“Look for the Helpers”

By Tracy Smith

“..not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

It’s been four years since the Boston Marathon bombing. I remember finding out about the bombing and seeing story after story on the news. After the tragedy, it was so hard to continue to hear the awful details of what happened that day. It was so very sad. Through Facebook, I was reminded of a quote by Mr. Rogers:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

Those were the stories I focused on and the stories I continued to read and watch. Over and over again, you would hear stories of people running towards the danger to help others - - with no regard for their own safety. You heard stories of runners finishing a 26.2 mile run and continuing on to local hospitals to see if they could donate blood, and average citizens giving first aid in order to save a life. Boston locals stepped up in many ways also: offering a place to stay for stranded runners, feeding them and offering the use of their phones to runners that were lost after being diverted off the course of the marathon. Amazing.

Those examples showed how people responded in an extreme circumstance. What can this look like in our everyday lives? Luke 3:10-11 (NIV) says this, “‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’” We can do this by looking out for people in need, and when we see the need, try to find a way to meet it.

There are so many options: volunteering at a non-profit that helps those in need, helping an elderly or disabled neighbor with yard work, offering a glass of water or a cup of coffee to the person fixing your washing machine, giving a frightened child a hug, or just smiling at the cashier who is having a rough day. The opportunities are endless, if we just take the time to slow down and look. I hope someday that someone remembers me as the helper who made a difference.

The next time the news shows something scary happening, take the time to look for the helpers.

GOING DEEPER

1. Is there someone in your world who needs a helper? If so, are you willing to pray regarding what you can do to be a helper?

FURTHER READING

Matthew 25:35-40; Hebrews 13:16

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.

The Twisted Tree

By Brita Crouse

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)

“Only in the Midwest…,” my classmates and I complained as we stepped outside into the unexpected April snow. It was a cold and dreary spring day and the current weather was making us all irritable. As we walked between buildings to get to class, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks by an enormous tree, standing unassumingly in the middle of a courtyard. I made this walk every week and I had never really noticed this tree before.

I lost step with my friends as I paused to look at the dozens of gnarled, twisting branches and the grooved, weathered bark. The tree didn’t have any leaves yet, so there it stood, completely uncovered, vulnerable. It had a strong, thick trunk, which must have kept it in place for many decades. Years of sunshine, rain, and fresh air grew this tree from seed to its present state. It was tall, towering over me at an intimidating height. Its unique beauty held my attention and left me standing in awe.

That tree is not unlike our relationship with Christ. I’m sure the tree analogy is nothing new; I have heard it many times. But, after seeing this old, tough, beautiful tree, the analogy was brought to life.

The seed of faith was planted early for me, but it wasn’t without constant care and support and admonishing that I was able to grow and flourish in my love for God. As my roots grew “down into Him,” I was able to build my life on Him as the foundation.

Life is not without its storms though. Just as the tree showed signs of trial, I have places in my own life where there are branches that are twisted, places where the bark has been stripped away and weathered from the blowing wind and pelting rain. Yet, there is beauty in this, as well.

If we are deeply rooted in Christ, we can experience an overflow of thankfulness because of our faith, despite any storm we may be experiencing. I know that is easier said than done. Yet because of our faith, we can boldly face any of life’s storms because all trees require water to grow and flourish!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How is your   faith like a tree?

2.  Are you or someone you know experiencing one of life’s storms? Reflect on and discuss how this

storm can make your faith more deeply rooted.

FURTHER READING:

Job 29:19; Ephesians 3:17; Jeremiah 17:7-8

Brita is a licensed K-12 School Counselor and works as the Non-Public Counselor in Roseville, Minnesota. For the past eighteen years, she has called Oakwood her home church.

I Didn’t Marry the Perfect Person 
By Lexi Ellis

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

I accidentally freaked out my husband a couple years ago. I was reading an article a friend had posted. Seeing the title as he walked by, Andrew said, smiling, “Nine months in and you’re reading that!”

The article was “You Never Marry the Right Person” by Timothy Keller.[1] His premise is that our culture believes in perfect soul mates - - ideal companions - - and therefore love comes naturally, without work. Keller suggests, rather, we must recognize and embrace our “messy-ness” and believe it’s a beautiful thing. It’s “painful and yet so wonderful…because it is a reflection of the Gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The Gospel is: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared to believe, and at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

My husband is an incredible man of God. He’s not perfect…I’m really  not perfect! If there’s anything we’ve learned from others, it’s this: Marriage takes work, it takes investment. And it’s one that’s incredibly worth it.

While marriage is a unique relationship, we experience the reality of “un-perfect-ness” with other relationships. My best friend, my sisters, my parents aren’t perfect. And yet, I am so grateful for those relationships because through them, there are two non-perfect parties striving to share God’s message and love like Jesus loved.

It’s the non-perfect times that draw us closer in our relationships. My sisters and I have the intimacy we do because we’ve been vulnerable with each other. Keller writes that it’s the hard times that “drive us to experience more of this transforming love of God.”

How powerful that God uses selfish, self-serving people to accomplish incredible things! How wonderful that we can approach the throne of God (because of what Christ did) and come as we are![2] How awesome God can use un-perfect us when we allow Him!

Keller writes, our “conviction and repentance move us to cling to and rest in God’s mercy and grace.” Our “un-perfect-ness” in our relationships means we desperately need our God. I’m thankful for the reminder that God uses the mess in our relationships, and uses that mess to compel us to relish in His mercy and grace.

I didn’t marry the perfect person (neither did Andrew) and I’m so glad I didn’t.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How has God used “un-perfect-ness” for His glory in your life?

2. Visit http://bible.org/illustration/god-can-use-us-all. What biblical example do you relate to?

FURTHER READING:

2 Timothy 2:20-21; Psalm 27:1-5

[1] Timothy Keller. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationship/features/27749-you-never-marry-the-right-person. It’s an excerpt from his book, The Meaning of Marriage. 

[2] A website of examples in Scripture of un-perfect people God used:http://bible.org/illustration/god-can-use-us-all

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

Live Your Purpose

By Karen D’Amore

“….whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31b (NIV)

The primary focus of the two-day work conference was to educate and equip salon owners and employees with innovative ways to grow their business. With the course material bearing a distinctively “worldly” perspective, I wrestled to find balance between growing my business “their” way…and growing it God’s way. After a two-day immersion in semantics like success….prosperity.…power….and money….I found myself growing resistant to the material and my attention fading. Fortunately, I perked up and re-engaged when one presenter grabbed my attention with the exhortation to... “Live your purpose!”

For days, following the conference, I pondered that exhortation, while questioning… “What is my purpose?” While searching through Scripture, I prayerfully sought God’s perspective on the subject. As I considered our key verse, I recognized that as a Christ-follower, everything  in my life should bring honor and glory to God. So, in my roles as a wife, friend, family member, employee, co-worker…and nail technician…my purpose is to glorify God.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV). Relating this Scripture to my position in the workplace, I acknowledged that I need to perform my job as though I’m working for God Himself. With my supervisor expecting each employee to incorporate the conference material into their business plan, I vowed to “live my purpose” by growing my business “God’s way”! I explained to my boss, that if I attempt to grow my business through self-focused efforts…God will not get the glory for what “I” do. However, if I exercise faith in God and strive to glorify Him in every aspect of my job, growth in my business will be unexplainable…except for Him.

While coworkers stressed to shine and hustled to produce with implementation of those conference growth strategies, I worked to exercise faith in growing my business God’s way. Praying for empowerment to do the “unexplainable,” God exceeded my requests, enabling me to defy logistics and produce record personal sales. When asked how I did it, I threw up my hands and replied, “Jesus!” Aware of my personal limitations and weaknesses, I was strengthened as I experienced God’s power and accomplished that which I deemed impossible. Glory to God for making the impossible Him-possible!

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8, ESV). Christ-followers: what’s your purpose? To bring glory to your Heavenly Father! Now…GO…be His disciples…and live your purpose!

 GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you living His intended purpose?

FURTHER READING:

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Revelation 4:11

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. 

You Are What You Have Been Becoming

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. 

What a person plants, he will harvest.”

Galatians 6:7 (The Message, paraphrase)

If you had a crystal ball and could see the future, how do you imagine your life in…

10 years?

25 years?

50 years?

The funny thing about this exercise is that if I reverse it and go back in my head to the person I was 10 or 25 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to see my life exactly as it is now. But the decisions I made in those years have absolutely impacted my reality today. You see, our future eventually becomes our present. So often, we are lulled into complacency, thinking we have plenty of time to work on that future “me.” In actuality, the only day any of us is guaranteed is the day we are presently in.

Choices matter. The media we watch, how we treat our bodies, the friends we have, are all important. Perhaps you’re like me: All too often, my choices today don’t necessarily reflect the person I would like to think I’m working to become, especially in my relationship with Jesus. Because He is not physically next to me demanding my time, it can be easy to choose checking email or catching up on Facebook over spending time in my Bible with Him, developing my prayer relationship with Him, or even writing this devotional.

I read a quote recently: “You are what you have been becoming.” It made me think about who I want to be, and to look for role models in those areas. For instance, my grandma was the definition of a “prayer warrior.” I find myself often thinking of her when I pray these days. I have other friends who have exceptional hearts of compassion. They are influencing me, as well. It can help to find a “Jesus with skin on,” a person who is demonstrating how to live out an aspect of the Christ-following life, to have as a mentor.

So, back to the original question with a twist…how will Jesus be demonstrated in your life in 10 years? 25? And what can you do today to start to get there?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Ask the Lord to show you how you can be involved in another’s life as a role model or mentor.

FURTHER READING:

Hosea 10:12

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.

Unlikely Circumstances

By Susan Klein

“Here am I. Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8b (NIV)

I love the movie One Night With The King,  a story about Esther. One of my favorite lines in the movie is when Mordecai proclaims that Esther has been placed in her unlikely circumstance of being chosen as wife by the king “…for such a time as this.”  He knows she now possesses influence to save her people from harm. God is like that, placing people in unlikely circumstances in order to do something they’d never have otherwise done.

Scripture is filled with such stories. Joseph is sold into slavery, so he can eventually end up serving a king and providing for his people during a famine. Miriam puts baby Moses in a basket. He ends up being raised in Pharaoh’s household, so he can eventually lead his people out of Egypt. David, as a boy, is sent to merely take food to the Israelite soldiers facing the Philistines in battle, but he is used by God to slay the giant Goliath with his simple slingshot.

Have you ever wanted to be used by God in such a mighty way? Have you ever thought, “My life is so ordinary, how can God possibly use me for something so big?” 

But maybe He already has? Perhaps He’s used you (like Miriam and David) in a situation that seemed small and insignificant at the time, but it started a chain reaction of events that He used for a bigger purpose. We aren’t always privy to what God does behind the scenes. Maybe the question we really ought to be asking is, “How can I be used by God in simple ways?”

Recently, my daughter and I were coming out of a restaurant. In the parking lot, a teenage boy approached us and asked to use our phone. He was stranded and was trying to get to a relative’s house. We were not in a familiar area and knew, in a world where bad things happen, that this complete stranger could have been setting us up.

Long story short, we ended up spending an hour with him, in our car, driving several miles to another town. He thanked us as we approached his destination. We replied, “Please don’t thank us. Thank God for putting us in that place at that time so we could be of help.”

As we made the long drive home, we reflected how God had taken us out of our comfort zone to do something that we might never have otherwise done. I wonder how He might be using this unlikely little circumstance?

GOING DEEPER:

1. What unlikely place might God be desiring to use you?

2. Is your heart open and available?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:12

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.

Sistering

By Elizabeth Cole

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)  

What do you do when something needs repairing in your home? Buy a how-to book at Home Depot? Call your friend Dan? Check the yellow pages? (Do those still exist?!)

No…you “youtube” it. Case in point: my dryer stopped working last year, so I searched Youtube for the most likely reasons, googled the nearest repair supply store, and installed my new part…with success that every single loved one heard about for the next two weeks…or months!

So, I was on youtube recently and found a fascinating video on repairing sagging joists. Essentially, the best way to fix a joist that isn’t functional alone is to affix another joist alongside it, nailing the two together in such a way that the old joist and the new joist together are functional and useful, being what they were made to be.

That, in and of itself, is pretty great. But want to know the best part? It’s called sistering. Yep, the common construction definition of sistering is “To strengthen (a supporting beam) by fastening a second beam alongside it.” [1]

Sounds a lot like intentional, relational disciplemaking to me.

I have this dream that the sisters I love and lead would be in the business of sistering: of coming up alongside another in long-term, intentional relationships for the purpose of spiritual strengthening, developing and building up, supporting and living out what they were made to be. That we’d be willing to say “no” to other pursuits that have no eternal value to open up the space and time to invest in another woman’s life…in the lives of children, in our husbands’ lives. To see value and potential…to love as Jesus loves.

The Apostle Paul was a master at sistering. He writes to His Roman brothers and sisters, “I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12). That second part of his longing expresses a profound truth: the one discipling grows right alongside the one she’s discipling…the act of sistering is mutually encouraging, each becoming more of who she was made to be, side-by-side the other, strengthened for God’s call on her life.

Are you up for some sistering today?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Whom has God purposefully placed in your life for you to sister…and are you?

FURTHER READING:

Philippians 2:4; Galatians 6:2; 1 John 3:17

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

[1] http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sister. The concept of spiritual sistering is in Women of Influence: Ten Traits of Those Who Want to Make a Difference by Pam Farrel (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press), 2006.

The Ice Cream Cone

By Brita Crouse

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

It was a hot and humid day; sunny skies with the threat of a summer storm in the distance. I was in a different country, surrounded by a group of chatty teenage girls, and I was feeling overwhelmed by my new surroundings. But, mostly I was just feeling hot. We were making the mile walk to a nearby pond to go swimming and escape the heat.

One bold girl in the group held my hand and walked in step with me as we made our way toward the relief of the cool water. I distracted myself from the temperature by asking her lots of questions about her favorite things, to which she politely responded. We discovered that one thing in particular we had in common was our love of ice cream. A few minutes into our walk, she ran to another adult in the group and, in her native language, insisted we make a stop at a local convenience store. The girl ran inside the small shop and a few minutes later emerged with two strawberry ice cream cones. One for her, one for me.

I was praying for a better understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us during this Easter season when God brought to mind this sacrificial moment. This girl, who had very few material possessions, used her limited spending money on me, a virtual stranger. She had no idea what her impact on me would be. It was the best ice cream I’ve ever had (and I really love ice cream). She demonstrated Christ’s love by giving, even when she had very little to give. And it got me thinking, do I live my life like this?

In my own little world, I collect more “stuff” with each passing birthday and holiday. Rarely do I give away what I have. It’s not very often I use what I can offer to bless others. There is always an excuse, a reason why “I can’t.” There will always be excuses, but I am wondering what life would look like if we put the excuses aside and lived sacrificially?

Jesus showed us the greatest example of sacrifice by giving up His life for us. In our lives, we have the chance to tell others about this sacrifice, not only through words, but through our actions as well.

Living sacrificially is not an easy task, but there is much joy in it. Sometimes all it takes is sharing an ice cream cone.

GOING DEEPER:

1.      When have you been shown sacrificial love?

2.      How can you live more sacrificially?

FURTHER READING:

John 15:12; 1 John 3:16

Brita is a licensed K-12 School Counselor and works as the Non-Public Counselor in Roseville, Minnesota. For the past eighteen years, she has called Oakwood her home church.

Low Tide

By Tracy Smith

“ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

At women’s retreat a couple of years ago, the speaker made this statement, “When the tide is lowest is when treasures are revealed.”

This statement stayed in my thoughts and when we were given an opportunity to spend quiet time with the Lord, I continued to work through that statement. It was a truth that had never occurred to me. Growing up in Wisconsin, I didn’t have a lot of experience with the ocean, but I could try to apply this statement to my life.

As I continued to think about this, another thought occurred to me - - that while low tide would reveal treasures, it would also leave behind some pretty ugly things too. When I am going through a low tide in life what do I show the world - - the treasures or the ugly? What do I focus on?

All of these questions swirled around in my head and I didn’t like some of the answers I was coming up with. I think my natural tendency is to focus on the ugly and bypass right by the beautiful. I eventually get to the beautiful, but it takes a while for me to see the treasures left behind by a struggle.

Do I really believe what James 1:2-4 says?

                                ^“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way,

consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your

faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for

when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete,

needing nothing.” (NIV)

I know that I do not usually see trials as a way for my endurance to grow, and I certainly do not consider it a joy. These verses challenge me to change my thinking and to see challenges as a chance to grow and mature as a Christian.

My goal is that when I face a low tide, I focus on the treasures left behind.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Looking back at a low tide in your life, can you see the beauty that was left behind?

2.  Memorize James 1:2-4 and make it a challenge to yourself.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 121:1-2; 1 Peter 1:6-9

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.

Chipping Away

By Jeannine Sawall

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

There is a story about a sculptor who was working on a current project. He was carving a wolf out of a large stone. As a man stood by watching the sculptor chip a little bit away here and a little bit away there, he asked the sculptor how he knew what to carve off. The sculptor stopped what he was doing for a moment, looked at the man and said “I chip away whatever doesn’t look like a wolf. When I’m done chipping away those unwanted parts, then I will have a wolf.”

We are like that block of stone in the hands of God. While God loves us just the way we are, He loves us too much to leave us in our raw state. He desires for us to become more and more like Jesus. He wants us to grow and change and reflect His Son’s nature in our nature. He does this by chipping away those things that are not like His Son. Even though the chipping away can be painful at times, it means we aren’t stuck with the nasty, unlikeable things in our nature. God is working to change those things.

As Christians, we want to bear the image of Jesus. Not because it makes God happy; He already loves us in our imperfect state and not because it will help us get to heaven. Christ died on the cross and did the work of salvation for all men. No, we want reflect the image of Christ because it’s His image shown through us that draws others to Him and His glory. As we become more and more Christ-like in our nature, people are drawn to that “thing” that makes us so different. They’re drawn to Jesus in us, which becomes more and more apparent as our old nature is chipped away.

Having our rough edges chipped away can be a long and tedious process; however, the beauty that lies beneath is worth the lessons learned and the time required. It’s no mystery, we are flawed people and we will never see perfection this side of heaven. However, if we allow God to work in our hearts, chipping away all those things that are un-Christlike, we’ll soon bear the image of Jesus and His glory more and more.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What areas in your life does the Lord need to chip away at?

2. Who in your life needs to see Christ’s image in you?

Further Reading:

Romans 12:2; Romans 8:29; Isaiah 64:8

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.

“Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave…”

By Susan Klein

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

Many of us, at one time or another, have heard the line from the poem, Marimon,  which reads: “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” (1) Recently, this line has been floating around in my thoughts, but with a slight twist to the ending; “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we trust in that which we perceive.”

Perceive. It’s a sticky word. It means to look upon something in a particular way, to judge, deem, or regard, based mainly on our senses. Not often based on fact, perceptions are usually based solely on what we see, how we feel, or what we (think we) understand about something. Therein lies the problem. Without facts, our perceptions can spin quite the tangled web!

See if this scenario strikes a familiar note. Claire walks down the hall at church and sees Meg approaching from the opposite direction. Claire says, “Hello Meg,” but Meg just keeps walking past her. Claire feels somewhat hurt and confused by this encounter. Her senses lead her to perceive that Meg is either mad at her, or has just behaved rather rudely. The web starts to spin. Claire shares her hurt feelings with Lee and they both try to surmise why Meg would behave so peculiarly. Lee chooses to maintain a comfortable distance from Meg. The web grows, drawing in Lee. Meg, who has just been through a deep personal crisis, is walking around in a blind fog, wondering how she is going to survive the day.

Relying on what we perceive to be true can create a sticky mess of a conflict. When we don’t have all the facts, our minds can easily conjure up some. We start to spin our own take on the situation based on our senses. It can become a huge sticky web, ensnaring others along the way.

Suppose Claire had stopped, reached out to Meg and asked, “Are you okay?” There would be no web. There might even be some comfort for Meg and the deepening of a friendship between the two women.

We all have “mis-perceptions.” In our haste, it’s easy to avoid taking that extra step to verify the facts. But, what if we could eliminate some of those misperceptions? Could it positively affect our relationships, benefit our mental health, and ultimately glorify our Savior?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take that extra time to inquire of others when uncertain. Don’t rely on (mis) perceptions.

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:7,13,27,30; Romans 12:18

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) Marimon; A Tale of Flodden Field, Sir Walter Scott, 1513