Back to School Prayer

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

September is nearly here, and that means “Back to School”…new beginnings, filled with challenges for our students. What better way to impact the next generation than to be praying for them? Even if you don’t have children in your home, we all have a responsibility to support and love future generations. After all, the schoolchildren of today are the pastors, presidents, and parents of tomorrow.

Here are just a few ideas of how we can pray for our students:

1. Pray for their friends. “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26, NIV). Pray for godly friends, and separation from ungodly influences.
2. Pray for a close walk with God. “…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV).
3. Pray for your child to feel God’s love. “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39, NIV).
4. Pray for joy for learning. “Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights” (Proverbs 18:15, The Message).
5. Pray for good relationships with each family member. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NIV).
6. Pray for wisdom to meet all of the challenges ahead. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:6-7, NIV).

GOING DEEPER:

1. Commit to praying daily for a student for this school year.
2. Send an occasional note of encouragement to this same student.

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 1:9-11

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader and a High School home group leader.

I Need It Now

by Jeannine Sawall

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Have you ever had a season where everything comes together to create the perfect storm? In a matter of two months, my mother-in-law, son and husband all had surgery. My goddaughter was getting married, and I wasn't just her spring wedding coordinator - - I also made her cake and veil, and did the flowers. As if there was not enough going on, my 31-year-old cousin unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind three young children whom my aunt asked if we would consider taking in. To say the least, I was feeling overwhelmed.

The day after the wedding, I traveled with my girlfriends to Florida before heading to Texas to care of my cousin's children. While in Florida, I ran into an old friend.

Wanting to catch up, she asked, "What's new?"

I rattled off my laundry list of life. She responded, "So...life's a little overwhelming right now?"

I told her that was an understatement! She then mentioned an October women's conference at her church and how our mutual friend Donna was teaching on "How to Deal with Tragedy and Crisis in Your Christian Life."

 I looked at my friend and said, "October? By June 1^st, I'm heading home and life should be gravy. I need Donna now...not in October!" 

When I got to Texas, I posted pictures on Facebook, and it wasn't long before I received a message from my friend Donna. It read, How long are you in Austin?  I responded that I was there another four days. Donna messaged back, So when are we getting together?  I knew she had moved to Texas, but I wasn’t sure where in Texas...and Texas is a big state! We were able to get together, and it was a refreshing time of loving encouragement. She poured into me and it was just what I needed. 

I told Donna about my reply to the invitation to her October conference, "‘I don't need Donna in October. I need her now.’  And here we are!” 

Donna laughed and said, "Wow!  God really loves us, doesn't He?!"  We took a picture together and texted it to our friend. 

She responded, "How did that happen?!" 

We laughed again, smiling at how God perfectly orchestrates our lives. He knew I needed the life-giving words Donna would speak into me right then, and He made it happen. God is always faithful to provide.  When life just doesn't make sense, keep walking and watch for His unfailing provision. 

 GOING DEEPER:

1. When has God provided for you - - just what you needed - - at the time you needed it?
2. Who do you know who needs some refreshing encouragement?  Connect with them.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 11:28, Psalm 34:10b, John 16:23-24

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great guys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Those Little Voices

By Lexi Ellis

“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry for insight, and ask for understanding.” 
Proverbs 2:1-3 (NLT)

There are voices inside my head. Hopefully, I’m not crazy…I’m hoping it’s just like those conversations we have with ourselves, or those messages we think to ourselves! Movies portray the voices as omniscient voice-overs; books use them to give us insight into a character’s mind. Cartoons portray a little angel and demon bickering on each shoulder. Oftentimes, these messages bring emotions that may range the spectrum - - guilt, shame, heartache or joy, happiness, fondness.

The voices in my head aren’t always the same though. Sometimes one is clearly congruent with Scripture: Be still and know I am here…For I will never leave you nor forsake you…For I know the plans I have for you…you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  And sometimes the message obviously doesn’t align with Scripture: Why bother trying?...You did this, this, this and this wrong today…you’re worthless.  

But there’s a third little voice, one that’s hard to differentiate whether it’s reflecting God’s Word or not. This little voice subtly tells me I’ve failed - - that I messed up, that I let someone I love down. Is it the Holy Spirit convicting, or the devil deceiving? At times, it’s the most powerful one: the one that’s a small seed of truth with an extreme twist. Unfortunately, this little voice is hard work to recognize, reject and get rid of.  

Recently, I saw this list on Facebook. As I read through it, the ownership of that “sometimes hard to distinguish” third little voice became more clear. 

[1]

That little voice in my head is God’s voice when it’s Truth. When it contradicts Scripture, telling me I’m the exception and resulting in those “red” emotions, it’s Satan’s voice. I believe that’s why Satan is the master deceiver. He’s that third little voice - - taking a slight truth and infusing it with lies that lead to emotions like frightened, confused or condemned.

God’s voice stills, leads, reassures, enlightens, encourages, comforts, calms, strengths, blesses, heals. As I go through my day, I think of the voices that run through my thoughts. Are they of God and therefore Truth…or are they of the Deceiver?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take some time to write down messages “those little voices” tell you. Using the image above and your knowledge of Scripture, whose voice is it?

2. How can you be aware of the difference between God’s voice and Satan’s? Listen to  “The Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns to help kick-start your thoughts.

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Jeremiah 33:3

[1] Seen on Facebook but found on the web athttp://shareaverse.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/gods-voice-is-truth/.

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable dog named Calvin. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing. She serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Breaking Down the Walls

By Elin Henderson

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation”

Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV)

           

If you have ever traveled into many parts of the developing world, you will have noticed something there that we don’t see in most of our neighborhoods…WALLS. Whether it is South America or Africa, most of the homes are built with walls around them for security purposes. And as if walls weren’t enough, there is usually some form of razor wire, broken bottles or the like placed on top to further deter would-be thieves. It is just a fact of life for those who live in places like that. 

Let’s face it, in our country, while people may not have literal walls of concrete surrounding their homes, they often put up some serious barricades and walls surrounding their hearts and lives. Their yards might be open, but their hearts are a virtually impenetrable Fort Knox. Breaking through that will take more than a wrecking ball and some wire cutters. 

There is only One, the ultimate Wall-Breaker, who can successfully penetrate these hardened places. And, what tool did/does He use? It wasn’t a sledge hammer, a wrecking ball or wire cutters, but rather a cross. It was through His sacrifice that He broke down the middle wall separating us, first and foremost, from God...but also walls that divide His people. It will only be through the cross of sacrifice that we too will be able to break down the walls that we so often encounter. 

The cross wasn’t easy. It wasn’t comfortable. It implies sacrifice and death. What does that mean for us? This job of wall-breaking will not be a simple one. It will take time and much sacrifice from our parts. We must count the cost and ask ourselves, are we willing? 

Let’s pick up our one and only tool - - the cross of sacrifice - - and head out into this wall-strewn world, looking to our Leader, the ultimate Wall-Breaker, and trusting Him to bring peace and life to those we encounter. 

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Think of those around you, your neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc… What kind of walls do they have in place?

2.      How can you wield the cross of sacrifice to help those walls come down, including those within the Christ’s Church? 

3.      How about in your life? Can you identify any walls that you might have in place that need to come down? 

           

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:3; Psalms 133:1

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 sixteen-year-old Callie and fourteen-year-old Elias. 

Weep With Those Who Weep

By Susan Klein

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Romans 12:15 (NIV)

One of my most poignant and treasured memories is when my pastor and his wife wept with me. I had just lost a baby, one that they both had fervently prayed God would spare. In His sovereignty, He did not. The next morning, they entered my hospital room, sat on my bed, took my hands, and wept with me. They did not offer words of wisdom, or condolences. They did not quote Scripture to me. They just wept with me in my time of great sorrow. It was a balm for my weary soul and provided just what I needed at that very moment.

The shortest verse in the Bible, Jesus wept (John 11:35, NIV), shows our Lord’s humanly felt compassion for His dear friends who were mourning and weeping the death of their beloved. He knew, being God incarnate, that He had the power to change their circumstances, yet He chose first to stop and experience their pain with them. He didn’t try to bandage their hurt with well-meaning words. He did not sit back and watch silently. He saw their grief, which touched His own heart, and He wept with them.

Have you ever wept with someone? The common bond that is experienced at that very moment is unlike anything else! When a person is in the midst of her sorrow or despair, what she desires most is to be comforted, not insightful theology or the recitation of memorized verses for just such an occasion. There comes a time for that, later, when she is on the road to healing. In the heat of the grief, she just wants to know that she is not alone in what she’s feeling! And grieving with her is comforting.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

Just as we rejoice with others when they are rejoicing, so ought we take our Lord’s example and weep with those who are weeping. Don’t be afraid to let them see you grieve. They’ll sooo appreciate it!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How do you tend to respond to someone who is grieving? Do you give space, try to offer words of encouragement, quote Scripture...?
2. Perhaps you are not a “weepy” sort of person. How might you tangibly grieve with someone in her despair?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 40; Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2

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.

Presence

By Elizabeth Cole

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

You know those times where everywhere you look there is joy and ease? Those times of easy laughter and delight in all being just as it ought to be? This has not been one of those weeks.

You know those times when the losses are heartrending and senseless? Those times when you search for a word sadder than sad? This has been one of those weeks.

Both close and from afar this week, I have borne witness to loss of life, loss of a dream, and loss of international ministry due to moral failure. It’s a week of deep disappointment.

Wise counselors have said that when it seems that everything has changed and gone sideways in our lives, we need to rehearse what hasn’t changed; state the facts that are still true, despite all that has happened. Say what you know that you know. So here’s a start.

We know that we know:

Our God is present. …he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b; I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

Our God gives us presents of hope, encouragement and strength.  May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Our God has a future for us beyond the present. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:1-4 (NLT)

GOING DEEPER:

1. Keep adding to this list. What do you know that you know to be true, even in the midst of brokenheartedness?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 40; Psalm 23

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.

Secret Places

By Jeannine Sawall

" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Genesis 41:1 begins by saying "When two full years had passed..." This chapter is telling the story of Joseph. Joseph had been falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison. He had sat in prison for a full two years before being called before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. As he sat in prison, it was probably the lowest point in Joseph's life. He had done nothing wrong, yet it hadn't kept him from suffering. And while Joseph's people skills had given him a better position in prison, he was still… in… prison. God had not orchestrated a quick release or quick justice to prevail. He sat there - - seemingly forgotten - - in that dark, secret place for TWO FULL YEARS.

Sometimes we experience the same thing in our lives. We are left in a dark, secret place of suffering for a long time…just waiting. We may feel forgotten or abandoned and wonder where God is? Why hasn't He rescued us? How long will we wait here? But God has a plan. He works out our "junk" in the secret places. God's ways are not our ways. Each of us has a different path that God calls us to, and sometimes that secret place is where we are called to wait for His plan to unfold.

As Joseph's story goes on, he is finally remembered by the chief cupbearer and is called before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. Joseph tells Pharaoh that he is not able to interpret his dreams, but that God is able to do it for him. He gives the glory to God. After hearing the interpretations, Pharaoh decides a wise man must be put in charge. Pharaoh then sets Joseph in a position of power lower only than that of Pharaoh himself. Joseph experienced a change in his circumstances that he had never imagined! Pharaoh recognized the work of God in Joseph's life and moved him from the pit to the palace!

When you are faithful to God, others will be blessed because you are in God's favor. People will seek you out because you are remembered by God. They will want to know what your secret is. It's Jesus! We can willingly walk through the dark places when we know we are walking it with the King. God does not want us to give up! He wants us to remain faithful in those dark, secret places. For it is there that He can work out our “stuff” and use it to His glory. Beloved, stay faithful. God has not forgotten you. He is orchestrating your freedom in ways you just can't imagine!

  GOING DEEPER:

1. Where in your life do you feel that you have been left waiting in a secret place?
2. How has your story of suffering been used to bring God glory?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 118:5, 2 Timothy 4:7, Romans 12:12,  Psalm 27:14

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great guys. She works in the property management business.Jeannine serves in several behind the scenes ministries and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Embracing the Here and Now

By Lexi Ellis

“For this God is our God for ever and ever;
    he will be our guide even to the end.”
Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

“It’s not a bad situation; there’s just a lot of unknown right now,” I told a friend. Life wasn’t bad. It wasn’t a crisis. And it wasn’t anyone’s fault. But there were a few things hanging in the air, left undone, still unknown…

Because I’m a planner, this season is clearly an opportunity for me to keep depending on God. I know that trusting Him during the waiting is right. But I’d been wanting the feelings of anxiety and “what ifs” to stop, as well.

And then, I received an email from Amy Simpson. She’s a mental health advocate/writer/speaker. I’d signed up for her newsletter when she spoke at our church several months ago. In it, she wrote:

What about you? Where has your journey through life brought you? Someplace unexpected? Your plans may be a distant memory; your life may look nothing like what you envisioned for yourself and the people you love. That doesn't mean you're in the wrong place. God is ready to teach you and use you wherever you are, in whatever you are walking through. Your life, and your choices, matter anywhere and everywhere. [1]

Yes, we sometimes need to be reminded that God uses every situation: the seasons of waiting, our individual unknowns, or the “How did we get here?” surprise. Because God uses the impossible for “…such a time as this.” And because God comforts and teaches us through whatever the season is - - a season of joy, of crisis or of the unknown. [2]

In Exodus 33, Moses has a powerful encounter with God. After feeling like there were still too many unknowns, Moses beseeches God to “…teach me Your ways.”  God replies in the next verse, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Moses’ response is not, “Great. Now it’s all better.”  Instead, Moses reveals his heart: a heart that longs to be in continued relationship and learning. He then asks, “Please show me Your glory.” And God responds to Moses with a reminder of His goodness, mercy and compassion. [3]

God doesn’t always reveal a solution to the unknown, but He always gives His very presence, comfort and teaching. The questions today remain: Will I let go of the knowing, and instead choose to embrace the here and now? Will I ask God to show me His glory instead of answers to the unknown?

[1] Amy Simpson, email subscription, July 19, 2017.

[2] Esther 4:14

[3] Exodus 33:12-19

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take the risk. Instead of praying for answers, pray for God to show you His glory.

2. Think back to times God has shown up in faithfulness and comfort.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 111:10; Jeremiah 17:7-8

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have a dog named Calvin and love to travel. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing. She serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator. 

Me versus God

By Karen D’Amore

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

I felt completely alone in that crowded church, certain the pastor was talking exclusively to me. I winced with discomfort as the sermon made me feel like I was looking down the barrel of a pointed finger. “How did he know?” I questioned. The truth is…he  (the pastor) didn’t know…but God did! In a series titled FIRST the Idolatry of Me: Me versus God, the pastor focused on the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). He emphasized that, for believers, EVERYTHING hangs on this truth!

While further dissection of this Scripture emphasized how it should translate in our daily lives, conviction welled within my heart, mind and soul. We’re commanded to love God with every fiber of our being from the inside-out. We’re to love Him wholeheartedly versus half-heartedly. This means I’m to love Him with ALL of me…not merely some  of me!

There’s no doubt that I love God, but do I love Him consistently… with ALL of me? I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t! Living in a world saturated with “things” appealing to our flesh, it seems there’s always something vying for my affection and competing for my devotion. As of late, that “thing” has been a renewed passion for running. With this passion gradually transitioning into an all-consuming obsession, I learned that “runner’s high” isn’t a myth…and I’ve been flying high on that high!

My morning convictions quickly waned as I rationalized my passion/obsession as being “healthy”! But while running after church, when something “snapped” in my surgically-scarred knee, I was aptly reminded, “You shall have no other gods/idols before Me”… “For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:4-5). With the “snap” resembling symptoms of previous torn meniscus, I feared that such a tear would terminate my ability to continue running. Though the “snap” proved superficial, God used the incident to get my attention, spurring realignment of my priorities and awakening sincere conviction regarding my displaced devotion.

The key point in that morning’s sermon was… “Idolatry sneaks in when we exchange ALL for some!”  While loving “Me” more … “Me” became the victor in the battle of “Me versus God!” With my passion for running being re-prioritized, I’m prayerfully endeavoring to “love God with ALL my heart, soul, mind and strength!” and see Him become the victor in the battle of “Me versus God!”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What “thing” is hindering you from loving God with ALL of your being?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 142:5 (NLT); Romans 1:25

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.  

Kick The Can

By Susan Klein

 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners…”

Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

Hidden deep within the waist-high grass, I watched as the captor passed nearby. Everyone else had already been captured and put “in jail.” I was the only one remaining who could set them free. Timing was crucial. I had to wait for the captor to get far enough away from the can so I could sneak from my concealed position and rush to kick it over before getting captured myself. The moment arose. Heart beating wildly, I sprang up from hiding and ran with all my might, arriving just in the nick of time to kick the can and free the captives!

If you’ve ever played “kick the can,” you know how exhilarating it can be! It requires a certain skill set of bravery, speed and strategic timing. The goal of not being captured rivals only the ultimate goal of setting the captives free.

The prophet Isaiah prophesies in the above verse to his people about the One who will come to set the captives free. I have to believe it was rather exhilarating for him to be the designated messenger. Imagine getting to be “the person” chosen to deliver the news to people in captivity that there was Someone coming who would release them from their bondage, bind up their broken hearts, and set them free!

Have you ever experienced that kind of exhilaration? Have you ever been the kicker of the can, the messenger to someone of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Do you consider yourself to be chosen for such a task? It may take some similar skills of bravery and strategic timing, but not to worry. If Jesus is your Savior, you carry the power of His Holy Spirit within you. If you are willing and available, He will empower you at the right time with the right words. And when He does, be prepared for an elation like none other!

What do you say, are you ready to kick the can?!!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What fears or trepidations might keep you from sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ?

2. Will you ask Him for the opportunity to be the kicker of the can, the messenger to someone in need of His saving grace?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7-9; 1 Peter 3:13-15

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads a small group.

UFO’s

By Elizabeth Cole

 “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

A friend told me she was expecting twins and, in excitement, I started stitching two beautiful blankets. Purchasing the pattern and materials needed, I anticipated how sweet it would be to wrap up each baby in the softest of colors. I worked diligently on those complicated projects, though there did come a point when I needed to set them aside for, well…27 years! Yes, they’re still unfinished…yes, I had to buy something else to celebrate their birth…yes, they’re even now tucked in a bin of “UFO’s” in my basement.

UnFinished Objects. Ugh. Am I the only one who enthusiastically starts projects, only to get distracted? Another object grabs my attention, until even another one moves me from the second, and on it goes. Case in point: We lived in a wallpapered bedroom for eight whole years that only needed one half of one last strip of wallpaper to be completed!

Sometimes, I confess, it has more to do with confusion. I’ve come to a point in a project’s instructions that I don’t understand, so I set it aside to try to figure it out later. MUCH later, because I have no idea how to proceed, nor do I have a clear vision of what it’s going to look like in the end. And, ultimately, it’s forgotten.

And then there are those UFO’s that I decided were simply unattractive. I’m quite clear on how they’re going to turn out…and I don’t really like them. My skills aren’t what I hoped they’d be; the idea isn’t playing out. Any further time spent on those projects is a waste of energy.

As a Christ-follower, ever considered yourself a UFO?

Beloved, be confident today. While you are, in fact, an unfinished object, you can be assured that your Maker will continue His good work in you until completion. No, He’s not found you to be too complicated. No, He hasn’t left you to move on to something/someone more interesting. He’s definitely not confused by what to do next, nor does He wonder how you’ll ever become the person He designed you to be. You are not forgotten. And yes, His skills are up to the task, He finds you worth His energy, and He delights in who you’re going to be when He’s done.

So, breathe. Believe Him. Say “thank you.” Cooperate with what He’s doing. Tell someone else. Love Him more. Repeat. Anticipating the day He returns or calls us home and we are, finally…complete.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How does knowing God’s promise of completion encourage you to trust Him more? To treat others differently?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2

Elizabeth is a wife and mother of three grown daughters; a mother-in-law to two sons. She is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.