Sistering

By Elizabeth Cole

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

What do you do when something needs repairing in your home? Buy a how-to book at Home Depot? Call your friend Dan? Check the yellow pages? (Do those still exist?!)

No…you “youtube” it. Case in point: my dryer stopped working last year, so I searched Youtube for the most likely reasons, googled the nearest repair supply store, and installed my new part…with success that every single loved one heard about for the next two weeks…or months!

So, I was on youtube recently and found a fascinating video on repairing sagging joists. Essentially, the best way to fix a joist that isn’t functional alone is to affix another joist alongside it, nailing the two together in such a way that the old joist and the new joist together are functional and useful, being what they were made to be.

That, in and of itself, is pretty great. But want to know the best part? It’s called sistering. Yep, the common construction definition of sistering is “To strengthen (a supporting beam) by fastening a second beam alongside it.” [1]

Sounds a lot like intentional, relational disciplemaking to me.

I have this dream that the sisters I love and lead would be in the business of sistering: of coming up alongside another in long-term, intentional relationships for the purpose of spiritual strengthening, developing and building up, supporting and living out what they were made to be. That we’d be willing to say “no” to other pursuits that have no eternal value to open up the space and time to invest in another woman’s life…in the lives of children, in our husbands’ lives. To see value and potential…to love as Jesus loves.

The Apostle Paul was a master at sistering. He writes to His Roman brothers and sisters, “I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12). That second part of his longing expresses a profound truth: the one discipling grows right alongside the one she’s discipling…the act of sistering is mutually encouraging, each becoming more of who she was made to be, side-by-side the other, strengthened for God’s call on her life.

Are you up for some sistering today?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Whom has God purposefully placed in your life for you to sister…and are you?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 2:4; Galatians 6:2; 1 John 3:17

[1] http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sister. The concept of spiritual sistering is in Women of Influence: Ten Traits of Those Who Want to Make a Difference by Pam Farrel (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press), 2006.

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

The Ice Cream Cone

By Brita Crouse

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

It was a hot and humid day; sunny skies with the threat of a summer storm in the distance. I was in a different country, surrounded by a group of chatty teenage girls, and I was feeling overwhelmed by my new surroundings. But, mostly I was just feeling hot. We were making the mile walk to a nearby pond to go swimming and escape the heat.

One bold girl in the group held my hand and walked in step with me as we made our way toward the relief of the cool water. I distracted myself from the temperature by asking her lots of questions about her favorite things, to which she politely responded. We discovered that one thing in particular we had in common was our love of ice cream. A few minutes into our walk, she ran to another adult in the group and, in her native language, insisted we make a stop at a local convenience store. The girl ran inside the small shop and a few minutes later emerged with two strawberry ice cream cones. One for her, one for me.

I was praying for a better understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us during this Easter season when God brought to mind this sacrificial moment. This girl, who had very few material possessions, used her limited spending money on me, a virtual stranger. She had no idea what her impact on me would be. It was the best ice cream I’ve ever had (and I really love ice cream). She demonstrated Christ’s love by giving, even when she had very little to give. And it got me thinking, do I live my life like this?

In my own little world, I collect more “stuff” with each passing birthday and holiday. Rarely do I give away what I have. It’s not very often I use what I can offer to bless others. There is always an excuse, a reason why “I can’t.” There will always be excuses, but I am wondering what life would look like if we put the excuses aside and lived sacrificially?

Jesus showed us the greatest example of sacrifice by giving up His life for us. In our lives, we have the chance to tell others about this sacrifice, not only through words, but through our actions as well.

Living sacrificially is not an easy task, but there is much joy in it. Sometimes all it takes is sharing an ice cream cone.

GOING DEEPER:

1. When have you been shown sacrificial love?

2. How can you live more sacrificially?

FURTHER READING:

John 15:12; 1 John 3:16

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.

“Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave…”

By Susan Klein

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

Many of us, at one time or another, have heard the line from the poem, Marimon, which reads: “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”[1] Recently, this line has been floating around in my thoughts, but with a slight twist to the ending; “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we trust in that which we perceive.”

Perceive. It’s a sticky word. It means to look upon something in a particular way, to judge, deem, or regard, based mainly on our senses. Not often based on fact, perceptions are usually based solely on what we see, how we feel, or what we (think we) understand about something. Therein lies the problem. Without facts, our perceptions can spin quite the tangled web!

See if this scenario strikes a familiar note. Claire walks down the hall at church and sees Meg approaching from the opposite direction. Claire says, “Hello Meg,” but Meg just keeps walking past her. Claire feels somewhat hurt and confused by this encounter. Her senses lead her to perceive that Meg is either mad at her, or has just behaved rather rudely. The web starts to spin. Claire shares her hurt feelings with Lee and they both try to surmise why Meg would behave so peculiarly. Lee chooses to maintain a comfortable distance from Meg. The web grows, drawing in Lee. Meg, who has just been through a deep personal crisis, is walking around in a blind fog, wondering how she is going to survive the day.

Relying on what we perceive to be true can create a sticky mess of a conflict. When we don’t have all the facts, our minds can easily conjure up some. We start to spin our own take on the situation based on our senses. It can become a huge sticky web, ensnaring others along the way.

Suppose Claire had stopped, reached out to Meg and asked, “Are you okay?” There would be no web. There might even be some comfort for Meg and the deepening of a friendship between the two women.

We all have “mis-perceptions.” In our haste, it’s easy to avoid taking that extra step to verify the facts. But, what if we could eliminate some of those misperceptions? Could it positively affect our relationships, benefit our mental health, and ultimately glorify our Savior?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take that extra time to inquire of others when uncertain. Don’t rely on (mis) perceptions.

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:7,13,27,30; Romans 12:18

[1] Marimon; A Tale of Flodden Field, Sir Walter Scott, 1513

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.

Chipping Away

By Jeannine Sawall

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

There is a story about a sculptor who was working on a current project. He was carving a wolf out of a large stone. As a man stood by watching the sculptor chip a little bit away here and a little bit away there, he asked the sculptor how he knew what to carve off. The sculptor stopped what he was doing for a moment, looked at the man and said “I chip away whatever doesn’t look like a wolf. When I’m done chipping away those unwanted parts, then I will have a wolf.”

We are like that block of stone in the hands of God. While God loves us just the way we are, He loves us too much to leave us in our raw state. He desires for us to become more and more like Jesus. He wants us to grow and change and reflect His Son’s nature in our nature. He does this by chipping away those things that are not like His Son. Even though the chipping away can be painful at times, it means we aren’t stuck with the nasty, unlikeable things in our nature. God is working to change those things.

As Christians, we want to bear the image of Jesus. Not because it makes God happy; He already loves us in our imperfect state and not because it will help us get to heaven. Christ died on the cross and did the work of salvation for all men. No, we want reflect the image of Christ because it’s His image shown through us that draws others to Him and His glory. As we become more and more Christ-like in our nature, people are drawn to that “thing” that makes us so different. They’re drawn to Jesus in us, which becomes more and more apparent as our old nature is chipped away.

Having our rough edges chipped away can be a long and tedious process; however, the beauty that lies beneath is worth the lessons learned and the time required. It’s no mystery, we are flawed people and we will never see perfection this side of heaven. However, if we allow God to work in our hearts, chipping away all those things that are un-Christlike, we’ll soon bear the image of Jesus and His glory more and more.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What areas in your life does the Lord need to chip away at?

2. Who in your life needs to see Christ’s image in you?

Further Reading:

Romans 12:2; Romans 8:29; Isaiah 64:8

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in the Oakwood Cafe and is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

I Didn’t Marry the Perfect Person 
By Lexi Ellis

“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)

I accidentally freaked out my husband a couple years ago. I was reading an article a friend had posted. Seeing the title as he walked by, Andrew said, smiling, “Nine months in and you’re reading that!”

The article was “You Never Marry the Right Person” by Timothy Keller.[1] His premise is that our culture believes in perfect soul mates - - ideal companions - - and therefore love comes naturally, without work. Keller suggests, rather, we must recognize and embrace our “messy-ness” and believe it’s a beautiful thing. It’s “painful and yet so wonderful…because it is a reflection of the Gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The Gospel is: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared to believe, and at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

My husband is an incredible man of God. He’s not perfect…I’m really  not perfect! If there’s anything we’ve learned from others, it’s this: Marriage takes work, it takes investment. And it’s one that’s incredibly worth it.

While marriage is a unique relationship, we experience the reality of “un-perfect-ness” with other relationships. My best friend, my sisters, my parents aren’t perfect. And yet, I am so grateful for those relationships because through them, there are two non-perfect parties striving to share God’s message and love like Jesus loved.

It’s the non-perfect times that draw us closer in our relationships. My sisters and I have the intimacy we do because we’ve been vulnerable with each other. Keller writes that it’s the hard times that “drive us to experience more of this transforming love of God.”

How powerful that God uses selfish, self-serving people to accomplish incredible things! How wonderful that we can approach the throne of God (because of what Christ did) and come as we are![2] How awesome God can use un-perfect us when we allow Him!

Keller writes, our “conviction and repentance move us to cling to and rest in God’s mercy and grace.” Our “un-perfect-ness” in our relationships means we desperately need our God. I’m thankful for the reminder that God uses the mess in our relationships, and uses that mess to compel us to relish in His mercy and grace.

I didn’t marry the perfect person (neither did Andrew) and I’m so glad I didn’t.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How has God used “un-perfect-ness” for His glory in your life?

2. Visit http://bible.org/illustration/god-can-use-us-all. What biblical example do you relate to?

FURTHER READING:

2 Timothy 2:20-21; Psalm 27:1-5

[1] Timothy Keller. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationship/features/27749-you-never-marry-the-right-person. It’s an excerpt from his book, The Meaning of Marriage. 

[2] A website of examples in Scripture of un-perfect people God used: http://bible.org/illustration/god-can-use-us-all

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

Low Tide

By Tracy Smith

“ 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)

At a recent women’s retreat, the speaker made this statement, “When the tide is lowest is when treasures are revealed.”

This statement stayed in my thoughts and when we were given an opportunity to spend quiet time with the Lord, I continued to work through that statement. It was a truth that had never occurred to me. Growing up in Wisconsin, I didn’t have a lot of experience with the ocean, but I could try to apply this statement to my life.

As I continued to think about this, another thought occurred to me - - that while low tide would reveal treasures, it would also leave behind some pretty ugly things too. When I am going through a low tide in life what do I show the world - - the treasures or the ugly? What do I focus on?

All of these questions swirled around in my head and I didn’t like some of the answers I was coming up with. I think my natural tendency is to focus on the ugly and bypass right by the beautiful. I eventually get to the beautiful, but it takes a while for me to see the treasures left behind by a struggle.

Do I really believe what James 1:2-4 says?

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NIV)

I know that I do not usually see trials as a way for my endurance to grow, and I certainly do not consider it a joy. These verses challenge me to change my thinking and to see challenges as a chance to grow and mature as a Christian.

My goal is that when I face a low tide, I focus on the treasures left behind.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Looking back at a low tide in your life, can you see the beauty that was left behind?

2.  Memorize James 1:2-4 and make it a challenge to yourself.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 121:1-2; 1 Peter 1:6-9

Along with being a wife and mother to two 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.

Fear of Failing

By Lexi Cole Ellis

The Lord is my light and my salvation - - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - - of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

This year has been really healthy for me professionally. As I looked back at previous years of teaching, I realized I often spent time considering other instructional strategies to try, but was hesitant about implementing them because of a fear of failing. My over-thinking and the fear of what others would think held me back in incorporating new strategies for my students.

This changed through a positive encounter with my new administrator. As I shared ideas I wanted to try, I was shocked at her excitement. She encouraged me to keep taking risks and that it would be okay if it didn’t work perfectly every time.

In an environment where teachers are under continual pressure to be perfect, this permission to try new instructional formats to best help my students was incredibly freeing. I began incorporating techniques, meeting with other teachers, and working on multiple taskforces for new district proposals on what individualized, personalized learning can realistically look like in different kind of classrooms. Is each thing I try perfection? Not at all. But I’ve seen incredible results across the board in my students. This freedom and support has energized my teaching in a healthy way, replacing my fear of failing and of my inadequacies. I now have this sign[1] by my desk: 

I recently heard Matthew West’s song, “Day One,” on the radio.

“I wish I wasn't wishing anymore

Wish I could remember that nobody's keeping score

I'm tired of throwing pennies in a well

I gotta do something

Here goes nothin'

It's day one of the rest of my life.” [2]

I began to realize my fear of failing wasn’t exclusive to my teaching. As I work to be in the Word and improve my prayer life, this “day one” mentality has become applicable and easier to live out. As I look at Scripture, I see stories of those willing to take risks for the Lord. Imagine what could happen if I was willing to take risks for His Kingdom, to be in the Word and in prayer, so I could discern what God’s direction was and be bold in my faith.[3] I will not let the fear of failing prevent me from living out my calling. It’s day one...have you rejected the fear of failing?

GOING DEEPER:

1. What do you need to do to so the fear of failing doesn’t consume you?

2. Take time to listen to Matthew West’s song “Day One” today. (Click HERE to listen to it.)

FURTHER READING:

2 Timothy 1:7; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 56:3-4

[1] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/161285230377931171/

[2] http://www.klove.com/music/artists/matthew-west/songs/day-one-lyrics.aspx

[3] Our small group just finished Max Lucado’s book /study “Fearless” and the book elaborated on this as well.

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

Do It Gladly

By Brita Crouse

“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

Nervously, I sat staring at the blank email open on my computer screen. The empty page was waiting for me to fill it with words, but I began to second-guess myself that I was doing the right thing. My fingers began to type, but my mind began to race with thoughts discouraging me from sending this email.

I was writing a classmate to share exciting news: some research we found was able to help students at another university become better informed on a certain psychological diagnosis. I was writing to encourage her.  But yet, I couldn’t shake the thoughts that were telling me this was just going to be another email added to the dozens we as students receive daily, that what I had to say could wait, or wasn’t even important enough for her to know.

Maybe this scenario seems silly, but maybe you have been there before too. You are presented with the opportunity to encourage and bless someone, but that opportunity is missed because of thoughts that cause you to doubt. Thoughts like, Oh, they already know or How will they respond? or What if it makes me seem weird?

In the verses above, you can see how Paul is urging us to use our God-given abilities, whether that be teaching, encouraging or showing kindness. Not only are we told to use these talents, we are also told to “speak out,” “serve…well,” “do a good job,” “do it,” “share…generously,” “take the responsibility seriously,” and “do it gladly.”

Reading through these verses has caused me to take these instructions more seriously. How could I not?! This school semester I have set out to challenge myself: to say kind thoughts or encouraging words freely. Why keep them to myself?

God has given each of us certain abilities. Let us show His love by using them to bless others.

I did end up sending that email. And I ended up doing it gladly!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Think of someone you know who could use some encouragement and kindness this week. Challenge yourself to bless them specifically. Do it gladly!

FURTHER READING:

1 Peter 4:10; 1 John 4:19

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.

EXTREME Impossibilities!
By Elin Henderson 

“For with God, nothing will be impossible!”
Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

We have all heard of extreme  sports. People go to all lengths to prove their might, speed, even foolishness at times. And, if you are like me, you really enjoy watching Extreme Makeover, where they do miraculous wonders and change someone’s complete appearance. But, you know, God delights in extreme impossibilities!

In I Kings 18:20-40, we find poor Elijah doing battle with the prophets of Baal. They have set up a “test” for their gods to see who is the most powerful. What is interesting in this story is that God wasn’t satisfied in proving Himself in just an “impossibility” - -raining fire down from heaven to burn up the offering. Instead, He told Elijah to pour water on the sacrifice, soaking it completely, not once, not twice, but three times! Like the fire wasn’t enough, he added layers to the impossibility.

There are multiple examples throughout Scripture: God weeded Gideon’s army down from hundreds of thousands to a measly 300 to defeat an impossibly large army. Jesus waited until Lazarus was dead for three days before raising him. Do you see a pattern? I do! God loves the impossible, but really delights in the extreme impossibilities.

When I was in Mozambique, I found myself asking God for the impossible and even the extreme impossible a lot. Not only was I trying to learn a virtually impossible, unwritten language, but I got to live with the constant stresses that life brings: a solid week of rain which results in moldy clothes, centipedes crawling into bed with me…all sorts of added “buckets of water” being poured on top of an already impossible task. And then, lest I forget, I was reminded of the more impossible task at hand of seeing the lives of hundreds of thousands of “resistant” peoples brought from darkness into light. Yes, the task before us was, and is, pretty extreme…extremely impossible! Yet, in the end, the God of extreme impossibilities will be victorious!

So, next time you feel like “it can’t get any worse!” and it does, just think of it as another bucket of water onto the quest for the impossible. When your day meets obstacle after obstacle and your goals seem totally unattainable, remember, God delights to show Himself strong on our behalf, going above and beyond what we could ask or think. Not only will the outcome be amazing, but it will be totally His doing! In those extreme impossibilities in Scripture, was there any way, humanly speaking, that victory could have been achieved? I don’t think so! God delights in the work He does and He specializes in Extreme Impossibilities!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What seemingly impossible task or situation is God asking of you? Give it to Him and expect His extreme provision!

FURTHER READING:
Judges 7; John 11:1-44

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

The Designer’s Wardrobe

By Vernette Kureck

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Proverbs 31: 25 (NIV)

After a long cold winter, it is time to open up the closet, clean out the drawers, and get ready for spring.  I sort through my clothes and determine what is too old or too small or too out of date. Some articles of clothing have fond memories attached to them. Some are just fun to wear. But because of my lifestyle, most are just everyday regular women’s casual wear. So, how should I dress? I felt led to check out the Word.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity.” How do you fold that in a drawer or drape it on a hanger?! Strength is the quality of being able to withstand the application of force without yielding or breaking. That sounds like a physical workout, but in reality, it is both physical and spiritual exercise resulting in a steady composure. Dignity is a manner of serenity; a state of honor and worthiness. That sounds like I hold a high rank or position. Well, I am  the daughter of THE King! So, how should I dress?

Colossians 3:12-14(NIV) says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” In other words, demonstrate pity for the suffering or distress of another with the desire to help, while being modest and humble. Be gentle, considerate, goodhearted, mild and amiable. Be this way while also being capable of awaiting results with tranquility and uncomplaining endurance. Cease to blame and grant pardon to those who have offended you. Cover yourself with God’s love and experience harmony and mutual understanding.

So, this is how I should dress. The beauty of this Holy Spirit-designed wardrobe is it never gets too old, outgrown or out-of-date. And it is perfect for every occasion, dress or casual. Yes, it’s a good time to evaluate just what I have been wearing and ask the Holy Spirit to do His spring cleaning…and to make sure His designer wardrobe is never packed in a drawer or draped on a hanger. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are you wearing that identifies you as a daughter of the King? We are all works in progress so pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal what you need to cast off and what you need to put on.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 6:30-33; Matthew 7:7-11

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 46 years. Their two married sons have blessed them with eight grandchildren.

The Hole in the Night

By Jeannine Sawall

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down and, if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”

1 Samuel 3:6b (NIV)

God works in mysterious ways. Sometimes, he calls us gently in the night to talk. If we heard the Lord’s voice calling to us tonight, what would we do? Would we think it was the Lord’s voice calling to us personally, or would we think it was that beef burrito we ate for supper?!

I have a friend who had to ask himself that question. He found himself waking up routinely in the middle of the night. Instead of grumbling about lost sleep, or tossing and turning, he thought it must be the Lord waking him and decided to make use of this time to share his heart through email to fill what he calls “the hole in the night.” Soon, the thoughts and musings he shared with friends and family grew from a dozen email addresses to over 200. He blesses us with truths and thoughts to ponder, challenging us to live a deeper, freer, less “religious” faith. He inspires us to be about the work of Jesus, not just quoting  Jesus. He encourages us to be about God’s work on the “waiting room” side of eternity.

What has endeared this “old geezer,” as he fondly calls himself, to so many is his honesty about his relationship with the Lord. He readily admits that some things are a mystery. He prompts us to hear the Lord’s quiet voice in the midst of this loud world because the more we listen, the more we’ll hear Him speak. He dares us to seek the Lord in the midst of every circumstance. And he shows us that the Lord works in mysterious ways…who’d have thought an 87-year-old widower would have an email following of over 200 and growing, just because he couldn’t sleep through the night? How many of us might have just popped an Excedrin P.M. and called it a night?! When God gives us an opportunity to do His work, it will lead to a crisis of faith and action. We might question if it really is God; however, when God sees us listening with an attitude of obedience toward opportunity, He blesses that work because it brings glory to His name. I encourage you to listen for His voice calling to you in your day…or night...today.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In the midst of the loud world, what are you doing to be able to hear the Lord’s quiet voice calling to you?
2. How might you be missing an opportunity to bring glory to the Lord in your day or night?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 46:10; John 16:13

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in the Oakwood Cafe and is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

Greater

By Lexi Cole Ellis

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Three years ago, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop for our women’s retreat on the subject of comparisons. As I prepared, I dug into societal implications of comparing and how they hinder our oneness with God. What started as comparisons with physical appearance soon turned into a realization that we are drowning in comparisons in every facet and role. I just want to be prettier. I just want to be more like _________; she has it all together. I just want to be the best teacher. I wish I was a better ministry leader like _________. I long to be a better mom. ________ really is a better wife than I.   

Whether appearance or performance, these constant, detrimental comparisons often mean we are comparing ourselves to an unknown, unattainable ideal. We don’t know what “better” looks or feels like; we just know it’s not us. This results in never really accomplishing our standard of perfection.

As I struggle with rejecting self-deprecating, life-sucking comparisons in my own life, I’ve come to appreciate the comparisons in life that are  life-giving. There’s incredible hope, peace and a release of guilt that comes with surrendering our thoughts of unhealthy comparisons over to the God who knows and is greater.

Chris Tomlin’s song, “Our God,” is filled with comparisons words…the good kind. He identifies God as greater, stronger and higher than any other. Recently, as I listened to this song on the radio, singing along with the familiar chorus, I realized that it felt incomplete. For me, I felt God speaking to me, adding to the comparisons. I grabbed my phone and started using the speaking function as I spoke what His Spirit was saying:

Our God is greater… {than my circumstance.}

Our God is stronger… {than my fear.}

God, you are higher than any other…{insecurities I have.}

Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God! [1]

The single best and healthiest comparison is that God is bigger and stronger. As we go through storms and struggles, may we cling to the truth that He is higher than all…and that praising Him means working through and rejecting the unhealthy comparisons we mentally entertain. May we be children of God who actively pursue His healthy comparisons.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend time with the Lord. How is His Spirit adding onto the lyrics for you today?  Fill in the blanks: “Our God is greater than ________.”

2. Take time to listen to the song, “Our God” today. (Click HERE to listen to it.)

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Psalm 46:1

[1] http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/christomlin/ourgod.html, brackets added

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

God’s Other Book

By Susan Klein

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - - His eternal power and divine nature - - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…”

Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Like many others, I have read through the entire Bible, cover to cover. I used to believe that everything I needed to know and all the answers to life’s questions were in this Book. I discovered I was wrong. Some things can’t be learned from the written word and some questions simply have no answers this side of heaven. Might I deduce that God’s Book is incomplete? Perhaps. Faith wouldn’t necessarily have a place in our lives if all the answers were in black and white. However, I believe the Creator has given us a second source from which to glean valuable truths. It is what my friend affectionately calls: “God’s Other Book.”

Look around you. Were you reading it while you gazed at the evening sun disappearing from the horizon as the sky turned brilliant with color? You didn’t fear it was gone forever because the Author assured you it would return the next morning. And, when those crocuses and tulips popped up from the snow-covered ground, did they make your heart dance with joyful anticipation of spring and new life? This is God’s Other Book. In fact, you read it on a daily basis. There are lessons you’ve learned, pictures of God’s character you’ve seen, and answers to questions you’ve found in its pages. It’s a book that has brought you great comfort and hope as you’ve seen it, felt it, and experienced it.

Consider the Monarch butterfly, just one of over one million species of animals you’ll find in this book. A tiny, fragile creature that can be crushed with the slightest of pressure, yet has the incredible strength to fly over 2,000 miles to overwinter in a very specific high elevation forest in Mexico. Its offspring instinctively know to fly north again, often returning to their place of origin, to find the food they need to survive. [1] What do you read about strength and endurance here? How does it speak to you of God’s character, His design, and His provision? What joy does it bring you to watch the fluttering of its magnificently colored wings?

Spend some intentional time in God’s other Book. Don’t walk blindly past it, don’t skim quickly over it. Immerse yourself in it. See what He has for you amongst its pages!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take time this week to be still before God’s creation. Ask Him to speak to your heart through what you see. Listen for His voice. Offer Him your worship.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 19:1; Psalm 97:6; Acts 14:17; Matthew 6:28-30

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YatyW5ozRAs

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.

Open the Windows of Heaven

By Elin Henderson

“So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, ‘Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?’”

2 Kings 7:2 (NKJV)

What do you think? Are there really windows in heaven where God peers down on the earth below and pours out His love and resources? I don’t know whether they are avenues for us to see little glimpses of this amazing God we serve, or avenues for Him to pour forth His love and resources, but I am thankful for the word picture this verse provides.

Sometimes though, like in this story in 2 Kings 6 & 7, the windows of heaven only swing open when we come to the end of ourselves and our human resources. Samaria is under siege by the Syrians, hopeless and helpless. Then, the prophet Elisha comes along and says to the main officer in Samaria, “Tomorrow your salvation will come!” Obviously the officer on duty questions the validity of this statement and incredulously says (basically), “God will have to open the windows of heaven to do this, there is no other way!” Elisha then responds with, “You better bet He will!”

Sure enough, the Lord sends out four lepers and the entire Syrian army flees. The windows of heaven swing open and the people of Samaria not only get a little glimpse of the power and might of the God of Israel, but also experienced His wonderful provision. They went from the brink of starvation to having abundance!

It is often when we too are in desperate straits that we finally look to Him and realize He is sitting there with His hand on the shutters, ready to throw open the windows of heaven, show us Himself and provide in abundance for our needs. In Malachi 3:10b we are reminded that it isn’t a trickle or a token provision, but a pouring so great that “there will not be room enough to receive it.” May we always keep our eyes looking heavenward, waiting the moment when the shutters swing back and love pours down!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever had any glimpses into the windows of heaven? How has the Lord shown Himself strong on your behalf and provided in miraculous ways for you…and who have you told?
2. I love the old song He Giveth More Grace. One of its verses says, “When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father’s full giving is only begun.” What does that mean to you today?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:19; Acts 2:17

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