Not Enough

By Tracy Smith

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old is gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

A year ago, my youngest son came home from school with his glasses in two pieces. Luckily, the arm broke off in such a way that I could superglue it back on and he could still wear them - - temporarily.  We both knew this would not be a permanent fix; that the superglue would not hold forever. In fact, I had to fix them two more times in the next week before his new glasses were ready. The superglue was not enough, and would never be enough, to fix those glasses.

The permanent fix for the new glasses was to see the eye doctor for an updated prescription, then see the optician to pick out frames and order new lenses. A week later, he had new glasses and even clearer vision than before…how was  he seeing with that old prescription?!

It’s kind of like us and our human struggles to follow the rules, laws and commandments that we see in the Bible; trying to bridge the gap that sin causes between us and God. There are over 600 commandments in the Bible! I don’t know about you, but there is no way that I, in my human frailty, could possibly follow each and every one of those rules all of the time. Trying to do right and follow the Lord’s commands is a good thing - - but it will never be enough.

That is why the Lord sent His Son to become flesh and die for us so that we may have eternal life (John 3:16). He knew that we as humans would never be able to do it on our own.  And when we make that choice, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are a new creation, the old is gone - - we are new!  No more temporary fixes. The permanent fix and new vision are with us immediately; no wait required!

GOING DEEPER

1. Is there something in your life that you do as a “temporary fix” regarding your relationship with Jesus? If so, will you talk to Him about trusting in Him alone and His permanent fix?

FURTHER READING

Hebrews 10:1-18; Romans 5:20-21

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and leads a great group of Junior High girls.

More Than…
By Jen Wollner

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

It had been a rough three days. I could blame it on a million things, but the truth of the matter was that I was irritable and everyone was paying the price. That third night I tried to sleep, but as I lay awake in bed, my mind swirled with discouraging thoughts: “You are a horrible wife and mother. Your husband and kids don’t deserve this. You should be ashamed of yourself! They’d probably be better off without you. You might as well just give up because this is how you’ve always been and how you’ll always be…selfish to the core. You’re a failure and a hypocrite. You say you love God, but if you really did, you wouldn’t treat others like garbage. You’re causing permanent damage to your relationships…they’ll never forgive you. You aren’t fooling anyone…you’ll never be…enough.” On and on the thoughts continued as I drifted off to sleep…

…then morning came…

Before I could even open my eyes or process the fact that it was time to get up, I heard a soft song playing in my head. The lyrics were sweet music to my weary soul…

“You are more than the choices that you make. You are more than the sum of your past mistakes. You are more than the trouble you create. You’ve been remade.” (1)

As these words and truth repeated over and over in my mind, I felt the forgiveness of God wash over me. I felt His love and mercy rush into my heart, kicking out the shame and guilt. I praised Him for His compassions that come with the dawn of each morning, drowning out the lies that flourish in the darkness.

Because of Him, I am more than my bad choices and the trouble I bring on myself and those around me. I’m more than the voices in my head want me to believe. I’m not defined solely by my actions, but by my Father. I have been redeemed and remade. I am more…

…because of His faithfulness.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What lies are swirling around in your head today? How can you exchange them for the truth of God’s love and mercy?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:13-14; 1 John 4:10; Romans 6:18, 8:1

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

(1) “You Are More” by Tenth Avenue North. Written by Jason Ingram and Mike Donehey. Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC.

Stealing Blessings

By Lisa Boyer

“Bless and do not curse.”

Romans 12:14b

Do you ever think about cause and effect in relationships?

A few months ago, I had been thinking about cause and effect between generations. I had thought about the effect a grandmother’s faith had on a mother and then the mother’s faith had had on her child - - like Paul mentions in the book of Timothy - - but then the thought went one step further. I realized the grandmother’s faith ultimately had an effect on me, because the grandchild’s faith had an effect on me. And I found myself grateful for the faith of a woman I’d never met.

But this week, I was thinking about cause and effect on a much smaller scale. Someone had said something that hurt my feelings and I got upset (okay, angry is a far more accurate description). Anyway, I was angry for two days before I came to my senses, got over it and moved on. But then I realized what kind of effect my anger had had on those two days….

The truth is, I smile a lot and like to make people smile (and laugh, if possible). But on those two days… 

because I was angry, I wasn’t smiling…

because I wasn’t smiling, I wasn’t cheering people up…

because I wasn’t cheering people up, people were stuck in their bad day…

because they were stuck in a bad day, they likely spread that bad day with others.

Okay, maybe I am taking it a bit too far, but even so, my anger had stolen more than just my joy, it had stolen blessings - - blessings meant for others and blessings meant for me. Not huge blessings, but simple blessings:  the blessing of a friendly smile and the blessing of brightening someone’s day, even if it was just for a moment.

I was doing a little research in the Bible on the purpose of life and, while there is no one explicit statement, there are an awful lot of statements about what we are to do, and most of them have to do with love. I don’t know about you, but I show love much better with a smile than I do with a frown.

I intend to be way more careful about what effect I have on others and, for me, that begins with a smile!  

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What kind of effect are you having on others? Today, will you pray and ask God how He wants you to impact those around you for His glory? 

FURTHER READING:

1 John 3:11; John 15:12; 2 Timothy 1:5

Lisa has been married to Ted for 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

Strength

By Tracy Smith

“But those who hope in the Lord  will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Last December, I wrote a devotional called “Refuge.” In it, I talked about how “God as my refuge” was the aspect of God that was revealed to me in 2011. At the end I posed the question, “I wonder what aspect of God will be revealed to me in 2012?”

As I now reflect on 2012, I would say the answer is - - God as my strength.

There were many different challenges this year - - from needing minor surgery in February to my husband being diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma in August. Along with those health issues are the continuing struggles and triumphs with my OCD.

Through it all, whenever I felt overwhelmed or scared, I looked to the Lord for my strength. Whenever I tried to do it through my own power, I inevitably failed, fell down and needed some help to rise. Making it through on my own was not an option. Having the Lord as my strength was the only way to make it through the different struggles. There were days I know I was not walking on my own power, but only through the Lord carrying me through.

As Isaiah 40:31 states, with the Lord renewing your strength, you can run and not be weary and walk and not be faint. It was when I tried to do things on my own that I felt weary, faint and discouraged.

As Christmas draws closer, I am so very thankful for my Savior and His love for us in that He would come to restore our relationship with Him.

Jesus as my strength - - again, I wonder what aspect of God will be revealed to me in 2013?

GOING DEEPER

1. What attribute of God have you seen this past year?

2. What can you do to prepare your heart for what God will teach you in 2013?

FURTHER READING

Psalm 28:7; Exodus 15:2; Psalm 20:7-8

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and leads a great group of Junior High girls.

Room for Him

 “While they were there, 

the time came for the baby to be born, 

and she gave birth to her first-born, a son. 

She wrapped Him in cloths 

and placed Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2:6-7

Today we choose to make room for Him here…………..our prayer is that you and yours make room for Him as well.

He did not come to judge the world, but to save it. (John 12:47)

FURTHER READING:

His Word, the bible

My Best for Him

By Lisa Boyer

“Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11b

I wasn’t expecting to see him, not here anyway; not in the United States. But there he stood on a small stage at a local church. A boy from Zambia, playing a drum and singing a song I’d never heard before:

“Come, they told me (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)”

Ok, I’d heard it before, but never in this way… never by someone who so closely resembled “The Little Drummer Boy” himself.

“A newborn king to see (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
Our finest gifts we bring (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
To lay before the king (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
So, to honor Him (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
When we come”

I could picture the manger scene and this humble Zambian boy standing off to the side, afraid to approach. But he wants to give something or do something - - anything. So he comes forward and softly speaks.

“Little baby (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I am a poor boy too (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I have no gifts to bring (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
That's fit to give a king (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
Shall I play for you (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
On my drum?”

This boy presents himself before the Newborn King, honestly confesses who he is (“a poor boy” with “no gift”) and then he offers what he can, all he can: He offers to serve the King.

“I played my drum for Him (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I played my best for Him (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)”

I had tears in my eyes as I listened to him play his best for the King.

We all come to Jesus just as that poor Zambian drummer boy. We have no gift fit to give a king, not the King, not the Newborn King who came to earth to live and then die for us! But that’s okay, because no gift is as valuable as giving ourselves and using what we have to serve Him.

I will never hear this song again without picturing that Zambian playing for the Newborn King…offering the only gift he has.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Today, what gift will you give the King?

FURTHER READING:

Titus 3:4-5; 2 Corinthians 8:12; Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 6:7

Lisa has been married to Ted for 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

Excuse Me, Excuse Me!

By Jeannine Sawall

“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord;

they will bring glory to your name.”

Psalm 86:9

A friend of mine sets up an elaborate Christmas village every year filled with varying landscapes, houses and scenes, all centered around a manager where the baby Jesus lays. The highlight of her village, though, is not the people or the landscapes, but the hundreds of miniature animals she places throughout each scene. 

One day, she came into her living room and found her granddaughter playing with the animals of the Christmas village; however, instead of pretending the animals were being kind to one another, she had the animals in lines in front of some of the stores and houses. She had them roaring at each other and fighting to get in because the sales were on and they wanted to find the best deals!

"No, sweetie, the animals wouldn’t be fighting to get into the stores. They would be quiet and gentle because Jesus is near," my friend told her granddaughter, hoping that a gentler story line would save some wear and tear on her animal collection. A while later, as she went to check on her granddaughter, she was surprised to see all the animals in a big pile; one on top of the other, right in front of the manger where baby Jesus lay. 

"What's going on with the animals now?" she asked, half-expecting her granddaughter to explain another animal brawl.  "Well Grandma," she replied, "the animals are all so excited about seeing the baby Jesus, they just can't wait! They are all saying 'Excuse me, excuse me, can I please get through...I want to see Jesus.’"

I love this story and the picture it paints of our Christmastime. How easy is it to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season? We find ourselves fighting our way through lines and to-do lists and, in the midst of this busyness, we lose sight of the baby lying in the manger. 

Instead of pushing our way through crowds and countless tasks that this season seems to bring, let’s remember the one thing that's worth getting excited about: Jesus!  While holiday traditions are fun and gifts are good, Jesus is the only One who deserves our worship. This Christmas, let our heart- cry be, "Excuse me, excuse me...I want to see Jesus."

GOING DEEPER:

1.  In the midst of the busyness, what can you do to stay focused on Jesus this Christmas season?

2.  Are you as excited about wanting to see Jesus as you are about finding the best gifts?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 1:14; 1 Corinthians 10:3; Psalm 66:4

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

Grace

By Peggy Kleckner

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

Romans 5:8

I know that we are in the season of Advent, the season of waiting for Christmas. Waiting can be hard work. 

When my children were younger that was especially true. They knew that presents were being purchased. They could feel the excitement building, the hum of secrets. Oh, they enjoyed Christmas concerts and cookie baking, but opening presents was what they had their hearts set on!

My mother lived in Florida and so she would send a package for us that arrived before the actual date of Christmas. I guess I could have made them wait until Christmas, but truly I didn’t see the point. Why wait and let everything be discovered in one frenzied, chaotic day?

Nope, we waited just long enough for all of us to be together after our work and school days…then we opened our presents! It relieved some of the waiting and I am sure my mother enjoyed the phone call that followed. Not only did we open the gifts early, but we didn’t wait until Christmas to call and thank her. We both - - the giver and the receivers - - enjoyed some of Christmas early.

As I pondered the waiting of this season, I thought to myself, “Christmas is every day!” Every morning, there is a package waiting for me to open. Each day is a gift of His grace.

There is no waiting until I am good enough, no waiting until I take care of that one blemish in my character. The verse in Romans 5 reads, “while we were still sinners.”

The price for my sins is paid. There is nothing that I need to add to it. I can’t deserve it or earn it. I do, however, need to receive it and enjoy it. 

Many of us have received the gift of salvation. We trusted in Christ as our Savior, but now we are trying to work to hold on to it.  The work has been done.  Open the gift of grace He has for you each day and share the joy of it!  Call out to Him and thank Him.

Christmas is every day for those who have put their trust in Jesus.  Forget the wait, keep opening the gifts!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you believe that the only joy He has for you is held on the other side of this life? If so, would you be willing to reconsider?

2.  How can you enjoy the gift of His presence with you today?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:7-8

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. She serves as the Coordinator of Fresh Start.

The Wonder of Christmas

By Susan Klein

“… stop and consider God’s wonders.”

Job 37:14

One of my favorite holiday movies is The Nativity.  I particularly love the scene where Mary and Joseph are journeying back to Bethlehem for the census, and they stop for the night, lighting a fire for their dinner. They don’t yet know each other very well, so the atmosphere between them is a bit awkward. But Mary is filled with awe and wonder, and she voices her thoughts aloud to Joseph.  “Do you ever wonder when we’ll know?” she asks, referring to that point when it would become evident that Jesus is not just an ordinary child. Her personal question invokes a very personal response from Joseph. “I wonder if I’ll ever be able to teach him anything.” They share a smile that speaks a thousand words. They’ve both had much on their minds.

Traveling nearly one hundred miles by donkey gives a person much time to wonder about things. I imagine they each wondered why, out of all the people in the world, they were chosen to bear this great responsibility. I imagine they wondered if their child would look or act differently than other children, and how people would respond to him. He would be God’s own Son after all, so would there be noticeable differences? Would he play and do all the silly things other children do? Would he cry, or get hurt? And how would the people in their own village respond to him? They knew he wasn’t Joseph’s son, so would he be treated as an outcast? Yes, there was much to wonder about.

When my children were younger, I enjoyed sitting by the lit Christmas tree at night and reading the Christmas story to them or listening to Christmas music together. I loved to watch their eyes grow bigger as they listened and wondered about all the things they were hearing. I still love to sit by the lit tree at night and ponder all these things in my heart, much the way I imagine Mary pondered things in hers (Luke 2:19). There is something special and tender about just sitting quietly and wondering about all the details of that magnificent event that happened over two thousand years ago. It brings peace to my soul and gives me a sense of closeness to my magnificent heavenly Father. It shows me not only His greatness in thinking through every last detail, but also how personal He is in caring for His own in such intimate ways.

Treat yourself this Christmas with a little time to just sit and wonder!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Which aspect of your own spiritual journey has caused you to wonder at His magnificence?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 2:1-20

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

He Wants Us to Himself

By Karen D’Amore

“Do not worship any other God, for the Lord whose name is Jealous, 

is a jealous God.”

Exodus 34:14

Not knowing his name, I called him “Brownie”…befitting his deep chocolate coat and matching eyes. New in town, and still unpacked, I first spotted him through the second-story window, grazing in a neighboring pasture. We met over a tattered, horse-bitten railed fence, separating our properties. Surrounded by strangers…Brownie became my first friend in this new land.

Each day as I neared the fence, Brownie met me with regal strength and confidence, but with eyes that transcended gentleness. Digging his nose into my coat pocket, helping himself to tasty treats, he’d then curl his upper lip…exposing a toothy grin. He loved to nuzzle in my hair and deliver muddy kisses to my cheek. He’d whinny when I’d say good-bye…as if begging me to stay.

Our bond was special…our relationship unique…I loved that horse and he loved me. I never neglected our time together and he never failed to meet me at the fence. The most remarkable aspect of our visits was Brownie’s response to the other horses in the pasture. Intolerant of their attempt to steal my attention and/or affection, Brownie nipped them in the neck and chased them off, whenever they came near me. Jealous for my affection and undivided attention…Brownie wanted me to himself!

Reflecting on Brownie’s jealousy drew me to recall Scripture’s disclosure of God as a jealous God. He wants us to Himself and rightly tolerates no rivals when it comes to our devotion. As Christ-followers, we must guard against anything standing between our souls and our Savior. Daily, we battle with elements that compete for our affection, in a world filled with forces alluring our flesh. Careers, hobbies, friendships, pursuit of pleasure and riches, and even family can compete for the affection that God desires and deserves alone.

Jealous for our trust and dependence on Him, He deters our trust in human wisdom. Jealous of our friendship and companionship…He longs to be our closest Friend. Wholly committed to us, leaving us no reason to question His loyalty and love…He is, therefore, righteously jealous in expecting our total commitment to Him. He is righteously jealous…wanting us to Himself!

After years of separation, I was recently reunited with Brownie. Meeting me at that same fence, his eyes resonated with love and devotion. Snatching a treat from my pocket, he nuzzled my hair and kissed my cheek. And when the other horses drew near…he nipped their necks…chased them off…making it very clear... he still wanted me to himself!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What’s getting in the way of God having you to Himself? What will you do about it?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 11:2; Psalm 86:11

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon.  She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Lessons From the Barnyard

By Jeannine Sawall

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."

John 10:27

Do you ever wonder why the Lord calls us His sheep? There are a lot of lessons we can learn about our Christian walk from the barnyard if we just stop and look for a moment. Sheep are animals who long to be with their Shepherd. When he calls, they respond. They love to be in community with other sheep and don’t often wander from the flock. They are content to just sit and graze on the lush grass and will only move on when the Shepherd calls to the flock. And a sheep desires to be clean. They try to avoid the thickets that will catch in their wool and entrap them. If they get mud on them, they do whatever they have to to clean the mud off their wool, unlike a pig, who likes to stay and wallow in the mud.  

As Christians, it would do our spiritual lives good if we adopted “sheeply” behaviors. When the Lord calls, do we respond immediately? Do we recognize His voice above all others? Do we long to be in the company of other believers encouraging one another? And if we have wandered off, do we respond as soon as we hear His voice and hurry back? Do we find His Word nourishment on a daily basis and contentedly take in the lessons He’s teaching us until He moves us forward? And how do we deal with the sin in our lives? Do we avoid the temptations that easily ensnare and entangle us, or do we head straight for the thicket? When we find ourselves in sin, do we casually excuse it with the phrase "Everyone sins!" and continue in the filth like a pig, or do we do whatever it takes to turn 180 degrees, remove the dirt from us and continue to sin no more? 

The Lord calls us His sheep for a good reason. They provide a vivid image on how to respond to our Lord. Sheep long to be with each other and the Shepherd more than anything else. And even if we wander, the Shepherd comes after us, wanting us to respond to His promptings. We need to go no further than a barnyard to learn these spiritual lessons. The Shepherd is calling to us; it's our privilege to respond like a sheep to His voice.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How do you respond when you hear the Good Shepherd’s voice calling you?

2.  What do you do when you find yourself in sin?

FURTHER READING:

John 10:11; Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 23:1-6

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

The Three “P’s” of Christmas

By Elin Henderson

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David 
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

 Luke 2:11(NKJV)

We all know the twelve days of Christmas but perhaps you aren’t aware of the three “P’s” of Christmas! Praise, Ponder, and Proclaim. Three of the well-known characters in the Christmas story found in Luke 2 bring these points to life.

The first “P” makes its appearance through the angel of the Lord and the heavenly hosts who made the great announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men’” (Luke 2:13-14)!  They lit up the sky with praise and glory to the God on high!

The second “P” comes to life through our lowly shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Stunned by the overwhelming angelic announcement and awestruck by the small babe in the manger, who was God incarnate, they boldly set forth to proclaim what they had heard. “Now, when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child” (Luke 2:17).

Our final “P” is found hidden in the heart of a young woman, still reeling from the amazing circumstances that have taken place in her life. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She soaked it all up and began seriously contemplating what all of this meant for her and for the world.

Have we been practicing the three “P’s” of Christmas this year? Have we taken time to praise Him like the angels for His wonderful gift of a Savior? Have we been proclaiming this truth to the people who live around us? Have we been pondering what this amazing gift of life means to us? As we remember this incredible moment in history, may we not forget to practice these powerful “P’s”!

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. All three “P’s” require time and reflection. Considering that today’s lifestyle is “go, go, go,” how can you carve out the time to really practice these?

                                                           

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 4:26 (Ponder); Psalm 111:2 (Praise); I Peter 2:9 (Proclaim)

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

A Song for Me

By Lisa Boyer

“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5

Not long ago I heard a song on the radio; actually, I misheard a song on the radio… 

I had been feeling a bit brokenhearted when I heard the words, “I can’t give You half my heart and pray You make it whole.” Those words brought my world to a stop. I had been praying (and sometimes crying) to God over a particular situation, asking Him to heal my heart. But in that moment, I realized I hadn’t really given it all to Him, I had only given Him “half my heart.”

Though I hadn’t actually said it, my prayers had been for Him to change the situation so that my heart would no longer hurt; not for Him to walk me through the healing process. My request had been wrapped in red tape and unspoken stipulations. I hadn’t been willing to fully surrender the situation or accept the outcome, whatever that may be. I know nothing is impossible with God, but it was seriously foolish of me to give Him only half my heart and expect Him to make it whole. I needed to surrender it all and truly trust Him with the outcome. 

I went back to God in prayer and gave Him everything: the hopes, desires, expectations, disappointments, hurts - - all of it. And then we (He and I) spent time walking through the healing process. Part of that process was my accepting a situation I couldn’t change, and accepting that He chose not to change for me. Another part was trusting that what He was doing was best, even if I didn’t understand it. It wasn’t always easy, in fact, it was hardly ever easy, but it was worth it.

Looking back, I know I heard exactly what I needed to hear on the radio that day… a version of a song God played just for me.   

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you been holding back part of yourself from God and expecting Him to honor your prayers? Today, will you completely surrender?

2.  As you read this, did God bring a girlfriend to mind that you should share this with? Will you pass it on to her?

FURTHER READING:

Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 147:3

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, serves with the 5th & 6th graders on Sunday morning at Oakwood, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

The Most Available

By Lexi Ellis

 “For it is God who works in you, 

both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:13

Recently, I overheard one of my precious fourth graders trying to convince the other that he/she was “more busier.” After gently correcting the superlative (always a teachable moment), I smiled and lovingly said, “I guarantee you both are busy. Now, how about we get busy with learning?”

I don’t need to convince you we’re busy. I don’t need evidence and studies to show we’re fast-paced…that our world never seems to stop. And yet, in the midst of the busyness, God has recently laid on my heart that He calls us to be available.

When we look at Christ’s ministry, we see Him becoming more available to others as His ministry continued. His availability increased, despite having a much “busier” mission. We see Christ pausing to be available for questions and to love on others. John Hinger, a youth pastor in Illinois, told my Student Council members at a leadership conference, “Those who make the greatest impact are the most available.”

When we show up, we have opportunities for God to use us. When we are available to God, we are given the joy of caring for others. When we slow down, we give God the opportunity for open doors to share Christ with others and tangibly show His love.

I think of the times my husband has stopped what he’s doing to be available when I needed to talk. I think of how my parents have made themselves available to just sit and listen when tragedy has struck. I think of the response work team that left to help after Hurricane Sandy, or the individual who covers a Sunday School class when there’s a need. These people are available.

This isn’t to say that what we fill our lives with is bad, or that we should drop everything. Nor am I trying to guilt you into serving. But what I personally have been convicted of is that we need to be available to God, so He can use us to be available to others.

We are the tangible hands of the Church and we must be willing to ask the Holy Spirit how He wants us to be available. It will look different for all of us. Maybe being available is responding to the email when your church needs something. Maybe being available is carving out time in your schedule to build into others or serve. Maybe being available is paying attention to when God wants you to just show up and be present with someone.

We are busy…even my dear fourth graders. But Jesus was available…and we are called to be, too.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of what tangible way you need to be available today.

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 2:12-16

Lexi recently married Andrew, serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood, and is a fourth grade teacher at Lake Country Christian Academy.

Cast Your Vote!!

By Jeannine Sawall

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,,,But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15

The election has come and gone. Perhaps you are thrilled with the results as your candidate is going to continue in the White House for four more years, or perhaps you are disappointed because your candidate isn’t our next sitting President. Whatever your feelings, there’s one thing we can agree on and that’s the fact there are no more annoying political commercials and telephone calls interrupting our day.  The election is done and over! Amen!!

But wait…is the election really over? Is there perhaps a more important election that takes place each and every day? Absolutely! Each and every day, we are asked to cast our vote to serve the Lord or someone else. And this election campaign goes all the way back to the Garden. When the devil came to Eve as a serpent, he began to promise things he wasn’t going to deliver. He implied the Lord wasn’t trustworthy and it would be better off for Eve to believe what he had to say about God. At that moment, Eve had a decision to make…would she believe God and place her ballot in His box or would she find the empty campaign promises of the serpent more appealing? We all know how that election fared.

The truth is the fight for our vote continues. Each day, we are called to make a decision for the Lord, trusting in His promises and in His faithfulness, or we make a decision to follow our own path. We can choose to trust that no matter our circumstances, He  has a great hope and future for us (Jeremiah 29:11) or that our own  hope and future will hold better things.  If we choose to cast our ballot for the Lord, the devil loses. It is only when we choose to align ourselves with the devil do we allow him to have any power over us.

The Lord knows what we’re going through. Even Jesus heard Satan’s campaign promises when he tempted Him. There was no clever political quip, catchy slogan or teleprompter for Jesus to use to refute him…just an immediate use of Scripture and a dismissal of “Away from me, Satan.”  We need to employ the same strategies when dealing with this age-old opponent. Jesus is the One who provides eternal promises that will never be broken.  He is the only perfect candidate, and He is the One person who truly deserves our vote…each and every day.  

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What decisions will you make today to cast your vote for Jesus?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 6:24; Psalm 33:12; Deuteronomy 30:19

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

Being Courageous
By Susan Klein

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

In the past decade, the slogan “No Fear” has been prominently displayed on the apparel of teen-agers and young adults. Founded by twin brothers, a California-based company has made a name for itself among the younger crowds who engage in racing, surfing and snowboarding. The attitude has developed into one of being extremely daring and taking huge risks while engaging in these sport venues. However, its meaning has taken on a broader scope with some young people whose actions define courage as taking unnecessary risks in an attempt to prove they have “no fear.”

God’s Word paints a slightly different picture of courage. It has nothing to do with athletic prowess or extreme sports. Most often, the courage mentioned in Scripture has to do with men facing battle or people in difficult life-circumstances. When the odds seem stacked against them, the Lord steps in with a reminder of His presence and power, commanding them to trust Him and fear not! The word “courage” used in these verses means “to strengthen by fastening upon.” Our courage comes from our being strengthened by fastening ourselves upon God, and His power. We don’t get it from our own strength, and we don’t find it in the absence of fear. Most definitely, there is usually fear involved! God has given us the emotion or feeling of fear as a warning to avoid harmful situations, not to draw us into them. He knows we will have fear, and rightly so! But His command is to cling to Him in our fear and trust in His power.

Recently, I attended the funeral of a woman who died of cancer. Many spoke of her courage as she battled the disease to the very end. Her courage was not that of “I can beat this in my own strength,” for she knew she had no power over it and that the odds were stacked against her. Rather, she knew that God would empower her to face the outcome of her situation, whether good or bad. She fastened herself to Him for strength to get through each difficult day. She remained courageous in the face of fear and doubt. She fought a good fight in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Whatever your battle or your difficult life-circumstances, take courage! You are not alone and you will not be overcome. God promises to be with you wherever you go. Fasten yourself to Him!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What things or circumstances in life do you fear the most?
2. Memorize a verse having to do with courage. When you are feeling fearful, say the verse out loud and ask God to intervene with His power.

FURTHER READING:
1 Chronicles 28:19-20; Matthew 14:25-27; Acts 23:9-11

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

Regifting
By Vernette Kureck

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15

To give an unwanted gift to someone else or to give something one previously received as a gift is called regifting. More than half the adults recently surveyed found regifting acceptable. In fact, even the etiquette experts at Emily Post Institute approve of the practice in some circumstances.

Here are some things to consider before regifting: What is the gift’s condition? Only new, unopened gifts should be considered. Don’t give items that have been owned for a long time. Generally, if you have to dust it off, it is not regiftable. Also, what are your intentions? Are you giving a gift just to give a gift? Is this something the recipient would really like or need, or are you giving it because you ran out of time or need to reciprocate? Also, common sense recommends that you only regift items to people who are not going to see the original giver.

What do you think the best Giver of the best Gift thinks of regifting? God’s best Gift, of course, is His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. For some people, Jesus is an unwanted gift. For others, He is the best gift they have ever received and they want to share Him with others. If that describes you, what condition are you in to share? Have you been allowing Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, to work in your life, or do you need to do some spiritual dusting? Generally, the longer Jesus resides in your life, the more the qualities of His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control should shine forth from you. What you have will be seen as a desirable gift, a wanted gift to those around you—and a needed gift, regardless. Beyond that, the beauty of regifting Jesus is that He is multiplied. It is spiritual math! “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus came as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Most people know the story. But a gift isn’t truly possessed until it is unwrapped and used. God gave His Son to save mankind. To save you. To save me. Someday, we will see the Original Giver and He will know what we did with His gift. Knowing the joy of His salvation, let us rejoice in sharing that truth with others. Give the ultimate regift.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you prepared to share God’s greatest Gift? If not, what’s holding you back?

FURTHER READING:
John 6:53-57; Hebrews 7:24-25

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 44 years. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren from their two sons and their wives.

Is God Really Good?

By Karen D’Amore

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Waiting for the biopsy results, I prayerfully prepared for a conceivable re-occurring cancer diagnosis. With a prayer posse of Facebook friends anticipating the results, I eagerly shared the biopsy news. As my Facebook status boldly proclaimed BENIGN, many responded with a consistent sentiment: “Praise God…God is good!” My joy-filled response, “yes, He is!” drew me to consider the alternative. What if…the results hadn’t been favorable and my post had read…malignant? What would the response have been?  Would I still have been able to praise God and see Him as good through another battle with cancer?

This thought-provoking “what if?” drew me to candidly search my heart. If we call God good when things go right, does it mean He’s not good when things go wrong? Flipping through the pages of my Faith-book, my personal penned words drew me to re-live a nearly eight-year cancer journey. I recalled the obstacles, pain, and fears…but more importantly… God’s faithfulness as He’d carried me through every step of that journey. Deep in the archives of my heart, I saw faces of lives saved through my cancer story. More recent faces flashed through my mind…cancer warriors…the many ministry opportunities stemming from my cancer journey. It was cancer that drew me deeper into God’s arms, where I experienced His faithfulness like never before. Through cancer, my fears were transformed into faith. Cancer cultivated my personal compassion. Yes…God had redeemed my cancer journey for His “good” purpose.

Drawing wisdom from my relationship with God, coupled with insight from His Word, I acknowledge that God’s interpretation of “good” is different from mine. As Christ-followers, we must recognize that God’s “good” isn’t necessarily synonymous with our comfort. When we measure “good” by things which please our senses, we’ll struggle in the understanding of God’s good. God desires what’s best for us, but not necessarily what’s easy for us. In light of Romans 8:28, He doesn’t say that all things are “good,” but rather that He makes ALL things work for good.

Our ultimate “good” is conformity to the image of Christ. And when we are in God’s will - - called according to His purpose - - everything  God allows into our lives is used by Him to make us more Christ-like. Cancer...just one of God’s refining chisels, used to conform me into Christ-likeness. A process enabling me to answer that “what if__________?” with…“YES”…God is really good!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What if________?  Fill in the blank.  Can you trust in God’s goodness in the midst of your “what if”?

FURTHER READING:

James 1:16-17; Psalm 106:1, 145:8-14

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon.  She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Measuring a Life
By Elizabeth Cole

“Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 23:37

A popular musical was a huge hit when it debuted on Broadway in the 90’s due in large part to its dark, gritty, “in-your-face” portrayal of AIDS and young moderns in New York City. The characters are tragic representations of the hopelessness that life becomes without a Savior. In the midst of such bleakness, the friends sing this question: “525,600 minutes, 525,600 moments so dear…How do you measure a year in the life?”

The suggestions are offered: in daylights, in sunsets, in cups of coffee? In miles, in laughter? And the final suggestion soars in rich harmony, “How about love?”

Listening to the song, I find myself marveling at biblical truth found in a most unexpected place. Indeed, how about love?

In his psalm, Moses highlights both the value and the limit of our days, our years and, ultimately, of our lives. The Message paraphrases verse 12, “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”

An honest query responds. What is a life lived wisely and well? The Lord Jesus gives us His answer when asked about the greatest commandment. In one word: Love.

Love foremost for the God of the Universe; love for every single individual we meet; love that distinguishes us as followers of Christ; love that compels us daily; love with our actions and our material possessions; love that is willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of another’s good; love that points to Love Himself.

In the song, the soloist adds, “Remember that love is a gift from up above.” Hmm…imagine that: Truth on Broadway.

How will you measure this year in your life? How about love?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is God your First Love?
2. What changes would you need to make in your life to put Love at the top of your to-do list?
3. What individuals need you to live Christ’s love in their lives? What one step would you take in that direction this week?

FURTHER READING:
John 13:34-35; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Revelation 2:4

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three grown daughters, and Director of Connecting and Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.