Soil Testing

By Lisa Boyer

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Matthew 13:8-9 (NIV)

It’s spring and my work place will soon be receiving calls from people looking for information on soil testing. They’ll collect a soil sample from their garden and ship it off to be tested. A few weeks later, they’ll get the results and a recommended treatment plan. If they properly prepare their soil, they can expect a good harvest.

The thought of soil testing has had me pondering the “The Parable of the Sower” in Matthew 13.

As you may recall, the seed falls on four types of soil: the path (hard soil), the rocky places with shallow soil, the soil containing thorns, and the good soil. Jesus explains the Parable in Matthew 13:18b-23 “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Jesus wants everyone to understand and receive His message, so maybe part of the point He was making in the “The Parable of the Sower” is actually a warning about the condition of the soil. Life is a difficult journey and any number of things can damage the heart (soil). Maybe Jesus was pointing out that the soil (the heart) needs to be properly prepared to receive the seed (the message) before we sow it.

Isn’t that what Jesus did while He was here on Earth? Wasn’t He nurturing the hurting hearts of those around Him with love and compassion and healing? Jesus’ second greatest commandment, just like the first, is about love… and perhaps soil preparation and maintenance.

Before sharing the message with those around us, let’s take a moment to test the soil; then let’s prepare the soil… with love.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you been wanting to share what you know about Jesus with a friend? Today, ask God how you can nurture them in preparation for that, knowing that ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 13:3-8; Matthew 22:36-38

Lisa has been married to Ted for more than 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.

Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles…
By Elin Henderson

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
Job 9:10 (NIV)

Okay, for all of you musical aficionados…what film does this title come from? If you guessed Fiddler on the Roof, you are right! It is sung by Daughter Number One’s fiancé-to-be. He is expressing that of all the great miracles of God, the greatest is that He has given him this wonderful girl to be his wife. It is all quite touching and romantic!

As I think on the miracles that God performs throughout Scripture, I wonder, what is the greatest? God defeating an army of hundreds of thousands with Gideon’s small army of 1,200, or the miracle that took place in Gideon’s heart to trust in the Lord? Is it Jesus’ healing the ear of the soldier or the work of the Holy Spirit that changed Peter from a sword-wielding dynamo to a humble servant of God?

Truly, I think the work that takes place when a heart turns to the Lord and says, “Take me, use me, I am yours” is the miracle of all miracles. It’s even beyond the feeding of five thousand and the dead coming back to life. While we are created by God, we are not robots…we can still choose to walk with Him or to turn away. He does not pre-program our wills and make us follow Him. Otherwise, we would be like computers that just do exactly as He says. But rather, He sends His eyes over all the earth, seeking those whose hearts are open to Him. Why? To “show Himself strong” on their behalves. WOW! That is the wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles that He is after! A heart that is open to Him. Then, He says to that person just as He said to Moses before He began a whole series of amazing miracles in Egypt (both physical and spiritual), “Stand back, and watch the wonders I will do in your midst!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What wonders has He wrought in your life that you can rejoice about?
2. Are His eyes upon you? Are you open to Him? If not, why?

FURTHER READING:
Exodus 3:20; 2 Chronicles 16:9

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 ten-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

Loving Others

By Tracy Smith

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of the others."

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

A couple of months ago, while on Facebook, I came across a video about a middle school football team who plotted and planned to help one of their teammates score a touchdown. [1] This teammate had special needs. In some schools, he may have been the object of bullying - - and maybe this boy had been in the past, or is dealing with bullies in other areas of school - - but not on his football team. These friends cared enough about him to plan something so amazing for him.

The plan went like this: His teammates got the ball as close to the goal line as possible. In the next play, they gave him the ball and surrounded him to protect him from the defense and ran with him across the goal line. TOUCHDOWN!

As touching as that was, it was the interviews with the boys on the team that brought tears to my eyes. One boy had tears tracking down his cheeks because he had not thought of the plan. He talked about how he had changed from someone who only cared about himself to someone who cared about everyone. What a life-changing lesson these young men learned!

The Lord wants us to care about everyone - - not just those we see as “popular” or who are worth our caring. He also wants us to care for others - - not just when it’s easy, but even when it’s hard. Philippians 2:4 tells us to intentionally look to the interests of others. In John 13:34-35 (NIV), Jesus says, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus wants us to be known by how we love.

May we be like the young men in this school. May we be those who are kind and care about everyone; who love.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is there someone in your life who could use some encouragement? If so, what can you do to make him or her feel special?

FURTHER READING:

Micah 6:8; Romans 15:1-3

[1] Want to see this inspiring story? Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8_RpyfyNs4.

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.

Lost
By Peggy Kleckner

“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a (NIV)

When you are lost, the best plan to follow is to be still, stop walking and wait to be found. Spiritually, the answer is the same. When we are still, God finds us and He draws us up into His lap to comfort us, to take away our fears and to bandage our wounded places.

Henri Nouwen, a Catholic theologian, writes, “Can I accept that I am worth looking for?” [1] Some days, we really struggle to answer that question with a “yes.” To be still is to believe that someone will search for you, to trust someone else to be doing the work of rescuing you. Our stillness says to God, “Yes, please come for me.”

When we choose to still our hearts in the midst of our trials, we invite God to meet with us. We affirm again that we trust Him and are willing to surrender to His will. Stillness is not a “do nothing” mentality. It is a moment of surrender. It is the waiting to meet with the God of all creation. It is the pause, before the most beautiful music. Truly “knowing” that He is God comes from being still and waiting for Him.

I once was lost, but now am found!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What situation in your life has you feeling “lost”? Is your spirit still running?

2. Are you willing to tell your spirit to sit down and be still?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 3:5-6; Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 40:28-31, 41:10

[1] The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen, published by Doubleday, © 1992.

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children—two sons and two stepsons and is an active encourager at Oakwood.

Wait for It

By Jeannine Sawall

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

James 5:7-8 (NIV)

I still remember it like it was just last week. When my friend arrived for coffee, her first question was, “Where are you in the adoption process?” I began to tell her how God had been opening doors for us. Appointments that should have taken several months were scheduled in the next few weeks. A piece of property had unexpectedly been sold and would provide the money to cover expenses. She listened attentively and then said, “I’m not saying this is a ‘Thus sayeth the Lord,’ but I’ve been praying for you and I don’t think you should proceed with this adoption right now.” Talk about a conversation stopper!  How could she even say that? This was the friend who had walked with me through five miscarriages in the last 26 months. She had held me as I wept tears of grief and disappointment, wondering why God was allowing this pain in my life. She had prayed with me as I begged the Lord to take away the longing for another baby. Adoption was a good thing!  I wanted encouragement…telling me anything else was not what I wanted!

She asked what led us to the decision to adopt. I told her that while I hadn’t had a scroll dropped in my lap, doors kept opening. She challenged me not to depend on positive circumstances, but to pray without ceasing and wait until I was sure I was in the middle of God’s will. I agreed to do that. As much as we wanted another child, we wanted to be in the middle of God’s will more.

To our astonishment, within the next year we were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby.  While not every story ends with the Lord giving you what you want, when you choose to put His will before your own, every story will end with His providing what you need. (And, of course, you and I both know that there are times when adoption is exactly what His will is for some.)

Often, when things aren’t happening the way we want them to, we may try to make “it” happen. God allows us a choice: We can choose to focus on what HE wants to do and wait for His timing, or on what we try to do in our own strength. Looking back, I’m thankful this friend had the courage to challenge me to stop and wait for God’s clear direction and plan. While His timing and His ways may not always make sense or be to our liking, it is always for His higher purpose and His glory…and that’s something worth waiting for!

GOING DEEPER:
1 What do you do when God does not immediately answer your prayers? Do you choose to make it happen or wait on Him?

2. What friend do you have in your life who will challenge you to be more dependent on God? And to whom can you be that kind of friend?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:34; Isaiah 40:31; James 5:11

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

Valuable Pearls

By Karen D’Amore

“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.”

Romans 5: 2b-4 (NIV)

They say that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but I prefer pearls! Unlike diamonds which are mined from the earth, pearls are miraculously produced by live oysters in the deep seas. In contrast to diamonds, whose beauty is developed by man-made cuts and polishing, the pearl’s beauty cannot be manufactured by man.

“A natural pearl begins its life as a foreign object, such as a parasite or piece of shell that accidentally lodges itself in an oyster’s soft inner body where it cannot be expelled. To ease this irritant, the oyster’s body takes defensive action. The oyster begins to secrete a smooth, hard crystalline substance around the irritant in order to protect itself. This substance is called ‘nacre.’ As long as the irritant remains within its body, the oyster will continue to secrete layers of nacre around it. Over time, the irritant will be completely encased by the silky crystalline coatings, producing the lovely, lustrous gem called a pearl.” [1]

I’m encouraged by the process of an irritant transforming into a valuable gem. Life is filled with irritants. As Christ-followers, we’re not immune from irritating circumstances or relationships that “get under our skin!” There are times where I’ve wrestled with relationships that God has clearly allowed to remain in my inner-circle. Though irritating and sometimes unjust, I’ve worked to be tolerantly kind, but more than once, I’ve pleaded with and questioned God in the midst of it.

One pivotal morning, at the peak of my frustration…my favorite strand of pearls broke and scattered across the bedroom floor. As I frantically scooped the loose pearls into my hands, I was reminded of the pearl-creating process. In that moment, God impressed upon me that He wasn’t changing my irritating circumstances because He wanted to use the irritant to change me. God wanted to grow me and shape my godly character. My choice became: continue struggling with the irritant which inflamed me…or embrace it!

Embracing irritants and covering them with grace and love orchestrates opportunities for transformation into lustrous, valuable pearls! With “luster” being the beauty of light reflected from the pearl’s surface, it’s the pearl’s ability to reflect light that determines its value.

Got irritations? Cover them in prayer - - wrap them in love - - transform them into Light-reflecting, valuable pearls!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Identify your irritation(s).

2. Can you - - with the Lord’s help and guidance - -  turn them into a lustrous strand of pearls?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 13:45-46; James 1:2-4

[1] http://www.americanpearl.com/historyoyster.html

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

The Braces of Life

By Tracy Smith

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Two years ago, as I sat in the waiting room while my son had "round two" of braces put on, it occurred to me that there are lessons we can learn from braces and their purpose.

My son's mouth was extremely small. The first round of braces included an appliance on the roof of his mouth that widened his palette. As I had the same appliance 26 years ago, I know how painful this is. Despite the pain, it is necessary as his teeth were coming in too high and sideways because they had nowhere else to go. The appliance widened the mouth and made room for the adult teeth already there, and the adult teeth yet to come. The pain was necessary for all of his teeth to fit comfortably in his mouth.

Sometimes God's lessons can feel this way: painful, but necessary in order for Him to widen our lives to fit in all that He feels is necessary.

After a period of no braces - - while we waited for all of his adult teeth to make their way down - - it is now time for braces again. When looking at my son, his teeth looked fine to me. They were all in, they all fit and they were straight; however, the orthodontist explained why his bite needed to be fixed and the teeth shifted into their correct position. All of this will avoid problems in the future. 

Again, how much like our Lord! His correction can be painful and seem unnecessary to us, but God knows why we need it. He knows the painful correction is necessary in order for us to avoid problems later in life.

The next time I feel the “braces of life” irritating me, I will remember why they are there and look for the lesson the Lord wants me to learn.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What painful times of your life can you look back now and see how God was using that experience to help you avoid future pain?

2. What can you do to learn these lessons faster and make them less painful?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:11-12; Psalm 94:12; Deuteronomy 8:5

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.

No, We’re Not There Yet

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…I am making everything new!”

Revelation 21:5b (NIV)

The day had been long, as family funerals normally are. My husband’s grandmother had died, and our family had gathered for the visitation. The time for a dinner break had come and as I began to get my then-infant son ready to go to the restaurant, my three-year-old daughter became visibly upset. 

“Mommy, we can’t leave!” she cried.

“But it’s time to go eat,” I rationalized.

“No, we CAN’T LEAVE!!”

“But everyone is headed out now. Why can’t we leave?” was my answer.

“We can’t leave HEAVEN!! Great-grandma is in heaven and she’s right OVER THERE!! We can’t leave!”

I chuckle now, but explaining to a three-year-old that the part of Great-grandma that smiled, hugged, and told her stories was in heaven with Jesus…and the part she could see stayed here…well, that was a little tricky.

Jesus told us that there is another place, one where His followers will live eternally. In John 13:36 (NIV), Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” He then states, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

And when His apostles asked how to get to this place, Jesus instructed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In the book of Revelation, we learn that there is a time and a place where “…the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them…He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4).

Think on this just a moment…belief in Christ…eternally living with God…a whole new order to our world…where pain is obsolete…

Even without the amazing details described in the rest of Revelation, being in the same place as Jesus is a place that I long to rest in. And even a three-year-old can grasp that once we get to be with Him in heaven and His New Kingdom, we’ll never, ever want to leave!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you come to see Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life?  If not, what is holding you back?

2.  Enjoy a quiet time today, concentrating on what it will feel like to arrive at the believer’s final destination: in the presence of God Himself…forever.

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Isaiah 25:8-9

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.

“It Is For Your Good…”

By Susan Klein

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”

John 16:7 (NIV)

How many times have we heard the words, or even spoken them ourselves: “It’s for your own good?” As a mom, I know I’ve conveyed this message to my children on more than one occasion. Usually, it was preceded by a “but why, Mom?” because they didn’t understand or like my decision. I had to ask them to just trust that I had their best interest at heart. Later, they usually saw the fruit of my decision.

In the above verse, Jesus is trying to explain to His disciples that He will soon be leaving them, and they don’t understand why. After all, His ministry has only been up and going for a few years and there are still so many people who need to know Him and benefit from His amazing teaching. They think it might be the wrong decision on His part - -  and like children - -  start to question His decision. He responds as any loving parent would. He tells them that it is for their own good. He even goes beyond that to tell them why it is for their good. Because He is sending the Holy Spirit, to dwell in them, to counsel them in all truth, to convict the world, and to speak the Father’s words directly to them. I imagine Him passionately saying something like, “You guys, it’s going to be so great! You will get to have all of me, all the time, indwelling each and every one of you! I know you don’t get it now, but just trust me in this, okay?!!”

How often we continue to respond, “If only Jesus was still here on earth with us, life would be so much easier!” Lest we forget, He is here! His Spirit is in each one of His believers. We have access to Him 24/7! In John 14:23 Jesus says if anyone loves Him, He and the Father will “make our home” with them. He’s here, at home, in our hearts.

Let’s not take lightly this precious gift from our Lord. If you aren’t sensing His Spirit’s working in your life, seek Him in prayer. We need to constantly empty ourselves of sins and distractions so we can be filled with Him.

Seriously, it’s for our good.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Ask God to help you identify the things that might be “hindering” the Holy Spirit’s power from being evident in your life.

2. Try making it a part of your prayer life to ask for His filling.

FURTHER READING:

John 16:5-16; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She and her husband Mark co-lead an on-site small group studying 2 Corinthians with Oakwood's Wednesday Night Community.

Conduct Becoming a Believer

By Karen D’Amore

“In the same way, let your light shine before men,

 that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

As a police officer, I was required to memorize the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. One vow within that code was, “I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all.” With the effectiveness of law enforcement being dependent on public respect and confidence, police officers are held to a higher standard…both on and off-duty. Continually under the watchful-eye and scrutiny of the public, our conduct was to align with the integrity and trustworthiness expected by them.  Any conduct (on or off-duty) which could detract from the public’s faith in the criminal justice system, or discredit the Department and/or other officers, was considered “conduct unbecoming an officer.”  “Conduct unbecoming” encompassed petty offenses to criminal conduct, with the penalties ranging from suspension to termination.

I recall an officer being suspended for displaying a “snarky” attitude with a hairdresser who cut her hair too short. Needless to say, I spent those twenty-one years perpetually developing my moral compass…with a hyper-sensitivity to attitudes and conduct which could tarnish “the badge.”

As Christ-followers, we too are held to a higher standard of conduct which transcends beyond merely being “law abiding citizens.” Paul reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NIV). “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15, NIV).

We need to keep our lives “unsullied” before God. We were once in spiritual darkness until Christ entered our lives and called us to be His light to the world. As we reflect the light of a Holy God, we are called to “be holy as He is Holy.” Throughout every  aspect of our daily life, we must consider our attitudes, choices and behavior with a deeper sensitivity to how we’re representing God.

As believers, we’re far-from-perfect… perpetual works-in-progress! With the help of the Holy Spirit we can identify those attributes that may be unbecoming to His name, and avert conduct which could potentially bring Him shame. As ambassadors for Jesus, living under the watchful eye and scrutiny of the unsaved world, we represent Him everywhere we go and in everything we do. This includes our jobs, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, sporting activities and even…hair salons.

So as not to dim our “lights”…let’s consciously work towards keeping our lives “unsullied” and our Jesus-badges tarnish-free.

And may we strive to honor our Commander in Chief…with “Conduct Becoming a Believer!”

GOING DEEPER:

1. How’s your conduct? Is your light dim or bright?

FURTHER READING:

2 Peter 3:11; Titus 2:7

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

Why Re-Write It?

By Lisa Boyer

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

John 8:10-11 (NIV)

I love listening to the words of songs by some of the amazing Christian artists of today (and yesterday)! Last week as I traveled home from visiting my mom, I had MercyMe’s Hurt and the Healer  CD playing. When track number four started, I found myself thinking about what an important message the song had and how much I would love to remind everyone of this message. Being that I’m not a singer, the only way I can convey the message of a song is by writing a devotional about it. But why re-write the song into a devotional when the song says it all:   

“To whom it may concern:  when will we learn we are all the same? Do you really think that you're the first to fall along the way? It may sound crazy but what if you don't try to run. Rather than kick our wounded, we could just lift you up….

I can see it's written on your face, it reads with every line, wishing you could somehow just erase or even turn back time. Don't let yourself buy into the lie that you are too far gone. So let us remind you that you're not what you have done.

… We're not throwing stones… You are not your shame… You can't go alone… We won't go away….

Breathe deep and believe that wherever you go, it don't matter how high, don't matter how low, it comes down to being found and Who you know….”

Did you catch that?

• we are all the same (Romans 3:22-23)
• don’t buy into the lie that you’re too far gone (Luke 19:10)
• you’re not what you have done (I Timothy 2:9)
• you are not your shame (Colossians 1:13-14)
• it comes down to being found and Who you know (Ezekiel 34:12, Philippians 3:8-9)

Wow. What else is there to say? Nothing! Okay, maybe just this: “Breathe deep and believe that wherever you go, it don't matter how high, don't matter how low, it comes down to being found and Who [Jesus] you know.” [1]

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you been struggling with shame over your past? Jesus paid for it on the cross. Today will you meet with Him in prayer so you that can be found and know Him?

2.  Is there someone in your life that needs to be reminded of this? Will you forward this devotional to them and then pray for them, being sensitive to how God may want you to help.

[1] Mercy Me: “To Whom It May Concern.” Fair Trade Services , 2012. Want to listen to this song? Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CoJN1IXuSk

Lisa has been married to Ted for over 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.

Trailblazer

By Elin Henderson

“Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our  pathway.”

Psalm 85:13 (NKJV)

When I was a little girl living in New England, each winter my dad would drag us out on the annual Christmas tree hunt. He wasn’t the type that went in for those “lots” where the trees are all cut and come with a little stand. Not Him! We would have to trek through the winter wonderland, deep into the woods, to find the perfect tree. This often meant wading through deep fields of snow. My dad would go first and blaze the trail and we would all follow along. He did the main work and we just toddled along behind.

The trailblazer is the one who does most of the work. He selects the path and prepares the way, clearing out obstacles so that those who are following behind will not be overwhelmed. There are always remaining obstacles, but the ones he leaves are the ones he knows the followers can handle. The job of the follower is to follow the lead and keep to the pathway that the trailblazer has marked out. If the followers try to venture off on their own, they will find the going pretty tough. However, if they are content to follow the trailblazer and keep stepping where he steps, the journey becomes do-able.

In the same way that I would stick right behind my dad as we wandered through the snow, stepping where he stepped and keeping my eyes on him, so also I need stick right behind God, the great Trailblazer of our lives. He knows what lies before us and will do the hard work of deciding on the right path. Sometimes, there are bends in the path where we might lose sight of Him, but He is always there, a few steps ahead, making the way clear and beckoning us to follow. 

So whether our life journey takes us through the harshest wilderness, the thickest forests, the deepest snowbanks, or the driest deserts, our Trailblazer always goes before us making the path passable.  Our job is to walk in His footsteps and stick on His pathway!

                  

GOING DEEPER:

1. How does knowing that God is our Trailblazer help us as we come upon what we would perceive as obstacles along the way? What about when the trail goes into areas we would prefer to avoid? 

                                                           

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 77:19; Psalm 17:5; Psalm 16:11

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 ten-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

Father Knows Best

By Karen D’Amore

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

Eight years ago, my husband and I raced through the Las Vegas airport with two dogs, numerous pieces of luggage and one way tickets to Wisconsin! The vivid memory feels like yesterday. The “one-way-ticket” element - - a first for me - - was challenging to embrace. Our Midwest travels would no longer be as visitors, but rather as residents. Originally born and reared in Southern California, this relocation was not something I would’ve ever envisioned for my life. But the clear, God-orchestrated plan was necessary.

Exchanging beach flip flops for snow boots, my new journey began as winter fell. Polar-opposite-living drew me to walk with wide-eyed baby steps. Everything was new: weather, wardrobes, terms, traditions and styles of worship. Knowing four people (all in-laws), God became the director of my social life. My first “friend,” a neighboring horse adopted me as if I were his own. In the beginning, the loneliness was daunting but God became my nearest, dearest and closest friend.

As I reflect on this eight-year journey, it symbolically mirrors the long and winding road on which I reside. This road has bends, curves, blind spots and potholes. In this relatively short journey, there have been multiple new beginnings and several ends. Life here has not been void of challenges, obstacles, frustrations and adversities; all of which served as fertilizer necessary to grow my faith. But there’s also been the most awestruck God-moments imaginable. In a kaleidoscope of the foreign and unfamiliar - - in a place that I wouldn’t have chosen  to call home - - I’ve never felt more at home!

My most valuable lesson in this relocation journey has been that our Heavenly Father truly knows best! Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness versus the most direct route (Exodus 13: 17-18), He will lead us down the best  path…but we need to follow Him. God’s best path doesn’t always guarantee the smoothest, least-resistant road but rather, the route which will strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him.

My life plan and journey never included relocation to the Midwest. When I sensed God’s leading in this move, I responded with reluctant faith. I love how God used this journey to draw me into a deeper relationship with Him. And it’s with unwavering faith that I can now  confidently proclaim that wherever  God leads I will  follow because this God-directed faith-journey has taught me that my Heavenly Father truly knows best!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Whose best are you trusting in?

FURTHER READING:

Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:16

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

“Making the Right Choice”

By Jeannine Sawall

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

So much is written about hope, about change, and the many promises we receive as believers. We can find devotionals filled with writings about suffering and desperation, relationships and marriage, children and even pets. We can find devotionals relating to hobbies, sports and friendships.  But there are few, if any, devotional books that cover sin and the responsibility of personal choice. Those books would probably be found at the half-price bookstore in the dollar bin! When it comes to sin, we don’t want to be reminded that we had a choice in the matter. That we are the ones who decided to head our own way and do our own thing. That we are the ones who said “yes,” when we should have said “no.”

We can find countless examples of biblical heroes who suffered the consequences of going their own way. Abraham and Sarah, David, Sampson, Jacob and Rachel. Each of these people made a choice to take a path independent of God. Each of them focused on his or her own way. Each of them decided his or her way was better than God’s way. Each of them had to pay the cost of that choice.

Any time our focus moves from looking for God and fixates on “me,” we can be sure we are going to make choices that take us down the path of disappointment and destruction. Any time we make demands of God or tell Him what He must do, we can be certain we will be heading in the wrong direction. Any time we make a choice without involving God in the decision-making process, we can be certain we are heading toward disaster. It’s a pretty straightforward equation, even if it’s not a popular equation. Choices made without alignment with God and His ways bring us into sin. 

Our choices have consequences. When we forge ahead and make those choices independently, we can’t look back in regret and ask God, “Where were you?” or, “Why did you allow this to happen?” We need to realize we have left God behind and take responsibility for our sin. However, in that next moment, we can confess our sin and be reconciled by the grace of God. The lesson is to then make sure that the next time we are faced with a choice, we invite God to be a part of the decision-making process.

Seeking God in all things is always the right choice!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What choices are you making where you need to stop and invite the Lord to be a part of them?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 21:2

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in the Oakwood Café on Wednesday nights, and is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

Scammed!

By Becci J. Terrill

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

I Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Recently, I fell prey to a scam. I’m embarrassed to admit it. I’m not someone who “falls” for things. I thought I had researched everything necessary to ensure the validity of the product before I ordered. When it arrived, I was careful to read everything and follow directions - - or so I thought. Fifteen days later, when I called to be certain that everything was going as I had expected, the scam was revealed.

I was embarrassed and upset. How could a company do this without proper notification? I made a few phone calls to report the situation and it was resolved. Another life lesson learned.

The hardest thing about the whole situation was admitting my poor judgment to my husband, and asking for his help. Why is that? I know he loves me no matter what I do and always has my best interest at heart. So it shouldn’t be a problem, right? It’s not a problem for him. It’s my pride.

As I reflected on my situation, I thought of ways the devil tries to scam me; after all, he is the original “scam artist.” Since he approached Eve in the Garden and scammed her into believing that God was wrong (Genesis 3), he has been scamming people ever since. Me included.

Throughout Scripture, God warns us to watch out for the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11) because he is prowling around like a lion looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8). We are also warned to watch out for teachers who look innocent on the outside, but are really wolves in sheep’s clothing - - aka scam artists (Matthew 7:15). Just when we forget to consult with the Father because we have done the “research” and have the answers, that’s when we let our guard down and get scammed. It’s Eve in the Garden all over again.

When I do get “scammed” in my spiritual life, I need to humbly admit my failure to the Father and ask for His help with the situation. I may have scars or consequences to pay, but I can be confident that in all things God works for my good (Romans 8:28) and that He will complete the good work he has begun in my life (Philippians 1:6). I’m so grateful for His unconditional love!

It was an uncomfortable lesson to learn. Fortunately, all I’ll end up with is product that doesn’t work and a meal of humble pie.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What “scam” has the devil been trying to pull on you?

2. How will you respond?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 6:10-18; I Peter 5:8 & 9; Genesis 3

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.

All the Rage…For Now

By Lexi Ellis

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace…”

Hebrews 13:8-9a (ESV)

I consider myself a relevant teacher. Over the years, I’ve drawn Angry Birds to demonstrate the distributive property, played Justin Bieber to identify prepositions, and blasted the “Frozen” soundtrack to display the necessity of sound waves needing a medium. Here’s my problem: The “it” game, toy or movie is constantly and quickly changing. Silly Bands, Squeakers, Minecraft, Rainbow Looms, Clash of Clans, Animal Jam at one point were/are all the rage for my students. The moment I’m ready to multiply minions from Despicable Me 2, The Lego Movie comes out!

This isn’t a new thing. I think of the classic 90’s toys I grew up with: Giga Pets, Fairy Flyers, Moon Shoes, zBots, Secret Keepin’s, Hit Clips. Oh the things we collected! Pogs, Pokémon, Beanie Babies…it was constantly changing. There’s only one in that list my kids know…and I’m not that old!

Sometimes I see fads change in the Church. Big foyers for a sense of community or smaller rooms to build meaningful relationship? Bible study structured this way, or the complete opposite? Missions emphasizing this  or that ?  Similarly, this isn’t new. It extends even to theological emphasis. Sometimes, we were focused on saving others from hell (yet did nothing to be an advocate for the oppressed). A couple decades later, the pendulum swung too far the other way and we focused exclusively on social work (yet never shared what fuels that generosity).

The point? Things all the rage right now will soon pass. But what I love about our God is He is eternally above the fads because He is constant. He is eternally above the “it” thing because He is unchanging. He is eternally above the things that will pass because His love and His grace are unending.

In the chaos of changing fads, we can read His Word and find truths that are as applicable now as when they were written. In the midst of change, our God is not “all the rage” just for now, one to be forgotten when replaced by the next thing, but is forever our Savior.

Today - - and every day - - may we live lives where we remember to rest in His “constant-ness.” May we approach His Word with the respect that timeless truth deserves. May we marvel in His power that means - - unlike Minecraft or Moon Shoes - - He does not change.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What things in your life are “fads” - - things that will soon pass?

2.  What attributes of God remind you of His “constant-ness”?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 37:28

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