Surround Sound Fear

By Elin Henderson

“…Fear is on every side…”

Psalms 31:13b (NKJV)

When I make my rare appearances at the movie theater, I am always reminded of the reason I don’t have a surround sound entertainment system in my living room! The movie, whether it is Despicable Me 2 or Captain Phillips, comes to life in such a way that you feel like you can’t escape! The sound is coming at you from every angle and you can feel it in your very being.  I don’t need that kind of “entertaining” intensity in my life! 

Sometimes, we can experience a surround sound FEAR. From every side and every angle, the enemy is coming at us, and with him comes his weapon of fear. There is no apparent escape or way out. The theater doors are closed, we are stuck in our row and the noise just keeps getting closer and louder! 

The Old Testament shepherd/king David well knew what it was like to live with surround sound fear. Many a time he had to run for his life and even fight for his life. Things were said to him and about him. Whether it was perceived or real, his (and at times our) fear can be overpowering. 

Did David remain there, overpowered by fear? No!  Verse 14 says, “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God’.”  He called out to God and ran to Him for shelter and safety. He knew that in the midst of surround sound fear there was a cleft in the rock where God’s hand would hide and protect him.    

So, next time you, like the hymn writer below, experience surround sound fear, may you cling to the Hand of Him who is all your hope and stay! 

“When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.”

-Keith W. Ward [1]

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. Are there some fears in your life that have grown to “surround sound” – gradually or even quickly? 

2. How does knowing God’s protection over you and loving hand under you, help to allay those fears?    

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:18; Psalms 27:3; Psalms 46:2

[1] http://www.faithalone.org/journal/1998i/Ward.htmlhttp://www.faithalone.org/journal/1998i/Ward.html

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 thirteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

The Call

By Becci J. Terrill

“…she believed the One who made the promise
would do what He said.”

Hebrews 11:11b (The Message)

It came when I least expected it, and frankly, wasn’t looking for it. My life was already full, but God had a different plan. He wanted me to follow Him in a new direction. Yes, it was a direction that I longed to go, but also secretly feared to tread. He knew that, but He also knew that if I followed Him our relationship would become stronger and sweeter. But that doesn’t come easily.

He cleared the obstacles in the path so my answer could be “Yes!” He gave me an overwhelming sense of joy in those first steps down the new path. He brought excitement and hope in the journey. Then the unthinkable happened. I lost my way!

When I realized this, panic welled up inside of me. I searched and searched to no avail. I couldn’t find the path! What had happened? How had I missed it? I stopped searching for the path and realized I needed the One who called me on the journey. He knew my problem. He knew my fear. His loving voice reassured me He had called me, so He would also lead me. I needed to keep my eyes on Him and not the path.

Peace flooded my soul. I couldn’t see the path, but my focus had changed. He had called. He promised to be with me. I moved forward again with slower steps, holding His hand and listening for His voice.

The devil whispered in my ear. He undermined my confidence and caused me to doubt my ability to follow the call. He suggested unhealthy ways to escape and save myself from failure and humiliation.

The Holy Spirit inside cried out, “No! Get away from me. You have no power here.” Healing words of Scripture soothed my wounded soul. I started out again on the journey.

I haven’t arrived at the destination yet. I don’t know what it looks like, but I can see the lights in the distance and know God will get me there. I have not overcome all of my fears, but I am clinging to the One who has called me and the promises that He gives me every day - - He won’t leave me and He will guide me on each step of the journey. I am learning to believe those promises more and more.

I think we call that faith.

GOING DEEPER:

1. God loves calling people to do things they cannot do on their own. What is He calling you to do? Will you trust Him and obey?

FURTHER READING:

Read Hebrews 11 for a look at lives of faith.  

Becci is a wife and mother of two adult daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove, WI. She serves as WE Women’s Special Events Coordinator and teaches 4th grade Sunday School.

Intentionally Obvious or Covert

By Peggy Kleckner

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

Recently at work, we were asked to come dressed in camouflage or blaze orange in honor of hunters. Some of the people at work try and lighten things up by suggesting these things. Packer attire on one day, perhaps Badger attire for the Wisconsin college team on another day….you get the idea.

In any case, being married to a passionate hunter meant this clothing was readily available. I came dressed in the over-sized, down-to-my-knees, blaze orange long-sleeved shirt of my husband. Since not everyone joins in on these things, let’s just say I definitely was noticeable. Another woman had on a blaze orange vest, but wore it under an unzipped sweatshirt. Essentially then, you only saw the blaze orange if she was facing you, unlike myself who could be spotted from a very great distance.

My manager came dressed in her husband’s shirt, but she had chosen the camouflage fabric for the day. In earthy browns and greens, she was a quieter participator in the day’s fun.

Although I am used to this fabric being in my home and on my husband, I had not worn it before myself. I don’t really like drawing attention to myself and I certainly thought a lot more people would be dressed in the same fashion. I wasn’t quite prepared to be so obvious!

When I applied this scenario to my walk as a Christian, I realized sometimes I wear camouflage. Outwardly I look like any other human being, but in some circumstances it will become very obvious I am different. Like a star that can only be seen at night, it is my setting that displays my true nature.

As Christ’s ambassador, I may be called to speak one-on-one with someone who will then see the blaze of His love in me (like the friend who wore the vest under her sweatshirt that was only seen when she faced someone). At other times, He may choose to set me on display in some fashion (like wearing blaze orange at work for the day).

In the midst of my everyday life, He may ask me to swap out my camouflage for blaze orange in order to display His glory as His ambassador to those who don’t yet know Him. My actions will follow the intent of my Father. Although this may not be “comfortable,” it most certainly is the work of an ambassador.

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what circumstance this week have you felt Him call you to display the light of His love?

2. Are you recognizing His lead and His choosing, or are you setting up your own display?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 6:8; Proverbs 16:9

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.

The Christmas Prayer
By Lexi Ellis

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 (NIV)

Because I have a typical evangelical Protestant background, liturgies were not a common experience for me. While studying abroad in Scotland, I came to love the timeless, powerful words that have been written for the traditional liturgies. There is something powerful about the church speaking as one voice about the eternal truths of our God - - especially around Christmastime. Today, may this be our timeless prayer:

“Wonder of wonders, God has to come to us!
Not as a judge, but a Savior.
Not in power, but as a servant.

Wonder of wonders, God has come to us!
Not in silence, but in the Word made flesh.
Not in the shadows, but bringing Light.

Wonder of wonders, God is with us!

Angels sang their anthems at the midnight hour to awaken a sleeping creation;
Shepherds came to worship you, and went away rejoicing;
Wise ones gave their hearts to you, so they could dwell in yours.
O Emmanuel, we adore You.

You came as a baby, to hold us in Your grace;
You came to us in a stable, so we would have no trouble finding you;
You came to us in poverty, to enrich our lives.
O Beautiful Messenger of Peace, we adore You...

God became one of us, so that we could
see the face of love,
hear the voice of peace,
be touched by the hand of grace,
know the heart of mercy…

Child of Bethlehem, be born in us today:
forgive us,
heal us,
make us new;
We will join the angels in singing your praise this Christmas day and all the days to come. Amen.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a place you can be alone today for a moment to read this aloud as a prayer to our God? Better yet, can you share it with someone else?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 2

Lexi is married to Andrew, has a new puppy named Calvin, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

(1) Thom M. Shuman. Christmas day liturgy, Year B. Revised Common Lectionary.

As we celebrate Christ’s birth, we look back to two prayers of celebration at God’s arrival to dwell among us, recorded in Luke. May these words be reflected in our lives, as well. Merry Christmas!

Mary’s Song, Luke 1: 46-55 (NIV):

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
  of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
 holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Simeon’s words about Jesus, Luke 2:29-35, 39 (NIV):

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

…When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

The First Noel

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Matthew 2:10 (NIV, emphasis added)

When was the last time you were overjoyed? Not just happy or glad or satisfied…but “over-the-top-can’t-contain-yourself-want-to-tell-everyone-you-meet”- joyed? Scripture tells us this was how the Wise Men felt following the star, seeking the foretold King. “The First Noel” sums up the story in these lyrics:

The first noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay-in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there, in His presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord, that hath made heav'n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.

Chorus: Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel! [1]

The definition of Noel refers to this Christmas story of being overjoyed. It means “the season of Christmas.” [2] What I love about the lyrics to this carol is the simplicity of the telling of that story of the Nativity. The shepherds aren’t squeaky clean…they are poor. The wise men have implied wealth because of the value of the gifts they bring to the manger. The picture of the light of the star being seen by those on the lowest rung of society to the highest - - available to anyone who looks - -  is the beauty of Christ, both the day of His birth and today.

And we are to be overjoyed.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Meditate today on our verse, seeking to be overjoyed. 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 126:3; Luke 2

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Noel

[2] http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Noel&allowed_in_frame=0

Freedom

By Elizabeth Cole

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

 Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)

I was playing freeze tag with some girlfriends a couple of months ago. Can you see it? Grown women of various ages (and stamina) racing and loudly shouting in Dickten Park. Dodging “it” as she approached to freeze. Seeking just the right moment to zigzag over to the frozen friend, releasing her with a touch for movement again. Finding breath and energy sapped to the point whereby “it” had no problem catching and freezing. Hoping against hope that someone somewhere still had enough air left to rush in and free us.

I was startled at how exhilarating it was to be “unfrozen,” able to run again freely. I was also surprised at the feeling of helplessness when frozen, unable to do anything to release myself.

As we live in this Advent season, there is an undercurrent of freedom, isn’t there? The Christmas carol “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” begins with these words:

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

The Savior born in the manger was about our freedom. Freedom to be in relationship with Him. Released from the paralyzing “frozen-ness” that comes from the weight of guilt and fear and shame and secrets and sin. Set free to live life as He intended it.

Oh my… it’ll take your breath away as surely as if you’d run the whole of Dickten Park, when you consider the kind of exhilarating love that stoops to a stable to set you free.

Shout it out, beloved, you’re free!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take a moment today to step away from holiday planning and breathe in deeply the fact that you are set free. Articulate the difference it makes in your life…today. Reflect on the words in “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”

2. If you are living as if you are still “frozen,” what steps could you take today to live in the freedom Jesus gives?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 42:1-10; Luke 4:16-21; Galatians 5:1

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

Silent Night

By Susan Klein

“For He Himself is our peace”

Ephesians 2:14a (NIV)

It wasn’t really a silent night but it became one. The auditorium quickly filled that cold December evening with noisy children, parents, and grandparents, all coming to see their kiddos perform in the Christmas Pageant. Dozens of little participants were backstage getting final instructions and adjustments to their costumes before heading on. At one point during the bustle of the program, unnoticed by anyone in the audience (except his mom), a little boy was ushered behind a prop to remove his outer cow costume. And then, it happened. A silence descended over the auditorium as the lights were dimmed. One little light stood out from the candle in his hand as he stepped forward and began to confidently sing his acapella solo.

“Silent Night, Holy Night

All is calm, all is bright…”

It wasn’t really a silent night but it became one. Go back in time two-thousand-plus years. A decree had been issued for a census to be taken of the entire Roman world. That included a tremendous number of citizens. People from all over hurried to their native city to register. Small towns filled to overflowing with people returning to be counted. Such was the case in Bethlehem. People and animals filled every nook and cranny. It was noisy and chaotic. In that crowd was a young couple; she about to give birth. Looking for a quiet and clean place to deliver amidst the chaos was challenging at best. Meanwhile, out in the fields nearby, the shepherds tended rambunctious flocks of sheep. Suddenly, deafening sound and blinding light descended upon them as a great company of heavenly hosts praised God saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom his favor rests.”

In booming voices they proclaimed the good news of great joy which was for all people, the birth of a long-awaited Messiah. Leaving their fields, the shepherds hurried off to see this thing which had been proclaimed. And when they arrived at the place where the baby lay, it happened. The night became silent, for God’s promised Peace had just entered the world. His perfect reconciling Peace, emparted to all people, had finally arrived. A silence filled the mother’s heart as she pondered the wonder of all these events. The shepherds silently and humbly bowed before the One who brought salvation, filled with awe and wonder at receiving such a great honor. The night was filled with peace.

In your bustling and perhaps hectic holiday schedule, find time to be silent. Allow the Peace of your Savior to settle over you and bring you great joy.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you have this Peace? Do you desire it? Will you seek it?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27, John 16:33

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and mentoring. She and her husband Mark enjoy opening their home to those in need.

Taking the “IF” out of gIFt

By Elin Henderson

“…the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.”

Romans 6:23b (NKJV)

         

Tis’ the season for gifts and gift giving. We are all making our lists and checking them twice not to mention hitting the shops in search of the perfect gift at the perfect price!

We often connect a lot of “ifs” to our gifts, don’t we? We buy gifts based on IF the person is a family or friend - - we aren’t apt to give complete strangers gifts. Sometimes gift-giving is only accomplished IF we have enough money or time to purchase gifts. We may even base our gifts on IF that certain person has or has not treated us well. It may mean the difference between a designer bag and socks!

How wonderful to know that there are no “ifs” attached to God’s gift. His gift of salvation is for all. It isn’t based on “IF you are good enough,” or “IF you jump through the right hoops,” or “IF you don’t fall away,” but He freely offers Himself, the perfect gift to us. There are no hidden clauses, no fine print, just a simple gift tag of “FREE.” This added “free” dissolves our “ifs,” after all a free gift is simply that, FREE! We just need to reach out and take it!

So, this holiday season, let us rejoice in the free Gift - - no IF’s attaches - - that was sent our way so many years ago and may we freely share it with others!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable GIFT!” II Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. Do we sometimes add “ifs” to our spiritual walks as believers? “If only I served better…” “If only I was more like so-and-so”?

2. How can knowing who we are in Christ and His available free grace help us dissolve those “ifs”?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:7; Romans 5:15

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 thirteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

The Sacrifice of “the Gift”

By Jen Wollner

“…the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son…”

Luke 2:6-7a (NIV)

‘Tis the season of gift-giving. And, let me tell you, I’ve been working my tail off! Going from store to store to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list takes a lot of time and energy. I’ve spent countless hours planning, researching and shopping. Not to mention handing over fistfuls of cash! Okay, not cash exactly, but the credit card bill adds up quickly!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to have the means to be able to shower my loved ones with various Christmas presents. And the joy I receive in giving is absolutely worth the effort. But, let’s be honest, the blessing comes with a bit of sacrifice, too. I’m using just about all of my free time and literally losing sleep to get ready for Christmas. I’m giving up hard-earned money, even sacrificing many hours of my mental and physical energy to earn extra money to pay for a special gift this year.

What about you? What are you sacrificing in order to give your friends and family precious gifts this Christmas? No gift is free. All gifts cost the giver in some way. There’s always something given up in order to bless someone else.

At this time of year, we often hear the analogy that Jesus is “the Gift” of Christmas. We’re encouraged to focus on a baby in a manger and the life He would ultimately give up. But what about the sacrifice before the Cross? The one that started in Mary’s womb? Have you ever thought about what Jesus gave up to come here? Have you pondered the sacrifice He made just to become human? Christmas…the very birth of Jesus…came at great personal cost.

Jesus left His Father. He gave up His crown. He sacrificed His majesty. He said good-bye to His perfect home and chose to come into a dark, sinful world. And He did it with great joy, knowing His obedience to His Father’s will would be worth it. You see, He gave up Heaven, so that someday, you could have it.

Now that’s sacrificial giving.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend some quiet time with Jesus today, thanking Him for the sacrifice of His birth.

2. How can you demonstrate sacrificial giving this Christmas to someone in need?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 2; Revelation 21:3-5, 22-27

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.

Remember the Rescue

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.

In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”

Exodus 15:13 (NIV)

The book of Exodus tells of Irsael’s rescue from bondage: the great story of Moses, the plagues, Pharaoh’s stubborn heart, the first Passover. You can almost hear a musical crescendo when reading of the parting of the Red Sea…the Israelites passing through the waters that then destroy the Egyptians.

After the adrenaline has cleared their bodies, when the celebration clean-up is complete, the Israelites walk, and walk, and walk. The whole nation - - thousands and thousands of people - - follow Moses into a desert. For three days, they travel with no water. And they whine…and complain…and God shows Moses how to provide water (Exodus 15:25).

Fast forward a couple of months. Now the nation of Israel is so hungry they complain, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death” (Exodus 16:3). How quickly the whips of slavery or the plagues were forgotten! If you’re like me, you read this and want to smack some sense into somebody. How could they have forgotten how bad it was? Why would they romanticize Egypt?

What’s your Egypt?

Let’s face it…most of us have an “Egypt.” It could be a place that God has rescued us from, a sin that had the power to destroy us. The initial release from it is a triumph! God has provided! He will help me overcome! And we sing His praise.

Then we have to walk forward, following our Savior. We get thirsty, the food is gone, our feet hurt, and before we know it, the chains of what was left behind look comfortable compared to the desert that we are moving through. The temptation to run back to the familiar is powerful. It is at that moment that we must remember the rescue. Our saving God promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2). The God of our rescue is also the God of our desert.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you tempted to return to your “Egypt”? Don’t keep it a secret. Pray for God to reveal someone to help you be accountable and walk with you through the desert.

2. If you don’t have an “Egypt,” journal about God’s goodness to you now for when you’ll need those words later.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 43:16-19

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.