first patient has a headache. The doctor says, “Go to bed early tonight.  It will be better.” Next patient has a broken arm. The doctor says, “Go to bed early tonight.  It will be better.” Third patient fell on the playground. The doctor says…you get the idea. We explain that the teacher is the doctor. Every student has different academic needs for learning. We need to “treat” his or her specific needs, not do the exact same thing for everyone.

For as much as I say my phrase and do my skit, I realized how often I am the six-year-old complaining, “That’s not fair!” It’s often not out loud, but in my thoughts. And yet, our God - - the great Doctor and Teacher - - looks on us with love and says gently, “I will treat your specific needs...it won’t be equal and, fortunately for you, I’ll give you far more than what’s fair!” He reminds us that He is the Giver and Supplier; that He is a God who knows exactly what we need, when we need it, even when we do not.

For me, it’s hard enough being aware of what slips out of my mouth…being responsible for what I think is tricky! But the reality is, our God is all-knowing…and my “it’s not fair” thoughts are a direct result of an ungrateful heart condition. Judging “fairness” is not my job and, left unchecked, these thoughts can become desires to “have something which we don’t have, but think we should”…which happens to be the exact definition of coveting, an identified sin in Scripture.

No matter the age, my kids love the “It’s not fair!” line. But the reality is, I often do, too. What things am I complainingly claiming are “unfair”? And, if I’m honest with myself, what does that reveal about my heart? I still say “I will always be fair; I will not always be equal” about six times a day…and it serves as a constant reminder for myself every time.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What things are you claiming as “unfair” in your thoughts or to God?

2. Identify what you need to do to address this.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 20:1-16

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, recently became new parents and have an adorable dog. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

Grandpa’s Favorite
By Sarah Hayden

“For God does not show favoritism.”
Romans 2:11 (NIV)

My mom tells this great story about her grandfather. Growing up, my mom knew she was her grandpa’s favorite grandchild. On family trips, it was she who was picked to sit in the front seat between her father and grandfather. Her grandfather always paid special attention to her, letting her sit on his lap at family gatherings. He even gave her a nickname: “Peanut.”

When my mom was nine months pregnant with me, her grandfather died of a stroke. It brought up many memories of the special relationship she had with him. However, the event also uncovered something about her grandfather that she did not expect! At the memorial service, as my mom talked with and consoled each of her cousins, she recalls something remarkable happening. At some point in the conversation, each would lower their voice a little and lean in to confide a secret.

 “I was grandpa’s favorite, you know,” they would say.

At first, my mom was shocked to think she may have been wrong about being her grandpa’s favorite! How could everyone else think the same thing? It didn’t take long to realize the truth, though. Her grandfather had treated all his grandchildren as the “favorite” grandchild. He had built a strong relationship with each of them; getting to know what was deeply meaningful for each one, and he lavishly poured his time and attention into every grandchild.

God is like this. He loves each one of us for who He made us to be. [1] God is lavish in His love for us. [2] He knows each of us better than anyone else and rejoices over us [3], holding nothing back [4]. God does not show favoritism. Or, perhaps we can also say, EACH of us is God’s favorite!

Are you feeling like God doesn’t love you this way? Do you feel like second tier, or do you compare yourself to someone else, who you assume is God’s favorite? Hold onto the truth that God’s love is big enough for us all. Imagine, when we meet each other after this life, we won’t have to treat it like a secret. Each of us will confidently proclaim, “I am God’s favorite, you know!”

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Do you feel like God’s favorite? Why or why not?

2.    What keeps you from believing the truth of how God thinks of you?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 10:34-43, 1 Peter 1:17-19

Sarah serves as Guest Care Manager at Oakwood and leads an in-home small group. She loves coffee, the library, and, her husband and two sons, not in that order.

[1] Ephesians 2:10
[2] 1 John 3:1
[3] Psalm 139:13
[4] Zephaniah 3:17

The Visit

By Vernette Kureck

“He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

1 John 5:12 (NIV)

One cold, wintry night, two men unexpectedly stopped by from a church we had visited. At eight months pregnant and exhausted from work, I wasn’t in the mood for guests. We reluctantly invited them in. Little did I know my life was about to be changed. 

 

After chatting, Joel asked, “Have you come to the place where you know for certain that if you died tonight you would go to Heaven, or is that something you‘re still working on?“

I was pretty sure I’d go, but then Joel probed further, “Suppose you were to die tonight and stand before God and He asked, ‘Why should I let you into my Heaven?’  What would you say?”  I responded that I was basically a good person; my good deeds certainly outweighed my bad. I’d broken some of God’s rules, but I thought He would let me in…after all, I’d gone to church most of my life.

We talked about Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:48 (NIV), “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”  I knew I was a flawed perfectionist, kind of like making an omelet with six eggs…five perfect and one rotten.  I saw I was hopelessly infected with sin, just as Romans 3:23 (NIV) says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” When I compared all of my “good” works to God’s holy standard, I knew I was a condemned sinner. 

I’m so grateful that the Lord Jesus said, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

That was me.  I had known in my head that Jesus came to die on the cross for the sins of the world, but I had never transferred that knowledge into my heart and acknowledged Him as my  Savior and Lord.

Heaven is a free gift that can’t be earned: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith- - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - - not by works, so that no one can boast.” So by faith, I prayed that night, asking for forgiveness of my sins and thanking Jesus for dying for me.  Because He was willing to take my  punishment, I could now have eternal life with God in Heaven. I invited Christ to take over all of my life.  In doing so, my  true spiritual journey began.

Jesus said in Revelation 3:20 (NIV), “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”  That door was a picture of my heart…I am so joyful I opened the door that night.  

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you transferred your head knowledge to heart knowledge? 

2. Is Jesus standing at the door of your heart waiting to be invited in? If so, won’t you open the door?

FURTHER READING:

John 3:3, 6:47, 14:6-7; Ephesians 2:8-9

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

The Ugly Imp

By Susan Klein

“Whoever is patient has great understanding…”

Proverbs 14:29 (NIV)

Standing in line and waiting to check out, I could feel my impatience escalating. It was taking the clerk F-O-R-E-V-E-R to check out the woman ahead of me! How do I always manage to choose the slowest lanes? I’d already unloaded my cart onto the conveyor belt, and now someone else was unloading behind me. There was no escaping the wait.

What seemed like hours later, I was greeted with a cheery smile and a “Hi! How is your day going so far?”

Fine, until I got in this lane… griped the irritable voice in my head. Fortunately, those thoughts stayed put. My mouth opted instead to engage the young woman in polite conversation. Wrong choice!

She could not talk and scan at the same time. Literally. As she regaled me with a rather peculiar story, using her hands to emphasize (rather than scan), it dawned on me that she had some obvious mental challenges. Some of her word choices were inappropriate, and she seemed to occasionally disconnect from her thoughts, stopping in mid-sentence. Her demeanor, however, remained persistently cheerful.

Eight hours later… I huffed my way to my car. She was a simple young woman, carrying out her duties (be it ever so slowly) and striving to be engaging. How could I fault her? Okay, let it go. At least you weren’t outwardly rude to her…

Finally reaching home and unloading my purchases, I noticed my husband’s dirty lunch dishes in the sink. Really, twelve inches away from the dishwasher!?  This time though, the irritable voice escaped my head and verbally unleashed on my unsuspecting man. I honestly hate when that happens!

Impatience is ugly. It is our sin nature to not tolerate the things that are slowing us down or thwarting our expectations. King Solomon states, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” [1] Guess I need to wise up! I’m pretty sure that Jesus never had this problem.

I imagine the person who hired the young clerk displayed much patience and gentleness. I know my husband has been generous with his patience in overlooking many of my offenses. And I am certain that our God is a patient God, as stated in His word. [2]

I believe that patience likely stems from seeing people through Jesus’ eyes. Next time the Ugly Imp (aka impatience) rears its head, I hope to choose more wisely how I respond… recognizing that each person is created in God’s image and fully loved by Him.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What trips your trigger toward impatience with others?

2. How might you tangibly combat the Ugly Imp?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

[1] Proverbs 19:11

[2] 2 Peter 3:8-9

All Things
By Peggy Kleckner

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)

All things, not some things…what an amazing concept! When I am delayed (all things), when I am disappointed (all things), when I am blessed (all things), when I am cheated (all things), when I am hurt (all things). On and on it goes. Only God can weave all things so intricately that the outcome is good. I may not see it soon…perhaps not even this side of heaven…but if He said it in His Word, I can count on it as truth. What an extraordinary comfort this truth can bring into a difficult day.

Truth is hard to hold onto when we are being battered by the winds of adversity. We must cling to it as a person shipwrecked in the ocean holds fast to anything that floats. Perhaps that is where the saying, “hope floats” comes from! Truth is the hope we as Christians cling to in our life storms.

John 14:6 reads (NIV), “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” Jesus spoke those words. He is the truth that we cling to in the midst of our life storms. We tether ourselves to Him and hold fast. He makes the way to the calmer waters. Too often we keep fighting, rather than resting in Him. He allows the storm, as well as the calm. He knows the purpose of each.

Is today a stormy day or a calm day for you? Look to Him in “all things.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What storm are you trying to weather on your own? What “hope” are you clinging to?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 25; Luke 8:22-25

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.

Shout Without Screaming

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”
 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)

It feels like there is little that one can say without evoking a debate based solely on emotion rather than facts. Just say, “Harambe” the gorilla, Target bathrooms, Republican nominee, Democratic nominee…the list goes on. When did BOTH sides become so sensitive that we cannot conduct a positive dialogue agreeing to disagree - - maybe even thankful for another perspective? When have BOTH sides become carriers of incomplete soundbites, filled with emotion and outrage, and not willing or able to distinguish the greater complexity of the issue(s)?

Don’t get me wrong: We need to be passionate. There ARE things we need to be fighting for. Yet I worry about our lack of compassion and complete disregard for any credibility the “other side” might have. Our “outrage” verges on over-exaggerating and alienating those whom we, as believers, are called to love. The result? We become incapable of recognizing that not everything is dogma; some opinions can be held with which others can simply disagree.

Recently, one of our pastors shared this point in a sermon that, as believers, we need to relearn how to “shout without screaming.” [1] I was immediately captivated by the phrase. It echoed a lot of what I was feeling.

How do we shout without screaming? Shouting is to “utter a loud call or cry, typically as an expression of strong emotion.” Screaming is to “cry something in a high-pitched, frenzied way” or to “urgently and vociferously call attention to one’s views or feelings, especially ones of anger or distress.” [2] Both communicate beliefs that matter deeply to us. Yet what makes the two words different is the tone that is used when expressing oneself. 

Jesus didn’t lack passion in His opinions, and He certainly critiqued ungodly behavior. But His tone was not frenzied or vociferous. He wasn’t known exclusively for His (necessary) outrage - - but also for His works of healing those with physical and spiritual needs. Additionally, throughout the New Testament, Paul repeatedly writes that the Church is to be known by its love for God and love for others.

It makes me wonder… How am I crying out about the things that I feel strongly about? What does my tone sound like in my conversations with others, in my workplace, or what I post on social media?  Am I shouting or am I screaming?

May we be known as those who shout without screaming.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Take some time to be honest with yourself. In your interaction with others or on social media, are you shouting or screaming?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 8:36-38; 1 Corinthians 11:26

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable dog named Calvin and are expecting their first child in June 2018. She teaches sixth grade Reading & Writing, serves with Children’s Ministries, and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

[1] April 24, 2016:
Oakwood Church sermon: "Learning to Ride a Bike" Nate Stenholtz, Family Life Pastor. http://oakwoodnow.org/sermon/learning-to-ride-a-bike/

[2] Google dictionary/shouting: https://www.google.com/search?ei=gn8iW_H9K8L0swW1t59Y&q=shouting&oq=shouting&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i67k1l5j0l5.5609.6592.0.6774.8.8.0.0.0.0.154.825.5j3.8.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.8.825...0i131k1j0i3k1.0.pC87JchaiW4  

[2] Google dictionary/screaming: https://www.google.com/search?ei=in8iW6_xDInitQXVt5qoBA&q=screaming&oq=screaming&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i67k1l2j0l8.70424.71800.0.72391.9.9.0.0.0.0.190.1001.6j3.9.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.9.1000...0i131k1.0.H5bP1qlhwB4