Choose What is Better

By Brita Crouse

“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Last year, my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. So, as a present, I wanted to appropriately celebrate with a surprise party. I spent weeks planning out details and delegating tasks to my very helpful family and friends. The day of the party was spent setting up tables and place settings, making and putting out food, decorating, checking sound equipment and the projection screen, and making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. In the end, my parents were surprised and enjoyed celebrating this momentous occasion with people they loved.

As for me, I enjoyed the organizing and planning that this kind of event required. But, I spent much of the party keeping the music playing or refilling food or getting the slideshow started or making sure everyone was well-fed and having a good time. In focusing so much on these details, I found myself losing sight of what the celebration was about. I had to keep reminding myself to just sit down and enjoy the people around me.

It’s important to note that an organized nature is not inherently bad; it’s part of how God made some of us. It’s when this love of planning and organization grows greater than our love for God and for people that this passion becomes a problem.

In many ways I find myself relating to Martha, Mary’s sister. When Jesus comes to visit, to teach and eat, Martha gets caught up in the preparations, while Mary spends her time intently listening to Jesus. Martha sees Mary as being lazy because she is not helping hostess. I’m sure Mary saw Martha as being too tightly wound and wished she would just relax and listen to what Jesus had to say.

I am always “that person” who has to clean up or have everything in order before I can enjoy myself. Sometimes, though, I just need to relax and be with people or spend time with God instead. Life can be crazy and hectic and overwhelming, but it’s always worth it to take a minute to remember the big picture and think about why we are really here on Earth.

It is never a waste to spend more time with people or with God, so choose what is better.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Who do you relate to in the above passage? What are ways you can find a balance between the two personalities in your everyday life?

2. Make it your prayer today to “choose what is better.”

FURTHER READING:

Luke 10:38-42; Psalm 118:24

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.

The Swans

By Vernette Kureck

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Luke 11: 11-12 (NIV)

“Lord, it would be the end of a perfect summer if I could just see those swans.” That was my lament a couple years ago on a colorful, sunny day as my husband and I chugged around Lake Nagawicka for the last boat ride of the season. We had heard that a family of swans had taken up residence on the lake, but we had never seen them. As we approached the entrance to our back channel, lo and behold, there they were, looking beautiful and majestic in their white plumage. We parked the boat and I ran down to the other end of the channel so I could enjoy their feeding frenzy on the duckweed. 

That following summer, we had seen the swans every time we went out on the lake…and there were now three families. Whenever I saw them, I was grateful and remember how sweetly God honored my simple prayer the year before. John 14:13 says, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (NIV) In my prayer life, I have asked God for big things and small things, trusting that His perfect will be done. Answers have come in the form of “yes,” “no” or “not now.”

Jesus loves to glorify the Father, the Creator of all the universe. For me to enjoy those swans was to bring praise to the Father’s workmanship. In the context of the above Scripture, Jesus is teaching that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is far more important than receiving material blessings. The lesson for me last fall was to see how much the Lord was aware of my desires expressed in less-than-ardent prayer form, and His willingness to give me the good gift: seeing the swans. The lesson that summer - -  every time I saw the swans - - was how His good gifts are multiplied and manifested through the Holy Spirit. My prayer became the last stanza of an old hymn: “God, who touchest earth with beauty, make me lovely too.  Keep me ever by thy Spirit, pure and strong and true.” [1] 

GOING DEEPER

1. Do you have any natural reminders of answered prayer that lead you to praise God?

2. Which “good” gifts have you been focusing on?

  

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 7:7-11; Galatians 5:22

[1] C.Harold Lowden,  “God, Who Touchest Earth With Beauty”

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 44 years. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren from their two sons and their wives.

The Lord, my Strength

By Peggy Kleckner

“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

Psalm 28:7a (NIV)

Two years ago, I was invited to a birthday party. That sounds fun, even as an adult, doesn’t it?  Especially when it is for a dear friend who loves you, and you know quite a few of the others who are invited. So why, on the day of the party, was I feeling fear and anxiousness?

I had to ask myself that question and let God answer it. He and I have been walking together for some time now, and the review of my journey brought some revelation. Years ago, a party meant drinking.  While in that phase, I hid behind alcohol. No one had to see the real me.  Drinking gave me something to do at the party, and whatever behavior someone didn’t like, I could blame on the alcohol. Thankfully, I lived through that phase of my life, surely by His grace. I have also hidden behind words. That may sound odd to you, but think about it for a few minutes: Don’t you know people who talk incessantly?  I am one of those people. God has helped me to recognize that this has been a defense. If I just keep talking about a topic of my choosing, no one can ask me something I don’t know or about anything I don’t really want to discuss. It also feels safer behind a great shield of words. However, this is surely wearing on others and leaves the talker very lonely. Lonely, because we won’t let anyone in to find the real us.

I have even hidden behind my husband; he seems to be better at mingling. Perhaps he is applying some of these defenses as well, but at least two feels safer than being a one. Unfortunately, it was hunting season and he was not available.

My final defense has been food. At least eating gives you something to do, something to focus on. God has been dealing with this habit, as well. Spending the night on a nonstop munch was not a choice that God would approve of.

Suffice it to say, this was a test. Not a test for me to pass or fail, but one where God could show me just how far He has brought me. The people were gracious, the evening was delightful, and I accepted His strength in place of my former addictive behaviors.  May His name be praised.

“My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”  Psalm 29:7b (NIV)

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What situations make you anxious?

2.  Are you willing to trust God to lead you into new healthy behaviors?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 147:10-11; Proverbs 30:5; Colossians 3:2-3

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. 

The Worry Vortex

By Elin Henderson

“Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”

Philippians 4:6 (NLT, emphasis added)

Many of us experienced (to some degree or another) the infamous “Polar Vortex” of this past winter - - and we are all praying it doesn’t strike again, right??!  A cold mass of air moved down from the Arctic and just sat there whirling around the Northern part of the United States.

What if the program you are listening too suddenly stopped and you heard a “BEEP! BEEP! BEEEEEP!! This is a report from the Severe Worry Warning Center, an area of pressure has formed over your heart and a cycle of inefficient thoughts have been seen whirling around a center of fear. A severe worry warning has been issued!” If only, we would say! Usually, like most storms, we aren’t given much warning and are left to deal with the aftermath.

This is exactly how Corrie Ten Boom describes worry. She said, “Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” [1] We have “Worry Vortexes” that form in our hearts and souls continually. It doesn’t take much to spur one on and unless we are prepared, we are often majorly affected! The “pressure” moves in and the next thing we know, our senses are flooded with inefficient thoughts about it. This is further worsened by a sinking feeling of fear that whirls uncontrollably in our spirits.

So, how can we prepare ourselves for the oncoming “Worry Vortexes” that plague us continually? Paul gives us some clues in Philippians 4:6-8. Let’s work backwards. In verse 8, we see that as we place our whirling inefficient thoughts before Him, and focus in on what is true and good, and we take the time to pray and even thank Him (verse 6), He moves in and replaces the center of fear with a center of peace (verse 7), thus disbanding the whole vortex! 

Let’s stay alert to the Worry Warning Centers of our hearts. When we feel the pressure moving in and a new center of fear forming, let’s quickly disband it by applying Philippians 4:6-8! By His strength we can send these Worry Vortexes back to where they came from!  

GOING DEEPER:      

1. We can’t stop the pressures from forming in or on our hearts, but using the above, what can you do to keep them from becoming worry vortexes?

2. How do inefficient thoughts lead to fear and thus worry?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 12:22-31; 1 Peter 5:7; Colossians 3:2

 [1] http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/181088-worry-is-a-cycle-of-inefficient-thoughts-whirling-around-a

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

Desert of Discontent

By Susan Klein

“‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered.”

John 6:43 (NIV)

If complaining or grumbling doesn’t really accomplish anything, why do you suppose we do it? Perhaps we do it to let off some emotional steam over a situation that frustrates us. But if we were honest, we’d admit that the satisfaction of venting is momentary at best. The situation still exists if nothing has been done to change it. Could it really be that complaining just gratifies our sinful nature of wanting things our own way? And, by voicing our dissatisfaction out loud, aren’t we really hoping others will jump on our grumbling wagon and join us on our journey of discontent? Some would say, “Oh, what’s wrong with a little harmless grumbling?” Plenty!

Grumbling is more than just words. It stems from a wrong heart attitude, one that is likely communicating ungratefulness. God not only hears our grumbling, but He sees our hearts. Ingratitude is a guaranteed wall-builder between us and God, and that’s not harmless. He has ordained every situation in our lives, the good and the bad. When we grumble, we are inevitably voicing ungratefulness to Him. In Scripture, we learn about the Israelites complaining while wandering in the wilderness. Even though God went before them in a cloud, even though He always provided food and water, even though He protected them from their enemies, they grumbled. They were afraid, they were tired, they didn’t like the food, didn’t like their leadership… (Sound familiar?) In Numbers 11:1 (NIV) we read, “Now the people complained abut their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when He heard them His anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” Yikes! What if God chose to rain down fire every time He heard us complain? Fortunately for us, that’s not His standard response.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul shows us that some things never change as he addresses more grumblers in the church. He reminds them about their forefathers’ grumblings and how some of them were killed by the destroying angel. He admonishes them, saying these things “were written down as warnings for us. (vs. 10-11, NIV)” Let’s learn from them.

God still sees and still hears. While He may not send down literal fire to consume us, He can let us get burned by our own words. He can also let us wander in the desert of our discontent. We may not receive any relief until we stop complaining, focus our energies on doing something proactive, and seek Him.

Let an attitude of gratitude be your oasis amidst a desert of discontent.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What consequences of complaining might you be currently experiencing?

2. How can you avoid riding the grumbling wagon?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing and tutoring with the Literacy Council.

Job Appreciation

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work…”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)

Have you ever looked at God’s job description for our pastors and ministry leaders? Here’s a partial list (adapted from 1 Timothy 3):

-       Be well-thought-of

-       Committed to their spouse

-       Cool and collected

-       Accessible

-       Hospitable

-       Know what they are talking about

-       Gentle

-       Not thin-skinned

-       Not money-hungry

-       Must handle their own affairs well

-       Outsiders (to the church) must think well of them

This list is exhausting!

I have been blessed to know several good pastors, leaders, and their spouses. These people have not watched from afar when I or a loved one was hurting. Instead, they got right down in the muck with us.  They have been at my bedside before surgery, traveled 12 hours (one way!) to attend a complicated family funeral, answered emergency phone calls, responded to random texts seeking advice, and once (unforgettably) the pastor’s wife pulled an all-nighter with a 14-year-old me when I left a paper to the last minute when my parents were out of town.

Perhaps you have stories of your own that are coming to mind. God has entrusted our leaders with the most special of assignments - - contributing to the spiritual well-being of His people. Often, it’s an exhausting task. The hours are not “9 to 5.”  The job they do is often taken for granted, leading to isolation and even burn-out. 

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. It’s a time to be purposeful in coming alongside our leaders in love and support, applaud their efforts and shoulder their burdens. This month, take time to send a card, buy a lunch, give a Facebook shout-out, decorate a church office or give a gift card. The gesture doesn’t have to be large to be a blessing.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Need ideas? Google “Pinterest Pastor Appreciation Ideas.” There are a bunch!

FURTHER READING:

1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13

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.

Is the Tank Full?
By Elizabeth Cole

“…be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2b (NIV)

Have you ever noticed that Batman’s batphone rings at some of the most inopportune times? Once, it was right before his birthday gala. Other times, it’s when he’s exhausted after a long hard day as Bruce Wayne. Despite its unexpectedness, the call never seems to catch him unprepared. He finishes the call, slides down his secret pole into the Batcave, hops into the Batmobile and off he goes. Here’s the thing that gets me: He never has to stop and get gas in that car before he heads off to save the world. Now granted, he’s got Alfred (oh, that we all could have an Alfred…), but if I were Batman, my first stop would invariably have to be the Mobil station!

Seldom in our lives do we get to see what’s coming next. I think about our sister in Christ who is sharing her life with friends in a medical crisis; I think about my daughter’s friend who thought she was just going to spend a day out on her ATV, not in the emergency room with a broken back; I think about the friend who, out of the blue, says at dinner, “Something’s missing in my life…”

Will we be ready? Are we actively seeking to further understand and gain knowledge of who God is through study and application? Are we daily being filled up with the Source of our Power through reading His Word and sharing our hearts with Him through prayer? God is so very kind – He regularly blesses our private time with Him by giving us opportunity to share that very day what we’ve learned from Him in the quiet moments. What a sweet way to anticipate, be ready, filled up and available to His call… whenever it comes, no batphone needed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What would it take for you to be more prepared for the unexpected moments God gives in which you have opportunity to affect another’s life?
2. Would you ask God for His divine help in making sure your “tank stays full”?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 8:26-40; Acts 16:16-34

Elizabeth is a wife, and mother to three grown daughters and two son-in-laws. She is the Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Dread
By Lisa Boyer

“So it is My word that goes out from My mouth: it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

Dread. It’s such an ugly word and an even uglier emotion. It crept up on me slowly, but then I was overwhelmed by it.

A while back, I had an appointment I didn’t want to keep, but couldn’t bring myself to cancel. The dread had begun as a simple thought, “I don’t want to do this,” but it quickly grew into “I can’t do this.” It kept me up the night before until finally I fell asleep praying…no, crying out to God to do something…anything.

Yet there it was, the morning of the appointment, and the dread was still with me. Again, I began to pray and cry out to God. Through my turmoil came the fleeting thought that I should stop praying and read my Bible. But, I was up an hour early and I just wanted to use that time to pray…pray until something happened. Before long, the fleeting thought became persistent: I should read my Bible now. But I knew my answer wasn’t going to be in today’s Bible reading. What kind of answer to my dread was I going to find in Matthew chapter 11?

So, to calm that persistent thought (but more to prove that Matthew didn’t contain the answer to my prayer), I postponed my prayer time, opened my Bible and began to read Matthew 11. Jesus and John the Baptist, no comfort there…unrepentant cities, certainly no comfort there…rest for the weary, wait, rest for the weary in Matthew 11? What is this? Verse 28 & 29: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)

That was me…weary and burdened! I closed my Bible and returned to prayer. This time, I knew what to pray and how to pray. I talked to my gentle Savior about my burden, my concern, my worry and how it had turned to dread. Then I left it all in His capable hands and accepted His rest. My dread was gone, replaced by rest and peace.

Looking back, I have to laugh because I was convinced that I wouldn’t find comfort in my daily Bible reading, I suppose because it wasn’t a Psalm or Proverb, but God is so amazing and His timing is always perfect.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a moment to reflect on those times when dread begins to fill your heart. Is there a pattern you can identify and begin to change?
2. Think back to a time God used His Word to perfectly address your circumstances. Thank Him for His intimate awareness of and kindness toward you through that experience.

FURTHER READING: 

Jeremiah 31:25

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 loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

Prayer, Fasting & the Power of Jesus

By Elin Henderson

“…This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

Mark 9:29b (NKJV)

Ever come upon a problem that is so vast, so impossible, and despite your greatest spiritual endeavors, you are unable to affect it? Jesus’ disciples came upon such a circumstance as this in Mark 9:14-29. It wasn’t like they were at a spiritual low. They had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration! If that wasn’t a literal and metaphorical spiritual high, I don’t know what is?!

They were equipped, sent out, and were on “active duty.” But, then they came upon this insurmountable situation. A boy possessed by an evil spirit was brought to them. Who knows how long they tried in vain to deal with this spirit, long enough for a large crowd to form and for the father of the child to become very frustrated! Jesus comes upon this scene and immediately the crowds turn to Him. He listens to the problem and intervenes, freeing the boy of his bondage and healing him fully.

I can only imagine that as soon as the disciples could get Jesus alone, they frustratingly cried out, “Why couldn’t we do that?” His reply was succinct but impactful. “Some issues can only be dealt with by prayer and fasting” - - and the unspoken but evident power of Jesus!

There are situations that we face that are way beyond us, even if we are walking in the light and power He has given us. Do you have any of these in your life right now? Someone you love that is SO far from the Lord that you wonder if they will ever turn back? A relationship so devastated that it seems no recourse is possible? Someone so beyond healing that you wonder if they will ever be whole again? We actively try and help but then, nothing happens. Jesus reminds us here that some of these really heavy situations are only dealt with by prayer, fasting and the power of Jesus! Our part is the prayer and fasting, but the real work is through the power of Jesus! He alone can set the captive free and heal the sick and wounded. Let’s not grow weary, but continue on, praying, fasting and believing that He is able!

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. If you have identified a situation in your life that would fit into this category, what are some ways you can apply this principle?

2. Are there others you can ask to join you?

FURTHER READING:

1 Thessalonians 5:17; Daniel 9:3

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

Making Each Day Count

By Karen D’Amore

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Once on a trip to my Southern California homeland, my husband and I set aside a day to re-visit our favorite coastal attractions. The sunrise launched a picture perfect summer’s day for our coastal adventure. Opting to take the most scenic route, we merged onto the two-lane winding canyon road, which would intersect directly with Coast Highway. Within moments, traffic slowed to a screeching halt. Unable to see beyond the bend in the road, the passing emergency vehicles would alert us to the reason for snarled traffic.

My heart sank as we approached the accident scene, where a twisted bicycle caught my attention. My stomach welled with angst as we neared the covered body of a deceased cyclist…his cycling shoes beyond the edge of the tarp. Chills accompanied tears as I noted the song playing on the radio as we passed: “I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow…Love, like I’m living on borrowed time. It’s good to be alive.” [1]

The evening news chronicled the life of the deceased cyclist, who was a recently retired local Chief of Police. With a face now attached to those cycling shoes…images from the scene plagued my mind for days. And as I reflected on this man setting out to enjoy an exhilarating coastal ride, I speculated that he never once considered it would be his final ride.

Years have passed since that tragic day and yet every time  I hear that song, my mind replays images from that tragic scene. It also draws me to reflect on how truly fleeting life is. God has numbered each of our days and only He  knows our total count. Considering that though, we can’t count the days but we have the power to make each day count. Acknowledging that our destiny is in God’s hands should enlighten us to what really matters and spur us to evaluate our priorities.

I recently saw a Facebook post that said: “Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it’s inspiring.” As believers, we’re called to live our earthly lives in alignment with the will of the Father. Each day, we’re presented opportunities to serve and glorify God through our lives. James 4:14 reminds us, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (NLT). As we consider the brevity of life, let’s strive to make each day count for God…while we still have the chance.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you make each day count for the Kingdom?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 5:15-17; 1 Peter 4:7-11

[1] www.songlyrics.com/jason-gray/good-to-be-alive-lyrics

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.

Helpless in His Hands

By Jeannine Sawall

“In this world you will have troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33b (NIV)

As Christians, oftentimes, we don’t like to think about being absolutely helpless in the hands of our God.  We like to think that somewhere, somehow, we still have some type of control over what’s going on in our lives. We like to think that when difficulties arise, there is something we can do to help, some 1-800 number we can call for support, a positive thinking attitude we can adopt to make us “feel” better. There’s got to be something we can do…right?!

The psalmist made no bones about it…life is hard and full of suffering. We may find ourselves in situations so beyond our control there is no way out, no matter what we try to do. Perhaps it’s the loss of a job, a divorce, a betrayal, an unplanned pregnancy. Or perhaps the worst has happened and we have lost a loved one. Whatever the situation is, suffering is never easy and there’s never an easy way out. People may say “it’ll get better,” “you just need to get a grip,” or “just pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”  The only bootstrap in the Christian life we can get a grip on to make things “okay” is the Cross.

Knowing Christ is there, in the midst of our suffering and interceding for us is a comforting thought, but it may not always bring immediate feelings  of comfort.  However, it’s hanging on to this truth, even if by our fingernails, that will eventually get us to that place of comfort and through the crisis. Unfortunately, much of suffering is a long process and there’s no mention anywhere in the Bible of a detour or a short-cut through it. It is only through a purposeful stepping one foot in front of the other that we ever reach the other side of the valley. And along the way, we can count on the Lord to walk with us.

We all will all have to face many crises in our lives. Maybe you are in one now. When these times come in our lives, we can choose to look up and hang on to truth no matter what our feelings are telling us. The Shepherd walks with us, offering comfort and support along these difficult journeys - - holding us up, sometimes when we don’t even know He’s there.  It’s in these instances that the best  place we can be is helpless in His hands. He has overcome the world and He will help us through to the other side.

GOING DEEPER:

1. When feelings tell you something contrary to the truth, what do you listen to?

2. Who do you turn to in times of crisis and suffering?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 41:10

Jeannine is married to Marty and is a busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café and actively ministers to those walking through grief.

Surrender
By Peggy Kleckner

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

A while back, I woke up one morning pondering surrender. The picture I thought of is putting up the white flag and coming out with your palms in the air. What a vulnerable, trusting position! We have all seen that picture played out in the movies, but those people were surrendering to their enemies. Imagine trusting your enemies enough to lay down your weapons and turn yourself over to their will. What a frightening picture! It is no wonder this is done only as a final choice, when no hope is left and it seems to be the only option to save your life.

As Christians, we are called to surrender. However, we are called to surrender our lives to the lover of our souls! Why do we struggle so? Why is it so difficult to come out from our burdens, lay down all of our masks and surrender to the One who created us, knows us best, has good plans for us and has such a tender heart toward us? Is it a lack of faith? Faith is defined as unquestioning belief, complete trust or confidence. Do we trust ourselves more than we do our Lord? Oh Lord, help our unbelief, our lack of true faith! Do we think God is not big enough to rescue us from our sinful nature? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to rescue us from the hold of our enemy? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to change our attitudes and renew our minds? Help our unbelief! Is God not able to do above and beyond all that we can think, hope or dream? Help our unbelief!

Let’s take a few minutes and picture ourselves coming out of hiding with an air of "everything is fine,” out past our self-built walls of protection and throw our empty palms in the air. He is waiting for us and we will find rest in Him.

Lord, we do believe, but help our unbelief!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you still struggling to trust God? Can you hear Him calling you to surrender it?
2. Ask Him to help you with any unbelief, doubt or lack of trust.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 118:8, Matthew 11:28, Proverbs 3:5

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. 

God is Food
By Jen Wollner

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 (NIV)

Back when my older son was in preschool, he learned a mealtime prayer that went like this: “God is good. God is great. And we thank Him for our food. Amen.” Often, he would say it before dinner and my younger son, who was two at the time and loved to copy his older brother, wanted to say it as well. The problem was that he was still developing his verbal skills, so this is his version: “God is food. Thank you food. Amen.”

My husband and I would chuckle a little when he would say, “God is food,” but as I thought more about it, I realized how profound that statement really was. Jesus calls Himself the bread of life. He says that God sent Him as “bread from heaven” and that anyone who “eats” of Him will have eternal life. He goes on to explain that if we come to Him in faith and believe that He is the Son of God, who died for our sins, we will receive the gift of eternity in Heaven with Him.

But, there is even more to the idea of God being “food” for us. We are bombarded daily by things that drain us—job commitments, family needs, household duties, social obligations, volunteer work—you name it! While many of these tasks are good things, they still wear us down and exhaust us by the end of the day. What we need is something to fill us up again. Something to refresh us. Something to restore our strength or patience or perseverance. Something to quench the hunger and thirst of our bodies, souls and minds. That is just what the Lord does for us! He meets our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs…and He meets them abundantly. Our part is to “eat” and “drink” of Him. We do this by attending church services or Bible studies. We do it by spending time alone with Him, studying His Word. And, we do it by having a continuous dialog with Him through prayer— focusing on His attributes, affirming our trust in Him, thanking Him for His past faithfulness, telling Him our needs and concerns, and then listening to His reassuring voice. A close, intimate relationship is what Jesus desires to have with us so that He can not just sustain us, but fill our cups to overflowing!

God is more than good. And, He’s more than great. He is food…for life.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What specific situations or responsibilities in your life are draining you today?
2. What do you need most from Jesus right now to make it through your day? Ask Him for these things.

FURTHER READING:
John 6:25-59; John 4:1-26

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.

Spiritual Binoculars

By Elin Henderson

“…SEE I have given into your hand, the king…, his city, his people and his land.”

Joshua 8:1b (NKJV, emphasis added)

The children of Israel were given a HUGE task of subduing countless cities in their Promised Land, cities of the Cannanites, Jebuzites, Hittites, Amorites, and more! And these weren’t just your average cities, they had GIANTS in them! That’s why out of the first 12 spies to go in, 10 came back with a negative report! Can you imagine the reports if they would have had binoculars like today?!

Our spiritual walk is a lot like Israel in the Promised Land. We cross over Jordan into what we think will now be spiritual bliss and peace and find our own Jerichos, Ais, and more as our “welcoming committee”! Had we a spiritual pair of binoculars that could see into ALL of the areas of our lives that needed reforming, we would be overwhelmed.

God was gracious to Israel when they finally entered the Land. He didn’t reveal ALL of the places they had to conquer, but rather, gave them one city at a time with the same simple instructions each time: “Don’t be afraid or dismayed…arise, go up…See I have given into your hand the King of Ai, his people, his city and his land.” [1]

The same is true with us, only our cities and their kings have different names like Cape Fear with its popular suburb of Unbelief, the thriving metropolis of Insecurity with its king Sir Pride, and the little towns of Comparison and Jealousy…to name a few! God only gives us a brief  look through His spiritual binoculars to spy out the next city saying, “SEE! There is where we are going next…NO scanning the horizon for other cities because you will surely find them! Don’t you worry, we’ll get to those sooner or later, but let’s focus our energies on this one right now!” 

So, every now and again when the General hands over His spiritual binoculars and shows you the next city to conquer, don’t scan the horizons for more (you know they are out there already). Instead, just take a quick look, hand them back, ask Him what the plan is, then get ready for another wild adventure as you trust Him! 

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. What spiritual “city” is in your scope right now?  Are there more than one?

2. Why don’t we need to be afraid or dismayed as we go into battle with these cities?

3. Do we ever finish in our conquests? (Find out in Joshua 13:1!)

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:37; Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Corinthians 2:14

[1] Joshua 8:1, NKJV, emphasis added

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

The Power of Words

By Karen D’Amore

“The tongue has the power of life and death…”

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV, emphasis added)

Stunned, I sat motionless. My heart welled within my throat and battled the impulse to vomit. Tears choked in a struggle with suppression…but eventually gave way to sobbing. Rendered speechless, I recoiled, silently retreating to a protective place of isolation. As that childhood jingle harmonized in my head, I became incensed by its falsehood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” SO WRONG!!!

Expended like fiery darts, those harsh, cutting words pierced my heart. It’s been years since those powerful words crushed my spirit. Yet when brought to remembrance, those old wounds become fresh. Though the power of forgiveness has loosed me from the paralyzing effects of those hurtful words, in moments of vulnerability, those crushing words rise to the surface and re-play themselves in my mind.

Sadly, even after experiencing the heart-altering effects of wounding words, I’m no more faultless at spewing thoughtless, hurtful words myself. Though the pain I’ve experienced heightens my awareness and consciousness in controlling my tongue, emotions have been known to over-power me. When guided by anger, frustration or emotions, words are likely to be spewed…and spewed words are rarely kind or sweet.

A popular contemporary Christian song by Hawk Nelson, serves as a powerful reminder:

“Words can build you up…words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out.

Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word…Unless it points the world back to You [Jesus].” [1]

Words…are loaded with power! They have the ability to bring laughter and joy, teaching and instruction, encouragement and comfort. When used appropriately, words have life-giving power. Yet when used to mock, belittle, embarrass, deceive and tear down, words hold the power to destroy. Because words have the power to change lives (some for the better and others for worse), it’s imperative we THINK before we speak. Better yet, when in delicate situations, we - - as believers - -  should pray before we speak!

As Christ-followers, we must choose our words carefully, remembering our number one priority should be to build up the Kingdom of God...not tear it down. Being mindful of the power of the tongue, may we pause before we speak and ask ourselves truths that I recently saw on a mug:

                   T – is it True?

                   H – is it Helpful?

                   I –  is it Inspiring?

                   N – is it Necessary?

                   K – is it Kind?

And most importantly…may we choose life-giving words that point others to Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have your careless words wounded another? Seek forgiveness and be reconciled.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 59:7, 19:14; James 1:19; Matthew 12:36-37

[1] http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hawknelson/words.html

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.

What’s in a Word?
By Susan Klein

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.”
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Growing up, did you ever hear your mother say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”? Wise woman! I think in our culture’s pursuit of “freedom of speech,” we’ve let go of that old adage. Our words, depending on how we use them, can be like a soothing balm to the soul, or as stabbingly painful as a double-edged sword. And, like toothpaste out of a tube, once they leave our mouths they can never be put back!

The book of Proverbs has a lot to teach us about our words. It says that when used appropriately, they can be pleasant as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone. When aptly spoken, they are like apples of gold in settings of silver. We are also told that a gentle answer turns away wrath, and the tongue of the wise commends knowledge. However, Scripture warns that when we misuse our words, they can pierce like a sword, or stir up anger. And that the Lord detests lying lips, and the mouth of a fool gushes folly. We are also cautioned that a gossip betrays a confidence so we are to avoid one who talks too much.

James thought this was such an important topic that he devoted most of his book’s third chapter to it! He validates that none of us are perfect and that we will all stumble at some point with our words. He gives us a good analogy when he compares our tongue (or words) to a bit in a horse’s mouth and to the rudder of a ship. Though each item is small, the bit controls the whole horse and the rudder steers the whole ship. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of our body, but if used improperly, it can corrupt the whole person or set the whole course of her life on fire.

So, how are we to avoid the calamity of loose lips or stinging words? By guarding our tongues. We do this by first taking each thought captive to see if it is pure or poison, then by being slow to speak. It is generally when we speak too quickly that we get ourselves into big trouble!

Let’s put our mother’s advice to practice and use our words to build each other up, then we will bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you think of a situation where you used your words wrongly? How could you avoid repeating that mistake?
2. Ask God to help you be quick to listen and slow to speak.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 34:12-14; Ecclesiastes 10:12-13; James 1:26

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council.