Just Get in the Chair
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me [Jesus].”
John 14:21a (NIV)

My daughter, like many of us, does not like to have the attention of others focused on her. The idea of being pointed out in a large group of people is mortifying. Maybe you can relate.

Two years ago, my daughter was at a school assembly where a world-class basketball team consisting of wheelchair-bound athletes was giving a demonstration. Shannon was chosen to participate. While she was reluctant and about to decline the invitation, her friends extended a bit of peer pressure to encourage her. She got in the wheelchair, took a basketball in hand, and began to concentrate on what the instructor was saying. (Listening was important if she did not want to look foolish in front of a couple of hundred classmates.) Shannon ended up having a lot of fun, and her comment to me was, “Mom, I pretty much forgot about all the other kids watching me when I started playing the game.”

Isn’t our life the same way sometimes? There might be times when you are asked by God to come forward, and perhaps the attention of other people might be focused on you. Maybe you’ll mess up the task, lose the ball, or fall out of the chair a few times. But Christ asks for us to focus on Him…to listen to His instructions…to shut out the distractions…to forget what someone else might think…and obey anyway! And as we do that, the task He’s asked us to perform on His team becomes more important than the crowd on the sidelines.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is God moving you reluctantly out of your comfort zone? What steps of obedience do you need to take?
2. Is a friend being moved to something new? How can you “extend a bit of peer pressure” to be an encouragement?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 4:18

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn serves Oakwood Church in Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries. 

Security

By Tracy Smith

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

Thursdays use to be my grocery shopping day.  In running my errands, I would pass my oldest son’s middle school. Two years ago, on one particular Thursday, I happened to glance at the school as I drove by and saw my son sitting on the sidewalk reading a book! I pulled into the parking lot; after he was in the van, he told me that he had missed the bus. Knowing his dad could be there within the hour, he called his dad’s cell phone and left a message to pick him up. When I asked why he didn’t call me, he responded that he knew I grocery shopped that day. I reminded him that the reason I saw him is that one of the stores I shop at is right across the street from his school!

In recounting the story to my sister, something occurred to me - - my son was so secure in the knowledge that his dad would come get him when he got the message that he was calmly sitting on the sidewalk reading a book! He was in no way worried about how he would get home.

If my son can have that much security in the love and trustworthiness of his earthly father, why do I struggle with having that same trust in my heavenly Father?

In asking that question, I decided to search out Bible verses that I can use to remind me of God’s character.  My favorite is the one at the top of this devotional; here are a few more that really resonated with me:

“In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.” Psalm 22:4 

“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 

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4  

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

GOING DEEPER

1. Have you been struggling with fully putting your trust in the Lord? If so, would you commit to memorizing a verse about God’s trustworthiness?

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.

(Parentheses)

By Elin Henderson

“To declare Your loving-kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

 Psalms 92:2 (NKJV)

In a time when life has a lot more unknowns than knowns, God has given me this precious verse to remind me that He has placed His parentheses around me each and every day.  Every morning, He awakens me with a declaration of His loving-kindness and every night I fall asleep being reminded of His faithfulness.  Everything that happens in between falls into the protected middle and are filtered through these two little (curved walls).

His loving-kindness reminds me that He has a love for me that will never let me go, a deep tenderness combined with consideration.  That is the Hebrew translation in a nutshell of this word “chesed”. [1] It means more than love and more than kindness, rather the best of both! It signified the covenant between God and Israel and the same could be said with us, His children bought by the precious blood of His son!

His faithfulness brings to mind God’s unchangeableness.[2] There is no shadow of turning with Him.  It is a reminder of His consistency towards me, and the fact that He will never leave nor forsake me. 

May you remember these parentheses as well when you wake up each day and fall asleep each night. May they hedge you in every hour of every day: His tender consideration which will never let us go starting you off, and His consistent character and unchangeableness closing you in for the day!

         

GOING DEEPER:                                               

1. What’s a practical way you can remind yourself (or others) of these “parantheses”? (Write it on a card above your bed? Put it on your fridge? On your coffee maker?)

2.  How can this impact the way we handle the things (and people) that come our way during the day?

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 36:7; Psalms 40:10; Psalms 89:1; Lamentations 3:22-23

[1] http://www.bible-researcher.com/chesed.html

[2] http://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/faithful-faithfulness.html

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and eleven-year-old Elias.

A New Woman

By Karen D’Amore

Therefore, if anyone is  in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;

behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV, emphasis added)

As my fortieth high school reunion grew near, I spent hours flipping through the pages of my senior yearbook. In an effort to refamiliarize myself, I studied pictures and re-read classmates’ personal inscriptions. Because I’ve rarely reflected on that period of life, it was somewhat a blur. But that reflection process illuminated the contrast between who I was…and who I am today!

Relocating to a new city, I began my first year of high school a stranger to most. Unlike junior high, where I was active in sports, cheerleading, service clubs and student council, I refrained from such activities. My unique style of dress and mysterious loner-like eccentricity impelled students to notice me…yet not really know  me. My involvement in a local church translated into “religious-ocity” versus a personal identification with Jesus. As a deep introspective thinker, the maturity of my life-thoughts distanced me from my peers. My passion for writing spurred involvement with the school newspaper and yearbook. And as editor of our senior yearbook…the book became my voice to unlocking the mystery of “me.”

Other than a handful of Facebook connections, I haven’t stayed connected to the majority of my classmates. After much introspection and prayer, the decision to attend this particular reunion was prompted by God. As I considered the years that bridged time between the girl I was back then and the woman I am today, the contrast is as different as night and day.

The woman I am today is not the result of anything manufactured by me: not hard work, education or personal successes. I am who I am today because of the miraculous work of a loving and merciful God. Because of my personal relationship with Jesus, I’m a new woman, being continually molded into the image of Jesus. My motive for attending this reunion was for the express purpose of displaying the transforming work of our Lord. As classmates would be drawn to remember the girl in the picture on my nametag, my hope was that they would linger just long enough to see the contrast in the woman I am today.

With the reunion now behind me, I’m praising God for the opportunity to show Him off! In the process of reconnecting with old friends/acquaintances and meeting some new, God orchestrated opportunities to share my transforming faith journey. Reliving that journey served as a valuable reminder that I’m nothing without Jesus - - but because of Him - - I’m a “new creation…the old things have passed away…behold, all things have become new.”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you better reflect the “newness” of who you are in Christ?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:24; 1 Peter 1:23

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.

Compassion without Compromise

By Susan Klein

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Our society is all about encouraging compassion. “Give to the United Way.” “Help the hurricane victims.” “Donate to Coats For Kids.” Whether it’s in our own backyard or overseas, if there is a need, Americans want to step in and help. In fact, as Christ-followers, Scripture exhorts us to exhibit the same kind of compassion that our heavenly Father bestows upon us. But is our compassion truly like His?

As I peruse my Bible, I see many examples of God’s compassion, also referred to as mercy. Hmm…mercy implies forgiveness. And, forgiveness implies an acknowledgement of sin. Am I possibly missing something in my compassion? I once heard a speaker talk about loving our neighbors as ourselves. He boldly questioned if, while in our showing love to people, we are actually “loving them to hell?” In other words, are we so caught up exclusively in the “acts” of compassion that we are forgetting to share the “message” of compassion? True love is God sending Christ to die for sinners so that they aren’t condemned to a horrific eternity. True compassion on my part is sharing that message with the lost. It’s leading people to the God of all compassion. If I work hard to show acts of kindness and love to someone, but I show no regard for his or her salvation, am I compromising the truth of compassion? Of course, there are definitely times when we are called to simple acts of kindness without sharing the gospel, but God also presents times when we are to share a bit more.

Our pastor has been taking us through the book of Romans. Recently, I was greatly convicted by Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” (NIV). I learned this verse years ago while helping my kids memorize it for AWANA. I’ve always believed I’d never be ashamed of the gospel if challenged about my faith. But as I read it this time, I was convicted that “not sharing it” when presented with an opportunity is practically the same as “being ashamed of it.” God showed me that in my recent acts of compassion for a dying unbeliever, I have not actually shared the gospel message of forgiveness. I had to ask some friends to hold me accountable, to not “love this friend to hell.”

In our compassion, we must be careful not to compromise. In our loving on people, let’s be careful to also compassionately direct them to the One who grants mercy and forgiveness.

GOING DEEPER:

Will you accept the challenge to not compromise in your compassion?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 105:8-13; Colossians 3:12-14

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council.

Goodness
By Elizabeth Cole

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

We’ve been eating a lot of fruit in our house lately. I think it might be a desperate attempt to hold on to summer…despite howling winds, orange-hued leaves and the need for a coat! But all that fruit has re-reminded me of what we all know: Just because it looks good on the outside doesn’t mean it’s good on the inside. Especially green grapes. Within the last several weeks, I’ve been literally disappointed by “sour grapes”!

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is listing the fruit of the Spirit as examples of what Spirit-led living looks like. The Galatian church had alarmed him with news of its conflicts: theological, social and gender. So he offers them the answer to conflict: Living by the Spirit. (1) Then he illustrates it with a picture. And that bountiful harvest includes goodness.

One of the reasons I like the biblical word “goodness” is because it’s efficient…it not only describes a state of being (moral and spiritual excellence known by its sweetness), but also its results (active kindness). (2) Makes me think of those other green grapes I’ve had in my home…the ones that not only looked delectable, but tasted as good as they looked! Good fruit.

The goodness that only the Holy Spirit can produce in our lives is a goodness which flows from a rightly-movitated heart. Oh dear. That means that martyr-complex attitude after serving? Not good fruit. The unseen irritation when helping a friend? Yeah…not good fruit. The giving of resources out of obligation? Nope.

I can’t help but be dismayed when I think about authentic goodness. My first reaction is to tell myself how much I’ve got to work on that. And then Scripture reminds me: We’re not talking about my hard work; we’re talking about “fruit that is supernatural in origin (being the Spirit’s fruit) and natural in growth (being the Spirit’s fruit).” (3) It is the Spirit who produces the fruit from within me, the fruit that is evidence to other people of His residence in my life. My part? To ensure the garden of my heart has right conditions for fruit to naturally grow. Conditions of soft soil, of sowing what pleases the Spirit, of not growing weary in doing good (Galatians 6:8-9, NIV). Then the supernatural fruit naturally follows!

I’m headed to the Piggly Wiggly later today looking for a last bowl of sweet fruit. You know, the kind that looks and tastes like goodness!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where is the Spirit at work aligning your heart and actions toward authentic goodness?

FURTHER READING:
2 Thessalonians 1:11

(1) Scott McKnight, The NIV Application Commentary, pp. 277-278.
(2) John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Galatians, p. 168.
(3) John Stott, Baptism and Fullness, p. 103.

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

Whose Interests?
By Jen Wollner

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Philippians 2:4-5 (NIV)

My husband is a patient man who rarely complains about anything. One of his particularly selfless acts speaks volumes about his character: He gets up with our “early risers” everyday and has never once griped about it! Now, if you are a morning person, this might not seem like a big deal to you. But, if you are a night-owl like I, well, it’s a precious gift to be able to stay in bed a few extra minutes, if the schedule allows. But, it’s more than that. See, we often go to bed at the same time. Some nights he even stays up later than I do. So, it’s not that he’s an “early to bed, early to rise” kind of guy. He would love to stay in bed and catch some more Z’s, too, but he doesn’t…and he never grumbles, never asks me to get up instead and never complains about how tired he is. He just does it, attending to the needs of his children and, in turn, honoring his wife.

We all know people who serve tirelessly, looking out for the interests of someone beyond themselves. The soldier who risks life and limb to defend the freedoms of a nation. The friend who clears her busy schedule to be a listening ear and shoulder to cry on. The missionary who gives up personal comfort and safety to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the poor and needy. The wife who cares for months, or years, for her ailing husband.

I’m ashamed to admit that my own attitude is too often dictated by my moods, circumstances and selfish desires. I’m eternally grateful that we have not only a forgiving God, but also the living example in Jesus Christ of what kind of sacrificial attitude is pleasing to the Lord. And, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can rise above our selfish nature and add others’ needs into the mix.

I’m so grateful to my husband for the ways he cheerfully “looks to the interests of his family.” And, until our children are teenagers who sleep the morning away, he will have many more opportunities to display a Christ-like attitude in our home!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What do you find yourself grumbling about? How can you change your attitude about this situation and, instead, be a better representative of Christ?
2. Who in your life has put your interests before his/her own? Write a thank you note to that person.

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:17

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

Intentional

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“…Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58b (NIV)

Earlier this summer, my friend and I were at our husbands’ softball game. I had brought the puppy since we were intentionally practicing a skill with him. After a long day with him, I was working on not being frustrated and continued to do our training. My friend looked at me and said, “I’m impressed with how intentional you guys are with Calvin and his training. Keep it up; you’re doing a great job.”

It was what I desperately needed to hear. But I realized it wasn’t just Calvin; every sphere in my life puts intentionality at a high importance. A teacher…wife…friend…sister and daughter…ministry volunteer and leader…coworker. And - - similar to occasionally feeling tired at the intentionality that’s required with being a “puppy parent” - - there are times I’m exhausted with the amount of work and intentionality needed in my other roles.

Take a moment to look at some of the spheres in your life where you’re intentional in spiritual development.  My response is similar to my friend’s comment: Keep it up! You’re doing a good job! The tireless, spiritual intentionality you invest in your relationships, your marriage, your kids, your job, your ministry is worth it when it’s done with a heart of humility. The diligence you bring to those roles is God-honoring. He sees:

• the way you have continually prayed for open doors with a coworker
• the patience you have as you constantly work every day to be the faith-trainer in your child’s life and the really hard diligence you pursue to develop your child’s spiritual, emotional and social formation
• the loving respect you choose to have for your husband
• the kind words you choose to express to a family member or friend…even when it’s hard
• the overflow you expend by volunteering your time and talent to the Church

Thank you for your intentionality and being willing to be in it for the long haul. It’s worth it, despite the days it feels overwhelming, futile and frustrating. Luckily, we have a God who knows that intentionality can often bring tiredness and frustration, and He has given believers His Spirit, His Word and His offer to come to Him when we’re weary (Matthew 11:28-30).

I’m thankful my friend noticed our intentionality when I was frustrated and encouraged me to keep it up. Thank YOU for the intentionality you’re choosing every day in your relationships. Keep it up…keep being intentional in pointing others to Him. I promise it’s worth it!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How are you choosing to be intentional in spiritual development in your relationships?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 20:35, Hebrews 6:10
 

Lexi is married to Andrew and has an adorable puppy named Calvin. She serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Leaving the Past Behind

By Karen D’Amore

“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13b-14 (NIV)

It’s been nearly thirteen years since I left my Southern California roots. A recent trip home for my fortieth high school reunion prompted the longing for a walk down memory lane. Taking time to re-visit those pivotal memory markers from my past proved to be an interesting experience. Chronicling the journey through photos on Facebook, I returned to my old homes, schools, churches, neighborhoods, past jobs, restaurants and favorite hang-outs.

With my memory set ablaze, archived images rose to the forefront of my mind. At first, those memories evoked smiles and laughter as I reflected on “the good ‘ol days!” Unfortunately, those memories of family and friends, laughter and joy were also fused with historical wounds, sins, insecurities, regrets and failures. For weeks those undesirable  memories infiltrated my dreams, plaguing me with painful thoughts, guilt and shame. Succumbing to those crippling thoughts gave Satan a stronghold over my mind…spiraling me into a state of oppression.

Though cognizant of my spiritual battle, I struggled to free myself from the enemy’s grip. After fervent prayer, meditating on Scripture and stillness before God, I was eventually set free from that battle. As I reflected on Isaiah 43:18-19a (NIV), “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing,” I was reminded that we can’t move forward if we’re continually looking backwards.  And also, God can’t do “a new thing” if we’re stuck on the old things!

While our human nature is compelled to dwell on negatives from the past, we can work to anticipate and focus on our perfect eternal future. And though we aren’t able to change the past, we can’t allow it to dictate or define our future. As Christ-followers, Scripture assures us, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, NIV). Through our freedom in Christ, we are no longer prisoners to our past. As we change our focus, we can replace painful thoughts of the past with scriptural promises for the future. When we surrender to the “new thing” God is doing, He can transform us from wounded soldiers…into His spiritual warriors!

Commit your future to Christ and leave the past behind!

“When the past calls, let it go to voicemail, it’s got nothing new to say!” [Author Unknown, 1]

GOING DEEPER:

1. Is something from your past holding you prisoner?  Relinquish it to God!

2. What things do you need to eliminate to free you from the past?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 44:21-23; Colossians 3:9

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.

Choose What is Better

By Brita Crouse

“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Last year, my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. So, as a present, I wanted to appropriately celebrate with a surprise party. I spent weeks planning out details and delegating tasks to my very helpful family and friends. The day of the party was spent setting up tables and place settings, making and putting out food, decorating, checking sound equipment and the projection screen, and making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. In the end, my parents were surprised and enjoyed celebrating this momentous occasion with people they loved.

As for me, I enjoyed the organizing and planning that this kind of event required. But, I spent much of the party keeping the music playing or refilling food or getting the slideshow started or making sure everyone was well-fed and having a good time. In focusing so much on these details, I found myself losing sight of what the celebration was about. I had to keep reminding myself to just sit down and enjoy the people around me.

It’s important to note that an organized nature is not inherently bad; it’s part of how God made some of us. It’s when this love of planning and organization grows greater than our love for God and for people that this passion becomes a problem.

In many ways I find myself relating to Martha, Mary’s sister. When Jesus comes to visit, to teach and eat, Martha gets caught up in the preparations, while Mary spends her time intently listening to Jesus. Martha sees Mary as being lazy because she is not helping hostess. I’m sure Mary saw Martha as being too tightly wound and wished she would just relax and listen to what Jesus had to say.

I am always “that person” who has to clean up or have everything in order before I can enjoy myself. Sometimes, though, I just need to relax and be with people or spend time with God instead. Life can be crazy and hectic and overwhelming, but it’s always worth it to take a minute to remember the big picture and think about why we are really here on Earth.

It is never a waste to spend more time with people or with God, so choose what is better.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Who do you relate to in the above passage? What are ways you can find a balance between the two personalities in your everyday life?

2. Make it your prayer today to “choose what is better.”

FURTHER READING:

Luke 10:38-42; Psalm 118:24

Brita is currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

The Swans

By Vernette Kureck

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Luke 11: 11-12 (NIV)

“Lord, it would be the end of a perfect summer if I could just see those swans.” That was my lament a couple years ago on a colorful, sunny day as my husband and I chugged around Lake Nagawicka for the last boat ride of the season. We had heard that a family of swans had taken up residence on the lake, but we had never seen them. As we approached the entrance to our back channel, lo and behold, there they were, looking beautiful and majestic in their white plumage. We parked the boat and I ran down to the other end of the channel so I could enjoy their feeding frenzy on the duckweed. 

That following summer, we had seen the swans every time we went out on the lake…and there were now three families. Whenever I saw them, I was grateful and remember how sweetly God honored my simple prayer the year before. John 14:13 says, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (NIV) In my prayer life, I have asked God for big things and small things, trusting that His perfect will be done. Answers have come in the form of “yes,” “no” or “not now.”

Jesus loves to glorify the Father, the Creator of all the universe. For me to enjoy those swans was to bring praise to the Father’s workmanship. In the context of the above Scripture, Jesus is teaching that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is far more important than receiving material blessings. The lesson for me last fall was to see how much the Lord was aware of my desires expressed in less-than-ardent prayer form, and His willingness to give me the good gift: seeing the swans. The lesson that summer - -  every time I saw the swans - - was how His good gifts are multiplied and manifested through the Holy Spirit. My prayer became the last stanza of an old hymn: “God, who touchest earth with beauty, make me lovely too.  Keep me ever by thy Spirit, pure and strong and true.” [1] 

GOING DEEPER

1. Do you have any natural reminders of answered prayer that lead you to praise God?

2. Which “good” gifts have you been focusing on?

  

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 7:7-11; Galatians 5:22

[1] C.Harold Lowden,  “God, Who Touchest Earth With Beauty”

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

The Lord, my Strength

By Peggy Kleckner

“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

Psalm 28:7a (NIV)

Two years ago, I was invited to a birthday party. That sounds fun, even as an adult, doesn’t it?  Especially when it is for a dear friend who loves you, and you know quite a few of the others who are invited. So why, on the day of the party, was I feeling fear and anxiousness?

I had to ask myself that question and let God answer it. He and I have been walking together for some time now, and the review of my journey brought some revelation. Years ago, a party meant drinking.  While in that phase, I hid behind alcohol. No one had to see the real me.  Drinking gave me something to do at the party, and whatever behavior someone didn’t like, I could blame on the alcohol. Thankfully, I lived through that phase of my life, surely by His grace. I have also hidden behind words. That may sound odd to you, but think about it for a few minutes: Don’t you know people who talk incessantly?  I am one of those people. God has helped me to recognize that this has been a defense. If I just keep talking about a topic of my choosing, no one can ask me something I don’t know or about anything I don’t really want to discuss. It also feels safer behind a great shield of words. However, this is surely wearing on others and leaves the talker very lonely. Lonely, because we won’t let anyone in to find the real us.

I have even hidden behind my husband; he seems to be better at mingling. Perhaps he is applying some of these defenses as well, but at least two feels safer than being a one. Unfortunately, it was hunting season and he was not available.

My final defense has been food. At least eating gives you something to do, something to focus on. God has been dealing with this habit, as well. Spending the night on a nonstop munch was not a choice that God would approve of.

Suffice it to say, this was a test. Not a test for me to pass or fail, but one where God could show me just how far He has brought me. The people were gracious, the evening was delightful, and I accepted His strength in place of my former addictive behaviors.  May His name be praised.

“My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”  Psalm 29:7b (NIV)

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What situations make you anxious?

2.  Are you willing to trust God to lead you into new healthy behaviors?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 147:10-11; Proverbs 30:5; Colossians 3:2-3

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

The Worry Vortex

By Elin Henderson

“Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”

Philippians 4:6 (NLT, emphasis added)

Many of us experienced (to some degree or another) the infamous “Polar Vortex” of this past winter - - and we are all praying it doesn’t strike again, right??!  A cold mass of air moved down from the Arctic and just sat there whirling around the Northern part of the United States.

What if the program you are listening too suddenly stopped and you heard a “BEEP! BEEP! BEEEEEP!! This is a report from the Severe Worry Warning Center, an area of pressure has formed over your heart and a cycle of inefficient thoughts have been seen whirling around a center of fear. A severe worry warning has been issued!” If only, we would say! Usually, like most storms, we aren’t given much warning and are left to deal with the aftermath.

This is exactly how Corrie Ten Boom describes worry. She said, “Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” [1] We have “Worry Vortexes” that form in our hearts and souls continually. It doesn’t take much to spur one on and unless we are prepared, we are often majorly affected! The “pressure” moves in and the next thing we know, our senses are flooded with inefficient thoughts about it. This is further worsened by a sinking feeling of fear that whirls uncontrollably in our spirits.

So, how can we prepare ourselves for the oncoming “Worry Vortexes” that plague us continually? Paul gives us some clues in Philippians 4:6-8. Let’s work backwards. In verse 8, we see that as we place our whirling inefficient thoughts before Him, and focus in on what is true and good, and we take the time to pray and even thank Him (verse 6), He moves in and replaces the center of fear with a center of peace (verse 7), thus disbanding the whole vortex! 

Let’s stay alert to the Worry Warning Centers of our hearts. When we feel the pressure moving in and a new center of fear forming, let’s quickly disband it by applying Philippians 4:6-8! By His strength we can send these Worry Vortexes back to where they came from!  

GOING DEEPER:      

1. We can’t stop the pressures from forming in or on our hearts, but using the above, what can you do to keep them from becoming worry vortexes?

2. How do inefficient thoughts lead to fear and thus worry?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 12:22-31; 1 Peter 5:7; Colossians 3:2

 [1] http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/181088-worry-is-a-cycle-of-inefficient-thoughts-whirling-around-a

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

Desert of Discontent

By Susan Klein

“‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered.”

John 6:43 (NIV)

If complaining or grumbling doesn’t really accomplish anything, why do you suppose we do it? Perhaps we do it to let off some emotional steam over a situation that frustrates us. But if we were honest, we’d admit that the satisfaction of venting is momentary at best. The situation still exists if nothing has been done to change it. Could it really be that complaining just gratifies our sinful nature of wanting things our own way? And, by voicing our dissatisfaction out loud, aren’t we really hoping others will jump on our grumbling wagon and join us on our journey of discontent? Some would say, “Oh, what’s wrong with a little harmless grumbling?” Plenty!

Grumbling is more than just words. It stems from a wrong heart attitude, one that is likely communicating ungratefulness. God not only hears our grumbling, but He sees our hearts. Ingratitude is a guaranteed wall-builder between us and God, and that’s not harmless. He has ordained every situation in our lives, the good and the bad. When we grumble, we are inevitably voicing ungratefulness to Him. In Scripture, we learn about the Israelites complaining while wandering in the wilderness. Even though God went before them in a cloud, even though He always provided food and water, even though He protected them from their enemies, they grumbled. They were afraid, they were tired, they didn’t like the food, didn’t like their leadership… (Sound familiar?) In Numbers 11:1 (NIV) we read, “Now the people complained abut their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when He heard them His anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” Yikes! What if God chose to rain down fire every time He heard us complain? Fortunately for us, that’s not His standard response.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul shows us that some things never change as he addresses more grumblers in the church. He reminds them about their forefathers’ grumblings and how some of them were killed by the destroying angel. He admonishes them, saying these things “were written down as warnings for us. (vs. 10-11, NIV)” Let’s learn from them.

God still sees and still hears. While He may not send down literal fire to consume us, He can let us get burned by our own words. He can also let us wander in the desert of our discontent. We may not receive any relief until we stop complaining, focus our energies on doing something proactive, and seek Him.

Let an attitude of gratitude be your oasis amidst a desert of discontent.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What consequences of complaining might you be currently experiencing?

2. How can you avoid riding the grumbling wagon?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing and tutoring with the Literacy Council.

Job Appreciation

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work…”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)

Have you ever looked at God’s job description for our pastors and ministry leaders? Here’s a partial list (adapted from 1 Timothy 3):

-       Be well-thought-of

-       Committed to their spouse

-       Cool and collected

-       Accessible

-       Hospitable

-       Know what they are talking about

-       Gentle

-       Not thin-skinned

-       Not money-hungry

-       Must handle their own affairs well

-       Outsiders (to the church) must think well of them

This list is exhausting!

I have been blessed to know several good pastors, leaders, and their spouses. These people have not watched from afar when I or a loved one was hurting. Instead, they got right down in the muck with us.  They have been at my bedside before surgery, traveled 12 hours (one way!) to attend a complicated family funeral, answered emergency phone calls, responded to random texts seeking advice, and once (unforgettably) the pastor’s wife pulled an all-nighter with a 14-year-old me when I left a paper to the last minute when my parents were out of town.

Perhaps you have stories of your own that are coming to mind. God has entrusted our leaders with the most special of assignments - - contributing to the spiritual well-being of His people. Often, it’s an exhausting task. The hours are not “9 to 5.”  The job they do is often taken for granted, leading to isolation and even burn-out. 

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. It’s a time to be purposeful in coming alongside our leaders in love and support, applaud their efforts and shoulder their burdens. This month, take time to send a card, buy a lunch, give a Facebook shout-out, decorate a church office or give a gift card. The gesture doesn’t have to be large to be a blessing.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Need ideas? Google “Pinterest Pastor Appreciation Ideas.” There are a bunch!

FURTHER READING:

1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13

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