Set Free by Grace

By Jen Wollner

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Galatians 5:1

I’ve recently read the book titled Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Historical fiction, it’s a powerful story of two girls, Lily and Snow Flower, growing up in China in the mid-1800’s. The religious beliefs and traditions of the day were riddled with superstition, legalism, oppression and the devaluing of women. Both men and women were enslaved to fear. They constantly worried that if they did something wrong, it would result in punishment from one of their gods or being shunned by family, friends and others in their village. They were careful to follow every custom and rule to a “T” so as not to upset the “universe” and bring ruin on themselves and their family.

As I devoured this book, peeling back the layers of each relationship and motive, I couldn’t help but notice that every action by every character in the story was impacted by the belief that he or she needed to earn eternal rewards through earthly actions. The characters’ enslavement to these beliefs affected every decision they made, and they interpreted every life circumstance and relationship through the eyes of these traditions. If something bad happened, they blamed themselves or someone else for their misfortunes. If something good happened, they attributed it to finding favor with their gods.

My soul felt heavy as I finished this captivating story. In the end, there was no grace, no forgiveness; only regret and lost opportunities for reconciliation. I don’t know about you, but I am inexpressibly grateful for the salvation and freedom offered by Jesus Christ. He came to set us free from the untruths of the world that weigh us down...the lies, superstitions and traditions of our culture that tell us we need to earn favor and blessing. When Jesus came, died on the Cross and rose again, He did it for our freedom and salvation. Period. By faith, nothing else is needed.

Only His grace.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you accepted the gift of freedom offered by Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding you back from surrendering your life to Him today?
2. If you have received salvation through Christ, what false notions offered by our society are you continuing to believe? If you aren’t sure, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you, or confide in a trusted, godly friend for insight.

FURTHER READING:
John 10:10; John 8:32

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

Don’t Look at the Water!

By Jen Wollner

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 14:30

Two of my children hate having their hair washed during a bath. They just don’t like the water running into their eyes. I keep saying, “Look at me and keep your head up,” but both of them will inevitably move and all the water goes right into their faces. They are so focused on the water that they can’t focus on me. Occasionally, they will follow my instructions and when their faces end up dry, they are glad they trusted me. But, even with this proof of success, fear and doubt oftentimes still rise up in them the very next bath time.

We read of a scenario like this between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 14. Jesus sends the disciples out on the Sea of Galilee while He goes up on a mountainside to pray alone. During the night, He goes out to meet them…by walking on the water! When Peter sees Jesus, he says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus obliges and says, “Come.” So, Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk on the water toward Jesus. Suddenly, though, he is aware of the strong wind and waves around him and he becomes afraid. As soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. Interestingly enough, just hours before, the disciples had witnessed Jesus miraculously taking two fish and five loaves of bread and turning them into enough food for about 5,000 people…with twelve baskets to spare! In spite of just having witnessed the Lord’s power and provision, Peter’s doubt and fear still crept in when he focused on his situation instead of on Christ.

There are many fears we are facing today, aren’t there? Maybe it’s relationship woes, financial crisis or health problems. Whatever it is, it will eventually sink us unless we stay fixed on Jesus. When we look only at our circumstances and the storms going on around us, we become filled with worry. But, when we look past the wind and waves of life and stay close to Him, we are filled with peace and joy. Our faith won’t be perfect and there will be times when we slip back into doubt and worry, but with the Lord’s help, we can refocus on Him.

As Peter was sinking in the waves, he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and caught him. Each time our fears begin to sink us, let’s call out to our Savior for help. He won’t let us drown!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you most afraid of today? What can you do to turn away from your fear and focus more on Jesus, your ever-ready Rescuer?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:34

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.

What Shackles Are Holding You Captive?

By Kelly McFadden

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer…For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin… In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 6:1-2, 6, 11

When a captive elephant is young, its handler will place a shackle around its leg and chain it to a tree so that it will not escape. At this age the elephant is too small to pull the tree over. Try as it might, the baby elephant cannot get away. However, when the elephant is full-grown the handler can chain it to a stick in the ground and it will not escape. The elephant still thinks itself to be chained to an unmovable tree.

Think for a few moments: Is it possible that a “shackle” of some kind of habitual sin is tied around your leg? What is it that holds you back from experiencing the freedom found only in Christ? It might seem like you are tied to an unmovable tree. Yet, I’d like to challenge you to consider instead, that “thing” that holds you might only be a small stick in the ground. If you become comfortable with your captivity, you may be just like an elephant that was trained to believe it could not break free.

Even as Christ-followers, we’re still susceptible to sin and its natural consequences. But according to the Apostle Paul, the truth is that, by our relationship with Christ, we have died to sin. The fact is that the old shackle around your ankle can no longer hold you, if you recognize that you are a new creation and are no longer a “slave to sin.” While Christ can and has miraculously changed lives and immediately “set captives free” from habits and addictions, for most of us, old habits die hard. It takes a lot of work and prayer to accomplish change. But if you find yourself struggling, understand that you can break free. Christ’s death and resurrection has made it possible. In Christ, your old self is gone, your spirit has been made alive, the new has come, and freedom is within your reach.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What holds you back from experiencing the grace and truth that the Lord has waiting for you?
2. What are steps you can take to begin to break free from an old habit? Ask for God’s help to take the steps you’ve identified.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:1-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

“Death Becomes Us”

By Jeannine Sawall

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus!”

Romans 6:11

I love fall. It is one of my favorite seasons. I love the crisp, cool air that greets you in the morning. It is refreshing to me after the long, hot days of summer. I love the pumpkins and hay bales signaling the beginning of harvest. But most of all, I love the vibrant colors of fall; the brilliant reds, the bright yellows, the soothing rusts and browns. It’s as if God reaches down from heaven with a paintbrush and with the stroke of a master painter, changes the landscape with each pass of the brush.

As I was driving along - - thinking about how beautiful the trees are in their autumn splendor and how I love the landscape of colors - - I began thanking the Lord for His wonderful creation. My mind wondered why He created the trees to have leaves with more beauty as they are dying than in life as they are growing. As I continued driving, the Lord impressed the thought upon me that I have more beauty in death as well. I first thought of my physical death, and how my glorified body and spirit would be released from the ugliness of sin. Further down the road, though, another thought came to my mind. The more I die to self, the more of Christ lives in me. The more Christ lives in me, the more glory He receives…and the more beautiful my life becomes to God in my obedience to Him. That is what the Lord was trying to show me: Death becomes us!

As we enjoy the beauty of autumn, the Lord has given us a physical reminder of how death becomes us. We need the reality of “death to self.” As we die to our own will, Christ fills us up and we are able to live more completely for Him and experience the full blessing of His glory. God wants our hearts and minds to be filled with His holy qualities. Allowing Him to become more and we to become less, transforms our lives. As our lives are transformed, we project the colors of Christ’s beauty and holiness, letting the world around us know Him through us. Our “real life” in Christ begins when we die to our “old life.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What type of colors are you showing to the world around you? Do they see Jesus in your actions and character?
2. What area in your life might you have trouble giving over to Jesus? Ask Him to help you lay down whatever it is so that you can have more of Him and less of you.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 2:20; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 8:5-8

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.

Secret Ingredient

By Elin Henderson

“…‘Serve it to the people so they may eat.’ And there was nothing harmful in the pot…So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.”

II Kings 4: 41b & 44 (NKJV)

Maybe it’s part of my Greek heritage, but I love to cook food and feed people! Ask my husband! Before a big party, all of us entertainers have our worries, though, about how things will turn out. My two main worries usually are: Will the food turn out okay? And, will there be enough?

I remember one time my dad made homemade ice cream but added to the actual ice cream mixture the four cups of salt meant to keep the ice from melting! For the life of him, he couldn’t get the ice cream to solidify. Let’s just say we had a lot of leftovers that no one would touch!

Then, of course, there are those times when a party of four turns out to be a party of eight or more and the menu has to be stretched to feed the multitude. This inevitably happens whenever the Mozambique government guys come for a visit (along with the expected “lunch” of sorts); I am always at a loss on how much food to prepare. One visit it will be four guys and the next visit 24!

In his entertaining, Elisha faced these two worries back-to-back in II Kings 4: 38-44. First of all, he sends his workers out to prepare a bit of supper and, unknowingly, one brings back poisonous gourds and makes a stew out of them. After a few bites, they cry out, “There’s death in the pot!” Then, Elisha takes some flour and miraculously purifies the pot and makes the food good for eating.

Just after that, food is brought as an offering to Elisha and his crew, only it isn’t enough. This is quickly pointed out to him and he says, “Give it to the people and they shall eat; for thus says the LORD, ‘they shall eat and have some left over.’” And that is exactly what happened. They were provided for above and beyond what was needed.

When the secret ingredient is God, even our ignorant, silly and inadvertent mistakes can be made right, and even our inadequacies become more than enough. Only He can take and turn something from deadly into delicious and insufficient into incredible! Trust Him with the mistakes and inadequacies of your humanness, realizing He is the overpowering secret ingredient!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are there any mistakes you have made that seem to have serious consequences? Using Psalm 139:23-24, what can you do with those mistakes (even the ignorant ones)?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 51:7,10; Ephesians 3:20

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.

Just a Spoonful of Sugar

By Elizabeth Cole

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24

Do you know any woman anywhere in your life that didn’t at least once pretend to be Julie Andrews singing in Mary Poppins or Sound of Music?! I don’t. And one of the most beloved of her songs is “Just a Spoonful of Sugar.” Remember how sweetly she sang that to the Banks children right before she gave them their medicine? My recollection of performing that song (and many others) was standing on her living room hearth with my best friend Kristen, using hairbrushes as microphones, while we sang along with the record. For your historical knowledge: a “record” was followed by a “cassette tape,” which was followed by a CD, which was replaced by your itty-bitty Ipod.

“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…in a most delightful way.” I wonder if Ms. Andrews knew she was singing a basic biblical principle of parenting and relationships and life. Without our bidding, a whole lot of circumstances have come into our lives that we didn’t choose. And, in fact, as we look back on past circumstances, we often change their names from “problems” to “healthy opportunities” – quite a bit like medicine. Nonetheless, a goodly number of those circumstances were completely outside of our control. But, according to Scripture, one of the things we do have control over is our attitude. We do get to choose whether we’ll sing, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and, snap, the job’s a game.” We do get to decide which part of the circumstance is going to get our fullest attention: what’s wrong, what doesn’t please me, what isn’t according to plan, what’s drudgery...or where there’s hope, where God is clearly at work, where I can smile and add a bit of delight.

We also have control over our words. Hmmm. We do get to choose how we’ll deliver the “medicine”: with an emphasis on my rights, with harshness, with shaming…or with lovingkindness, with gentleness, with a heart focused on God’s best. I can’t help but wonder how many conflicts we’ve had with others would never have occurred if right and accurate content had been delivered with a “spoonful of sugar.”

So, please pass the sugar…and while you’re at, could you grab a hairbrush and join me and that perky nanny in a rousing musical rendition…

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a time when someone’s loving words made all the difference for you in a given circumstance. Anything you can learn from it?
2. Identify a specific circumstance in your life right now that needs an attitude sweetening, and then ask God for His guidance and power to make the change.

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3; Proverbs 15:1

Elizabeth is a wife and mother to three grown daughters. She is Oakwood’s director of connecting and of We Women.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

By Susan Klein

"Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned."

Hebrews 6:7-8

“We had a good crop this year,” proclaimed the farmer as I tried to choose from the vast array of pumpkins and gourds that would eventually find a decorative place on my mantel at home. “Lots of rain and good weather,” he continued. I always return to the same local farmer who delights me every year with his abundant variety of these fruits. By their size and beauty, I can tell he takes much time and great care in planting, nurturing and harvesting his crop. I am never disappointed!

Spiritually speaking, how does your garden grow? Are you having a good crop this year? Are you tending to your spiritual health so that it produces good fruit? Are you drinking in the rain of God’s Word, or just taking an occasional sip that leaves your ground parched and thirsty for more? Are you taking the time to keep your ground tilled and fed by doing things such as going to church, reading and meditating on God’s Word, attending a Bible study, spending time in prayerful communication with your heavenly Father, and obeying the Spirit’s leading? Neglecting your spiritual ground not only keeps it barren of good fruit, but makes it fruitful in that which is bad - - the thorns and thistles that would choke out any tender new shoots of good growth. This is not the type of ground that God can use for His purposes.

While Paul may be addressing those who have completely abandoned the faith in these verses, I believe they can apply to those of us who are just neglecting our spiritual walk as well. We will not be “burned” if we are true believers in Christ, for we cannot lose our salvation. But, we can miss out on the blessing from God that comes with being good farmers who properly care for our spiritual ground.

As Paul exhorts the Hebrew believers, let’s show the same diligence to the very end, in order to make our hope sure, and not become lazy, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (from Hebrews 6:11,12)

GOING DEEPER:
1. What “thorns and thistles” might you need to weed out of your garden?
2. Once weeded, will you commit to replenish the soil with some good fertilizer from God’s Word?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 13:3-9; Galatians 6:8

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

From DOG Walks to GOD Walks

By Karen D’Amore

“Very early in the morning…Jesus went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

Mark 1:35

My dog Chemo was inconsolable after losing his lifelong canine companion. Heeding my vet’s advice to help Chemo through his grief, I increased his daily exercise and smothered him with attention, He needed time with me to feel safe and secure.

Setting my clock for the crack of dawn, we began each day with a lengthy walk. As days faded into weeks, Chemo’s spirit gradually lifted. Seeing the value in this daily ritual, I let nothing interfere with this crucial time together. Regardless of my grogginess, the alarm never failed to eject me from my sleep. Chemo and I grew to cherish our early morning walks! With the noise of the outside world hushed in slumber, God’s permeating presence aroused my undistracted senses. His aroma oozed from the trailside wildflowers…His glory reflected in the rising sun…His voice echoed the choir of birds…His loving arms embraced me in the gentle breeze.

As Chemo sniffed his way through our morning journeys, I found myself engaged in the sweetest conversations with God. One pivotal morning I heard God whisper…“dog” spelled backwards is…“God”! Replaying that thought in my head…God’s whisper resonated with a shout. My priorities had been backwards! Though the “dog walks” were initially intended for Chemo, God redeemed that time to reveal Himself to me. He met me during those early morning walks…I could hear Him, see Him and feel Him. He turned my “DOG walks” into “GOD walks!” Just as Chemo’s time with me was crucial to his well-being…quiet time with God is crucial to my relationship with Him. Sadly, I hadn’t devoted myself to consistent, intimate time with Him. My heart broke as I recalled the countless mornings when the “snooze” button victoriously wiped out my morning God-time.

Throughout Scripture, we repeatedly see Jesus going off to solitary places to pray. He knew the importance of regularly withdrawing from the distractions and pressures of the world to focus His attention solely on God. As Christ-followers, we too must take time and retreat to quiet corners of the world, where God can appeal to our senses. We must meet with Him daily, spending undistracted time in prayer and His Word. Longing for a personal relationship with us, God delights in our drawing near to Him and focusing on Him alone. It is in these quiet, intimate moments that we will experience God in uniquely personal ways.

Start today. Make room in your schedule for daily “GOD walks”…and if you have a dog…take it along too!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you adjust your schedule to incorporate daily quiet time with God?
2. What can you do to help someone else spend time alone with God?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 143:8; James 4:8a

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon. She’s a leader for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.

The Jesus App

By Jeannine Sawall

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:20-21

Steve Jobs, one of the co-founders of the Apple Company, died recently from complications of pancreatic cancer. The news has been filled with story after story of his humble beginnings, entrepreneurial finesse and technological innovations that have changed the way the world communicates.If you need anything, there is more than likely an “app” for that…and Jobs to thank for it! In his endeavors, he became one of the most successful and wealthy businessmen in the world.

As his illness continued to consume more and more of his strength and vitality, he stepped down from his position as CEO to focus on his family. He was quoted as saying, “Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.” (1)

The great question that has not been covered by any news story I’ve seen is if Steve Jobs had a personal relationship with Jesus. Did he pass away from life to death? Or did he pass away and enter into the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the glory of heaven? In all the time and effort he put into innovating new and more powerful technological advances, did he put the same effort into something that would last beyond this life…a relationship with Christ? When he died, he didn’t get to take his Macbook or his Iphone with him. The “stuff” here is only temporary. The only treasures that will last are the things we do for Christ.

We don’t know Steve Jobs’ heart, but from what has been reported, it did not appear he was a believer. My prayer is that in the last few weeks of his life, he discovered the Jesus App for Salvation. All other operating systems are not compatible in heaven.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What operating system are you counting on to get you into heaven? If it’s not Jesus, ask Him to be your Savior today so you will never run out of tomorrows.
2 What things do you focus on in this life - - things that will pass away or things that will last forever? Ask God to help you prioritize what matters.

FURTHER READING:
John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9

(1) Commencement address at Stanford University, June 12, 2005

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.

Solid Foundation

By Jennie Pierce

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

Psalm 40:2

When my family decided to go on a frisbee golf outing, I knew I was in trouble. I had been warned about two ponds strategically placed on the course that were slimy, stinky and stagnant. Those disgusting ponds, paired up with my inability to accurately throw a disc, guaranteed a lose-lose situation for me.

Sure enough, it didn’t take long before I landed my disc in one of those ponds. Mustering up my courage…and stupidity…I proceeded to look for my disc. I carefully eased my feet into the water, only to feel the most disgusting, slippery mud ooze between my toes and suck me in. In fact, the mud was so slippery, I literally could not stand up. The only way to lurk around for my disc was to lean forward with my hands and crawl around on all fours. One slight, sudden move would send me plunging down. Even with the aid of a large stick, I could not maneuver, and failed to retrieve my long, lost disc…all as the result of one really bad aim.

Life is like that sometimes. One wrong decision, one act of disobedience, one fleshly response…and before we know it, we’re floundering, slipping, trying to keep from going under. Our firm footing has turned into mush.

Jesus Christ Himself claims to be the most reliable foundation there is; and, fearing Him—as in reverencing Him and having a wholesome dread of displeasing Him—is the key to having that treasure. With a firm foundation, we will not be shaken when life’s storms assail. When we’re walking obediently with Him, He is pleased with us and gives our feet firm, solid ground on which to stand. And, when we do end up messing up, we’re reminded that even His love stands firm forever (Psalm 89:2)! As the old hymn so accurately reminds us, “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:
1. On what are you relying as your foundation? If it’s something other than Jesus Himself, it is nothing more than temporal and unreliable. Let Jesus be your true, One Foundation.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:23; Isaiah 33:6; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Matthew 7:25

(1) The Solid Rock, words by William Bradbury

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She has started a brand-new faith adventure as the Pierce family has left Oakwood to serve in ministry at United Church of Crook, Colorado.

The Gift-Giver

By Elizabeth Cole

“…and [the father] said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

Luke 15:31-32 (NASB)

Once upon a time, there was a really fantastic Gift-giver. He was the sort who took the time to know - - really know - - the recipients of His gifts, and would choose just the sort of gifts that would be best for them.

He also had lavish wealth and could afford to give gifts of inestimable value. He gave gifts that He Himself cherished, gifts that delighted Him and brought Him great pleasure.

And so He gave gifts to those He loved. His loved ones communicated their valuation of His gifts through the way they treated the gifts upon receiving them. Some ignored the gifts. Some were ecstatic when they first got the gifts…but stored them on the shelf in the hall closet, since the gifts could sometimes be kind of messy. Some put the gifts in a place of honor until something…anything…drew their attention elsewhere.

Then there were those who accepted the gifts in humble gratitude, recognizing them for what they were: an expression of affection and confidence from the Gift-giver - - lavish love for both the gift-receiver, as well as the very gifts themselves. Those recipients welcomed and reveled in the gifts, took time to intentionally determine where the gifts could best be protected and cared for, and shouted out an enthusiastic “thank you” to their amazing Gift-giver.

Once upon a time, there was a God who cared enough about His Church to give them “gifts” – actual people He loved enough to die for, people who needed to experience Jesus’ love through His family, people who longed to know who He is and why it matters. And since He cares so very much for His gifts, I would imagine He would give them to those whom He knows will welcome and steward and grow those gifts well…and communicate their heartfelt “thank you” through actions, not just words.

Our God has placed those He cherishes in our lives and in our churches this week…as precious gifts from a really fantastic Gift-giver. How’s our “thank you”?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is God calling you to open up time in your week to intentionally care for those He’s bringing into your life or church? Will you?

FURTHER READING:
John 1:43-45,15:17; James 2:1-9

Elizabeth is a wife and mother of three grown daughters. She is the Director of Connecting and of We Women at Oakwood Church.

(Concept from Nelson Searcy in Fusion, Regal/Gospel Light, 2007)

For Sure

By Vernette Kureck

“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Psalm 100:3

Oprah Winfrey’s magazine O ends each issue with a column called “What I Know For Sure.” Her original intention “was to have a magazine that would serve as a manual for living your best life.” Many of the monthly essays deal with relationships to self, family, nature, etc. As God’s people, we don’t need a magazine! We have the Bible, God’s inspired Word - - our believers’ manual - - which reveals how to live our best life and have our best relationships. Most important is our relationship with God Himself.

For sure, know that you are connected to God through Jesus His Son. Without Jesus, there’s no relationship with God. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Have you invited Jesus to live in your innermost being? Acts 2:21 says, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is saved.”

For sure, know “that it is by grace that you are saved, through faith - - and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - - not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). God sees the work of His Son when He sees you. You are loved forever and never will be separated from God.

For sure, know that when “we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9-10). How liberating it is to know I am free from sin’s power; that when I mess up, I can turn away from sin and seek forgiveness and restoration.

For sure, know that everyday God is available to talk with you. God’s Spirit searches our hearts and minds and intercedes in our weakness according to God’s will. The Creator of the universe has time to listen to you pour out your heart.

For sure, know that you have received gifts from the Holy Spirit. Everyone’s gifts are different and God places you where your gift can best be used. The important thing is to be using your gift to build up God’s family.

For sure, know that your future is in heaven. As a believer, your life is hidden in Christ who’s seated at the right hand of God and, when He appears in glory, you also will appear (Col 3:1-4). How exciting is that!

For sure, know that the Bible is inexhaustible. It needs to be read and studied and read again! For sure, know that, unlike a magazine that comes and goes, it serves as the ultimate manual for leading your best life!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Make your own list of “For Sures.”

FURTHER READING:
Rom 8: 26-28 Rom 8:35-39; 12:4-8

Vernette is married to Ken. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren from two sons and their wives. Vernette is Oakwood’s Financial Secretary.

Even Ground

By Elin Henderson

“But as for me, I will walk in my integrity….My foot stands in an even place…”

Psalms 26:11a, 12a (NKJV)

A few years back, the ladies in my village talked me into making a trek with them out to a coastal village about 7 kilometers away. To say this place is isolated is no exaggeration: There’s a huge swamp between it and any land villages, and the sea comprises its other boundaries. About three-quarters of the year it is almost inaccessible, except to those who are willing to wade through mud and water up to their waist to get there. After the rains have subsided, the swamp begins to drain and dry out, which leaves kilometer after kilometer of cracked and broken landscape. It was at this time of year that the ladies arranged our hike.

We set out early in the morning and after descending the ridge we live on, we entered into this “valley of the shadow of mud,” as I call it!! Have you ever walked on uneven ground for hour upon hour? Well, let me tell you, you will find out that there are a lot of muscles that you don’t know about which are needed for walking on uneven ground. After two solid hours, we arrived and visited with folks there (shocking them to death as most of the women and children had never seen a white woman before), then made the grueling trek back home. I didn’t feel it so much that day - - but I could hardly walk or move for the three days that followed!

Walking on uneven ground can be tiring and difficult. What kinds of things make ground uneven? Rocks, splits, cracks, holes…the list goes on. In Psalm 26, David reveals his vulnerability and willingness to be transparent before the Lord. He’s saying, “I want the ground around me to be clear and even.” When we have things cluttering up our ground, entering in and eroding it, all of the sudden, walking becomes a lot more work! But, when we openly and honestly deal with the clutter - - the rocks, the holes, etc. - - and say, “God, clear, clean, and even me up,” then comes freedom, rest and stability.

What is your ground like? How even is it? Are you allowing things to clutter it up or erode it? Or are you, like David, saying, “My foot stands in an even place”? Transparency is not easy - - clearing land never is - - but the results are freeing and healing to those willing to put in the effort. Today, may you find yourself on even ground, walking in integrity, standing on the truth!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some things that keep us from wanting to clear up our uneven ground? Ask God for the “want to.”

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 7:8; Psalm 26; Psalm 139:23-24; Proverbs 4:12

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

The “Birthday Blah’s”

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

Your faithfulness to the skies.”

Psalm 36:5

I woke up with a serious case of the “Birthday Blah’s.” Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. On that morning, I looked in the mirror and a list of questions went through my head…should I just give up and quit dying my hair…could I get to the gym one more day a week…every life “would’ve/could’ve/should’ve” took up residence in my thoughts. My prayers felt flat. I was one comment short of a good crying jag. Inadequacy and insecurity ruled over me, making me a mental mess. Until the phone call came that would rock my world...

While I was neck-deep in the “blah’s,” my dad was having a stroke. I rushed to his bedside at the emergency room where the nurses and doctors were doing their work. The nurse asked Dad a series of questions. Do you know where you are? How did you get here? Do you have pain? Dad slowly searched for responses as best he could until she asked, “What day is it today?”

“It’s my daughter’s birthday.”

In the midst of a major medical crisis, where his brain was fuzzy and slow to respond, where “Monday” or “October 11” would have been acceptable, my Daddy REMEMBERED. And every nurse, doctor and therapist who saw Dad that day and asked him what day it was, got the same answer.

“It’s my daughter’s birthday.”

So if my earthly dad can remember this detail of my life and show me the depths of his love in the midst of his own suffering, how much more does my Heavenly Father know all the details about me and show me the depths of His Love!

Dad fully recovered due to a series of miracles that still leave me in awe. And once again, my birthday has come around. This year, instead of the “Birthday Blah’s,” I will rejoice and celebrate the anniversary of a day that could have irreparably changed my family. I will pray the end of Psalm 30:

"You did it: you changed wild lament
   into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band
   and decked me with wildflowers.
I’m about to burst with song;
   I can’t keep quiet about you.
God, my God,
   I can’t thank you enough." (The Message)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel separated from God’s love or care? Read Romans 8:35-39. There is nothing that can separate you from Him. Who else in your life needs to be reminded of this fact today?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139

Along with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn works part-time, serves in Student Ministries with junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Keeping in Step with the Spirit

By Karen D’Amore

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:25

“Laeft…laeft…laeft…right…laeft”, barked the commander in military-like twang. The para-military structured police academy strongly resembled “boot camp.” Everyday we lined up in single file squads to practice marching drills. With the squads aligned according to height, the shortest led the class. “Mike” led my row, marching to the beat of his own rhythm-less drummer. He could not keep in step! Following directly behind Mike, I was thrown out of step, as well. A domino-effect continued down the line with each recruit doing a comical double-step skip to get back in step. Midway through the academy, the direction of the squad was reversed, with the taller recruits taking the lead. Amazingly, once “Mike” was re-positioned to follow in the steps of another, he was able to keep in step.

In Galatians 5:25 the Greek for “to walk” means “to get in line with.” “to follow after.” The phrase “keep in step” is a military term that describes a soldier standing in the ranks. Surrounded by a host of other soldiers, he focuses straight ahead on his commanding officer. When the order is given to move, he steps forward in perfect time, moving with his fellow soldiers. Following the commands of his leader, he does not have to understand, he simply has to obey. A good soldier must not lag behind nor run ahead. He must “keep in step” with his leader and follow wherever he leads.

Paul exhorts us to keep in step with the Spirit’s clearly revealed orders, as well as with His people. As Christ-followers we are to abandon the life of the flesh; a life which marches to the beat of its own sin-natured drummer. We are to align ourselves with our Commanding Officer. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow His commands. We aren’t called to understand all of His marching orders, nor do we need to know every detail of His Master Plan. Proclaiming to live by the Spirit of Christ carries the responsibility to conduct ourselves accordingly. We can’t merely talk the talk…we must walk the walk!

Unlike “Mike,” whose direction determined his positioning for a leader’s steps to follow, our Leader…the Holy Spirit…is always with us. As we obey His Words with military-like devotion, His cadence will resonate in our walk…exhibiting the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Check your step. How can your walk better align with your talk?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:6, 8:5-11; Galatians 5:22-23

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon. She’s a leader for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

The Gift of Entitlement

By Susan Klein

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

Romans 12:3

I’ve been searching my Bible for a particular verse. I know there are several that address “spiritual gifts,” and “gifts” from God, but I can’t seem to find the one about the “gift of entitlement.” I think I read it somewhere between the verse about “God helping those who help themselves,” and the one about “looking out for number one...?”

Surely it must exist, because I saw two ladies exercising this particular gift today in the grocery store. One lady had her cart parked in front of some produce she was examining. Another lady, arms flailing about excitedly, was explaining to the store clerk that the price on the sign was not what she had read in the sale flyer. The excited lady, exercising her “gift of entitlement,” walked right in front of the cart lady, blocking her view of the produce. The cart lady, clearing her throat, incredulously replied, “Excuse me. Am I in your way?” “Why, yes, you are,” exclaimed the excited lady in a most earnest tone. “Well, you are in my way!” scorned the cart lady, most indignantly, as she shoved her cart back into its rightful place. I guess the cart lady had the gift of entitlement too!

Now, you may be chuckling to yourself, but entitlement has become the American way. “I am entitled to the best education, affordable healthcare, low gas prices, quality made products and the best service.”

This attitude can even carry over into our churches and workplaces. Perhaps we feel because we’ve got seniority we are entitled to certain rights that really aren’t ours.

Well, I haven’t found it. No verse on the “gift of entitlement.” What I have found is this: We are not all that! To show our insignificance, Isaiah compares us to grasshoppers under God’s throne! And to the proud God admonishes, “But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless” (Isaiah 41:24). Proverbs 22:2 reminds us that the rich and poor have this in common: the Lord God made them all. We are all equal in God’s eyes. In fact, we are all really just a bunch of sinners who deserve (are entitled to) nothing but death! Thankfully, our God is merciful. He has given us a better gift in providing a way out through His Son so we don’t have to get “what we deserve.” And, His mercies are new every morning! Now that’s a gift worth embracing!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Ask God to search your heart and show you areas where you might fall prey to thinking you have the “gift of entitlement.”

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 29:23, James 4:6-10

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

Insecurities
By Elin Henderson

“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:3 

In an age of uncertainties, “insecurities” has become a sort of buzz word. We talk about financial insecurities, border insecurities, political insecurities, and the list goes on. Yet, looming above all of that is the fact that many of us face serious personal insecurities. You can hardly turn on a talk show or open a self-help book without the word “insecurity” coming up. So I asked myself, “What exactly does this term mean?”

“Insecurities” according to The Concise Oxford Dictionary  is the noun form of “insecure,” meaning “uncertain, lacking confidence…unsafe; not firm or fixed…liable to give way (like ice or ground).” (1) While we can easily look around us and see an insecure world, when we look inside, we find that we ourselves are riddled with insecurities; insecure about how we look, our pasts, our families, our accomplishments, so on and so forth. We often walk on unstable, shaky ground and have no confidence to stand.

“Security,” on the contrary, is defined by the same as “untroubled by danger or fear… safe against attack; impregnable…fixed or fastened so as not to give way or get loose or be lost.” (2) While the previous definition brings despair and imminent danger, the latter brings peace and safety, an environment in which one can stand firmly and grow.

While we all search for security, it is clear that we are perhaps searching in the wrong places. The world may offer temporary security, but lasting security comes from only one place: the Lord. Indeed, when we allow what people think of us…and even what we think of ourselves…to permeate our minds and lives, we quickly find ourselves wallowing in insecurities because these are all like walking on unstable ground! But there is no shadow of turning with the Lord. Great is His faithfulness! He is the ultimate, the Author of security. In Scripture, we find promise after promise assuring us of His control, His protection, His guidance along our paths. Yet time and time again, we fail to rest in that. Our insecurities can only be conquered as we daily, moment-by-moment, hand them over to Him and claim His promises of security in the midst of calamity!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are your greatest insecurities? Are you willing to leave them at the Lord’s feet? If not, ask Him for the faith to trust Him and rest in His sovereignty.
2. To remind yourself of the security you have in God, post verses around your home as daily reminders.

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 119:90, 121:3-4; Lamentations 3:22-23

(1) Thompson, Della. The Concise Oxford Dictionary. 9th Edition. Clarendon Press, Oxford University, New York, NY. pg. 702
(2) pg. 1251

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

M.I.A.
By Becci Terrill

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-9 

MISSING: 5’9”, 135 lb. female, brown hair & eyes, 46 yrs old, probably wearing red high heels.

It had been one of those days…my husband was out of town, the kids were attending school out of state, the new job wasn’t going as well as planned, and to top it off, the puppy had just chewed up my Oriental rug. At this point, even Calgon couldn’t take me far enough away to help. The passport in my drawer was calling out my name, tempting me with visions of far off places, but unfortunately the checkbook was speechless and empty.

Maybe I could run to that place, like Cheers, where “everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” Surely someone there would understand, wouldn’t they?

Have you ever had one of those days? A day when life is spinning out of control like an amusement park ride and you just want to get off and run away? Fortunately, no matter where we run, the Lord is there. Jonah found this out the hard way by trying to flee from God. He thought he had succeeded…paid the fare, boarded the ship, and settled in his bed for a nap. Then came the big storm, the unexpected swim and the unusual accommodations where God finally got his attention…in the belly of a whale.

Maybe that’s where I should run in the first place…TO JESUS! Maybe He allows all these things to crowd into my life to drive me TO HIM. I hadn’t thought of that before. Spending time with my precious Savior, away from the busy-ness and crazy-ness of life, is just what I need to refresh my soul and calm my emotions…especially after “one of those days.”

So, if you ever see the M.I.A. notice posted above, please let my family know I’ll be home soon…after time spent with Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What circumstance in your life makes you want to run away? Whatever you are facing, share your heart with Jesus.
2. Do you sometimes feel like you’re beyond God’s reach? Ask God to strengthen your faith.

FURTHER READING:
Jonah 1-2

Becci is a wife and mom to two daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove and is the Special Events Coordinator for Oakwood's We Women Ministries.

Keeping Burnout At Bay
By Susan Klein

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) 

Having been “on the run” since fleeing King Saul, David eventually settles in Gath, and becomes a mighty warrior and the favored servant of King Achish. Preparing his men for a large battle, King Achish tells David he cannot fight and must return to his home. Disappointed and bewildered at the king’s request, since he knows how much trust the king has placed in him, David and his men return to find their town raided and burned by the Amalekites, and their women and children taken captive. David and his men weep aloud until they have no strength left to weep. As if that is not devastating enough, his own men become so embittered that they want to place blame on David and even speak of stoning him!

At this point, no one could possibly blame David for giving up! He has served his king, fought relentlessly, and faithfully led his army. And for what? The thanks for his hard work is to be told to “go home.” Adding insult to injury, he finds his town destroyed and his family, along with everyone else’s, carried off by the enemy. And then, while weeping in great distress, his trusted friends choose to place blame on him. Talk about burnout! I’d probably throw in the towel and head for the hills! “No thank-you! I don’t need this job anymore! You can’t pay me enough to stay at this.” Sound a tiny bit familiar?

But this is not what David does. He is not about to succumb to burnout! Verse 6 says he encouraged himself in, or found strength in, the Lord. The word “encouraged” here can be interpreted to be fortified, repaired, to prevail, recover, strengthen and withstand. David takes a “time out,” and fortifies himself with what we could infer is some intense alone time with his God. He finds renewed strength and endurance in the only One who can give it to him. He doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him when the chips are down. He goes for some refueling!

After his much-needed time with God, he finds himself not only refreshed, but with renewed purpose, ready to go after the raiders of his town. And he is rewarded by carrying with him God’s blessing and promise to recover all that was taken from him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you tend to respond to the pressures of your job or of life? Just as David and Jesus himself did, don’t forget to spend some alone time with God being refreshed and refueled.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 28:6-8 

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

Wanted: Stretcher Bearers
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.”
Luke 5:18-20 (MSG)

Imagine the classified ad: “Help Wanted: Stretcher Bearers. Individuals needed to help carry someone who cannot carry himself. Job requirements include a good sense of balance and a strong back. Patience and compassion are a must. The desired candidates will display creativity in problem solving. No salary is offered, but the benefits are priceless.”

The men in this portion of Scripture demonstrate great characteristics of being a Stretcher Bearer:

They recognized the man could not help himself.

They interrupted their own activities and got involved.
They physically carried the paralyzed man.
They encountered a big obstacle when they got to their destination…a huge crowd blocked their access to Jesus.
They got creative. Carrying the man up the likely stairs (how precarious that must have been!), they made an opening in the roof over the spot where Jesus was.
They worked together as a team to lower their friend through the roof.

Most of us will need a Stretcher Bearer at some point in our lives. My friend, Karen, described Stretcher Bearers that came to her aid when her husband John was nearly killed in a car accident. Karen was five months pregnant with their second child when John was taken by Flight for Life with serious injuries. Stretcher Bearers drove Karen to the trauma hospital an hour away, made meals, babysat her daughter, sat with her in the hospital, decorated their Christmas tree, wrapped her Christmas gifts, cleaned up after their four dogs, did laundry, grocery shopped, and ran an endless number of other errands. Her Stretcher Bearers continued their work for weeks, taking John to rehabilitation appointments, and later, caring for Karen and the new baby. Just as the paralyzed man’s Stretcher Bearers took him to Jesus, Karen’s Stretcher Bearers brought her closer to Jesus as well.

Today, John is fully recovered with only a slight limp when he tires. Baby Xander is an active toddler. And Karen shares her stories of the miracles performed in this crisis, giving praise to God and His provision for her through His people.

Being a Stretcher Bearer may not be a glamorous job, but witnessing a miracle is a priceless benefit!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time when you have needed a Stretcher Bearer. Send a note of appreciation.
2. Is there someone whose burden you can help to carry for a while?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9-10

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

Searching for Jesus

By Lisa Boyer

“That I may know Him”

Philippians 3:10a (KJV)

If I were ready to stop “misleading” people about my age (by giving my WiiFit age of 28), I’d happily share that I’ve been a Christian for 34 years. Well, maybe not happily; after that many years, you’d think I’d have all the answers to the Christian life but that’s really not the case. In fact, in year 33 I found myself a bit bewildered. I’d heard that many people struggle with the concept of God the Father because of negative male authorities in their lives, but I’d never heard anyone admit they had problems with Jesus…and that was my issue. 

Certainly, I believed in Him and knew Him, but something was wrong inside because…well, I wasn’t in love with Him. In fact, sometimes I found myself thinking of Jesus as that big brother who was so perfect that He made me look bad. And when I read the Gospels, I often felt reprimanded rather than loved. Then there were those Christians in my life who, on behalf of Jesus, had judged and “corrected” me.

But something about another believer caught my attention. Compassionate and truly loving, she cared about people so genuinely I found myself thinking…I bet THAT is what Jesus is really like. It was as though a light went on inside my heart as I began to realize my feelings had been deceiving me.

And so, I set aside my feelings and began my search to know Jesus intimately. There are no words to explain what I discovered, but everything my head knew He was, my heart now knew…and more! Jesus walked where we walk and knows better than anyone what we feel. He’s not a critical big brother; he’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  

During my search, I also learned something about me. I felt reprimanded when I read the Gospels because, honestly, I had always related better to the Pharisees (priding myself on following the rules) than any of the sinners Jesus reached out to with love and compassion. I had never wanted anyone to know I was a sinner, which is ridiculous since that’s all any of us are, and I am certainly no exception! But when I began aligning myself with the sinners in Scripture, I was met by His love and compassion.

I don’t know what happened during those 33 years to land me where I was, but I’m never going to let my heart forget what my head knows. Nothing compares to knowing and embracing Jesus completely, except being known and embraced by Jesus completely.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you struggled with God as your Father, or Jesus as your divine brother or friend? Today, will you begin a journey towards a better relationship with Him?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 18:24; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 3:7-11

Lisa has been married to Ted for 19 years and they have two teenage sons. She serves as a small group leader for high school girls at Oakwood Church in Student Ministries.