He is Risen!
Matthew 28:1-10 (NKJV)

“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What a sight the angel must have been as He appeared at the tomb. And what a message he came to deliver! Jesus is risen…just as He said He would! What joy! What elation! What celebration! It had finally been accomplished…death was conquered once and for all. How do you respond in your heart at the truth that because Jesus died and rose again, you can live forever in Heaven with Him? Do you believe the news? Have you received the gift of eternal life?

2. Each Gospel account is more exciting and insightful than the next as it describes Jesus’ resurrection, appearances and interactions with His disciples and His ascension into Heaven. What key points do you take away from each of them?

FURTHER READING:
Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21

Sufferings
By Peggy Kleckner

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV)

God’s Word tells us that we are being formed into the image of Christ from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). In other words, we are being formed one small step at a time. In our verse today, Paul reminds us that the glory is revealed through our sufferings. If we are not tested, how can who we truly are be revealed?

I didn’t like reading Paul’s words on a recent morning. I was in the midst of a trial, which certainly felt like suffering. So the word “sufferings” jumped out at me. Once I completed the sentence, my spirit was calmed. Suffering is not God’s point, the glory that will be revealed is His point. I will wait patiently through my sufferings and set my focus on being watchful for the glory to be revealed. Christ in me is being revealed from glory to glory, but the process includes suffering…most truly good things do.

Childbirth includes suffering. An education includes the suffering of hard work. Olympic medals include suffering through difficult training and discipline. Somehow we have gotten the idea that we should just instantly be more like Jesus once we have accepted His gift of salvation. In reality, it is a process with many small steps, which will include suffering through trials.

Keep watching, the transformation is occurring. We don’t sit next to a tulip and expect to see the growth happening, but we do notice when it continues its natural process and blooms. The natural process of a growing Christian will include growth and blooming, too.

Watch for the glory to be revealed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you focusing on…your suffering, or the glory that will be revealed through it?
2. Will you choose to trust Him in the midst of your suffering?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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

Delightful Distractions

By Susan Klein

“Be still before the Lord….”

Psalm 37:7a (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but it seems whenever I decide to have some quiet time with the Lord, distractions are sure to follow. Most are little annoyances like a ringing phone or buzzing clothes dryer, and can usually be turned off or ignored. But some distractions can be downright enjoyable! How can I resist an adorable little feline who decides to playfully roll around in my lap, begging for attention? Or how do I not pause to focus on the unexpected deer outside the window? And whose nose can resist the tempting aroma of cookies fresh out of the oven? What’s a girl to do?!!

Let me share a few thoughts on this. First, God desires for us to enjoy His creation. Taking a momentary pause to scratch the chin of my kitty for a few seconds or admire the family of deer outside the window won’t dismay my heavenly Father. I believe it delights Him to see us delighting in the things He has created.

However, in my feminine humanness, I can allow myself to get absorbed in my “momentary” distraction. A few seconds can become a few minutes and even lead to other distractions along the way. I abandon my Bible to run for my camera before the deer get away. Or, I give in to the tempting aroma of the coffee cake, only to discover the dirty dishes in the sink that need tending to and an unfinished grocery list staring back at me. I leave my Father waiting...occasionally never getting back to Him at all.

Sometimes, I find it best to heed Jesus’ advice on prayer. In Matthew 6:6, He instructs His followers to enter into their prayer closet and close the door before they pray. While His instruction is meant to teach them to not be ostentatious before others in their prayers, I believe we can glean another lesson from this passage. When we want some serious time with our God, let’s get to a place where there are no distractions. A closet is not only a private place, but it is also generally a small, nondescript room with no windows and nothing in particular to draw our attention. While I wouldn’t sit in an actual closet, I can do things like close the blinds or put the cats in another room. If I am intentional in preparing my quiet place, it will not only allow me to focus my attention on my Father, but also to focus on what He’s trying to share with me.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some proactive steps you can take to ensure quality “quiet time” with God?

2. Do you have some tips you could share with a friend who might be struggling with distractions?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 10:40-42; Hebrews 12:1-2

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

What’s Around Your Neck?

By Elin Henderson

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck…”

Proverbs 3:3a (NKJV)

         

One of the first things we noticed in our village was that from the youngest infant to the most elderly, everyone wears one or more fetishes around their necks. They were quick to tell us that these fetishes (called “ehirisi” in the local language) are small cloth pouches within which are found leaves or written words that are meant to protect and heal them. You can tell by the color of the cloth which sickness they are hoping to be protected from. 

Something dangling around the neck is not easily missed; our eyes are naturally drawn to it.  Neither is it something easily forgotten by the one wearing it. Maybe that is why here in Proverbs 3, Solomon tells us that our neck should be well-adorned with two great objects: mercy and truth. 

We wear “mercy” to help us remember where we came from. It reminds us of what the Lord has done for us, as well as of His unfailing mercy that keeps us afloat each day. It also dangles there as a reminder to us to show mercy to those with whom we come into contact each day. 

We wear “truth” as a reminder of the need to walk in the truth and light that He pours out from Heaven above onto us. With truth comes transparency and vulnerability, all of which God desires to use in our own lives and those around us. As he reveals things to us, we must be willing to allow truth to shine into our dark worlds and purify us. 

So, what’s around our necks? Are we proudly showing the “Mercy and Truth” that He wants us to bind around our necks? Or do we have it tucked under our shirts and not as obvious as it should be?  Do people we come into contact with leave the encounter saying, “Wow, did you see that Mercy and Truth she was displaying?” Let us ask God to renew in us an awareness of these two adornments that He has asked us to wear. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. In Proverbs 3:3b, Solomon further admonishes us to write these truths on the “tablets of our hearts.” What does this mean in real life? How can writing these on the “tablets of our hearts” impact our lives and those we come into contact with?

2. Where else in Scripture are “mercy and truth” found closely linked together? Here’s a link to help:http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=mercy%20and%20truth&version1=50&searchtype=phrase&spanbegin=1&spanend=73  

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 57:10; Psalm 85:10; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 108:4

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.

What’s Wrong With Me?
By Lisa Boyer

“Finally, brothers…whatever is right…think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

The church bulletin read, “Today’s Message Is: ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’” The pastor began…“Have you ever asked yourself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ If you have or even if you’ve just felt that way, that uncertainty can become very devastating.” He went on to say, “If God brings us to the place where we ask ourselves ‘What’s wrong with me?’ it is meant to help us grow, overcome, and be free from the bondage of self-doubt. Let God show you what is right about you; why He loves and cares for you so much.” [1]

Nothing that is wrong with you can compare with what’s right about you:

• ·You are created in God’s image! “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).
• God cares for you! “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father…So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29, 31).
• Jesus prayed for you! “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message” (John 17:20).
• Jesus loves you and freed you from sin! “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood” (Revelation 1:5b).

GOING DEEPER:
1. The next time you find yourself asking “What’s wrong with me?” how will you refocus your attention to what’s right  about you from God’s perspective?

[1] Pastor Jerome Spencer, New Beginnings Christian Church, Waukesha, WI, May 2, 2010.

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.

Will the Real You Please Stand Up?

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside…but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Matthew 23:27b-28 (NIV)

If four people who know you from completely different areas of your life were asked to describe YOU…would they describe the same person?

Don’t blow through the question here. For instance, if the bank clerk, your employer, your neighbor, and your best friend, were all asked to describe the person they know you to be, would their descriptions be in line with each other?

Here’s another question: If your mom, daughter, or minister were to read your text messages, chat room exchanges, browsing history, and emails, would they line up with the person you portray to them?

“Hypocrite” is a really ugly word in our English language, full of negative connotation. Webster’s says a hypocrite is “a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs.”  Synonyms include “pretender” and “deceiver.” Ouch! But the fact is, if you or I claim to believe and act one way in church or at home, but an aspect of our life contradicts those beliefs, we are fulfilling the definition of…a hypocrite.

Jesus despises hypocrisy. He showed kindness and compassion for those who were caught in sin, while He rebuked the religious hypocrites of His day. He wants us to be single-minded, with a faith that is genuine and that is lived out in every arena of our lives and relationships. By no means is this an easy task. Sometimes, living out faith in Christ is hardest with those closest to us. Others struggle with the lure of secrecy and anonymity that the internet can provide.

I like how The Message puts how we should respond to the temptation of being “double-minded.”  Consider these words from James 4:7-10:

 “So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud ‘no’ to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet ‘yes’ to God and He'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is there an area of your life (work, friends, school, perhaps?) where Christ is not being honored in how you act?  Pray for strength to make changes in that area. 

2.  If the internet is a problem for you, consider a technology fast.  Replace tech time with prayer.  Get an accountability partner to help encourage you.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 86:11

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.

A Bottom Drawer Day

By Peggy Kleckner

“Why so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 43:5 (NIV)

I had a difficult day. I was worn out physically, mentally and emotionally. No major trauma, just the stuff of life. A bit of disappointment, a measure of work frenzy and restless thoughts had added up to weariness. I took appropriate action when I got home from work….I went to bed and covered up. My friend calls this “turtling”! Yep, I tucked in and tuned out; however, I did have a meeting to go to that night. So there I lay pondering what God would have me do. Some days, a nap is the right choice followed by an evening of staying put, but other days it is a trap of the enemy.

I smelled dinner in the crockpot and thought I better get up and take care of it, after all, no one else was home. Now I was up. Next, a shower was needed as I smelled like ant spray… don’t even ask for the rest of that scenario! As I was combing out my hair, the thought came to mind that this was a bottom drawer day. Not top shelf…open and above; bottom… beneath and closed. I laughed to myself at the description as I thought that “bottom” certainly described my feelings, but then I remembered my “bottom drawer.” I have a desk in my study - - a desk with a bottom drawer. In that drawer, I have been collecting notes of encouragement, thank you cards and the like, knowing that one day I may need a “pick me up.” How kind of God to remind me!

I fed the dog, gathered my dinner and headed to my first meeting of the evening, a meeting with the friends in the bottom drawer of my desk. What a delight to first run across a friend who had given me a piece of writing about putting on the armor of God for our spiritual battles, next came notes from a Bible study that included a page of Bible verses on fear - - both on facing fear and on the fear of the Lord. What a delight to wander back through friendships and places where the Lord had sustained me or used me in the lives of others. What a cup of refreshment for my weary heart.

Needless to say, I did head out to my other meeting, fed, clean and renewed by the One who knows me best.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you have a small stash of encouragement for when you hit a “bottom drawer” day?

2. Have you sent any written notes of encouragement that others can pull out on a “bottom drawer” Day? Do they include some of His life-giving words?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 12:25; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 58:11

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

The Least of These

By Brita Crouse

“...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

It was a hot summer day, the kind so humid it makes you simultaneously sleepy and sticky. I was worn out after an exhausting day and still had things to do. But, before I attempted to finish any work, I sat down in the middle of a sea of children and immediately had a dozen tiny hands combing through my long, blondish hair. Within 15 minutes, my head was covered in neat, tight cornrows. It may seem silly, but this image is what epitomizes my summer at the Rescue Mission.

After my junior year of college, I worked as a Summer School teacher at a local rescue mission. This was uncomfortable for many reasons: 1) I’m not an education major and hadn’t really taught before, 2) I’m (very) white and was working within a predominantly black community, 3) I was working for a Christian organization, but most of my students didn’t know Jesus, and 4) several of my students were homeless, and many had families who could barely make ends meet.

I still don’t know exactly why God brought me to this place. So many tears were shed out of frustration, feelings of inadequacy, and utter heartbreak for my students. Many were looked down upon by their community and even by their own families. Many did not know Christ’s love and their words and actions proved it.

I had countless visible moments of frustration throughout the summer, but God continually whispered in my ear, “Love them.” So, I let them play with my hair; I let them take their anger about a situation at home out on me; I did my best to show them kindness and patience.

God is still teaching me things about that summer. I may never see the impact of my ministry at the Rescue Mission, but if one of those kids experienced Christ’s love, any of the tears cried or doubts had or anger felt was worth it.

Jesus tells us what we do for “the least of these,” for those who are outcast by society, we are doing for Him. That alone is enough motivation to care for those most people don’t care about. Loving “the least of these” goes against what society tells us, but it’s exactly what God tells us to do because it means we are loving Him.

So, go, and love “the least of these.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. Listen to “Your Love is a Song” by Switchfoot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0rckZSB4_g). Start praying for opportunities to show love to “the least of these.” God may surprise you!

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 25:31-40; James 2:8

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56 and the Just Among Moms weekly childcare team.

Life-Giving Power of the “Son”

By Karen D’Amore

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - - it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

Blindsided by winter’s sudden arrival, I entered the season ill-prepared for what was to come. With a relentless scorn, winter snarled, pounced and bit like a raging lion…over and over again. Windows and walls insulated me from the frigid and frozen landscape. My heart ached to see my beloved wildlife forage relentlessly to ease their hunger since winter had robbed them of their natural food sources.

Finally, we had a day of reprieve where winter recoiled and the powerful sun was the victor. The rapidly melting snow - - puddled into micro-pools - - drew birds to flock for refreshment. Color emerged from beneath the thick blanket of snow and symphonies of birds shouted melodies of spring. From the dead of winter, the outside world came alive… resuscitated by the power of the sun.

Venturing beyond my protective barriers, I immersed myself in the thawing environment. With my lawn chair aligned with the unobstructed sun, I basked in the outstretched rays, drinking in every morsel of warmth.  And as the brilliant sun penetrated the surface of my skin, it seemed to awaken my soul. For the first time in months, I felt revived and alive. There was a stark contrast between how un-alive I’d felt throughout the frigid dark winter and how I felt moments after exposure to the powerful sun. As exposure to sunlight infuses our body with nourishing vitamin D, it restores, renews and replenishes us. God masterfully created the sun  to be life-giving!

I recall a season in my life when I experienced this stark contrast… spiritually. I was a prodigal daughter wandering in darkness and dead in my sin. Once my soul was exposed to the “Son,” I saw the Light and re-committed my life to Christ. After experiencing the power of the “Son,” I felt instantly resuscitated, restored and renewed! For the first time in my life, I felt truly alive.

As sun-deprived seasons affect us emotionally and physically, Son-deprived lives suffer spiritually. Are you suffering from Son-deprivation? Are you in need of restoration and renewal? Turn your face to God and bask in the eternal-life-giving power of His “Son!”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you prevent Son-deprivation?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 6:11; Romans 8:2, 9-11

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.

Pursuing Hospitality

By Susan Klein

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” 

Romans 12:13 (NIV)

I remember a time from my early childhood when moms would gather in our kitchen to discuss child-rearing, how to get stains out of clothes, and what to fix for dinner. I also recall the costume parties where neighbors from our street gathered in our four-family apartment building’s basement to unwind and have a little fun together. If someone was sick, children would be shuffled off to the neighbor’s or meals would be prepared and taken over. There was a sense of peace and security about this community of people.

I also remember how my dad loved to just “go for a drive” on a Sunday afternoon. We’d all pile into the car and inevitably end up at someone’s house for “just a quick visit.” It was not uncommon back then, and even welcomed. Not so much the norm today. To just show up at someone’s door would mortify some. Now we have to check our busy calendars, plan in advance, and hope nothing more important comes up that requires our attention. Times have definitely changed. Gone is the sense of peace and security (for many people) that comes with “community.” Our time is divided by so many things that there’s hardly room left for hospitality.

But God’s Word says that we are to practice hospitality; to spend time with guests and strangers. In fact, “practice,” in this case, is “to continually pursue” it. It’s really not optional. It’s what we are here for. God created people to live in community with each other, to do life together, to help carry each other’s burdens, and to celebrate life’s joys together. Oh, how we miss out on the blessings God has for us when we don’t pursue hospitality! One of my own greatest joys in life is inviting people into my home to get to know them, to share a meal with them, or to pray with them. Much laughter and many wonderful conversations have taken place around our kitchen table. It truly is a blessing for all involved. (And they really don’t care if my house is clean.) So, why do we let “other things” rob us of this blessing?

What if we were to start a new (old) trend? What would happen if everyone committed to setting aside some time every week or month to pursue hospitality? I’ll give you a glimpse of what would happen. New friendships would be made, peace and security would return, blessings would flow, and God would be glorified. Now, what could be more important than that?!!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Invite someone you don’t know very well over for lunch after church, or drop in on a shut-in. Be creative!

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:8-10

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.

The Look of Love

By Elizabeth Cole

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

Matthew 13:14 (NIV)

I once heard an extremely engaging speaker tell our church’s moms’ group a story about her face. She said that when she was a young woman, she had inadvertently glanced in a mirror as she passed by, and was utterly shocked by the scowl that reflected back. It so startled her that she had to sit down and give thought to it. Considering herself to be an inviting personality, she was saddened as she realized that this was the face her children and husband saw most…and it wasn’t even an accurate portrayal of her feelings toward them! What was simply “deep in thought” came across as frustration and irritation. At that point in her life, she decided to purposefully guard her facial expressions and conscientiously look her family members in the eye and smile…every day.  

I’m grateful for her decision. All my conscious memories of my precious mom are after she’d made that choice!

There’s something about a look that conveys so much, isn’t there? A furrowed brow, the lack of eye contact, a disapproving wrinkling of the eyes, the downturned mouth. Or consider the opposite: a gentle glance, a warm gaze, a tender smile. I can’t help but think that Jesus must’ve had that kind of face as He walked among the crowds of broken people. What kind of approachable look did He have that would cause little children to run to Him, lepers to approach Him, an outcast woman to touch His cloak, or crowds to follow Him to a remote place in search of healing? Surely His face conveyed His compassion, and His availability.

I’m challenged today to reflect my Savior’s love and availability in the way I look at…and to…others.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take a glance in the mirror. How can you intentionally convey compassion without words?

2. How will you create enough margin in your life to authentically communicate availability?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 15:13; Mark 10:21; Luke 19:1-10

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

Love in the Middle Of

By Lexi Cole Ellis

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..."

1 John 3:1a (NIV)

In 1882, George Matheson sat alone on the night of his sister’s wedding. Twenty years prior, Matheson was first in his class, a promising minister and engaged to be married. Devastatingly, he gradually became blind and his fiancée left him because of it. His sister cared for him, but life was changing with her marriage. Alone and blind, this accomplished minister struggled with resurfaced feelings of loss.(1) 

Loss is universal. The older I get, the more profound loss I see in my life and in the lives of people I love: loss of a relationship, loss of health, loss of a job, loss of a dearly loved one. Some loss is chosen; often, it’s loss we never asked for. Recognizing his own loss, Matheson wrote this hymn in five minutes:

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that follows all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seeks me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that lifts up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be. (2)

There are two things that have touched me through this hymn. The first speaks of a love from a powerful God that is unfailing. The mere fact that His love is steadfast is extremely powerful. His is a love that will never let us down…it won’t let us go. Secondly, Matheson alludes to the Holy Spirit who follows, seeks and guides us. In the midst of loss, we can choose to be in relationship with the Creator of the Universe who comforts His children and guides them through His Spirit.

Our loss is oh so real. Our God comforts and heals in the midst of our brokenness, and  His love is forever constant. Matheson experienced loss - - loss of his sight, loss of a loved relationship, loss of a hoped-for future - - but in that, he chose to cling to His God of Love.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How have you seen your God of Love at work in the middle of your own loss?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 66:13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

(1) http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/oltwnlmg.htm

(2) When I was in college, we sang this hymn arranged by my director. Here’s another arrangement of this hymn (some classic Gaither) if you would like to listen to it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAH1HuUqLZo

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

I Can Hear You Now

By Jeannine Sawall

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of Him."

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

Two years ago, I spent a few days in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It was a great place to escape, with beautiful snow-covered landscapes and quiet days in the cottage. I had planned a reflective time to finish a couple writing projects I was working on. In the middle of one of the projects, I realized I needed the internet and we do not have internet access at the cottage. No problem…I have a smart phone. However, being as rural as we were, I was not getting a strong enough signal. My wireless devices left me without the ability to communicate. 

As I sat there grumbling, growing more frustrated by the failure of my technology and watching my productive day go down the drain, I heard the Lord whisper to me, “I can hear you now.” What? “I can hear you now,” He said again. I smiled as He reminded me His prayer line is always available. I bowed my head, thanked Him that His service always has a strong signal, and told Him my needs. A short time later, the neighbor came home and, after hearing my technology issues, graciously offered me their internet I.D. and password to use anytime we came up to the cottage. I was back in business.

Most of us depend on technology every day. We google information, share our joys and heartaches on Facebook and wouldn’t think of leaving the house without our cell phone. However, each of these communication technologies can fail us at times. How blessed we are to have the Lord available at anytime and anywhere. He always has a strong signal, He never drops a call, and His wi-fi is never password-protected! While technology is a great thing, having the Lord available at all times is an even greater thing. Instead of choosing to search the internet or dial up a friend when faced with trouble or joy, we can make the choice to reach out and up to our Lord. He is waiting to hear from us, He has answers, and He can hear us now…and forever.

GOING DEEPER:
1. When faced with trouble or joy, who do you choose to share it with first: the Lord or others?

2. How much time do you spend with Jesus compared to Facebook or other technology?

FURTHER READING:
James 1:5-6; Matthew 7:7-11; Hebrews 4:16

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.

He Knows My Name

By Brita Crouse

“But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.’”

Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)

I will be the first to admit that my name is a difficult one to figure out. I have been called every version and variation possible, but I’m most commonly called “Brit-ah,” and then usually asked, “Like the water filter?” (In case anyone is wondering, I DO hear that all the time!) My name is actually pronounced “Bree-duh” and derives from my Norwegian ancestry. It has no meaning, at least not in the English language, and is fairly uncommon. In fact, I’ve never met someone with the same name as I!

A name is an important part of a person. It can be a representation of heritage or culture, and is especially chosen for us by our family. A name gives a sense of self and belonging. It’s probably one of the first things you learned how to write and it’s one of the first things you tell someone about yourself. When you call someone by name, you are reaffirming their significance as a person. See how important a name is? It’s truly a part of our identity.

It’s probably accurate to say that my name is mispronounced more than it is pronounced correctly, but I take solace in this truth: God knows my name and exactly how to pronounce it.

Even more than that, God knows every other identifying and intimate aspect of my life. And, He knows just as much about you, too!

• He knows our actions and thoughts (Psalm 139:2).
• He knows our past, present, and future (Psalm 139:3).
• He knows our words before we even speak (Psalm 139:4).
• He always knows where we are and what we are doing (Psalm 139: 7-12).
• He knows how we were made because He was the One who created us (Psalm 139: 13-15).
• He knew us before anyone did and knows about every day we will live (Psalm 139:16).

Yes, God knows all these things about YOU! He knows your name (and how to pronounce it), and calls you by that name. God desires an intimate and personal relationship with each of His children and He shows this desire when He calls us by name, when He calls us His own.

Take joy in the fact that you are known and called by name by the One True God!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How does knowing how much God loves and knows you change the way you will live your life?

2. This week, try addressing everyone by name. See what a difference it will make.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 139:1-16; John 10:1-5, 11

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56 and the Just Among Moms weekly childcare team.

The God Of All Comfort

By Susan Klein

“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… ”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4a (NIV)

If given a blank canvas, how might you paint a picture of “comfort”? Perhaps your idea of retreat involves a big bowl of pasta or some other comfort food. Or, maybe you’d paint yourself in your favorite comfy clothes curled up under a big blanket. For some, conversing with a trusted friend or a day at the spa brings the best repose from one’s woes. We’d each paint our own unique picture of what soothes our souls in trying times.

I wonder, though, if anyone would paint God. “Well,” you might (rightly) say, “We don’t know what He looks like!” True, yet Scripture tells us God is the Father of compassion and the God of ALL comfort. Usually when I read this passage above, my focus tends to fall on the last part of verse four, which says; “…so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” As I’ve re-read and meditated on this passage, a few new insights have come to mind.

First, we are to go to God to be comforted before turning to other people or things. While He is the giver of good gifts such as food, friends, blankets, He desires for us to seek solace in Him more than in His gifts. Nothing else can compare with His perfect peace and everlasting compassion.

Secondly, we shouldn’t be too quick to rush in and offer others comfort ahead of God. If we do, we may be robbing them of the best comfort that only He can provide. We’d be practicing true sisterly love if we pointed them toward God first, then offered our chicken soup or listening ear.

Finally, we are to offer the comfort “we ourselves have received.” God’s provision of comfort is not solely for our benefit! We are often used by God to help another who is going through a similar trial. For example, when I lost a baby, I received the most comfort from other women who had lost a baby as well. Not to say we can’t provide solace to anyone in need, but drawing from our own experiences and the comfort God has shown us is often the most helpful.

In being reminded of these insights, perhaps a better question is, “If given a blank canvas, how might you portray the Great Comforter?”  

GOING DEEPER:

1. What creature comforts might you be turning to before your heavenly Father?

2. How might your own provision of comfort overflow into someone else’s life?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 66:13; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7

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.