To Him Be the Glory

By Jeannine Sawall

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21

Having grown up in the church, oftentimes people have asked me to share my “testimony.” For years, I felt I didn’t have anything to say. And while my childhood was not picture-perfect, I never got involved in anything “bad.” I was the girl who didn’t “smoke, drink, cuss or chew or went with boys who wanted to.” I didn’t have one of those “life changing, I’ve been delivered” testimonies to share. I really felt my personal faith-story was pretty “boring.”

After sharing these feelings with a friend who has a rather dramatic “life-changing” testimony, she admonished me. She told me that just because God had kept me from much of the pain and drama many people experience in childhood and early adulthood didn’t mean my testimony was somehow less powerful than those with dramatic, life changing results. In fact, it was only because of Jesus, I was where I was. It was then I realized my “boring” testimony was only by the grace of God - - to Him be the glory! There were so many other paths I could have traveled had God not continuously guided me through the years, but He did. I didn’t deserve His presence, yet He gave of Himself abundantly. That’s huge! It is only because of Jesus, I was the “good-girl” - - all the glory belonged to Him! It’s only because of Jesus, I traveled the safer roads that I did - - all the glory belonged to Him!

Maybe you feel your testimony isn’t “dramatic.” Do you love the Lord? That’s dramatic! Nothing about us draws us to Him…it’s only His Holy Spirit at work in our life that makes it possible - - all the glory belongs to Him! Maybe you need to simply look for God in your life. Wherever He is actively working to break, prune, grow or shape you is where your testimony can be found. And the surprising thing is that your testimony isn’t as much about you, as it is about God’s work IN you - - to Him be the glory! Your testimony counts. It. Is. Powerful. It is to be shared for the glory of God. It will change your life and others’ lives - - to God be the glory!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you amazed by the incredible work God has done in your life? Ask Him to show you all the ways He has/is working in your life to His glory.
2. And then ask Him to show you whom He wants you to share it with…for His glory!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 138:5; John 1:14; 2 Cor. 4:6

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

The Wait

By Jen Wollner

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV)

An eight-year-old boy, abandoned by his mother, lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe with his nine-year-old sister. His dark brown eyes sparkle with life. He desires to help people and dreams of one day becoming a policeman. He hopes for a family, though it’s an unlikely prospect. Children of his age, with an older sister in tow, are rarely chosen by an adopting family. But, God has a plan…

A young couple in America, full of life and love, desires to have children. Tears flow as they say good-bye to a baby they never got to hold in their arms. Their dream for a family burns strong in their hearts, but after many years of marriage, they still don’t see an answer to their prayers. They wonder if it’s just simply not meant to be. But, God has a plan…

As the children wait in the orphanage, God is working...

As the couple waits in their quiet home, God is working...

Waiting is difficult. Oftentimes, excruciating. I believe it’s so frustrating partially because we feel as though nothing is happening. God isn’t hearing us, much less answering. When we go through long periods of waiting, we often don’t see any movement in our situation…and we begin to lose hope.

But, dear friends, take heart! God has not forgotten you! He is here. He hears all of your prayers and collects all of your tears. And, He is working. Nothing is impossible for Him! Not rescuing two children from an orphanage and placing them with loving parents half a world away. And certainly not bringing joy and life to a home once plagued by infertility and disappointment.

You may not see it yet, but one day, His plan will unfold before your eyes. It may not look like you thought it would. The timing may be off. The answer may be very different than you imagined or desired. God may say to you, "Not this...but this instead." But, as you seek Him and surrender to His will, you will step out of the wilderness, the waiting, into the glorious promised land divinely designed for you.

God has a plan. Rest assured, He is working.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What desire of your heart are you waiting to come to fruition? Take heart in the truth of God’s Word and character!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 5:1-3; Psalm 40; Romans 8:28

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of eight and four. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Satisfied

By Pamela Blattner

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

John 4:15

For many years, I heard of the gospel of God, but for whatever reason I never received it. Then, in God’s timing, I came to know my precious Savior in a personal way. In my own mind, I thought I was living a good life…but there was always something missing. I was seeking satisfaction, but could never be pleased from within. One day in 1976, I heard a speaker talk about Jesus, and as I listened, I wanted to receive this Christ that the evangelist was talking about. Jesus was calling me to His light. I accepted His invitation to receive Him into my life, and called on His name, asking Him to come into my heart and my life. Little did I know that the Lord had been preparing me for that night. When I heard His Word, I wanted to hear more. I can’t explain how I felt that night, all I know is that I had such peace…and my heart was satisfied. I felt like the woman in John 4 who asks Jesus to give her the living water He’s talking to her about so that she won’t be thirsty anymore.

After that, the more I called on Him, the more I enjoyed Him. My son was three years old at the time, and we were so focused on material things. But now, that same son is almost 40 years old, and I love watching him praise the Lord in church with my grandson in his arms. Knowing Jesus personally has changed EVERYTHING! I have a personal relationship with the Lord and I pray each day that He would continue to make His home in my heart (Eph. 3:17).

He is not just the God in the heavens, but He also dwells in me. I love the Lord very much. He is my life, my light, my way, my rest, my joy, my hope, my glory, my teacher, my guide, my master, my priest and king, the author of my faith who satisfies my every need. Now I have His life. I have redemption through His blood, according to the riches of His grace. By grace I have been saved through faith, and I know this is not of me; it is the GIFT OF GOD (Eph 2:8). Day by day, I am experiencing this great Christ whose resurrection we just celebrated on Easter morning.

I praise the Lord as a believer, knowing that as God’s possession I have been chosen, called, redeemed, regenerated, saved, now I am being guarded, purified, growing and developing, transforming and being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood. And my heart is satisfied. To God be the glory!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where does your heart find its satisfaction?
2. Who is Christ to you? Make a list and post it somewhere you can see it throughout the day. If you’re not sure, email us at elizabeth@oakwoodnow.org to talk about it.
3. What can we accomplish today in order to walk worthily of the Lord: to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and growing by the full knowledge of God?

FURTHER READING:
John 1:12; Col. 1:10; Romans 10:9-13

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

The Blessing in the Bus

By Lexi Cole

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

I sat in the back of a yellow bus, parked in front of where we were staying for our missions trip in Tijuana, Mexico, 2006. Our team had spread out for individual time with God that night. We had devotionals to do, but I sat there sobbing. I was angry at God. One year before, I had been in Tijuana, “heard” the Spirit speak to my heart, rededicated my life to Christ, and was baptized in the ocean that week. Here I was, one year later, confused about where God’s presence was and where His guidance was in my life. I was furious God seemed to be silent when I needed Him most. I missed the spiritual high of the last year – the certainty of knowing what to do and the comfort of feeling God’s arms around me during a really difficult time personally. I mentally screamed at God, wondering where He was, why wouldn’t He show up, what He was doing?

Tears streaming, I realized I needed to do…something. Reluctantly, I grabbed my Bible and opened to a random passage. I read the first thing I saw on the middle of the page: Hebrews 12. I remembered that this passage follows Hebrews 11, a passage about men and women in the Old Testament who lived by faith, not by sight or by emotion. As I read the first part of chapter 12 over and over again - - just what I needed at that moment - - I realized something huge for me. Absolutely, the Holy Spirit does speak to us directly at times, like He had the previous year to me, but He uses other ways to speak to us, too.

It wasn’t that God wasn’t present; it was that I was limiting the way He could communicate with me. I liked the “spiritual high” and if it wasn’t there, then I decided God was silent. That night, I learned God truly interacts with us through His Word. I realized that deciding God wasn’t there just because He wasn’t showing Himself to me in the exact same way as last summer was ridiculous. We serve a Big God, and the beautiful thing about being on this journey called “life” is that God intimately knows us, and He meets and stretches us in different ways. He spoke to me so intensely and personally through His Word that night on the bus and, for me, it changed everything!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about the different ways God has spoken to you.
2. Are you allowing God to speak to your heart through the Bible? Any changes needed?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 11-12

Lexi is an Elementary Education major at Bethel University. The last two summers, she’s been the Children’s Ministries intern at Oakwood.

He’s Aliiiiiive!!

By Jeannine Sawall

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.’ And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.”

Mark 28:5-6, 8

My family generally camps over Easter and we aren’t always able to find a traditional church service to celebrate Easter. One tradition we’ve developed, though, is to celebrate our own Easter service around the campfire while sharing the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection using Resurrection Eggs.

Resurrection Eggs are a dozen plastic eggs, each filled with some symbol to represent a part of the Easter story. We pass the eggs out to the kids and anyone we’ve invited to join us for our celebration, and when we come to their part of the story, we let them tell it in their own words. A few years ago, as we went around the campfire circle, listening again to the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His betrayal, trial, beating by the Roman soldiers and His death on the Cross, we finally came to my youngest son who held the last egg. When he opened it, the egg was empty, representing the empty tomb. At the time, Josh was just four and so I wasn’t sure he would understand the meaning behind the empty egg, let alone how he would explain his part of the story. As he opened his egg and realized there was nothing in it, he stood up and in a loud, joyous voice began singing “He’s aliiiiiiiiiive! He’s aliiiiiiiiive! Jesus is aliiiiiiive!!” Everyone around the campfire smiled at his enthusiasm and joined his celebration.

As I remember back to that special night of celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am amazed by the conviction and passion my young son had. He got it! Jesus is not dead; He is alive! It is something to stand up and sing about! He understood, even at that tender age, what a miracle it is. He did not hesitate or try to explain it in complicated terms. He accepted it for face value and stated it simply…the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive! It makes me want to stand up and sing and let the whole world know…our Savior is not dead, He is alive today, and we serve a living God!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Does the story of Easter make you want to stand up and sing with great joy, letting the whole world know the tomb stands empty? If not, ask the Lord to fill you with His passion for His story.

FURTHER READING:
John 2:19; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 13:30

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

THE Bridge

By Karen D’Amore

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
John 14:6

When I lived on Naples Island, the only access to the city on the other side of the bay was by crossing the Alamitos Bay Bridge. Throughout the years, in my travels to and from home, I crossed that bridge hundreds of times. Of my innumerable passes across that bridge, one pass would change my life forever. Miserable and empty…living a life in darkness and separation from God…I stubbornly resisted and distanced myself from The (only) One who could fill that empty void. Late one night, in His desire to bridge that gap of dark separation, Jesus sovereignly met me on the crest of that bridge.

Blinding headlights barreled down on me…twisted metal…shattered glass and spewing gasoline engulfed me. A drunk driver, traveling 65 miles per hour, never hit his brakes before striking me. I should have died that night on that bridge, but God’s miraculous intervention spared my life. Humbled by His tenacious pursuit of my soul, on my knees atop that bridge, I surrendered my heart and life to Him.

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus. God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood” (Romans 3: 22-25a). Sin separated mankind from a holy God, but God sent His only Son to die upon the rough-hewn timbers of a cross for the sins of all mankind. Jesus bridged the gap between man and God, becoming the only access for mankind to Him.

A bridge that once served as my only access to a city across the bay became a metaphorical landmark. On that bridge, Jesus re-directed my life from darkness to The Light…connecting me with the only access to eternal life. Jesus…THE Bridge of Life met me on a bridge where He saved my life.

Crossing a bridge changed everything in my life. What side of THE Bridge are you on?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you a “bridge” or a “barrier” for someone in need of a personal relationship with Christ?
2. Have you crossed The Bridge and trusted Jesus as your Bridge of Life? He’s just a prayer away!

FURTHER READING:
Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:15-16; 1 Timothy 1:15

Karen is married to Dan and is a retired police officer who is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns Salon. She is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Do You Remember When...

By Susan Klein

“...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...”

(from Joshua 24: 15)

Most people can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing when a significant event in history took place. For example: Do you recall what you were doing when J.F.K. was shot, or when the first man walked on the moon? How about when the Twin Towers in NY were attacked? I’m guessing you have vivid memories of at least one of these events!

One other significant time in my life that will be forever etched in my memory was when I came to realize that I needed a Savior! I was sitting in church on a Sunday morning in the fall of 1984. My then-boyfriend (now husband) and I had both been searching for something meaningful in our lives, but had not found it. The pastor had been preaching from the Gospels that morning and was saying that it takes more to be a follower of Christ than just going to church and trying to blend in with the crowd. “Hmm...” I thought, “Was that what I was doing?” Then it happened; that still small voice of God that speaks directly to your heart, spoke to mine! I felt as if the whole room got quiet and only His voice was audible. He spoke these words to my heart: “Susan, you’ve been sitting on the fence too long! You’ve kept one foot in the world and one foot in the church, just trying to blend in with the crowd. You need to make a commitment this day which way you will go, either follow me or follow the world, but you can’t stay on the fence. And you must choose today, or else you never will!” Those were some of the most powerful words ever to pierce my thoughts! I knew what I had to do and I did it - - immediately!

I’d love to say that it was all smooth sailing from then on. But in reality, trials still came. I had much to work through from my past, and much to learn going forward. It was downright difficult at times, but I have never been alone in my struggles. The Holy Spirit is ever-present to guide me and encourage me through each moment. I have felt the love of Jesus more times than I can count! The realization of what He has done for me makes me fall deeper in love with Him everyday! I remember my first Christmas and Easter as a child of the risen King! What glorious memories; ones that I love to share with others!

How about you? Do you remember when...?

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you have a faith story to tell, would you be willing to pray about sharing it with someone this week?

FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

Perspective

By Kari Lyles

“My soul is overwhelmed…”

Matthew 26:38

Suitcases up from the basement – check. Summer clothes sorted and in the laundry room – check. Extra snacks and water purchased – check. Kids’ activity bags for the car ride packed – check. Sticky notes of other reminders written – check.

Sanity….Needs to be checked!

Our family is leaving for spring break this year and I am trying to be superwoman to get everything done. I am one of those people who likes to have everything spotless when I walk out the door so that when we return and walk back into life’s hustle and bustle, it will be a smooth transition.

In the midst of my trying to organize, I am becoming un-organized and a bit unraveled.

Tonight, I was thinking of some of the things I still wanted to do and as “bring Easter baskets up from the basement” floated into my mind, I thought about the true meaning of the season upon us. I thought about the many little things that easily overwhelm me in my tiny corner of the world and I thought about how Jesus, a little over 2,000 years ago, had a journey He too was getting ready for.

I opened my Bible and went to Matthew, looking up the chapters describing the days leading to His crucifixion. As He got ready for His journey to the Cross, Jesus said to His friends, “my soul is overwhelmed.”

We all need a little perspective now and then. Tonight, it was the smallness I felt as I thought about the journey He took for you and for me to the Cross. He was adamant, single-minded and gracious as He bore our sins on the Cross.

So, I am once again asking Him to rule in my life - - in place of my to-do’s and good intentions. And when I think I am overwhelmed because my counters didn’t get wiped off…I read about His journey to the Cross for a little perspective.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you overwhelmed with? Will you allow our capable Lord to help you in your journey?
2. How does the thought of Jesus taking our sins on the Cross change your perspective today? How does it help you leave some of your worldly concerns at the foot of that Cross?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 26:36-45; John 10:10

Kari is a wife and mother to two girls. She works as a regional sales manager at MAX-R in Sussex. She is involved in Oakwood’s drama ministry.

This Changes Everything

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

2 Timothy 1:12

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be? I know what my answer would have been many years ago, because I was always imitating it…the chameleon. Why? Because the chameleon can change its colors based on its surroundings, in order to blend into its environment.

I was raised in a Christian church from early on, young enough that I cannot really remember “coming” to a faith like a switch had been turned on, but instead, always feeling that I had a faith growing up. I believed in God, in Jesus, in my salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross. But by my teenage years, my life resembled that of a chameleon. Leaving all of my friends in a move from Illinois to Wisconsin, the killing of my cousin at 14, and the death of my aunt as a passenger of a drunk driver the following year, all left me feeling lost and angry. Each member of my family was reeling from all that we were enduring, but not letting people from the outside into our pain. My response on one hand was to be the “good girl,” seeking approval in my grades and activities. On the other hand, outside of school, I was doing my own thing, in control of what my image was to whomever happened to be my audience. Inside, though, I was a tangled mess of turmoil and questions. My colors changed depending on whom I was around.

By my senior year, there was a battle going on inside. Which person did I want to become? My heart led me to a small Christian college, partly to get away from my family, and partly because I had to settle this issue once and for all, and thought this was the best place to do it. When I was there, I found genuine people, both classmates and professors, who showed me what it meant to follow Jesus - - to have a relationship with Him - - not just follow a set of rules and make it look good to others. They showed me that Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” I had always known that Jesus was the way, and that following Him was the truth of God’s plan, but I had not put into practice making Him my life.

Trusting Him with my life changed everything.

Making Jesus my life has been a journey since those college years. My issues of hurt and anger over those teenaged events, while healed, still have their scars. Jesus has helped me to accept these things as part of what makes me…me. I’ve learned to stop playing the chameleon. He wants me to be the same person, no matter whom I’m with or what my circumstances are.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you “putting into practice” making Jesus your life?
2. Who needs to hear how knowing Jesus has changed everything?

FURTHER READING:
John 14:6

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

The Cross

By Karen D’Amore

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness…”

1 Peter 2:24a

A fugitive wanted for murder, he’d been on the run for many years. As the police officer instrumental in his capture, I was disturbed and distracted by the large silver, jewel-encrusted cross hanging from a rope-like chain around his neck. Making reference to his cross necklace I commented, “Nice cross, are you a Christian?” “It’s just a decoration,” he snapped back. It’s a conversation I’ll never forget…and one that has challenged me in the message and handling of the Cross.

Though the Cross is one of the most readily recognized Christian symbols today, many have reduced it to a decorative fashion statement. It was on a wooden cross that Jesus Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world, paying the penalty with His own blood. The Cross is not a symbol of doom, but rather a foreshadowing of the triumphant celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. It points to a loving God reaching down to deliver man from the bondage of sin; it points to Jesus who willingly laid down His life for mankind. Jesus not only preached a powerful faith in God, He also lived it. He was faithful to God, and “obedient to the point of death” (Philippians 2:8). Christ crucified! Christ resurrected! A symbol of faith, hope and love…the Cross changes everything.

As Christ-followers, the Cross is a proclamation of our new identity in Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). For believers, the Cross should be reflected in our changed (crucified) lives. As the Cross stands at the center of our lives, it clarifies the purpose for which our Lord created us and died to save us. Its declaration of hope, grace and eternal life anchors our existence and motivates our responses. “Jesus lived His life for you—then He gave His life to you. Now He wants to live His life through you!” –Jacquelyn K. Heasley ! (1)

What is your response to the Cross? Is it a decoration or a proclamation?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider what the Cross means to you. Is it merely a decorative adornment or a symbol of your crucified life in Christ?
2. When others look at your life, do they see the reflection of the Cross?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Acts 2:23-24

Karen is married to Dan, is a retired police officer, and is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns. She is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

(1) Quote from Sermonindex.net

‘Til the Last Drop

By Elizabeth Cole

“‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me…She did what she could…’”

Mark 14:6, 8a

Do you love perfume? The waft that lingers after a friend leaves the room. A promise of spring coming from the lilac candle in the living room. Pass by a stranger, and if she’s wearing your mother’s old scent, you’re immediately transported to another place and another time.

Three of the four gospels record a tender moment between the Lord Jesus and his friend, Mary of Bethany, a short time before Christ’s death. While He’s at dinner, Mary arrives and proceeds to pour an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on his head. A rather unexpected turn of events, to say the least. The gospel of John adds that she also poured the perfume on his feet, then wiped them with her, apparently, unbound hair.

I’ve been thinking about that moment. Trying to play it out in my mind. I wonder where Mary got the perfume; how long had she had it? I wonder what she did the first time the thought came to her to pour her perfume out over Jesus’ feet. Did she push it aside, appalled at its audacity? Did she busy herself with something—anything—else to make the thought go away? What went through her mind as she resolved to follow through? I have to imagine that the walk from where the perfume was kept to the point at which she fell at Jesus’ feet felt, regardless of the distance, as if it were an eternity long. I even wonder how many weeks the fragrance lingered in the home following that evening.

She did what she could, when she should, with all that she had…regardless of what those around her murmured. And her Savior read her heart. Turning to those around them, He prophesied, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

He prepares us in advance for good works in Christ. He gives us the design, the desire, the resources and His results. May we follow Mary of Bethany’s example, pouring out our all for Him. May we, in fact, be “to God the aroma of Christ” and the fragrance of life to those around us.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What part of Mary’s story resonates most with you?
2. Where is God calling you to pour out your all for Him?

FURTHER READING:
John 12:1-8; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Ephesians 2:8-10

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three daughters - - two teen-aged, one adult - - and Director of Connecting and of We Women at Oakwood Church.

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Power Source

By Jennie Pierce

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9

In my feeble attempt to get in shape, I decided to join my friend at her house and take advantage of her exercise equipment. Immediately, I chose the elliptical machine, quickly hopped on, and began bobbing up and down. I was going great guns…for a whole two minutes…when I realized that not only was this exhausting work, but it was unusually difficult. I knew it had been awhile since I last attempted an exercise routine, but I certainly didn’t remember the elliptical being this hard. Upon further inspection, my friend and I realized that the machine’s control plate was battery operated, and there were no batteries! Once batteries were installed, I could make the necessary adjustments to the machine’s resistance level and speed. Naturally, my workout went much more smoothly.

Life is often lived in a similar way. As we try to do life, we find it to be challenging, maybe even more strenuous than we remember. Sometimes we continue trying to live despite the resistance, wearing ourselves out too prematurely. In our eagerness to succeed, we hop on and attempt to go places in our own strength, all the while not taking advantage of life’s true Power Source.

This is not how our Heavenly Father intended for us to live life. As our Creator, He is our Sustainer, the real Source of Power. It is when we are weak, that He is truly strong. In our weakness, we are able to experience His all-sufficient grace, and He receives the glory! If you are His child, the power of God rests upon you. There is no reason for fear, consternation or distress. For this God of Power will strengthen and uphold His children when we call upon Him and when we hope in Him. It’s because of Him, and through Him, that we can do all things. And before we know it, we’ll be walking, running, even soaring to new heights of power-filled life, from the Power Source Himself.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel weak and discouraged? In what areas are you living in your own strength? Stop living in the flesh and live supernaturally through the power that only Jesus can be for you.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40:31, 41:10, 68:35; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13

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

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

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 active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

Hemmed In

By Lisa Boyer

“You hem me in - - behind and before.”

Psalm 139:5a

While praying for a friend of mine, one Bible verse kept coming to mind… “You hem me in - - behind and before.” That verse had me so convinced of God’s goodness, I was literally excited about how God was going to protect her in the midst of her situation. I just knew that everything was going to be all right, even if it didn’t appear to be all right; God was in complete control... my friend was “hemmed in” no matter what. First chance I got, I shared the good news of that verse with her!

A few weeks ago, I was pouring my heart out to this same friend about a potentially life-changing health situation I was facing. The situation threatened to overwhelm me, but my friend so sweetly reminded me that I was “hemmed in.” In the midst of my circumstances, I hadn’t thought to apply that verse to myself. But she was right…I was “hemmed in” by the same loving God who hems her in!!! And it’s not dependent on what’s happening. Just because negative circumstances come into our lives, it doesn’t mean we are no longer “hemmed in.” We are always “hemmed in,” no matter how the situation looks from the outside; God is in complete control at all times.

I was so thankful that God had sent her to remind me, but He didn’t stop there…He illustrated it for me, as well!

I was driving home on a two-lane highway when debris began flying into my lane from under an oncoming semi. I immediately slowed down and began pulling off the road, but avoiding the flying debris was impossible. Both the car in front of me and behind me also pulled over. We all got out to inspect the damage. The car in front had a huge gouge in his now-flat front tire. The front grille of the car behind me had been split into two by flying debris. My car was...well, fine. God had hemmed me iin - - behind and before...and on the sides!

The first thought that came into my head was that if God could protect me during such a minor incident, He could easily have protected me from the health situation I was facing, but He hadn’t. He chose to allow it into my life. Knowing that before this situation reached me, it had gone through my loving God’s approval process filled me with peace. He hadn’t protected me from it, but I have no doubt that He’ll protect me during it!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If the circumstances of life have caused you to forget that you are “hemmed in,” will you spend some time today with your loving God and let Him remind you?

FURTHER READING:
Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 34:7; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Lisa has been married to Ted for 19 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.

His Strength in Adversity
By Shelly Schumacher

“Do not let your heart be troubled;
believe in God, believe also in me.”
John 14:1

I am often struck by how people rise to overcome adversity in the midst of uncertainty. In January of 2008, Wesley Ngetich, Kenya’s hope for Olympic gold, was brutally murdered in a tribal war. Enter Samuel Kamau Wanjiru, seen by many as the dark horse in the Beijing marathon.

With the weight of his country’s pain riding on his shoulders, Wanjiru stood at the edge of Tiananmen Square to start the race with a field of nearly 100 other elite runners. Against insurmountable odds, he put aside his worry and went on to win the race, breaking an Olympic record to finish in 2:06:32 and bringing the first Olympic Marathon gold medal home to his violence-riddled nation.

In His final hours with His disciples, Jesus tells them not to be troubled. He senses their concern and apprehension about the things that are ahead, and He lovingly lets them know that there is no need for worry and fear. He comforts them, reassuring them that He is preparing a place for each of them in heaven and that He will come again. He had it all planned out for them. What reassuring words from the Master to His beloved.

We can have this same confidence by simply trusting in Jesus. Because He came to dwell among us, He knows the pain we face. Even if we are wearing the weight of the world on our shoulders, a relationship with Him will provide the peace we are seeking.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do your typically react in the face of adversity? How would your responses be different if you consistently ran to the Master instead of running to doubt and worry?
2. Keep a journal of your trials and worries. In your daily devotions, take a moment to read over this list. Willfully, give your list to Jesus, knowing that He will lovingly see you through.

FURTHER READING:
John 14:27; John 16:22, 24

Shelly is wife to Nick and mom to her two girls. She spends her time freelancing as a writer/PR professional, and is active in Oakwood's worship and drama ministries.

A Light in the Darkness
By Jen Wollner

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
 Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

The fear was overwhelming. The more I thought about my upcoming mission trip, the more anxious I became. My mind reeled with “what ifs” and parked itself in a dark place. All I could think about was the difficult trial ahead. All I could see was pain and suffering. I wondered if what God was asking me to do was really worth the sacrifice…worth the heartache and tears that I knew were eminent.

As I lay in bed, my thoughts spinning, I struggled to push past the fear, instead forcing myself to remember the truth in His Word. With great effort, I attempted to recite Isaiah 41:10 over and over, pushing out the anxiety. I couldn’t even remember every word of the verse, but managed to repeat the key words as best I could. As I chose to focus on truth, a sliver of light peered in the darkness. As I chose to believe God and His promises, the light shone stronger and stronger in my heart and mind until, eventually, darkness and fear were overpowered by truth and peace.

It’s so easy to spiral down into the depths of terror and despair. Our minds are powerful and often get the best of us. One thought turns into another and pretty soon we’re in a pit of anxiety, unable to get ourselves out. Although it’s a challenging choice, the best way to combat our worries is with the truth of God’s Word. It is alive and active and has the divine power to demolish strongholds…even those that have driven our minds to unhealthy places. As we focus on truth, believing God instead of lies, He strengthens and upholds us. As we concentrate on His Word, it pierces our heart and soul. And a light begins to seep into our darkness, illuminating the power and love of our God.

My future circumstances are still unknown. I am sure to face some very difficult moments. But right now I’m choosing to focus on the goodness of the Lord and His provision. I’m taking God at His Word and letting Him consume my thoughts… “Do not fear, for I am with you...I am your God.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What life circumstance has you anxious and upset?
2. Memorize Isaiah 41:10 and recite it to yourself when your fears threaten to overtake you…and let the light of His Word shine in the darkness!

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Romans 8:28; Psalm 4:8

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of eight and four. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Please Sir, I Want Some More
By Elizabeth Cole

“O taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Psalm 34:8a

The classic musical Oliver! features a scene that has captured my heart. The young orphan Oliver has just come to the orphanage. It’s dinnertime and he’s been served very little to eat…and he’s hungry. He finishes what he’s been given, gets up and walks down the drab dining hall toward Mr. Bumble. The other orphans fall silent as they anxiously watch each step. Oliver sweetly lifts his bowl and asks, “Please, sir, I want some more.” Perhaps you recall the shock and disapproval that follow the request: Oh, the audacity, the impertinence, the presumption of the boy!

Now contrast that with the God we serve. We have a God who generously invites us to taste and see that He is good. Furthermore, I am convinced through Scripture that we have a God who – when we do taste and see how very good He is and when we do approach Him and say, “Please, sir, I want some more,” – smiles and holds out a big ol’ ladle-full and generously gives us more. He is, in fact, the God of More. More of Himself and His goodness.

More of His kindness, His mercy, His graciousness.

Imagine it. This very day, we approach our Father with confidence, lifting up our lives to Him and requesting, “Please sir, I want some more.” And then we receive and receive from His generous goodness, from His mercies that He assures us are new every single morning.

We have received not only eternal life; we’ve received the very presence of God’s Spirit in our lives. Over and over again, we receive His provision, His guidance, His strength, His comfort, His power…all of it expressions of His goodness. Are you hungry this morning? Go ahead….ask for more!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where in your life do you need to ask for more of God’s guidance or strength or comfort?
2. When was the last time you savored and meditated on the goodness of God in your life?
3. What would it take for you to proactively seek more of God in your daily life?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 3:20; John 4:7-14; John 6:26-58; Luke 11:9

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to two teen-aged daughters and one grown daughter, and Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Express Yourself!

By Susan Klein

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7

Thank you, muchas gracias, merci, danke, grazie...no matter how you say it, its meaning is universally understood and appreciated. Even if you’ve never studied a foreign language, you can almost always detect when someone is expressing his or her gratitude. There is a certain posture of humility and respect that flow from genuine gratefulness.

Thankfulness is intentionally communicated; it’s not an accidental occurrence. Once formulated in our minds and most often felt in our hearts, it becomes a predetermined path we choose to take. Its outward expression is frequently conveyed in the simplest of words. “Thank you” is one of the first phrases we teach our children, desiring to impart an eventual attitude of gratitude as they grow and learn.

As we mature in our faith walk, our gratitude should increase to the point of overflowing, as stated in the verse above. And this, not only in our gratitude to each other, but even more so in our gratitude to our Savior. The way the word “overflowing” is used communicates it’s something that should not just be experienced internally, but actively communicated outwardly. Our expression of gratitude should overflow: exceedingly, abundantly, beyond measure!

I know I struggle with this concept at times. My gratitude tends to stem from emotion. If I feel it, I’ll show it. But, I don’t always spend time intentionally showing gratitude to God (or others for that matter) for everything, regardless of how I’m feeling at that particular moment. Yet, when I do make the effort, reflecting on all that I have to be thankful for and pouring out my gratitude, even when “I don’t feel like it,” it results in a genuine heart transformation! One can’t help but be affected by sincere and humble thanks, whether being on the giving or the receiving end of it.

How about you? Are you continuing to live in Christ, rooted and built up by Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, overflowing with thankfulness for all He is and does for you?!!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Can you express genuine thankfulness even when things aren’t going your way?
2. Do you find your “attitude of gratitude” increasing with age? If not, is your faith walk being strengthened by like-minded people and time spent with God in His Word?

FURTHER READING: Colossians 3:15-17

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

Less or Full?
By Leigh Ann Sickinger

“Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2

A few days ago, I went through a day where many little disappointments turned my day sour. Nothing really traumatic happened, but after spending the day hearing numerous things that I was saddened or disappointed in, I felt my sadness and tears start to come to the surface. On this day, I started to wonder about the little things that I do every day and how important is anything I do, REALLY? On this day I was struggling with God, trying to understand and trying to feel the purpose of life and the purpose of my seemingly meaningless daily affairs.

I thought back to the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible and all the statements about life being “meaningless.” Solomon, the author, has put in writing exactly how I feel. He has put into words how my life sometimes seems to be unimportant. The mundane daily routine and the repetitive nature of my days are for what? Solomon spends many chapters dedicated to this nothingness of life, but his last verses sum up what life should be all about: “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecc. 12:13b).

My ultimate purpose here can only be found in God Himself. Everything I do here on earth and in my lifetime must be focused on God’s purpose and plan. “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58) Everything beyond that is meaningless, just like Solomon suggested. But doing God’s will is so MEANINGFUL! If I only listen and do what God directs me to do, my life is filled with meaningful acts, conversations, thoughts and people. So on days that I feel life is meaningless, I need to ask God, “What do you want me to do today?” to find meaning in my life again. A life doing God’s will is never meaningless.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, start your day by asking, “God, please show me what you want me to do today.” Try to find God’s guidance throughout the day and “do” what He asks of you.
2. If you find something that you are doing today to be meaningless, ask yourself if you are doing it for God or yourself. If it’s not God’s will, maybe you don’t need to be doing it. Or maybe you need to ponder how you can involve God in it to make it meaningful.

FURTHER READING:
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14; 2 Cor. 5:15

Leigh Ann is a wife, mother of four, and Co-coordinator of the Adoption Support Group at Oakwood Church.

Singing For Fred
By Lexi Cole

“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:3b-4

Rockford, Illinois - - another concert on choir tour. Before our concert, a friend told us she talked to a man named Fred, who came early for a front-row seat. He said he and his wife both loved coming to college concerts together, but it was his first time leaving the house since his wife had died last week. Tears welled in my eyes as I thought about the amazing opportunity we had to minister to Fred. This was not just another concert, but a chance to sing for Fred, to be a small part of God’s active comfort to a man who was in unspeakable pain. Later, Fred sent us a letter telling us about his life and thanking us for the concert. It was very emotional as we all sang, not only to God’s glory, but also to His child.

I do believe there is something about the power of music, the comfort when voices come together. However, it wasn’t just the music that allowed us to be a blessing to Fred. There is something incredibly powerful when we are intentionally led by the Spirit to be a vehicle of comfort to others. While I love our music, it was also all seventy of us who followed God’s prompting to comfort a man with our singing.

We serve a God who has a heart for relationship and community. The Old Testament is filled with stories where God continually redeems and comforts His people. Jesus not only restored relationships, but was the epitome of comfort to those who are sick, oppressed and marginalized. Moreover, the Holy Spirit calls us, the Church, to be His vehicle of love and comfort to a suffering world. As Christians, we are called to live lives that are infused with love and selflessness. With this lifestyle comes a deep intentionality to comfort others, whether it be a meal to a family, being silent and listening, a commitment to pray for others, a large empathic hug, an encouraging note, music…the list goes on and on. God is the source of all comfort. And as His children, we are called to encourage, love and actively help others. I’m so thankful that my choir was able to sing for Fred…and for the reminder that there are many little things we can do to be the tangible, active comfort to others.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to identify someone in your life who needs comfort. What can you intentionally do this week to be a physical part of God’s comfort to that person?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40

Lexi is an Elementary Education major at Bethel University. The last two summers, she’s been the Children’s Ministries intern at Oakwood.

I’ve Been Had!
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Luke 5:16

I really dislike April Fool’s Day.

My children (and, coincidentally, my husband) are at the perfect age to delight in the annual ritual of tricking those around them. I’ve gotten pretty good at not falling for the little things like checking to see if my shoes are tied, or not looking to see if something is on my shirt or the “what’s on your face?” gag. The reason I don’t like April Fool’s Day is because I am a horrible liar. I can’t hide anything from anyone, so I don’t like being tricked – it’s just not fair!

But, like most women, I can multi-task! So, a couple of years ago on the first of April, when the supper dishes were being finished, the homework questions were being answered, and I was gently cajoling my son to lay still and relax while I put drops in his eyes, I was weak and distracted. My husband told me he was going outside to clean up the yard just as my daughter Shannon cried, “Mom, the dog just had an accident on the floor!” I’m sorry to say, I hit overload. My response was immediate - - “Shannon, grab the paper towels! Shelby, get OUTSIDE! Brett, stay STILL! WHERE IS YOUR FATHER?!!!”

At that point, my husband came in laughing. I shouted, “What’s so funny? Help me with this!” He shrugged and replied, “It’s just a little water.” The other members of my family all found themselves hilariously entertained. Turned out, Shelby was completely innocent and the puddle on the floor was not at all her fault. The poor dog had to suffer my tongue-lashing and my family had a good laugh at my expense.

But I got to thinking later, how often I get so busy in my multi-tasking that I become vulnerable to an attack by our enemy. My Bible time gets skipped or I neglect to be in conversation with my Lord because the here and now is so much in my face, needing my attention. All of these distractions threaten to steal my intimacy with God. When they become too much, I need to recommit myself to getting back to being focused on God.

The Bible tells us many times that Jesus went to lonely and solitary places to pray and be with His Father. So after He multi-tasked in teaching the disciples, healing the sick, feeding the crowds and fending off the Pharisees, Jesus had to make sure His focus was right. Let’s follow His example today…don’t fall prey to being the fool!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What do your quiet times with God look like? How can you follow Jesus’ example more closely?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with seventh grade girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.