Prayer, Fasting & the Power of Jesus

By Elin Henderson

“…This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

Mark 9:29b (NKJV)

Ever come upon a problem that is so vast, so impossible, and despite your greatest spiritual endeavors, you are unable to affect it? Jesus’ disciples came upon such a circumstance as this in Mark 9:14-29. It wasn’t like they were at a spiritual low. They had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration! If that wasn’t a literal and metaphorical spiritual high, I don’t know what is?!

They were equipped, sent out, and were on “active duty.” But, then they came upon this insurmountable situation. A boy possessed by an evil spirit was brought to them. Who knows how long they tried in vain to deal with this spirit, long enough for a large crowd to form and for the father of the child to become very frustrated! Jesus comes upon this scene and immediately the crowds turn to Him. He listens to the problem and intervenes, freeing the boy of his bondage and healing him fully.

I can only imagine that as soon as the disciples could get Jesus alone, they frustratingly cried out, “Why couldn’t we do that?” His reply was succinct but impactful. “Some issues can only be dealt with by prayer and fasting” - - and the unspoken but evident power of Jesus!

There are situations that we face that are way beyond us, even if we are walking in the light and power He has given us. Do you have any of these in your life right now? Someone you love that is SO far from the Lord that you wonder if they will ever turn back? A relationship so devastated that it seems no recourse is possible? Someone so beyond healing that you wonder if they will ever be whole again? We actively try and help but then, nothing happens. Jesus reminds us here that some of these really heavy situations are only dealt with by prayer, fasting and the power of Jesus! Our part is the prayer and fasting, but the real work is through the power of Jesus! He alone can set the captive free and heal the sick and wounded. Let’s not grow weary, but continue on, praying, fasting and believing that He is able!

           

GOING DEEPER:                                                       

1. If you have identified a situation in your life that would fit into this category, what are some ways you can apply this principle?

2. Are there others you can ask to join you?

FURTHER READING:

1 Thessalonians 5:17; Daniel 9:3

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 twelve-year-old Elias.

Despair

By Susan Klein

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”

Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

I believe that every human being on the face of this earth experiences despair or depression at some point in his/her life. Even Jesus did. God created us with multi-faceted emotions that we are going to experience when triggered. He also permits us to walk through trials and difficulties that can/do often reap despair. Sometimes, our own body chemistry can go sort of haywire, bringing about feelings of depression without any external triggers.

So, what should our response be when we see a friend walking through a dark time of despair? While there is no “one perfect response” that fits all circumstances, Charles Spurgeon (prolific author and preacher in the late 1800’s), who went through his own dark times of despair, offers some helpful words on the subject.

“I know that wise brethren say, ‘You should not give way to feelings of depression.’ … If those who blame quite so furiously could once know what depression is, they would think it cruel to scatter blame where comfort is needed. There are experiences of the children of God which are full of spiritual darkness; and I am almost persuaded that those of God’s servants who have been most highly favoured have, nevertheless, suffered more times of darkness than others. No sin is necessarily connected with sorrow of heart, for Jesus Christ our Lord once said, ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.’ There was no sin in Him, and consequently none in His deep depression. I would, therefore, try to cheer any brother who is sad, for his sadness is not necessarily blameworthy.” (1)

Depression hurts. It is an emotional pain that is real. When someone we know is in pain, we offer comfort. Even if it might be a time where sin is a component, there are things we definitely don’t do when someone is hurting. We don’t place blame or play the Holy Spirit, we don’t try to cover over the emotion, we don’t avoid…we just offer comfort. We speak encouraging words, we give a hug or hold a hand, we listen, we pray, we make ourselves available. It can be messy, and hard, and awkward, but it is oh-so-necessary. And, as in the verse above, it is also commanded by our Heavenly Father.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What teachings or ideas might have (wrongly?) shaped your typical response to depression?

2. How might you tangibly offer comfort the next time you see someone struggling with despair or depression?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 26:38; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 7:5-7a

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

http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/spurgeon-on-depression.html

The Wait

By Jen Wollner

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV)

An eight-year-old boy, abandoned by his mother, lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe with his nine-year-old sister. His dark brown eyes sparkle with life. He desires to help people and dreams of one day becoming a policeman. He hopes for a family, though it’s an unlikely prospect. Children of his age, with an older sister in tow, are rarely chosen by an adopting family. But, God has a plan…

A young couple in America, full of life and love, desires to have children. Tears flow as they say good-bye to a baby they never got to hold in their arms. Their dream for a family burns strong in their hearts, but after many years of marriage, they still don’t see an answer to their prayers. They wonder if it’s just simply not meant to be. But, God has a plan…

As the children wait in the orphanage, God is working...

As the couple waits in their quiet home, God is working...

Waiting is difficult. Oftentimes, excruciating. I believe it’s so frustrating partially because we feel as though nothing is happening. God isn’t hearing us, much less answering. When we go through long periods of waiting, we often don’t see any movement in our situation…and we begin to loose hope.

But, dear friends, take heart! God has not forgotten you! He is here. He hears all of your prayers and collects all of your tears. And, He is  working. Nothing is impossible for Him! Not rescuing two children from an orphanage and placing them with loving parents half a world away. And certainly not bringing joy and life to a home once plagued by infertility and disappointment.

You may not see it yet, but one day, His plan will unfold before your eyes. It may not look like you thought it would. The timing may be off. The answer may be very different than you imagined or desired. God may say to you, "Not this...but this instead." But, as you seek Him and surrender to His will, you will step out of the wilderness, the waiting, into the glorious promised land divinely designed for you.

God has a plan. Rest assured, He is  working.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What desire of your heart are you waiting to come to fruition? Take heart in the truth of God’s Word and character!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 5:1-3; Psalm 40; Romans 8:28

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.

How Long?

By Jeannine Sawall

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

Psalm 13:1 (NIV)

How often in our lives can we relate with King David and ask the Lord “How long?” I know in my own struggles, “How long?” rang out time and again while I watched friends and family around me birth baby after healthy baby while I lost baby after baby in miscarriage. “How long, Lord, before I will hold my own baby?” “How long, Lord, before you take me out of this dark place?” “How long, Lord, before I feel your presence again?” 

As Christians, we often find ourselves in a time of waiting. Perhaps today you find yourself in the agonizing days of “How long?”  How long will I be unemployed? How long will my child wrestle with God? How long until I find a husband?...struggle with ill health?...be united with my loved one whom I miss in earnest? How long Lord until you return?! How long does life have to continue to be so difficult? Waiting in “How long” can cause us to become discouraged and lose hope that God will deliver us!

However, if we read on in Psalm 13, David, while acknowledging his grief and frustration, remembers the promises given to him. He reminds himself of what God has done in the past. He goes on to say, “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me” (Psalm 13:5, NIV). Knowing that David asked questions in hard times can help strengthen our faith. We no longer have to rely on saying the “right words,” giving Christian platitudes or the lie of “I’m fine.” We can share our heartsickness with our loving God, realizing He doesn’t need or want “pretty words.”  Instead, He wants us to share our hurts and frustrations honestly, but also remember to trust in the promise that He is who He says He is.

We also have to remember that God works unencumbered by time. He does not wear a watch and He does not need a calendar app to remind Him how much time has passed. When we are in a season of “How long,” we are called to follow David’s commitment…to believe God still is in control, still is unfailing and still keeps His promises. Sometimes in the midst of difficulties and waiting, our hearts may not sing the same song our minds tell us to, but we can embrace the words of belief and trust…no matter how long it takes.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you in a season of waiting? How will you show the Lord that you believe He is faithful?

2.  Have you lost hope because God is taking too long? What could you do today to re-orient yourself to hope?

FURTHER READING:

2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 30:18; James 5:7-8

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

More Than You Can Handle

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Surely God is my help;

The Lord is the one who sustains me.”

Psalm 54:4 (NIV)

There is a saying that goes, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

It’s a lie.

How do I know this?  Because, at times, I have been given plenty more than I can handle…on my own.  You see, the saying needs to be changed to, “God won’t give you more than HE can handle.”

As Christ-followers, we are not shielded from the consequences of living in a fallen, imperfect world.  Accidents still happen, disasters still strike, disease still occurs. 

And we can’t handle it…without Him.  In fact, I believe there have been times when I was given more than I can handle for the express purpose of turning my wholehearted attention to the Savior who loves me.

Because I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.

So while God doesn’t promise that He won’t give us more than we can handle, He does promise many other provisions when life falls apart, and we surrender to His working in our lives.  Here are just a few:

His Courage:  “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

His Guidance:  “I will counsel you and watch over you,” says the Lord.  Psalm 32:8

His Peace:  “Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”  John 14:27

His Presence:  “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

His Caring:  “Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

His Forgiveness:  “In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7-8

His Help:  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

His Love:  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you been trying to handle circumstances on your own, only to find yourself buckling under the weight? 
2. Which of God’s provisions do you especially need today?

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

Swordless Victories

By Elin Henderson

“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David.”

1 Samuel 17:50 (NKJV, emphasis added)

Only a boy named David and five little stones He took. That day a giant fell and a victory was won. Sometimes God brings victory through “swords.” But many times they are set aside for something far more simple - - so that through our weakness, His strength may be shown perfect. 

           

This was not David’s first swordless victory, and it wouldn’t be his last. If you recall, a bear tried to attack the flock he was shepherding, and he killed it with his bare hands.  Soon after, a lion tried to pull the same trick and ended up with the same fate. Others in Scripture experienced these swordless victories. Men like Gideon and his army of 300. Granted there are many times in Scripture that God saved with swords, but the times that He gives the swordless victories are more amazing. Then it is known, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the victory was from God alone! 

What about us?  What kind of “swords” do we carry that we believe will bring victory? Our wisdom and knowledge, our ability to plan and prepare, our background, degrees and training… We think that surely God will use these  to give us victory in our battles. The world, like King Saul spoke to David, will say, “You want a sure victory? Take this sword and armor!”  Sometimes God does use the “sword,” but often He says “Nope! Not this time.  Sheath that sword and lay it aside. Pick up this sling and five stones. Now let’s go kill us a giant!” 

It wasn’t the sword in David’s hand, but the faith in his heart that brought victory. And so it will be with us. So the next time you feel ready to charge into battle, take the time to ask God what would be His “weapon” of choice (if any).  Who knows if today’s battle will be yet another swordless victory for His kingdom! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Are you facing any giants/battles these days? What kind of “swords” has the world been encouraging you to take up and use? What weapon (if any) might God be wanting you to use instead?

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 44:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Corinthians 1:27

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

Dust of Divisiveness

By Susan Klein

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

With a major election upon us, the hazy “dust of divisiveness” is once again settling on our nation. Amazing how two individuals can polarize a whole populace! The dust seems to be a bit thicker than normal this time around. Has it settled on you? Are there any particles of tension between you, family members or friends? I think social media is displaying the greatest layer of dust.

So how do we keep this ugly film off of our relationships? We can start by cleaning off our own surfaces. I may not be able (nor am I responsible) to remove another’s dust, but I surely can tend to my own. I’ve found a really great product for dust removal. It’s called, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s been tried and tested for generations with great success. A little bit goes a long way. Once applied, it seems to miraculously dissolve the dust.

All cunning aside, as Christ-followers, we do have responsibilities to God and to each other in this election. As in every situation, our words need to be God-honoring and should also be used to encourage or edify each other. Not that we can’t speak out against injustices, especially if they are harmful to others.  But we must be careful to not be in the habit of projecting our opinions onto others - - or judging theirs. God’s Word admonishes us to do everything in our power to live in harmony with one another, showing love amidst our differences and being a testimony to the world of God’s great unifying love.

In the greater scheme of things, how we treat each other bears far more weight than how we vote. Lest we forget, God establishes the kings on their thrones for His divine purpose. His will can be accomplished with or without our help. Let’s focus on doing our part to wash away the dust of divisiveness and promote a spirit of peace and unity.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where might there be evidence of divisiveness in any of your relationships?

2. What can you do to promote harmony, especially with other Christ-followers?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 12:16-17, 13:9-10, 14:3-5

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

Is the Tank Full?
By Elizabeth Cole

“…be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2b (NIV)

Have you ever noticed that Batman’s batphone rings at some of the most inopportune times? Once, it was right before his birthday gala. Other times, it’s when he’s exhausted after a long hard day as Bruce Wayne. Despite its unexpectedness, the call never seems to catch him unprepared. He finishes the call, slides down his secret pole into the Batcave, hops into the Batmobile and off he goes. Here’s the thing that gets me: He never has to stop and get gas in that car before he heads off to save the world. Now granted, he’s got Alfred (oh, that we all could have an Alfred…), but if I were Batman, my first stop would invariably have to be the Mobil station!

Seldom in our lives do we get to see what’s coming next. I think about our sister in Christ who is sharing her life with friends in a medical crisis; I think about my daughter’s friend who thought she was just going to spend a day out on her ATV, not in the emergency room with a broken back; I think about the friend who, out of the blue, says at dinner, “Something’s missing in my life…”

Will we be ready? Are we actively seeking to further understand and gain knowledge of who God is through study and application? Are we daily being filled up with the Source of our Power through reading His Word and sharing our hearts with Him through prayer? God is so very kind – He regularly blesses our private time with Him by giving us opportunity to share that very day what we’ve learned from Him in the quiet moments. What a sweet way to anticipate, be ready, filled up and available to His call… whenever it comes, no batphone needed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What would it take for you to be more prepared for the unexpected moments God gives in which you have opportunity to affect another’s life?
2. Would you ask God for His divine help in making sure your “tank stays full”?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 8:26-40; Acts 16:16-34

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

Act Love Walk

By Tracy Smith

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with our God."
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

This has always been one of my favorite Bible verses. Two years ago, while on Pinterest [1], I saw a project that was labeled as a craft for the kids, but I want to do something like it for myself! It was the words "Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly" stacked on top of each other in three different lines. Layered under the words "Act Justly" was a pair of handprints. Under the words "Love Mercy" was a drawn heart. And under the words "Walk Humbly" was a pair of footprints. I thought that was genius - - it perfectly illustrated the verse by pulling out the three action words: act, love and walk.

Act justly. Merriam-Webster online defines just as, “acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good.”[2] How do we find out what is upright and good? His Word.

Love mercy. I once heard mercy described this way: not getting what you deserve. The Lord showed us mercy in not allowing us to “get what we deserve,” which is an eternity separated from Him. We are called to show the same type of mercy to those who hurt us. Not always an easy thing to do.

Walk humbly with our Lord. We need to stay in step with our Lord. If we are walking with Him, our path will stay on course. If we are walking with our Lord, we will find the strength to love mercy and act justly.

I have “pinned” the artwork on my Pinterest board; now I need to “pin” the verse onto my heart!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Which action word from Micah 6:8 do you struggle with most?

2. Can you commit to praying and asking God to help you make strides in this area of your life?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 6:36; Matthew 5:7

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] Pinterest is an online social photo-sharing website comprised of “pinboards” collected and posted by theme

[2] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just

Lying Still

By Peggy Kleckner

“Be still and know that I am God….”

Psalm 46:10a (NIV)

I have a dog with an aggressive behavior problem. We didn’t know this little detail when we got her and, truthfully, it is just plain hard. Her first reaction to another dog is aggression. I have noticed it is her response to fear. When she feels afraid, she displays anger. Apparently, somewhere in her past, she had a run-in with a dog that has left a lasting impression on her. She sees or hears another dog and she answers with aggression: full force, hair on end, yank with full body weight-against-the-leash aggression. I am not exceptionally strong and calm pitted against the aggressive fear displayed by a four-year-old black lab…hence my description that this particular dog behavior is “hard.”

I don’t want my dog to live out her life (or mine for that matter) unable to walk calmly through the neighborhood. I could just keep her in the confines of our home and yard, but that is an awfully small life.

What I came to recognize as a part of God’s plan of healing was an older dog in the neighborhood. It is a very large, docile dog. He doesn’t move toward us, or away from us. He just lies still. I have found that I can count on that.  So, I am using that part of my walking path as a training ground for my dog.  She notices the dog and responds with anger and aggression so I - - as her master - - respond in return with reproof of her actions. She settles and two steps later attempts the same reaction. I reprove again and so it goes. Meanwhile, amidst this commotion, the large dog remains still.

Yesterday, for the first time we walked by without incident. No, my dog is not wagging her tail in friendliness or going up to meet new dogs yet, but there has been progress. She has begun to discern what behavior her owner will allow. She has discovered this because God put a still dog in her path. One dog, which is willing to not react negatively to her displayed behavior.

I wonder if perhaps we as believers are called to be a still witness in front of an agitated society. Sometimes we are not called to confront or to repair, we are called to witness to His strength, which allows us to stand still. In our stillness, they may come to know God, or know more of Him.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you allow God to keep your heart still when confronted with anger?
2. Are you standing firm in your faith, so that others can see Him more clearly?

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 40:2; Ephesians 6:10

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.

Hearing God’s Voice
By Karen D’Amore

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10: 27 (NIV)

Two years ago, my pastor taught on John 10 by sharing a personal experience he had had on a trip to Israel. While he was visiting a famous biblical site, a group of shepherds arrived with their flocks. Three different shepherds put all of their sheep in one pen for the night. The next morning, one shepherd arrived at the pen and began calling to his sheep. One by one, his sheep (and only his sheep) filed out to follow him. The same thing happened when the other two shepherds began calling their sheep. The sheep recognized only their shepherd’s voice. Amazing!

I witnessed a similar phenomenon recently in my own yard. I have many kinds of wildlife living on my property and one day four mother raccoons, each with a litter of babies (21 raccoons total), were dining on my patio. From a treetop deeper in the woods, came the cry of a baby raccoon. Suddenly, one of the mothers darted from the group and ran to the crying baby. Calling back to her baby, the mother was able to coax her baby down out of the tree. It was incredible to observe how this mother raccoon recognized her baby’s cry for help and vice versa.

Whether it is a shepherd and his sheep, wildlife and their young, or a Christ follower and the Lord…the ability to recognize the appropriate voice is based on the relationship. The only way that a sheep can know the voice of a shepherd or a raccoon the voice of its mother is through the intimate bond they share. Similarly, the only way that we can recognize God’s voice is through a personal relationship with Him. To truly know God and to distinguish His voice from others, we must spend time in His Word, time in prayer and time sitting quietly at His feet.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you able to identify God’s voice? If not, what steps could you take to know Him in a more intimate way?
2. Is there someone in your life whom you could help mentor as he or she builds a closer relationship with the Lord?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 46:10; Psalm 27:14; I Corinthians 2:9; Jeremiah 33:3; Colossians 3:15

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

Labor Day
By Susan Klein

"Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work..."

Exodus 20:9, 10a (NIV)

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. (1)

Much debate exists over who actually “created” this national holiday. It seems to have stemmed from a downturn in the economy, much like today. As the economy dipped, travel and tourism were among the first to suffer, as is often the case. Workers at a train car company had their salaries cut to make up for the company’s losses. A rail strike ensued, and spread like wildfire across the country. President Grover Cleveland stepped in to put an end to the strike by force of U.S. Marshals and armed troops. It didn’t end well for some. In an effort to appease a wounded nation, a holiday was declared in honor of the “working man.” A large parade down the streets of New York marked the first Labor Day celebration.

In Scriptures, God gave us our first “Labor Day” holiday of sorts. It was called “The Sabbath.” It was the gift of a full day of no work, given to the hard-working laborers to ensure they had time for R&R. Just as God rested on the seventh day of creation, so He desires for us to rest from our labors. He knows we need a time to recharge our batteries and be productive once again. He also knows we need a time of spiritual renewal to get us through the barrage of attacks that come our way during the week.

Whether you receive a salary for your work, or you volunteer your services, take some time this week to celebrate, to rest, and to enjoy the One who has gifted us with the opportunity to work and the ability to rest.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Consider sending a note of appreciation to someone you know who labors diligently.
2. Make a habit of setting time aside to rest from your labors and be renewed.

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:23-24; Mark 6:31

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

(1) U.S. Dept. of Labor, www.dol.gov

Power
By Elizabeth Cole

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3(NIV)

It’s all about God: God’s Plan….not ours. God’s Purpose…not ours. God’s Power…not ours.

True confessions: Even when I’ve really internalized and own the first two aspects, there is still that pull to act in my own power. I get that He’s the One who laid all the groundwork; I get that, when it’s all said and done, He’s the One who receives all glory. So, why am I still tempted to think that what I DO has to come from my own reservoir of power? Why do I still evaluate my availability to God based on how much sleep I got last night and whether I feel fully competent for His call? Whether I’m convinced of sure success before I even attempt to obey?

Self-absorption takes on two faces. The first is the self-denigrating face; the second is the self-exalting face. Either way, we’re looking solely at ourselves. The remedy? Look up. Look to the God of the Universe, the Savior of our soul.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever….

Colossians 1:10-11a (NIV) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, BEING STRENGTHENED WITH ALL POWER ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT, so that you may have great endurance and patience….

Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Ephesians 1:18-20 (NIV) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and HIS INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER FOR US WHO BELIEVE. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which of the above verses would you be willing to memorize?

FURTHER READING:
Numbers 11:23

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

Cloudy Skies Make the Best Sunsets
by Jeannine Sawall

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Gray skies, wind and rain...NOT the best beach day. It was the first day of our girls’ getaway and the weather was not cooperating. We were here for some sun and fun and could have done without the liquid sunshine. All day long, the clouds remained and the rain steadily continued from a light drizzle to a torrential downpour. The cloudy skies damped our spirits and we begrudgingly went on to plan B for the day.

That evening, the rains finally stopped, but clouds still littered the sky. We decided to head down to the beach to see if we'd catch a glimpse of a sunset. We were not disappointed. The sky was lit with golds, ambers and russets. Each cloud was awash in sunlight painting the sky in vibrant beauty. As the sun continued to set, the reflections off the clouds turned to stunning violets, pinks and reds...a symphony of color only God can create. The heavens declared the glory of God!!

As we stood on the beach overcome by the sheer beauty before us, it made me realize that without the storm clouds, the sunset would not have had the depth and dimension of beauty before me. The reflection of sunlight off the myriad of clouds scattered across the entire sky created the masterpiece before us. We would have missed the beauty of the evening had there been no storm during the day.

How often in our lives does God work in similar ways? When we have seasons of trials and tribulations, we complain about the storm we are walking through. We long for the simple days of sunshine and wish the rain away. Yet it is during these stormy times in our lives we go deeper with Him. We learn more of His character when seasons of rain cloud our days. It is when the wind and waves overwhelm us and we are drowning, we reach up to our Help and Salvation. And when the rains stop, the winds die and the sun shines once again, the beauty now reflected in our lives is another of God's masterpieces. It reminds us that the clouds that came floating into our lives no longer carry rain or usher in storms, but add color and depth to our lives and reflect the glory of God once again.

GOING DEEPER:

1.      When storms cloud your day, whom do you trust?

2.       How do you recognize the masterpiece God is creating in your life?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 5:3-5

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