Extreme Make-over

By Jennie Pierce

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice…”

1 Samuel 15:22

My daughter’s bedroom was way overdue for an updated makeover. The school year kept us so busy that the bedroom was continually ignored. When summer finally arrived, my daughter’s hopes began to soar. As is typical of any summer, our schedule quickly began to fill up…overflow, actually. And there sat the undone bedroom, once again…

…Until the day our dear friends called to say they would like to come for a visit!

With just three days to prepare, my daughter and I got down to business. We woke up early each morning and worked late into each night. Every working minute was so precious to us. It was important to us that her bedroom be absolutely beautiful and complete by the time our guests arrived (especially since they would be staying in her room). With one last-minute errand for an area rug, the room finally reached its completion, with just minutes to spare before our guests would arrive. It was a close call, but we managed, though thoroughly exhausted…almost too exhausted to enjoy our guests.

While it took a potential visit from guests to ultimately get us motivated, the truth is that these guests are so down-to-earth and easy, they would have been just as thrilled to sleep on the floor. They were coming to visit, not inspect my house.

Many times, I find myself operating my spiritual life the same way. I know Jesus wants to come for a visit…to catch up and hang out with me. Yet, I panic, thinking I have to get ready for Him first…clean up my act a little…get presentable before I can let Him in. What I often forget is that He died for me while I was a sinner! And, like my guests, He just wants to see me, to be with me, to hang around awhile. He doesn’t demand nor desire perfection as a prerequisite to fellowship.

He doesn’t want our superficial act, our meager outward attempts to impress. He desires our hearts…hearts that are honest and pure, and those that desires to obey. For that is what truly pleases Him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you caught in the mental trap of needing to be “presentable” before you can let Jesus come for a visit? Confess that wrong thinking…and go answer the door. Jesus is knocking, wanting to come in for a chat…and He won’t even care if you’re still in your pj’s.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 51:16-17; Romans 5:6-8, 8:1; Revelation 3:20

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

No One Mourns the Wicked

By Vernette Kureck

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

She was different. She was born green and green wasn’t normal. Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West wasn’t normal. In the Wizard of Oz she died of an allergic reaction to water. A literal meltdown! Glinda, the Good Witch, asks in the theme song from Wicked, “Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? After all she had a father. She had a mother, as so many do.” As she sings about what goodness knows concerning wickedness, she claims her good news: “No One Mourns the Wicked.”1 Is that true? I say, Glinda, you need to hear the really Good News!

What does the Bible have to say about wickedness? Generally those who are opposed to God and other humans are described as wicked. Its way is dark and its desires evil. Adam and Eve opposed God’s plan in the garden. Because of that sin we are naturally turned away from God and under eternal wrath. We are corrupt and make wrong choices; we are even inclined to do “bad” things.

The Good News is that God still loved us and sent His Son to pay the price for our wickedness, for our sin. Jesus lived a perfect life. He entered this world to give His life as a ransom. Jesus came to teach God’s truth about Himself, about God, about our sin and what we must do in response. The torturous crucifixion of Jesus displayed the self-giving love and grace of God as Jesus bore the penalty of God’s wrath for our wickedness. On the third day, Jesus was raised from the dead. God showed His acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for all those who would repent and believe. Our basic way of life will either be oriented toward God and His light or toward the darkness of sin. God’s plan is to save His people from their sins and to bring His people to Himself. Believers have been saved from the penalty of their wickedness and are currently being saved from the power of sin. And, someday in eternity, we will be saved from the very presence of wickedness and sin.

So Glinda, let me proclaim what Goodness knows concerning wickedness. Wickedness is conquered. Evil is vanquished. Someone does mourn the wicked. He is God in the Person of Jesus Christ…and He is Goodness.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How have you responded to Jesus Christ?
2. With whom can you share the Good News?

FURTHER READING:
Gen 6:5-6; Mark 10:45; Romans 3:23-24; 2 Peter 3:9

Vernette and her husband Ken have two children and seven grandchildren. When she’s not “grandparenting,” she’s busy as Oakwood Church’s financial secretary.

1 “No One Mourns the Wicked,” from Wicked, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Following the Master

By Shelly Schumacher

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”

Jeremiah 17:7

Running a marathon is not an easy task, but imagine running the entire thing without being able to see. When I competed in my third marathon, I was running behind a middle-aged couple. I had woken up that morning with a cold and did not have high aspirations for the results of my efforts. So, as I came up on mile eight, I was already in a bad mood.

It was then that I noticed from behind that the couple was holding hands. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I thought to myself. “Are they going to run this whole race holding hands? Give me a break.” In an effort to focus my attentions elsewhere, I made my move to pass them. Suddenly I noticed that they were not holding hands. She was, instead, tethered to him by a rope that was wrapped around her wrist. I also noticed that her eyes were closed and they were constantly talking to each other.

She was blind, and he was her guide through the throngs of runners! He told her what was coming up ahead, what was beneath their feet and where they were on the course…and she put her complete faith in his leading. Further along in the race, the same couple, the blind woman and her guide, passed me and I never saw them again. I later learned that they had run over 50 marathons together.

This is such a beautiful picture of the faith walk our heavenly Father desires for each of us. As we have complete faith in Him, we can be like that blind woman, with our hearts tethered to Him in complete submission to follow where He leads us.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Try this exercise with a friend -- Place several obstacles around your room. Close your eyes and have her hold your hand. With her hand and words only, try to maneuver your way around the obstacles. What were you thinking during the exercise? Did you trust your friend to help you through? Did you bump into anything or trip?
2. What real life obstacles get in your way as you attempt to fully trust the Lord and follow Him with your whole heart?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 2:12; Psalm 34:8; Proverbs 16:20

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.

What Did You There?

By Elizabeth Cole

“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

Psalm 105:2-4

Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?
I’ve been to London to visit the queen.
Pussycat, pussycat, what did you there?
I frightened a little mouse under her chair.

Can you imagine the thrill of it all? The long trip to London, the anticipation of entering the throne room, the privilege of being in the same place at the same time with the queen herself. I have to think that not every pussycat has had the chance to rub shoulders (or ankles, in this case) with royalty.

And yet, upon further query, we find that our little tabby’s focus appears to have been far more on her potential prey than on her potentate. Thinking only of her next meal, she misses out completely on the honor before her. Did she ever once lift up her eyes from floor-level and behold the face of the queen? What a waste of a trip. What a squandered opportunity.

Unlike the pussycat, there’s no long trip required for us to enter the throne room of our King. As His dearly loved children, we have the privilege of His presence always. And we are told in Scripture that we are able to confidently approach the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The prophet Isaiah gives us a vision of the throne room, “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” He goes on to describe angels flying and calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” What an achingly beautiful picture of our King, what an incredible privilege…I wouldn’t want to miss it for the sake of counting tiles on the floor.

Look in His face. Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Look up!

GOING DEEPER:
1. My aunt, a college professor, uses this nursery rhyme to emphasize the concept of focus. On what are you focusing the eyes of your heart today?
2. What can you do to avoid wasting the privilege of being in the presence of the King today?

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 4:16; Isaiah 6:1-3; Psalm 121:1

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

Copy Cat

By Jen Wollner

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:1-2

Not too long ago, my daughter and I shared a rare meal alone. My husband and two boys were gone, which left us with time for mother/daughter bonding. She loves eggs, so even though it was suppertime, I made scrambled eggs and toast. As we were enjoying our “breakfast for dinner,” I noticed that my daughter was copying everything I did. If I took a bite of eggs, she took one. If I picked up my toast, she picked up hers. If I drank my milk, she did the same. I took note because this is not a common mealtime occurrence. If the five of us are all eating together, she just eats and is distracted by the commotion of the meal. If anything, she is more inclined to copy the inappropriate behaviors of her brothers! But, since the two of us were alone, she was really focused on me. She was watching my every move closely and imitating all that she saw.

Our verse for today tells us that we, as children of God, should be imitators of Christ. Specifically, we should copy Jesus in the way He loved. While here on earth, He showed His love in many ways, but with one common thread: He loved sacrificially. He gave of Himself…all of Himself…to others. Throughout the Scriptures, we see examples of Jesus giving His time, His energy, His power, His resources and, ultimately, His very life to those around Him. And, He made it clear that He didn’t do anything apart from His Father. He stayed deeply connected with the Father, often spending time alone with Him in prayer. This ensured that He would always be focused on God and follow His lead, and giving us an example to imitate.

As we spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, catching a glimpse of the way Jesus loved sacrificially, we can then imitate Him and show others that same kind of love. What a blessing to have the perfect example to copy!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you spent time alone with the Lord today, getting to know Him better so that you can accurately imitate Him in all you do?
2. To whom could you show sacrificial love today? What could you do for that person?

FURTHER READING:
1 John 3:16-17

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.

Like Run-Away Cows

By Susan Klein

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:3

When my daughter first started high school we lived “out-of-district,” so we had about a fifteen-minute commute to school each morning. I actually enjoyed the scenic drive through the countryside dotted with small family farms and cows grazing lazily in the pastures.

On one particular morning however, we were witness to a “run-away cow.” Just as we neared the last farm on our route, I caught the commotion out of the corner of my eye. A large steer was hastily making his way down the gravel drive headed straight for the highway! Who knows what set him off as he ran full speed ahead, looking like he had “had enough” and wanted out! Two farmhands were hot on his heels, trying to get to him before he reached the road. I braked to a stop as we watched the cow rear up like a horse just before heading into oncoming traffic. At that point, the farmhands gently but firmly took hold of him, speaking in calm and controlled voices, and lovingly coaxed him back toward the safety of the barn. They never got angry, nor did they show him anything but compassion. I was very touched by the display of love for this obviously distraught animal.

I know there are days when I feel like that run-away cow. I’ve had enough of all the frustrations and temptations, and I just feel like high-tailing it out of town! I tend to want to distance myself from the things or people that have irritated me and turn as far away from them as possible. Sometimes, I inadvertently head toward the highway of self-pity or resentfulness, and my heavenly Father has to gently but firmly guide me back to a safe place of restoration, reassuring me that He is in control and it will all work out for His ultimate glory. I’m thankful that He is so patient with me and, much like those farmhands, doesn’t get angry or hold it against me when I want to run away. He may have to get a firm grip on my shoulders to point me back in the right direction, but He does it out of genuine compassion. He loves me too much to let me head into the oncoming traffic of self-destruction!

GOING DEEPER:
1) How do you handle life’s irritations? Do you tend to run away from them, or face them head-on?
2) Are you running from anything or anyone today? If so, will you accept God’s guidance back to a safe place?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 25:4-7; Proverbs 15:3, 10, 24

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

Topsy - Turvey

By Peggy Kleckner

“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

Over and over again in God’s Word, we are reminded that, as believers, our position is “in Christ.” In fact, Jesus Himself said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Knowing about our position in Christ, I had to laugh when I ran into today’s verse about our being “rooted” in Him. Think about that with me for just a minute or two. Where is Christ? He is seated at the right hand of the Father. Where is the Father? In heaven. Therefore, we, as believers, are rooted in Christ above, but we bear fruit for Him on earth, below. Get a mental picture of that and you see that we are essentially upside-down plants. My mental picture? The now popular topsy-turvey tomato plants!

How fun is that? In this spring season of planting and growth, remember that your heavenly Father is growing you in Christ. You have been grafted into the vine (Christ) and in Him you will bear good fruit, so that others can “taste and see that He is good!”(Psalm 34:8)

No wonder the world’s ways seem so topsy-turvey to those who are “in Christ.” Our perspective is quite different! Trust God by His Spirit to continue to grow you in Christ so that you will bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is a hungry-hearted world waiting for that good fruit. Meanwhile your roots are quite safe…above.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How established is your “root” system?
2. Are you allowing God to water you with His Word?

FURTHER READING:
John 15:1-17; 2 Peter 3:18

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - two sons and two stepsons.

God of the Unlikely

By Elizabeth Cole

"Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it.'"

Acts 8:26-29

Back in the 1960’s, Joy and her friend Bernie believed that God was leading them to start a neighborhood Bible study. They decided to go door-to-door to invite women, many of whom Joy didn’t know since she was new to that neighborhood. As they made the rounds, they purposefully skipped over one house. In response to a questioning look, Bernie explained, “I know that Wilma. I already KNOW she wouldn’t want to come. She’s a social climber, plus she’ll smoke and make my house smell.”

The next morning, Bernie phoned Joy exhausted, “I couldn’t sleep all night. We have to invite Wilma.” She went on to say that she’d just called Wilma, blandly stating, “You wouldn’t want to come to a Bible study, would you.” To which Wilma immediately replied, “Actually, yes. I’ve always wanted to know about the Bible.”

You know what happened next. Wilma came to understand the relationship Jesus wanted to have with her, and received His gift of salvation and His presence in her life. She went on to share that amazing news with her family, each of whom also received Him. At the time, her husband worked for the government in Boise, but he quit and the family followed God’s call to train for international tribal ministry. My Gramma Joy told me recently that Steve and Wilma served as missionaries in Indonesia for 22 years before retiring.

We serve a God of the Unlikely. I sure am glad Philip not only listened, but obeyed the Holy Spirit’s direction to go the Ethiopian eunuch. The rest of the story includes Philip’s explaining the Holy Scriptures and the eunuch’s turning to Christ in faith. I sure am thankful that Bernie’s heart was tender enough to hear the Spirit’s correction and instruction, and then made that call. And it makes me wonder: Who’s my Wilma? Who’s your Wilma?

Going Deeper:
1. Is there anyone in your life with whom you’re unwilling to talk about Christ? Would you be willing to be made willing, as the Holy Spirit leads you?

Further Reading:
Acts 8:26-39; I Timothy 2:3-4

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

Unbridled Devotion

By Karen D’Amore

“…acknowledge the God of your Father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind…”

1 Chronicles 28:9b

Wobbly-kneed and quivering, the newborn colt struggles to rise to his feet. Awkwardly unbalanced, his rickety stance emotes a spirit of helplessness. Delighting in his infantile stature, I often peer over the fence of the neighboring horse ranch to monitor his development. Upon discovering his ability to leap and run, he cockily taunts his mother to play along, though he never strays far from her side.

Today, as I neared the horse ranch, the ranch hand was moving the mare and her young colt from the stable to an open pasture. As they passed in front of my vehicle, I watched the worker leading the bridled mare and the unbridled colt across the open roadway. Nervous that the unbridled colt might bolt into oncoming traffic, I was amazed to see him following neck ‘n neck with his mother, his loins never breaking contact with her. In the midst of passing vehicles, free-roaming dogs and onlooking horses, nothing distracted the colt’s attention from his mother. Dependency sealed his relational bond—she is his source of food and life. With unbridled freedom to wander or stray, the colt’s dependency on his mother manifested his unbridled devotion.

Merriam-Webster’s defines devotion as “profound dedication, consecration or earnest attachment.” Touched by this tender and inspiring scenario, I was personally challenged to consider…on whom or what am I dependent…and to whom or what am I devoted?

As Christ-followers, our relationship with Christ is characterized by two primary components: dependence on Him and devotion to Him. Dependency on Christ requires surrender to Him and total reliance on Him. Devotion to Christ means that we live for Him, giving Him full authority over our lives. Christ-centered devotion attaches to nothing and no one except the Lord Himself.

We live in a world endorsing independence, self-reliance and self-absorption. We battle a litany of “false gods” vying for our attention and devotion. Jesus calls to us, “Follow Me.” Unbridled, He gives us free will to choose the object of our devotion. Let us see our Lord through the eyes of the mother-dependent colt. Let us acknowledge Him as our Source of Life and follow Him with unbridled devotion.

GOING DEEPER:
1. On whom or what are you dependent? What steps must you take to rely solely on the Lord?
2. Whom or what is standing in the way of your devotion to Jesus? What do you plan to do about that?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 6:24-26; Psalm 86:11

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.

Open the Windows of Heaven

By Elin Henderson

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

II Kings 7:2 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Phone Call

By Lisa Boyer

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways”

Job 37:5a

I was having one of those days when talking to a friend was just what I needed, so there I was waiting for a phone call… she said she’d call and I knew she would, I just didn’t know when. No, I didn’t sit by the phone and wait, but I made sure the phone was within earshot so I wouldn’t miss that call!

An hour passed, then two hours passed. She really should have called by now, I thought. But then I remembered… earlier in the day I had SILENCED my cell phone because of a meeting!!! Here I was waiting for a phone to ring that wouldn’t ring… not because my friend wouldn’t call, but because my phone would remain silent even when she did call!

Right after I fixed my phone, I began thinking about another Friend I was waiting to hear from. I’d been talking to Him a lot, but I hadn’t really been hearing back from Him. I began to review the connection between us to make sure I hadn’t done anything that might silence Him in my life…. 

• Was there sin in my life that would prevent me from hearing from Him? 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Was there unresolved conflict between me and someone else? Matthew 5:23, 24
• Was I in a state of intentional disobedience? James 4:17

Those could have silenced the connection, but this time it was just taking awhile for Him to answer. I needed to follow the psalmist’s advice and “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

But there’s another thing that can silence God….

The other day while driving to work, I was feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances of life and cried out to Him, asking how I was going to get through this. I fully expected an answer right then and there, some sort of reassurance to calm my heart. Then I realized how loud my heart’s cry was and wondered if I could even hear His answer. I paused and listened… but God was silent and my heart’s cry grew louder. There was a faint noise in the background and I tried to ignore the distraction. But as I again paused to listen for God’s answer, the background noise grew loud and clear, "Your grace is enough, your grace is enough for me" repeated the song on the radio. His answer? His grace would be enough for me!

That was close… my emotions had nearly drowned out His answer, making God appear silent.

GOING DEEPER:

1. If God has been silent, check the connection to see if there’s something you’ve done to prevent you from hearing Him well. Otherwise, will you trust Him and His timing?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 27:14

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.

Dog-gone Love

By Jeannine Sawall

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

1 John 3:1

I have two dogs: One is a nine-month-old, 8 lb. Maltese; the other is an eight-year-old, 70 lb. yellow lab. Their personalities are as different as their bodies. However, they are alike in one way: They lavish me with love. I don’t know what it is about puppy love, but no matter what, they are eager to see me. Their big brown eyes never look at me with anger, but always gaze at me adoringly. They never seek me out for selfish gain, but rather nudge my hand with their cold noses saying, “I love you. Can you take a minute and spend some time with me?” No matter the mood I come home in, they greet me at the door, tails thumping away on the floor as if to say, “We missed you today and we’re so glad you’re back!” They just love me to pieces!

Isn’t it refreshing how God uses all good things we enjoy to point us back to Him? As part of His creation, my puppies reflect their Creator. He lavishes us with love. We are His great delight. He’s made us His children and desires to have a relationship with us that’s real and powerful! He’s waiting anxiously for us to know Him. We know how forgiving dogs are. Their relationship with us is not based on a scorecard, and neither is our Lord’s. He doesn’t love us based on what we have or haven’t done, but loves us unconditionally, wherever we are. When life becomes busy, His Holy Spirit nudges us gently saying, “I’ve missed you. Can you take some time to come spend it with me.” And no matter our mood or our circumstances, He is waiting at the door of our hearts saying, “I’m here for you. Whatever it is you need, I have it. Let me help you.”

I love being lavished with love by my puppies and I love being lavished with love by God. I look down at my dogs, lying side-by-side, nestled against my feet. I look up and I see my Lord holding me in the palm of His hand. In my own frailty, I can’t match their unconditional love for me, but I am so thankful for the picture God has given of Himself and His lavish love in these two simple, loving pets. How great is the Father’s love that He reminds us time and time again, in so many ways, of His endless love for us.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel lavished by love by the Father? If not, ask Him to reveal His heart for you in a new way today.

FURTHER READING:
Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16

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.

Don’t Let It Fester!

By Susan Klein

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9

As a nurse, I used to treat the various wounds of many elderly people. The trick was to catch the wound right away so we could treat it and minimize the damage to surrounding tissue. A wound that has festered for some time can be difficult to heal and lead to other complications, including permanent damage. Cleaning and covering a wound when it is first observed brings about the best hope for healing.

The same principle can be applied to sin. When we sin, we should confess it immediately so our loving heavenly Father can cleanse us of our unrighteousness and His love can cover over our offense. If we don’t confess right away, and the sin is allowed to “fester” in our minds, we may start to hear the accuser telling us we are unworthy of forgiveness. If we give in to those lies, that sin may start to imbed itself deep within our beings allowing its infective power to corrupt more of our lives. Soon, we may be plagued with the despair of our guilt, or we might fall into the habit of sinning even more. Or, leaving our sin unconfessed could even cause our hearts to harden and pull us away from our Father. Sin requires immediate response!

All throughout the gospels we see Jesus healing people of their afflictions, both physically and spiritually, upon their asking. They see, they ask, and they are healed! It’s that simple! The verse above assures us that He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us. We need not fear going to Him. He desires for us to be righteous and guilt-free, and is willing to offer forgiveness immediately upon our asking for it.

Do you have a sin issue you’ve been leaving unattended? Do you need the Great Physician to cleanse your wound and heal you? Remember, He died to cover over all your sins!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take some time to sit before your heavenly Father and ask if there are any sins you’ve left unattended. If there are some that you know have been allowed to fester, get them taken care of immediately! Don’t let the enemy keep you from God’s gracious healing!

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 53: 4-6, 12b

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

BOTH Feet Must Be Off the Ground

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

1 Corinthians 9:23-25

As I write this, my husband is one week from competing in his second marathon. If you have ever been to a marathon, it is inspirational. The participants have said yes to a monumental challenge and come together from all skill levels and walks of life with one goal…to finish well. The Christian life is also like this. Here are a few observations about marathon training from Runner’s World editor Mark Remy, as well as myself. They are appropriate for the 26.2 mile race, as well as our Christian pursuit.

1. Running is defined as having BOTH feet off the ground. Otherwise, you are walking, strolling or lunging. To make running happen takes power and energy.
2. Keep your eyes just ahead of you, not on your feet. If you don’t look up, you are bound to run into something.
3. Concentrate on running the current mile, not the one 5, 10, or 25 miles down the path.
4. There will always be someone slower than you and someone faster than you. Don’t waste time comparing yourself.
5. Running a marathon is a hot, sweaty, uncomfortable undertaking. There will be blisters. Your muscles will scream. You may even feel like throwing up.
6. If you quit in the middle, you will always look back in regret.
7. The only thing worse than running out of energy a mile from the finish line is finishing the race with energy left over.

Fortunately, the race for Christians doesn’t have just one prize at the end. Every participant that finishes is awarded an eternal prize. So don’t be like the woman Mark Remy knows who “once trained meticulously for a marathon in a faraway state, trained well, packed carefully, made the trip, and realized that she had forgotten to register for the race.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Evaluate how you feel about your life’s race. Have you taken the time to “register”? Are you getting BOTH feet off the ground?
2. If you get a chance, be a supporter along a race route this summer. Cheer on the runners!

FURTHER READING:
2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 12:1-3

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.

(1) Remy, Mark. The Runner’s Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know, and then Some, 2009

Runners in Waukesha County: Join us at the Delafield Run/Walk on June 18. For more information, go to Ministries: Women: Moments at www.oakwoodnow.org

My Best Friend is a… Toothpick?

By Lisa Boyer

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

“The toothpick is your best friend,” the instructor announced at a cookie decorating get-together I attended with several other women from church. The toothpick? I thought to myself laughing, Boy, have I been looking for friends in the wrong place! But the instructor demonstrated her point and sent us off to decorate our cookies.

And she was right! After outlining the edges of the cookie with icing, I used a toothpick to spread the icing over the center of the cookie. With a toothpick, I was even able to get the icing into every corner. I also used a toothpick to remove icing that had dripped over the edge of the cookie - - that one wasn’t part of her instructions, but it worked nonetheless. And then I used a toothpick to draw the thin black lines of the bee flight pattern on my flower cookie, which, by the way, turned out rather cute! When it came to cookie decorating, the toothpick was indeed my best friend.

Of course, I prefer humans to toothpicks when it comes to friendship, but the statement did get me thinking…. God uses people in our lives in ways not dissimilar to how I used the toothpick on my cookies. God used Ananias and Barnabas, among others, to help transform Saul into Paul, who wrote several books of the Bible, and then He used Paul to shape Timothy and Titus!

I know that several people in my life have been like toothpicks directed by the hand of God as they played a significant role in how God has transformed my life. For example, some have spread God’s Word into my life, some have covered me with prayer, some have encouraged me to let God reach into the corners of my life that I’d kept from Him, some have spoken truth when I didn’t want to hear it but needed to, and some have helped scrape the sin out of my life.

I am so thankful for those precious “toothpick” friends that God has used to reshape my life. And I would be honored to be a “toothpick” in the lives of others, if God chooses to use me in that way!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, will you be a “toothpick” in the life of someone else by covering her in prayer?
2. Have you been resisting the changes that God has been moving you toward, even to the extent of pushing away the people He’s been using? Are you willing to stop and surrender your life completely to Him and His ways?

FURTHER READING:
I Thessalonians 4:1; Galatians 6:1; Acts 9:1-22

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

Under His Wings

By Peggy Kleckner

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Psalm 91:4

I, like many others, have been watching a pair of eagles in their nest live via the Internet. When I first saw them, I was taken by their watchfulness, their patience to “be still.” They had a good reason to “be still”: They were taking turns sitting on three eggs!

I could hop on the Internet and check the progress of those three eggs whenever it was convenient for me to do so. The eagles though, didn’t have that luxury. They had to patiently “sit” on those eggs until the other partner came to relieve them of that duty. They had to be consistent and persistent in protecting those eggs.

Eventually the eggs hatched, one by one in God’s timing. And the eagles stayed attentive. Not only did they tuck those eggs under the weight and warmth of their wings, they eventually tucked the hatchlings in the same place.

Those babies have no idea how high that nest is. They don’t know what their parents go through to bring them their food. All that they need is supplied.

I thought of those babies as I watched one of the parents snuggle down on top of them again. How weighty is the parent? How dark is it under the wings of his protection? Do the babies ever view their protection as a burden? Do they squawk to get out? Do they misinterpret their parent’s motive?

I have learned a lot from watching those eagles and their young. God uses lots of different classrooms to teach us about both Himself and ourselves, doesn’t He?

There is great benefit in stillness….attentive stillness. God truly is my shield and rampart. He knows and provides for all of my needs under the refuge of His wings. I can take comfort in my position of dependence.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What might God be able to birth from the stillness He is calling you to?
2. Are you perhaps misinterpreting His protection as a burden?

FURTHER READING :
Psalm 17:8-9; Psalm 36:5-7; Psalm 46:10

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.

Watching the Eagles

By Lexi Cole

“I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 121:1-2

My roommate and I have found something great for procrastinating. There’s an online live-stream of a bald eagle family in Iowa.1 It shows a live broadcast of a 5-foot wide nest (that weights about 1.5 tons) with a mommy and daddy eagle and three baby eagles. The average adult bald eagle weighs nine pounds, is three feet tall and has a wingspan of 5-7 feet.2 It’s been addicting. We’ll set up our laptops so we can work on homework while also watching the eagles, and we text each other during the day with “updates.” (“Mommy E is feeding the babies” or “can see all baby e’s right now!”)

There’s something mesmerizing about these eagles. I think part of it is the majesty of the bald eagle and the cuteness of the babies. But beyond that wonder, eagles are uniquely designed for their survival. Every part of an eagle’s structure and function is specific. And while these eagles are captivating to watch, this idea is not unique to bald eagle. All of creation has incredible purpose, structure and function. In my Life Science, Chemistry and Earth Science courses for my education major, I’ve learned how our world was created to fit together; how cells are so small and so integrated, and yet how vast our universe is.

It just makes me stop and be in awe of God and His unending creativity. It is so incredible what He has done for us and the good work that He is carrying out in His people. And at the same time, what a mighty God we serve who has created a world of such detail, design and purpose. What a powerful God who not only desires relationships with us, but also created bald eagles that live because of their perfect design. Scripture is clear that we are fearful and wonderfully made, and created in His image. And yet, God created the whole world too - - a world of beauty, of science, of design, of purpose. His World is a reminder of how mighty God is.

As I watch these eagles, I love seeing how beautiful, cute and powerful they are. While it is good to focus on how majestic God is on our own lives, watching these eagles has expanded my sight and is a great reminder that God is majestic in His creation, as well.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Stop in the busy-ness of life and look outside. Think about the intricate design God has created and how this shows His majestic power.

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1-2:25; Hebrew 4:13

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

1) http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

2) http://www.birdhouses101.com/bald-eagle-facts.asp

For Moms!

By Pamela Blattner

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”

Exodus 20:12

During these past few years, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s one thing to say you love your mother, but it’s another to honor and care for her. My mom passed away a year ago. At times, I had a very difficult relationship with my mom, but then I had to remember that she was the first one to hold me and embrace me. Through a wonderful Christian counselor, I came to the conclusion that nobody’s perfect and motherhood was a huge responsibility for her. I learned to pray for her often instead of complaining. Regardless of the methods she raised me, she did the best she knew how. I never knew all of the reasons she parented in the style she did, but as her daughter in later life, I tried to make her life easier giving her whatever she needed as tenderly and sacrificially as I could. I’ve also come to the conclusion that there’s never a justifiable reason to hold feelings of resentment against your mom. When I feel angry or bitter over some of the past hurts, I remember how many times God forgave me.

I’ve almost completed Grief Share1 at Oakwood. God helped me heal through the biblical teaching and godly mentoring that was offered through it. This Mother’s Day, I’d like to encourage you to see your mother through the eyes of Jesus. Whether she lives close to you, or not, celebrate her life by how you live your life from this day on. If any of you are GRANDmothers like I am, just think of yourself as a Mother in your prime this Mother’s Day! We can sit quietly in our favorite place in our homes, until we again hear the phone ringing, or a knock on the back door. Once again, we envision those little faces smiling, and those little feet running over to reach up and give us another wonderful hug and a big kiss! Today, I pray for mothers everywhere. I ask that the Lord bless you for doing your best to make a home for your kids where they feel safe and where they feel a sense of belonging. May He bless you mightily, strengthen you and soothe you as He wraps you in His endless love.

GOING DEEPER:
1. I’d like to dedicate this Mother’s Day to all women who desire to live a godly life and who want to pass God's principles on to their children. If that comment prompts you to think of any woman right now, can you tell her how much she means to you, and why?
2. Consider and thank God for His extravagant forgiveness in your life.

FURTHER READING: Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 23:25

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

1 If you are dealing with grief issues and would like more information about Grief Share, please call Oakwood at 262.367.1212. The national website is www.griefshare.org

He’s Coming!

By Susan Klein

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

The apostle Paul had sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen the church in Thessalonica that he had established on his second missionary journey. Timothy returned with a report for Paul that must have included some concerns from the people there that prompted Paul to write this letter. Were they concerned that perhaps they had missed the Lord’s coming? And what about their relatives who had died prior to Christ’s resurrection?

Paul attempts to put their minds at ease by giving an account of the “rapture (being caught up),” and future coming of Christ. He encourages them by telling them that their forefathers will surely rise first and that they will then meet them and the Lord in the air. He also explains that this will be preceded by a loud command in the voice of the archangel and a trumpet call, which they had not witnessed. He goes on in his letter to explain that they should not be caught up in worry about the time and date, rather to focus on being alert, self-controlled, and keeping faith and hope fastened tightly like armor. He doesn’t want to leave any stone left unturned, so he goes one step further to reassure them by stating that God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation, and that we should encourage one another with these words.

Are you encouraged by these words? Are you anxiously and confidently awaiting His return for you? Are you encouraging others with these words of hope? When the circumstances of life trouble you, are you clothing yourself with faith and hope? In case your mind is not completely put at ease, let me end with Paul’s words from the end of the letter (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24): May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and he will do it! (The exclamation mark is mine for emphasis!)

GOING DEEPER:
1. What uncertainties might you struggle with that you need reassurance for? Will you go to His Word to seek comfort? Do you know for sure that “He IS coming for you”?!!

FURTHER READING:
2 Thessalonians

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

Spiritual Spring Cleaning

By Kari Lyles

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:10

As my vacuum buzzed across the last few inches of hallway carpet, I inhaled a glorious waft of fresh air coming in from both of my daughter’s bedroom windows. I stepped back for a moment to admire the fruits of my labor -- two newly rearranged bedrooms. Spring was in the air and I had caught the fever.

Winding up the cord to my vacuum, a smile crossed my face as I imagined my first grader’s excitement when she arrived home from school to find a room that would now seem so new. My 3-year-old had happily directed me as to where she thought her bed and dresser should be moved and was now enjoying her fresh space engrossed in a book.

As I finished picking things up and throwing things away, my mind wandered to the similarities of what I had just done in my daughters’ rooms with what the Lord desires to do in us.

“Lord,” I asked, “would you please do a ‘spiritual spring cleaning’ in me?”

Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps, like me, there are some cobwebs in the corners of your heart that you have allowed to collect there because it’s a chore to remove them. Or, maybe your mind has not been focused on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely or admirable. Rather, you’ve been meditating on the messes you or others have made or are making.

One of the verses in a song called “Welcome Home” by Shaun Groves says, “Welcome to this heart of mine, I’ve buried under prideful vines, grown to hide the mess I’ve made, inside of me come decorate Lord.”

As we approach spring, will you join me in letting the Lord inside to do a little “spiritual spring cleaning”? Will you allow Him to bring down a few walls, sweep out some of the cobwebs and spread some love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

Happy Spring!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas of your heart and mind need to be pure and right before the Lord? Ask Him to reveal those areas and help you surrender the cleaning to Him.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22

Kari is a wife and mother to two girls ages 9 and 5. She works as a regional sales manager at MAX-R in Sussex and is involved in Oakwood’s drama ministry.

A Simple Matter

By Elin Henderson

“And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.…”

II Kings 3:18 (NKJV)

I love God’s version of a “simple matter”! In II Kings 3, Israel is up against two big problems. Problem number one: They are dealing with a Moab rebellion. King Jehoram musters up as many soldiers as he can and treks off through the wilderness to deal with this uprising. Along the way, he and his soldiers run into problem number two: They run out of water. Not so good when you are traveling to battle with thousands of men and their livestock.

Ultimately, the king asks for Elisha to come and inquire of the Lord. Elisha’s inquiry leads to God’s instructions to “make this valley full of ditches…You will not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water…And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD.” Filling ditches with water for an entire army and their livestock WITHOUT using rain is God’s version of “simple.”

To take it even further, Elisha tacks on to the end, “…He will ALSO deliver the Moabites into your hand.” It’s almost as though this was a side note, like a little icing on the cake of simplicity. Which was more difficult for God: making water out of nothing for this entire army or defeating their enemies? Neither! To Him, both these fell into the category of “Simple Matters.” He provided the water they needed and used it as a mirage to scare off their enemies! Wow!

So, why, when we face a struggle or difficulty do we fall to pieces, get overwhelmed, and throw up our hands in defeat? To the Lord, the earthly struggles we face are “Simple Matters” easily dealt with. For the Master Ruler of the Universe, simplicity takes on a new form and we get to benefit from it! Present needs are met and future battles are dealt with by His might!

May we start to see each trial and battle we come up against through the eyes of our God and realize that, for Him, these are but “Simple Matters.” Our part is “Simple Faith,” the simple “evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1) like the rain and wind that the Israelites didn’t see fill the ditches with water. And then, beyond that, a whole army simply giving up and running way from a mirage!

Simple matters meet simple faith and result in something amazing!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have something right now in your life that seems overwhelming and impossible? How do you think God sees it? Can you commit it to Him knowing His best plan for you is a simple matter for Him…and a matter of simple faith for you?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 19:26; Hebrews 10:38; Hebrews 11:1

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 eight-year-old Elias.

Soft Water

By Lisa Boyer

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

Isaiah 44:22

“Eewww, do you have soft water?” my sister asked when visiting my house recently. I had to laugh at her question because years before she was the one with soft water and I was the one saying “eewww”!

I hated soft water. It used to take me forever just to wash my hands! I would stand there with my hands under running water waiting for them to feel clean… but it didn’t work. They didn’t feel clean; they felt… well, slimy. Eventually I came to accept that even though my hands didn’t feel clean, they were, in fact, clean.

Sadly, there have been times in my life when God’s forgiveness has seemed like soft water: I would come to Him and ask for forgiveness, but I wouldn’t feel forgiven. As a result, I would ask over and over again, waiting to feel forgiven. But God’s forgiveness is nothing like soft water. Even when I don’t feel forgiven, the fact is, I am forgiven. God’s forgiveness is sure and final… “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgression from us” (Psalm 103:12).

So, why do I get that soft water feeling when it comes to forgiveness?

One day, when I had made a “bad choice” (yes, I had sinned), I found myself struggling once again with not feeling forgiven. I quickly began reminding myself that I am forgiven, but the only feeling I had was guilt. I had chosen to sin and I clearly didn’t deserve forgiveness.

In that moment, I realized something that has changed my life… I had been completely overlooking the role of grace in forgiveness! Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” I had been focusing on the fact that I didn’t deserve forgiveness and I had failed to see that it was about God’s amazing grace… I couldn’t earn it, didn’t deserve it, and yet found myself completely overwhelmed by it. And I felt forgiven.

Not only is the feeling of soft water forgiveness gone, being mindful of God’s amazing grace has given me a deeper desire to say “no” when faced with a choice to sin… another demonstration of the amazing grace of God!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you struggling to feel completely forgiven by God? Will you allow yourself to be overwhelmed by God’s grace?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 2:4-8; Acts 15:11; I Timothy 1:15-17

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