The Vine
By Lisa Boyer

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…”
Hebrews 12:1b

When we purchased our “house in the country,” the neighbor was kind enough to let me know about some of the trees and plants that grew on the property line. She made a point of showing me a vine and warned me that it spreads easily and is quite destructive. Being as I don’t have a green thumb, I wasn’t overly concerned and I let the vine run wild. I noticed that it was creeping down the property line towards the road, but I didn’t care, since there was no danger to the mature trees on the lot line.

Five years later, I found myself out there with gigantic clippers trying to get the vine under control. This was not an easy task. As the vine travels along the ground, it entrenches itself by dropping roots along the way. As it travels above ground, it wraps itself tightly around tree branches and bushes. I tracked down every piece of the vine, tugging and pulling it out of trees and bushes and ripping it out of the ground. The job seemed hopeless, but I wasn’t giving up. I was determined to stop the vine.

So, why the sudden interest in a vine I had been warned about and ignored for five years? The vine had reached something that I loved: the beautiful lilac bush at the front of my property. I managed to rescue the lilac bush, but the vine has taken hold in the area and I cannot get rid of it.

That vine reminds me of how surrounded we are by sin in this world. Left unchecked, sin creeps closer and closer until it gets into our very lives, entrenching itself and entangling us. We must be ever-diligent and proactive about protecting ourselves and our families. Regular “yard” checks to see if sin is creeping into our lives by radio, television, relationships, movies, books, magazines, computer and more, are in order.

When we bought our home, the vine was 250 feet from that lilac bush. Today, the vine is less than 10 feet from the lilac bush. The lilac’s only hope for survival is my diligence in cutting back the vine. Oh, how I regret letting the vine get that close. I won’t do the same with sin.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Will you ask God to give you wisdom as to how you can best protect yourself and your family from the influences of the sin of this world?
2. If you’ve become entangled in sin, will you turn to the Savior and ask Him to set you free?

FURTHER READING:
John 8:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for the Junior High girls’ small group.

Not Last, But First
By Kelly McFadden

“Long ago, even before God made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:4-5

Ronny squirmed back and forth unable to peal his eyes from the black asphalt below him. He hated this part of PE class. He shifted his weight back and forth and listened; wishing and praying that he would hear his name called.

“Simon.” The boy next to him smiled and hustled over to his team. Ronny sighed. There were only a few kids left and he knew he would be the last one picked. He was right, as he found himself standing alone, again. Ronny, shoulders drooping, joined his team. Getting picked last stinks.

There are none picked last in the Kingdom of God. God does not choose us because we are the most athletic, the smartest, the strongest, or the most religious. We cannot do anything to earn the salvation God graciously and freely gives us. It has always been a part of God’s plan to adopt us into His family, so we cannot take the credit. There is no room for pride.

Our team captain is Jesus Christ. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are holy and blameless in God’s sight. We are set apart. Through Jesus we are a part of the body of Christ. We are on His team.

We are not picked last, but first. In fact, Jesus picked you long before any of us existed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Why is it hard to accept the gracious gift God gives in choosing us?
2. What are ways that we can express thanks to God for choosing us?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:28-30; Galatians 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:1-14

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Wonderfully Made
By Dawn Weimar

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother‘s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...”
Psalm 139:13-14

“We have different gifts according to the grace given us.”
Romans 12:6

When I was 19, my father looked on as my future husband tore my car engine apart. Every day, my dad came out and viewed the mayhem, but never voiced the doubts that entered his mind. Much to his surprise, my car was fixed and ran for many more years.

My mother-in-law informed me that my husband’s first word was “car.” Seriously. He dabbled in sports, but hung out with “gear heads” in high school. And at 16 years of age, he bought and paid for his first car. During my first visit to the drag races, he taught me that the smell of nitromethane is the sweetest perfume when mixed with bleach and burning tires. The roar of engines is a precise symphony of cylinders whose performance is recognized only by a trained ear. The attraction is to witness a machine pushed to the limits by its maker to see how much power under pressure it could endure. And when it broke, its further attraction is to watch a skilled mechanic pull that beloved car apart and remake it in record time for the next run.

I recognized that this man loved me when he taught me to drive stick shift in his beloved car. His voice restrained, but patient, when I ground the gears. He knows makes and models and loves to watch the car auctions; in contrast, I remain clueless. For enjoyment, he doesn’t read fiction, oh no, he prefers owner’s manuals…and I am not taking about the one in your glove box. Now, he oversees service and body shops for three dealerships ensuring that customers’ cars run well and without little rattling noises that drive him crazy.

God created this man for this work just as he has created you perfectly for your work. Perhaps your calling is not quite so clear. Ask God; you’ll find it. Perhaps, your calling is unusual, geeky, not well respected or popular…embrace it anyway. Perhaps, you have a combination of gifts that uniquely prepares you to be you…be content with yourself. Thank God for the uniqueness in you and others around you. You have a job to do that only you can do. Don’t bring yourself down because of the gifts you wish you had. Seize your opportunity!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Ask God to help you recognize the gifts and talents that he has given you, your children, and others. Encourage and nurture those gifts.

FURTHER READING: Psalm 139; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 25:14-30; Jeremiah 18:1-6; Romans 9:19-21

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

Let My Words Be Few
By Leslie Snyder

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father in heaven knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:7-8

Simple prayers say it best. Regarding prayer, one person said, “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weaknesses. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

Consider the following quotes:

“Let me remain as empty as possible so that God can fill me up.” Mother Theresa

“Dear God, I like the Lord’s prayer best of all. Did you have to write it a lot or did you get it right the first time? I have to write everything I ever write over again.” Lois*

“Dear God, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident?” Norma*

Too often we get caught up in over thinking our prayers, and can become paralyzed, preventing us from simply, but boldly, going to God in prayer. Rather than coming before God with the cries of our heart, we struggle to find the right words and, out of frustration, forgo opportunities to talk to God. Be reminded today that simple prayers are often best. Remember the simplicity of how Jesus instructed His disciples to pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13

GOING DEEPER:
1. Too often, we get caught up in saying the right words in prayer instead of just praying. Today, just pray.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:26; Psalm 28:6-7

*Children’s Letters to God by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall; Workman Publishing, 1991

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Lessons Learned from Sparrows
By Sarah Kosanke

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31

It was a beautiful summer morning. Dew on the ground, sun in the sky…and there I was in my unthankfulness driving down the road giving God my list of complaints, telling Him about the things I wanted that I didn’t have. Half paying attention to the road and half paying attention to my own lament, I looked up in time to see a sparrow fly across the road and disappear beneath the hood of my car. I looked into my rearview mirror to see the tragic end of this small bird. Immediately, I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 10 that speaks of how God the Father knows even when sparrows fall to the ground.

I was brought to tears due to my selfishness. God provides for all of His creatures. Birds have food and yet they don’t have to store it up in the pantry like we do. God knows our needs; God knows the desires of our hearts and He is also known as the one who provides. Why is it that we, as humans, the best of His creation, are the ones to doubt Him? We are the ones to give Him the list of demands and then expect to see results right away. I know that I am not the only one to feel this way!

God used that little bird’s death to wake me up to the truth that He would take care of my needs and that He knows what I want. God also knows what you need and want before you ask Him. There are even things He provides for us that we don’t think to thank Him for! Waking up in a bed, clean water on tap with which to brush our teeth and take a shower, even luxuries like a radio with music to help us get our days started. Let us together be thankful for what He provides and praise our awesome God!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Ask God to show you ways that He has provided for you and for those you love. You will be surprised and blessed by what He shows you.
2. What do you feel that you are in need of? Tell our Creator with a thankful heart.

FURTHER READING:
Luke 12:22-34

Sarah works as a rehabilitation specialist for mentally ill clients in a group home. She teaches the 5th and 6th grade girls at Oakwood.

Ten Commandments
By Dawn Weimar

“These are the commandments the Lord proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly…then he wrote them on two stone tablets… ”
Deuteronomy 5:22

The Lord proclaimed the Ten Commandments in a loud voice; parents, take heart! Not only that…God wrote them on stone, so that they would be preserved and endure! The first four relate to honoring God; the remainder governs our relationships with others.

1. “You shall have no other Gods before me.”
2. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them…”
3. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
4. “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
5. “Honor your father and your mother…so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land…”
6. “You shall not murder.”
7. “You shall not commit adultery.”
8. “You shall not steal.”
9. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife…or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Deuteronomy 5:7-21)

Jesus speaks about God’s laws, too. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…I tell you the truth…not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-19).

Obeying these commandments ensures that it will “…go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you” (Deuteronomy 6:3). Our success and prosperity begins with obeying the Lord on these foundational principles. They are not suggestions. They are not just ideas fit for “olden” times...or people far less advanced and enlightened than our generation. They are relevant commandments birthed out of God’s perfect, unconditional love for us…and lived from the inside out through the Holy Spirit’s enabling power. They are a gift from our Heavenly Father!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Now look away, can you recite all of the Ten Commandments? Make this a mealtime conversation to see how many everyone can recall! Talk about what they mean and why they are important.
2. What commandment are you struggling with today? Take your battle to God.

FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 5 & 6; Matthew 5-7

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

Be a Blessing
By Lisa Boyer

“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing.”
Genesis 12:2

“Be a blessing,” my friend said, and as soon as I heard those words I knew I was in trouble. Even though the words were spoken by a friend, they were a command from God.

You see, I had arranged for a day off from work and was on my way to stay overnight with my mom. I was feeling pretty good about myself and what a good daughter I was being until those words “be a blessing” hit my ears. I knew immediately that being a blessing was not the same as being a good daughter, and I really only wanted to be a good daughter.

I spent much of the drive to my mom’s contemplating what being a blessing would look like versus being a good daughter. I knew what my mom would want to do while I was there…and was already planning on doing those things…so what would the difference be?

Then it hit me. On this trip, the difference was going to be about my attitude. My smug “good daughter” attitude wasn’t going to be a blessing to my mom, no matter what we were doing together. This visit wasn’t about what a good daughter I could be, it was about being there for my mom. I decided I wanted to be a blessing more than I wanted to be a good daughter.

I can’t tell you whether or not I was a blessing, you’d have to ask my mom that question. But, I can tell you that wanting to be a blessing made a difference in my attitude. We did the things my mom wanted to do and I was enthusiastic about them. And when she said, “Well, you don’t wanna…” I said, “Yes, I do!” And when I thought it was time for me to go home, I heard “be a blessing” repeating in my head. So I paused and asked God, “How can I be a blessing to my mom?” Then I stayed and did a few things I hadn’t planned on doing, like hauling landscaping rocks from the trunk of her car to the garden…while smiling, of course.

Eventually, I went home…to be a blessing to my own family.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you ready to be a blessing to someone? Will you pray and ask God to whom He wants for you to be a blessing and then be that blessing today?

FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 3:9-12; Proverbs 10:7

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for the Junior High girls’ small group.

Spiritual Resumé
By Elin Henderson

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable act of service.”
Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

If you had to hand in a “Spiritual Resumé” to God, what would it look like? What should it include? Let’s think…name, date of salvation, service (type and years of), gifts, abilities, strengths and weaknesses, history of your walk with Him and of course a list of why He should hire you, right?

I can see myself writing a flourishing report of my years of service, my faithful walk, my wonderful gifts, etc. then confidently handing it over to the Lord knowing that He has just found Himself one great servant! How has He been doing it all without me? I will be a great addition to His team!

While all of these things are good, there is one that is far superior. Our experiences and our “spiritual walk” over the years can and do give us wisdom and maturity, but if we rely on that, we set ourselves up for pride’s fall. Thirty years of faithful service and walking with Him do not guarantee that tomorrow I won’t fall into serious sin. Most of the time, our accomplishments will hinder rather than help us. Our flesh and pride are unable to lay them aside…preferring to open them up for all to see and relive the glory days. How we love to write and flash about our resumés.

So, before we start hauling out our lists of accomplishments and expounding on our many gifts and abilities, perhaps we should stop and consider the following: Where am I at today? Am I available? What kind of resume do you think the Lord is looking for? Glowing lists? Or, a giant bold stamp covering it all that says “AVAILABLE”?

May that be our utmost goal as we present ourselves as servants to Him!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Has the Lord been calling you to any specific task or ministry? What kind of needs do you see around you? Can you identify where the Lord is using you, maybe even beyond your skills or gifts? Step out in faith. Hand in your resumé stamped, “Available!” and see where it leads you.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:7; Galatians 5:13; Hebrews 12:28

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and seven-year-old Elias.

A Father’s Hands
By Dawn Weimar

“I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”
Psalm 143:5

My husband’s hands are remarkable. They are strong hands that have felled trees, hoisted engines, and moved large inanimate objects. In fact, those hands prefer to move our boat lift from the land into the water, then back again at the end of the season…by themselves. “It’s all leverage,” you know. Those same hands that seem to be able to move heaven and earth were never confident to hold a newborn. Those hands preferred children that were much less breakable. Those hands seemed all thumbs when it came to changing cloth diapers and I estimate that they changed only a dozen diapers for three children. In fairness, he says I exaggerate, but that is how I remember it. As I have watched these hands at work, I have never expected them to be proficient at holding a newborn or changing a diaper; fortunately for him, because I recognized that they were created to do things that my hands cannot do.

Perhaps, you know hands that do remarkable things with balls, are trained to skillfully create beautiful music from an instrument, precisely tailor clothes, give to the needy, fill kitchens with delightful aromas, communicate with the deaf, or make gardens flourish. Praise God for the hands of your loved ones and the remarkable things He has created them to do.

In contrast, our heavenly Father’s hands created heaven and earth, have literally moved mountains, and calmed raging seas. Yet, these same holy hands have fashioned the intricate membranous structure of jellyfish, healed the sick, and continue to tenderly hold us. He holds our times in His hands (Psalm 31:15). He upholds us with His hands (Psalm 37:24). And He has engraved us in the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).

This Father’s Day, praise your heavenly Father for all the wonderful ways He cares for you. Lift your hands high!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider the ways in which God has put His hands on your life. Thank Him.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 65:21-23; Proverbs 12:14; 1 Timothy 2:8

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

Joyful Concert
By Peggy Kleckner

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn – shout for joy before the LORD, the King.”
Psalm 98:4-6

I have been enjoying a concert since April….right outside my front window! First came the tips of daffodils boldly proclaiming their presence, followed by their bouncy yellow blooms. Next came the tulips spattered about in different colors…a few here, a few over there. Each type of plant showed up for its part in displaying His splendor. Each group proudly pushing up past the dirt, taking time to sprout leaves and set down roots before producing its blossoms.

Oh, but the wonderful sway of the most recent music! Triumphal shouts of irises boldly proclaiming their colors. Big leaves followed by tall shoots that burst into blooms! This year was the first for some of those colors. What a treasured surprise. To add to the fun, they showed up while my mom was visiting from Florida. Each day we viewed yet another added color. We enjoyed the playful staccato notes of daises, as well as the wispy featherlike tinklings of paper irises. How like God to add joy to my days. What a delicious experience to share with my mother.

Some days, I wonder what the music is. I think of all of the instruments in an orchestra or a band and I imagine which ones would play the part of the tulip, the daffodil, the daisy. Are my irises trumpets? Are the daisies piccolos? It just sets the mind to giggling. Oh, how He must delight in my delight!

May each of us also be willing to bloom for His glory and the delight of those around us!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What joyful surprises has He placed in your days recently?
2. Are you blooming according to His timing, or are you trying to compete with those planted around you? Who plans the concert, you or God?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 61:11; Genesis2:4-9; Jeremiah 17:7-8

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - two sons and two stepsons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

The Ultimate Comforter
By Kelly McFadden

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Some years ago, I received an email that my uncle was taken to the hospital while vacationing in Rome. As soon as I heard, I knew I needed to get there, since at that time I lived closer than any other of our relatives. Within 24 hours of receiving the news, I was in Rome to be a support for my aunt and uncle. I had no idea what I would do or say. I simply knew I needed to be there and at least I could pray.

I felt God used my prayers to teach me a lesson about words. Words are powerful. The Proverbs warn us to use our tongue wisely. During the week I spent in the Italian hospital, words were sometimes a comfort. However, I quickly realized they were best when rarely spoken. While words are important, they don’t substitute for a hug. No word can share a tear. No word can hold a loved one’s hand. It’s hard to find the right words in the midst of another’s sorrow and pain. In moments like these, presence is often more important than words.

The lesson that the Lord taught me is that He is the ultimate Comforter. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give us peace. When we are lost, confused, hurt, sad, scared, tired or misunderstood, He brings comfort. The ultimate Comforter will not offer meaningless words or clichéd responses. His presence in our lives holds us through life’s ups and downs.

Further, I realize own ability to comfort rests solely on God. As Paul tells the Corinthians, we can comfort others because God first comforted us. We see God’s comfort at work as He provides us with others to walk beside us and to act as His hands and feet. The support I was able to give my family originated with God, who gave me not only the opportunity to be present, but the strength to share His comfort.

Are you hurting, lost and in need of comfort? Cry out to the Lord! He is already with you. Is someone you know hurting? God calls you to be a comforter, even as He is a comforter to you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Reread the passage above. Why do you think Paul mentioned sharing in suffering as he speaks of being comforted?
2. Think of ways you can be the hands and feet of Christ to those around you who suffer.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 54:10; Matthew 5:3-5; Philippians 2:1-3

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Greater Love
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God…”
1 John 4:7

Vesta Burgess was a mother. She gave birth to eight children and loved them each deeply. The seventh child was born severely physically and mentally disabled. This child never talked, never crawled, never walked. Each day of this child’s 14 years, Vesta fed her, cleaned her, spoke to her, and prayed for her. While many only saw this child as a burden, and in fact, pushed Vesta to institutionalize her daughter, Vesta saw only a gift from God that she was to nurture. What great love!

Mr. McKay was an elderly man who believed in helping impoverished students to achieve their college dreams. A man of means, he would allow young men to live in his home near campus rent-free in exchange for household chores. Even upon his death, his will stipulated that first his assets were to be used to help any students currently living with him to obtain student housing for the balance of the school year. What great love!

Mike’s* wife is leaving him. Oh, she’s still in the house, but she has been diagnosed with dementia. Daily he sees changes in the woman he loves. Her physical prognosis is good, but her mind is wasting away. He is determined to care for her, despite the emotional and financial challenges facing them for many years to come. What great love!

Jesus commanded us to love sacrificially. We may not have to face dying in the place of someone else, as He did for us, but each of us is charged to lay down our lives…put others first…make another person’s needs a priority. You may not have a loved one that needs physical care. You may not be able to spend a lot of money. Sacrificial love doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be listening, encouraging, or lending a hand.

By the way, my father was the last student who stayed with Mr. McKay. Without the free room, Dad could not have gone to college. Vesta Burgess was my grandmother and I was blessed to have been loved by her, too.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a way today to show someone a little love beyond what you might normally do. And then do it! Some ideas: sending a note, giving a caretaker or young mom a break, or calling a friend with whom you’ve lost touch.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:8; John 15:12-13

*Name changed for privacy

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Note to Self
By Lisa Boyer

“…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.”
2 Corinthians 10:12b (KJV)

Dear Self,

When your loving heavenly Father gently points out some area in your life that He wants you to work on, it’s because He knows you are ready to deal with it, change it and move on. The other day when God tapped you on the shoulder and pointed out something that needed attention, you took it and ran with it. But you ran in the wrong direction!

You immediately began beating yourself up for how you’d been handling it and then you proceeded to make a list of everything that you don’t do right in that area of your life. The result wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was downright ugly. You became completely defeated…before you could even begin to take the journey God wanted you to take.

What happened? The area God pointed out wasn’t that major. It was such a simple thing; not a sin issue, a self-improvement issue. And when it comes to self-improvement, nothing can make you spiral out of control like…oh yes, others. Is that where your mind went? Is that how your list became so long? God showed you one thing He wanted you to improve and your problem-solving mind looked around to see how others do that one thing. But instead of finding solutions, you compared yourself with them and saw more and more problems; things others handle better than you do. The Bible makes it very clear that isn’t the route to take. Comparing yourself with others is not wise, and look where it landed you!

Can we please start over? Whatever area God wanted you to begin to work on, He knows you’re ready to deal with it, or He wouldn’t have brought it up. He wants to gently lead you down a better path. Trust Him.

Love,
Me

PS: One more thing: Get rid of the list. The list didn’t come from God…you made up that list. While it is true that there will always be someone who does “it” better than you, that same someone will always be able to find someone who does “it” better than she. Comparing never helps.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you tend to spiral down the wrong path when God shows you an area to work on? Next time will you sit quietly before Him and let Him show you His solution?
2. Are you in the habit of comparing yourself to others? Today, will you begin to measure yourself by God’s standard?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 10:18; Proverbs 3:5

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for the Junior High girls’ small group.

Questions Unanswered
By Jennie Pierce

“Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes…”
Psalm 13:3

Have you ever noticed how children naturally expect their parents to be walking tomes of knowledge about seemingly insignificant, trivial things? For instance, in the last twenty-four hours I have been asked questions such as, “How many legs does a centipede really have?” Or, “Who invented peanut butter? Was it George Washington or George Washington Carver? Or, did Carver just discover the peanut?” Or, “How do you spell ‘hypocritical’?” Even, “Is wheat starch different from wheat?” As much as I’d like to be able to respond, “As a matter of fact…” the reality is, more often than not, I end up having to reply, “I don’t know.” Yet, they keep coming back with more questions.

David had questions for God. Okay, so they may not have been about bugs or food, but they were important enough to him to that he inquired of his heavenly Father. “How long, Lord?” “Will you forget me forever?” “How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13 records David asking God five specific questions and pleading with God to please give an answer! Even when the answer did not come, or any plausible solution promised, David still responded, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me” (verses 5 and 6).

Somehow, not getting an answer really didn’t matter. David was content in knowing his Father loved him to no end and nothing would change that. And that was enough for him. David trusted wholeheartedly in his God. As a result, David’s heart could sing and dance and praise rather than give in to the trap of distress and despair.

No doubt, tomorrow will be a new day with many more questions and possibly even fewer answers for the child to his parent, and the child of God to his heavenly Father. Yet, even if the answers don’t come as expected or when expected, will you continue to rest in the everlasting love your heavenly Father has for you and trust in His ability to give you the strength you need?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Prayer is an effective tool in expressing thoughts, feelings and questions to God. Through prayer, the Father helps us regain the right perspective, and that gives us peace. Will you take the time and initiative to do just that today? He longs to hear from you!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 13; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 55:8-9

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

Crucifying Your “Whys”
By Elin Henderson

“And they straightway left their nets and followed Him.”
Matthew 4:20 (NKJV)

Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “A true believer will crucify the question ‘Why?’ He will obey without questioning.”(1) I recently read that and began to examine my own life and asked myself, “What are some of the ‘whys’ in my life?” As I did this, I saw how very easy it is to ask “why” and very hard to simply leave my nets and follow!

So, what is so wrong about asking “why”? Didn’t David do it repetitively throughout the Psalms? “Why do the heathen rage?” (Psalms 2:1). “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord?” (Psalms 10:1). “Why have You withdrawn your hand, even Your right hand?” (Psalms 74:1). Even Jesus asked “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). There is a place for saying to the Lord, “In my humanness, I don’t understand why! I am really struggling with this!” Even Jesus did that. It is an honest admitting of where we are at and God understands that. The question then becomes, where do we go from there. Do we remain in this “why” state or do we say like David, “But I will hope continually and will yet praise You more and more” (Psalms 71:14). Or, do we follow like Peter did out onto the water.

What are some potential negatives that asking “why” can do? First, it delays obedience. If we have to have an explanation for everything we are going to do then we are probably going to delay in obeying it. It also questions our Creator God (His ways, paths, plans, motives)! It shows our pride and our doubt that He can handle this or has the right plan in mind. Finally, it demands that God owes us an explanation and cannot (in His sovereignty) direct without consulting us first or explaining it in advance.

May we be like many of the patriarchs and disciples of old who just said “yes” and followed, no questions asked! May we be willing to humble ourselves and say, “Yes, Lord, I will obey and not wait for the answer to the “why.” If, in Your time, You decide to give me a glimpse into the motives behind this, then I will consider it a blessing and not an obligation on Your part. I trust you completely.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What “whys” have you been holding on to? As you identify them, what truths about God can you apply to them to put an end to the questions and start resting and obeying?

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 22; Genesis 17:23

(1) from “Streams in the Desert,” Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI. pg. 147.

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and seven-year-old Elias.

Waterlogged Wood
By Leslie Snyder

“With the stones he (Elijah) built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, ‘Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.’ ‘Do it again,’ he said, and they did it again. ‘Do it a third time,’ he ordered, and they did it the third time. The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.”
1 Kings 18:32-35

I love campfires. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved campfires. The smoky smell that permeates your clothes, the crackling sound of the wood burning, and the amber light that reflects off the faces of family and friends all make the campfire experience complete. So it was no surprise when our family purchased a portable outdoor fireplace. One night after a couple of days of heavy rain we decided to roast some marshmallows over the fire. The problem we faced became apparent when every piece of wood dripped with water from the previous days’ rains. But, because we had an insatiable need for S’mores, we hunted relentlessly for the driest pieces of wood we could find. With a great deal of perseverance and effort we were rewarded a strong enough fire to roast a few marshmallows.

While it seemed like a small miracle to get our wet wood to light, it reminded me of the experience of Elijah and his contest with the prophets of Baal to see whose god was the real God. The challenge involved both the prophets of Baal and Elijah preparing sacrifices, and the real God would be the one who would send fire to burn the sacrifice.Elijah spent the day watching the prophets of Baal call upon their god to no avail. The result was silence. Then, it was Elijah’s turn and he did the unthinkable! He soaked the wood around the altar, not once, not twice, but three times! Then, he prayed. Talk about miracles! To the shock of all, fire from God fell from the sky and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the altar, and every drop of water.

Maybe you have some “wet wood” in your life that needs to be consumed by the fire of God. And, maybe it’s not for your benefit but like Elijah, it’s for the benefit of those around you. God loves to do the impossible, and maybe, just maybe, if you ask, He’ll do it.

GOING DEEPER:
It took a tremendous amount of faith for Elijah to do what he did. But in Matthew 17:20 Jesus said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there and it will move.’ Nothing will be impossible for you.”

FURTHER READING:
1 Kings 18:1-39

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Divine Delay
By Susan Klein

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9

Recently, I watched a taped interview on NBC’s Today Show with Meredith Viera. She spoke with a woman who was severely disfigured in a horrific accident. This woman virtually had no face left; eyes and nose gone and only a small hole remaining for a mouth. Now blind, she could not even rely on her hands to help her “see,” as they, too, were missing. It was very difficult for her to speak, and when she did, she barely uttered, “I take it day by day and just see how it goes, and I hope for the best.’’

As I watched the interview, my gut churned and my heart ached for this woman! Tears streamed down my face at the cruelty of the situation. I could not begin to imagine living in her misshapen body and having “hope for the best.” I felt as if I would rather die than survive such a physically and emotionally painful ordeal. In my grief, I began to question my loving Creator. “Why, God?! Why would she have to survive this and have virtually no quality of life left? Wouldn’t it have been more humane to let her die? What could be your purpose in this?”

The words she spoke next gave me an answer. “There is something, some power, that kept me alive,” she managed in a tiny voice through the little hole. She apparently didn’t know her Creator, her Savior! She had some inkling that there was someone or something out there that had saved her, but didn’t know in what or whom to put her hope. God showed me His heart at that moment as He brought the verse above to my mind. He was being patient with her, desiring for her to come to know Him. He definitely had His reasons for letting her survive! And, His divine delay was giving her the possibility of another chance, one that could lead to life-everlasting!

My tears of pity turned to tears of hope. A gentle peace settled over me as I understood that my heavenly Father cares so much for this woman that He let her survive this agonizing accident. I no longer questioned His reasons. I thanked Him for His divine delay, and committed myself to pray for her.

Think of the joy it would bring to see her in heaven someday with a new and glorified body!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Will you commit to pray today for those with whom God is being patient?
2. Spend some time meditating on “The Great Commission” in Matthew chapter 28. What does this mean for you?

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Do Unto Others
By Dawn Weimar

“For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me drink.”
Matthew 25:35

We are called to feed and give drink to those in need. Imagine a time when you would put your life and the lives of your family in jeopardy for following that commandment. Hard to imagine? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is destined to become a classic for its unique perspective. Narrated by Death, it describes the best and worst of humanity in Nazi Germany, and yes, where giving a piece of bread to a “dirty Jew” is a crime.

I am left speechless and disturbed… by the horror of war and by the power of words. The power of words to edify or destroy, the power of words to make castaways of people groups who then become victims of torture and death. Not a topic for polite conversation, and perhaps, a bit unusual early in the morning with the first cup of coffee. Stay with me for a minute…It is timely and urgent to ask ourselves if we can recognize truth from error, justice from injustice.

Ponder recent situations in which ministers are invited to political events, then uninvited for comments made that are based on their interpretation of Scripture. What do you think about the political establishment’s reaction? How do you discern truth from error? Jesus reminds us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).

These are times in which we must be alert. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Word is our tool for discernment; we must spend time in it. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

We must be alert about the times we live in and pray for discernment. In the midst of the rhetoric, we are called to separate truth from error. We are called to separate the innocent from the evil. Furthermore, we are called to the simplest acts of compassion to people regardless of political climate and popular opinion. For one day, we may be in need of this same kindness.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Would you give bread to a starving man if it were a crime?
2. Will you give to the poor among us while it is not a crime?
3. If you were the “criminal,” how would you want others to do unto you?

FURTHER READING:
James 2:14-26; Romans 8:18-39

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

Expanded Gratitude
By Susan Klein

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

Have you ever read a familiar passage of Scripture over and over again, only to have it all of a sudden pop out at you with a whole new concept?! This happened to me recently.

In the New International Version, the above verse says “give thanks in all circumstances.” I’ve read that passage many times and have always taken it to mean that even when things are not going particularly well, I should still find a reason to be thankful to my Creator, perhaps even thanking Him for the difficult circumstance that may be facing me. While this is certainly accurate thinking, as I read this verse in the King James Version, it took on another perspective for me. Notice it does not mention circumstances, but just says; in everything, give thanks. I had to pause to consider the depth of this meaning.

The word, “everything,” used above, is literally all things in their totality, but also each thing within that totality. Let me give you an example. I love to read books. It would only be natural, then, for me to thank God for books. But, considering the totality, I would have to thank Him for eyes to see the book, a brain to interpret it, hands to hold it...and so on. And I could also thank Him for the author who wrote it, and for inspiring the author and gifting her with talent to write. And, I might even thank Him for paper, and publishers, and printers, and bookstores and money to purchase the book...You get the idea!

Now, I suppose one could argue that this thankfulness could go on for hours and hours and eat up valuable time that could be spent on other things. Nevertheless, it is a useful exercise to show us that we should not take anything for granted. We must awaken each day with immediate thoughts of thankfulness for breath, and life and movement. And as we go through our day, we must embrace the mundane things like floors, and pencils and toothpaste as things for which to be thankful.

We came into this world with nothing. Everything we are and have is from our Heavenly Creator. If we take the time to specifically thank Him, even for the tiny things, it will grow in us an “attitude of expanded gratitude.” The more we thank Him who is worthy of our thanks, the more we will find to be thankful for!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take some time to try this exercise. Think of one thing, in its totality, for which you are thankful.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 30:12; James 1:17

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Letters from the Enemy
By Elin Henderson

“And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the LORD”
2 Kings 19:14 (NKJV)

“Letters from the Enemy” sounds like the title of a novel or television drama, doesn’t it? It really was a real-life drama for Hezekiah and has a real life lesson for us today.

Early in his reign, it was evident that Hezekiah was a good guy. “He trusted in the LORD God…held fast to the LORD; he did not depart from following Him…(and)…the LORD was with Him” (2 Kings 18:5-7). Then came the king of Assyria, an enemy nation. He threatened to take over and began to spread doubts about Hezekiah’s leadership and Hezekiah’s God. “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he shall not be able to deliver you…nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD saying, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us.’” Furthermore, after hearing that the prophet Isaiah prophesied victory for the Israelites and not defeat (2 Kings 19:6-7), the king of Assyria sent a threatening letter to Hezekiah reiterating what he planned to do to the nation of Israel (2 King 19:9-13).

Have you ever received a letter from the enemy? Now, it may not have been in paper form, but has our enemy ever sent you a message that said, “There is no hope. God isn’t going to save you! You are foolish to even think that!” Condemnation, guilt and despair; those are his messages to us. And he is on the prowl, sitting on the outskirts of our heart, sending in letters to see what we will do. Any sign of giving in to the pressure and he has a foot in the door!

But, what do we do with these letters? May we follow Hezekiah’s example and immediately take them into the presence of the Lord, lay them at His capable feet and say, like Hezekiah, “You are God!” After all, victory is ours! Our enemy has been rendered powerless by the work of Jesus Christ, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to send us threatening letters! What will be our response? Will it be fear, anxiety, hopelessness…footholds for the enemy to invade our hearts? May we instead go to the Lord, spread it before Him and say, like Hezekiah, “You are God…You are the LORD GOD, You alone” (2 Kings 19:15a, 19b).

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you think of a specific “letter” you have received recently from the enemy that has caused you despair?
2. What does “You are God…You are the LORD God, You alone!” mean to you? How can that truth help you overcome the threats of the enemy?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Romans 8:1; 1 John 5:4

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and seven-year-old Elias.

God’s Morning to You!
By Pamela Blattner

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1

My mother, who’s been suffering from dementia, was just admitted into the hospital today. After the phone call from the nursing home, I immediately called my sister. After checking out at the Piggly Wiggly, I rushed out of the store with my granddaughter. It was a gloomy, gray day. My mind was unsettled. As I walked to the car, a young man was bringing in the carts. I said, “Good Morning!” He waited patiently for me to go through the door first and replied, “God’s Morning!”

I smiled as I went to the car and thought on that for a moment. He was absolutely right; it really was “God’s Morning.” He causes the sun to shine, the birds to fly and the flowers to bloom. If God can speak the world into existence, if He can make man from the dust of the earth and breathe life into him, then He can surely take care of my broken heart today.

Sometimes the troubles of this world threaten to cause us to overlook the glory of God. But, His awesomeness and power can be seen in every creation around us. Earlier, the enemy threatened to discourage me by surrounding me with sadness. After the encounter at the grocery store, I was quickly reminded of what Jesus told the disciples. If God can care for the cute little sparrows, He surely can and will take care of me. God walks with us through all of our trials. When we cry, He cries. When we hurt, He hurts. The great comfort is that although He too feels our pain, He has already devised a way out of or through our circumstances…or temporary feelings.

Look around and see the beauty of God’s morning. Let nothing get you down. Keep your spirits up and your faith steady, for God is still on the throne and He is holding you in the palm of His hand. Look up to the left, to the right and all around, and enjoy God’s Morning…it was created just for you, girlfriends! Glory to God!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a minute to thank the Lord for creating such a beautiful place. In and through all things that are pressing you down today, ask God to help you to learn how you can enjoy your life in the midst of your pain. Remind yourself, through His creation, of His love for you.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 62:3

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Commencement
By Jennie Pierce

“But for right now, friends, I'm completely frustrated by your unspiritual dealings with each other and with God. You're acting like infants in relation to Christ, capable of nothing much more than nursing at the breast…”
1 Corinthians 3:1 (MSG)

It’s that sentimental time of year when some precious child prepares to walk across the stage to be handed a certificate of accomplishment. Whether it be a sweet little kindergartner, an awkward eighth grader, a know-it-all senior, or finally-an-adult college graduate, no doubt the parents who witness that moment are filled to the brim with pride and a sense of accomplishment of their own. Your baby is growing up, and that thrills you so.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul was hoping for a commencement ceremony of sorts. One to be held in honor of the Corinthian Christian who decided to grow up spiritually…who decided that drinking a bottle was getting old, and that it was time to graduate to meat and potatoes. But Paul saw that they were content being “mere infants in Christ” (chapter 3:1), rather than spiritually healthy and mature. What proof did he have? Their own actions. Paul accused them of quarreling like children, giving in to jealousy and allowing disagreements and divisions to distract them in their Christian faith walk. Similarly, Paul admonished the Jewish Christians who still needed to be taught when they should have been teachers themselves (Hebrews 5). They were too comfortable in their own traditions, being content to blend in rather than stand out for Christ.

Paul said it was time to grow up! But he warns that maturity is more than just a decision. It requires dependence on the Holy Spirit’s enabling power, as well as the purposeful disciplining of the Christian to live a life of discernment in order to “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). A Christian’s actions become the ultimate proof of maturity in Christ. For the Christian, “our capacity to feast on deeper knowledge of God (‘solid food’) is determined by our spiritual growth. Too often we want God’s banquet before we are spiritually capable of digesting it. As you grow in the Lord and put into practice what you have learned, your capacity to understand will also grow.” (1)

Dear Christian, keep on growing, knowing that someday you will achieve ultimate maturity in Christ on that final commencement day when Christ returns and we are made complete in Him.


GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you content where you are, or do you desire to grow in your Christian faith?
2. Share that desire with a friend, and take the initiative to move forward.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Corinthians 3

(1) Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005, page 2072.

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.