More is More
By Jen Wollner

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Luke 7:47 (NIV)

This isn’t just an ordinary woman…she has a “reputation.” Everyone in the room knows about her sinful ways. They all look on as the woman stands behind Jesus, weeping uncontrollably. Her tears fall, wetting his feet. As she cries, she crouches down and wipes his feet with her hair, kissing them and pouring expensive perfume on them. She is judged, criticized and looked down on…but Jesus honors her faith and commends her actions of love.

When I first read the story about this “sinful” woman and her worship of Jesus, I misunderstood it to mean that if a person sins more, Jesus forgives more; and if a person sins less, He has less to forgive. As I studied it further, though, I realized that the point of the story wasn’t that the woman sinned more than others or that her sin was somehow worse in Jesus’ eyes, but rather that she recognized her sin more completely. Consequently, she was more aware of the deep mercy Jesus had for her. She treasured His forgiveness because she had an accurate view of her sin. She was overcome with gratitude for His love that was freely offered to her, in spite of her shortcomings and poor choices. Because of the love He lavished on her, she was able to reciprocate and love Him in an extravagant way, sparing no expense to worship Him as He deserved. Her actions spoke volumes about her faith and love for her Savior.

What about us? Is our view of our sin realistic based on the truths of God’s Word? Do we love much because we recognize how much we are forgiven and loved by Jesus? We can’t appreciate the mercy Jesus offers unless we recognize our dire need for that mercy. We can’t accept Jesus’ grace and forgiveness if we don’t acknowledge that a Savior is absolutely essential. And we can’t reciprocate Jesus’ love for us, much less show that love to others, if we don’t confess and repent of our mistakes, humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross. Only when we know what we are saved from, do we overflow with love for our Savior.

As Easter approaches and we reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord, let’s allow the truth of His forgiveness to wash over us and fill our souls. Then, let’s pour our whole hearts out to Him and love Him abundantly and unrestrained.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you ever taken time to truly contemplate the depths of your sin…and the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness and love? Meditate on this two-part reality throughout the day today.

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 John 3:1a

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three teenagers. She serves Oakwood in various Children's Ministry and Women's Ministry roles as needs arise.

No “I Don’t Knows”

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Lord, you have examined me and know all about me.

Psalm 139:1 (NCV)

Recently, we had a student teacher work join our team. During our prep time, she was getting ready for a conference with a student. I happened to be in the room as she read his book, looking for pieces that he would struggle with ahead of time. Suddenly she sighed, looked up from her work, and said to me, “How am I supposed to know what to prepare for him if I don’t know what he doesn’t know?” The question caught me off guard as I fumbled an answer back, trying to encourage her.

Despite my probably lame answer, it got me thinking. In teaching, a lot of times we do identify what our students will struggle with ahead of time and plan supports to help them even before we introduce the skill. There’s no magic crystal ball so I pondered her question: How do we know what they won’t know?

And then I realized. I know what they will not know because I know them.  I know my students’ challenges, their strengths, their passions, their wiring and their interests. All of these things mesh together as I work to preemptively identify the barriers they’ll face, and what I can do to remove those barriers in their learning.

Being the ever-perfect Teacher, God is impeccable at this. He's the Master of this because He knows us intimately. He's created us. He loves us vastly. And He's for us. God preemptively removed the barrier of our rebellion and sin and had a perfect plan from day one for our reconciliation and redemption. From knowing the plans He has for us, to creating our inmost being, to gifting us with spiritual gifts based on our wiring and giving us strengths that will allow for His Kingdom work…God fully and beautifully knows us. [1]

There are no “I don't knows” when it comes to God's teaching. Every day, His perfect way reveals how beautifully He knows our challenges, our strengths, our passions, our wiring and our interests.

Today, may we be reminded that God is our perfect Teacher. May we turn to worship because we are so thankful that our God has a plan for us. May we rejoice in the fact that when it comes to God and knowing us, there’s never a moment where He says, “I don’t know.”

Going Deeper:

1. Take time today to jot down or reflect on the ways that God is your perfect Teacher. Consider reading through Psalm 139.
2. In what ways has He proven that He knows you?

Further Reading:

Psalm 139; Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Corinthians 1:30

[1] Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Lexi’s family includes her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

Measuring a Life
By Elizabeth Cole

“Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 23:37 (NIV)

A popular musical was a huge hit when it debuted on Broadway in the 90’s due in large part to its dark, gritty, “in-your-face” portrayal of AIDS and young moderns in New York City. The characters are tragic representations of the hopelessness that life becomes without a Savior. In the midst of such bleakness, the friends sing this question: “525,600 minutes, 525,600 moments so dear…How do you measure a year in the life?”

The suggestions are offered: in daylights, in sunsets, in cups of coffee? In miles, in laughter? And the final suggestion soars in rich harmony, “How about love?”

Listening to the song, I find myself marveling at biblical truth found in a most unexpected place. Indeed, how about love?

In his psalm, Moses highlights both the value and the limit of our days, our years and, ultimately, of our lives. The Message paraphrases verse 12, “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”

An honest query responds. What is a life lived wisely and well? The Lord Jesus gives us His answer when asked about the greatest commandment. In one word: Love.

Love foremost for the God of the Universe; love for every single individual we meet; love that distinguishes us as followers of Christ; love that compels us daily; love with our actions and our material possessions; love that is willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of another’s good; love that points to Love Himself.

In the song, the soloist adds, “Remember that love is a gift from up above.” Hmm…imagine that: Truth on Broadway.

How will you measure this year in your life? How about love?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is God your First Love?
2. What changes would you need to make in your life to put Love at the top of your to-do list?
3. What individuals need you to live Christ’s love in their lives? What one step would you take in that direction this week?

FURTHER READING:
John 13:34-35; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Revelation 2:4

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

Prowling Enemies
By Jen Wollner

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
1 Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)

My children use to watch a kids’ science show on PBS called “Fetch.” One episode featured a segment about wolves that live in Yellowstone National Park. Along with many other facts, we learned that when wolves hunt for food, they rarely attack a healthy animal, but rather prowl around looking for a sick or old animal that is weak. By patiently observing a pack of elk, for instance, the wolves find one that will be an easy catch. And, what a feast they had!

Later that night, my husband and I were watching a “20/20” special report about money scammers who intentionally targeted vulnerable people, including the elderly. I immediately thought about the wolves we had learned about earlier in the day. Clearly, the scammers believed that certain people, in certain life circumstances, were more susceptible to falling into their trap. And they were right. They had stolen millions of dollars over several years.

This parallel between the animal world and the world of humans also carries into the spiritual realm. We learn from our verse for today that we have a spiritual enemy, Satan, who prowls around looking for someone to devour. He’s watching us. He knows our weaknesses. And, he’s patiently waiting for a vulnerable moment to attack…just like the wolves and the money scammers.

But, the verse doesn’t end there. Peter tells us to resist and stand firm in our faith. We are to be self-controlled and alert to the enemy’s schemes. He isn’t creative; he will tempt us and discourage us in mostly the same ways. He knows when we are most vulnerable and will take advantage of the situation. But Scripture is clear that we can protect ourselves with a healthy, powerful faith and an awareness of his tactics.

Let’s not turn a blind eye to Satan and the destruction he wants to perpetuate in our lives. Let’s be vigilant in strengthening our faith so that we aren’t helpless during his assaults and can resist and stand firm when they come.

Be on guard...the enemy is on the prowl!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you most at risk of succumbing to the damaging work of the enemy?
2. Make a plan for how you will strengthen your faith and resist his next attack (see Jesus’ example in Matthew 4 for ideas).

FURTHER READING:
Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three teenagers. She serves Oakwood in various Children's Ministry and Women's Ministry roles as needs arise.

Put it Away!

By Susan Klein

 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)

 

My mother used to caution me, “don’t dwell on it,” when my mind would get consumed with an unpleasant or unhealthy thought. I find myself repeating that very sentiment to my own daughter on occasion now. For some of us, it can be all too easy to “dwell.”

 

Not all dwelling is bad. Sometimes we focus heavily on a situation as our minds try to creatively come up with a plausible solution. The kind of dwelling (remaining or resting in, making a habit) that wreaks havoc in our lives is the kind that is destructive to our well-being. Have you ever given too much thought to how others might view you? Have you ever worried about a potential situation that hasn’t even occurred yet? Maybe you’ve dwelled on something that is completely and knowingly out of your control. And where does that type of dwelling usually lead us? Into the enemy’s pit of despair.

 

Some people venture to say that “dwelling” or “worry,” is a lack of faith. Others even dub it “sin.” While this certainly might ring true in some cases, I believe dwelling can also be a triggered response our brain has to certain stimuli. Maybe past fearful or hurtful experiences are leading us to worry about a present situation that evokes those same feelings. Certain emotional disorders can also lead to dwelling in unhealthy places. Much of the time though, it’s our choice or habit that leads to dwelling on wrong thoughts. So what do we do when the temptation arises?

 

First, admit that we aren’t God and we can’t have His control. It’s really okay to not be in control! Let God carry the weight of that huge burden. Secondly, we don’t just ignore the issue. We are human, and our thoughts are going to go to wrong places whether we want them to or not. Give yourself permission to think about the negative thought, even voice it to another - - just once though, pray about it, then put it away!Liken it to a dirty plate. Once it’s put in the dishwasher, you don’t take it out again and keep using it. Put it in, and leave it there.

 

Lastly, and most importantly, we choose to find a healthy place for our thoughts to dwell...we get a clean plate. Dwell on God’s Word in our heart and mind [1], abide in God’s promised love [2], rest in the security that we will not be abandoned by our loving Father[3].

 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What wrong thoughts might you easily succumb to dwelling on?

2. How can you put them to rest, once and for all?

 

FURTHER READING:

[1] Deuteronomy 11:18; [2] John 15:9; [3] Psalm 16:9-10

 

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

Take No Offense

 By Elin Henderson

“May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Matthew 6:10 (NKJV)

In today’s world, our culture of political correctness has caused us to become easily-offended people. Today’s social media is a modern-day circus of offense. One person’s actions or speech can cause an uproar in the rest of the community (even world)!

Given our extreme tendency for offense amongst our fellow humans, I wonder how quick at times we are to perceive when we are offended with God! As shocking as that sounds, multiple times I have found myself offended with Him. I had prayed about and anticipated a relationship to go in one direction and it went in the total opposite direction. I was ready to enter through a clearly open door, when He abruptly closed it. I was praying for the healing of a loved one, and they passed away. Where was God in all of this? Why did He let me down? I had faith, I believed, but He didn’t stand up to His end of the bargain.

If all of us were honest, we would admit that we have all stood and shook our fist a time or two before our Lord, offended at His actions or lack of action. It is a human tendency that I am sure He is well aware of and used to by now.       

If anyone had the “right” to be offended with God it was Job. The bottom literally fell out of his life. He had a choice to make: to choose offense or to trust in a sovereign, loving God. He chose the latter and cried out through the pain, “Though He may slay me, yet will I trust in Him…”  Jesus also chose to not allow offense to enter into the equation, when at Gethsemane He cried, “Not my will, Father, but Yours be done!” 

Oh, may this faith permeate deep into our hearts, so that no matter what comes our way, we can rest and say, “I take no offense with You, Father. You know me best and you are working all things together for good. Your will be done.”

GOING DEEPER:                                                       

1.    Can you think of an instance where you were offended by God’s leading in your life? What did you do about it?

2.    Who else in Scripture could we learn this lesson of “Take no offense” from?  (Here are a few to start with: Abraham, Joseph, David. Use the concordance at the back of your Bible to look them up.)

FURTHER READING:

Luke 22:42; Job 13:15

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to eighteen-year-old Callie and fifteen-year-old Elias.

The Wonder of His Love

By Peggy Kleckner

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6:25-26 (NKJV)

My husband and I were having a trying day attempting to clear out things from our basement. This is really emotional work: You’re sifting through the stuff of your life, wondering what to keep, what to let go…and how to do that together.

As I came up from the basement, I saw him standing still before the patio door to our backyard. Joining him, I witnessed several finches feasting on the tall sunflowers just off of our patio. So fun to watch, it was a nice break from our task. There they were, gripping the edge of the flowers, swaying with them, and picking out what they needed. I watched one pluck out petals and my husband explained that the bird was just making it easier to get at the food that he wanted. None of them cared about what the plants would look like when they were done nor about the mess they were leaving behind. They were enjoying the provision, not questioning how it got there.

What a delightful interlude it was for the two of us…just the refreshment we needed. We watched in wonder, pulled completely into the moment before us.

God reminded me of the verse above. As I witnessed the physical display of His provision for those birds, several facts came to mind. First, my friend had helped me to clear out that garden last spring. She noticed the sunflowers beginning to come up. I would have torn them out as weeds, as we had never planted sunflowers in that spot. Second, my husband had added cages around them to protect them as they grew. Those plants had grown for months in order to provide the feast of this particular day. Third, normally, we have not had finches in our backyard.

So many moments brought about this  moment. Those birds were provided for and so were my husband’s and my own spirits. We really needed the display of God’s great care and provision for them, coupled with His Word to us. This one moment orchestrated by the hand of a mighty and loving God who sees us, knows us and provides for us lifted our hearts to be held in His.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you questioning His provision? Can you stretch yourself to believe while your eyes don’t yet see?

2.  Will you commit to watch for moments of wonder?

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 61:3; Philippians 4:19

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.

Father Knows Best

By Tracy Smith

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

Years ago, it had been a very long day dealing with a preschooler and a toddler asking me “why” approximately 352 times; at the 353^rd “why” I finally snapped, “Because I’m the mom and I told you to!”  Yes, the saying that we are all convinced we will never say to our own children!  Did they really need to know every reason why I wanted them to do something? Couldn’t they just trust that, as their mom, I would not ask them to do anything crazy and that I loved them and only wanted what was best for them?

It was a “light bulb” moment for me. Don’t we do the same thing with God? How often do we continually ask the Lord “why,” instead of trusting that He has our best interests at heart?

• Why do I have to deal with this anxiety disorder?
• Why did my husband lose his job back in 2003?
• Why did he have to spend so many years “underemployed” before finding a good job?
• Why do people hurt each other in such evil ways?
• Why does so-and-so not like me? 

The “why’s” can go on and on and on. I’m so glad that we don’t have a God who snaps His answer out at us, like I did to my boys all those years ago. His answer is right there for us in Isaiah 55: His ways and thoughts are not like ours; they are higher. He knows the whole picture when we are only seeing a part.  Sometimes, you may find out the answer to your “why” and sometimes you may not. But through it all, we have to remember to trust that as our Father, He only wants what is best for us.

GOING DEEPER

1. Is there a “why” you are holding on to? What can you do to lay it at His feet and trust in Him?

FURTHER READING

Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 33:3; Romans 8:28

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 High School girls.

Beyond Think & Say

By Lexi Ellis

“…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Micah 6:8b (ESV)

We live in a time of overwhelming spiritual capability and resources. Unlike past-century Christians, we have access to extensive amounts of theological commentaries and books, beautiful amounts of traditions, collections of hymns and liturgies, churches and leaders, freedom to worship freely and technological abilities that connect with us with other believers and ideas. Additionally, we have the privilege of a complete cannon of Scripture and a Holy Spirit who dwells in believers to convict and comfort.

We are incredibly blessed. And yet, I wonder if we, at times, get in a rut of Christian living compared to the authenticity of our Christian ancestors who knew persecution at a much deeper level. Despite having an amazing amount of resources, despite having easier access to know the right things to say and think…acting  on our faith is harder.

Mark Batterson, a pastor and writer, puts it this way: “Have we accepted a Christianity that is more educated but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic?” [1]

The incredible blessings of resources we have for spiritual development at our fingertips isn’t inherently a bad thing. The tragedy is how often we fool ourselves into believing that saying and thinking is enough. In an age where we have the capability of understanding needs at a greater level than ever before, how often do we shy away from actually doing something for God. Batterson goes on to say:

 “At the end of the day, God is not going to say well-thought or well-said to His servants. There’s only one commendation and it’s this: ‘well-done good and faithful servant.’ It’s time to make a difference. It’s time to care. It’s time to act. That’s how we get unstuck.” [1]

As we begin a new year, what do we need to do to go beyond what we think and what we say? How should we restructure our time to serve others? How should we pray for open doors to be a light? What can we do? I am so incredibly grateful for the extensive amounts of resources that allow me to strengthen and deepen my faith through what I know and say. May we, as believers, be those who go beyond what we say and know…and do something.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    What do you need to do differently in 2015 to actively live out your faith?

2.    What steps do you need to take so that you are actively doing…beyond just saying and thinking godly things?

FURTHER READING:

Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 28:16-20; James 1: 26-27

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.

[1] Mark Batterson, Unstuck: Moving from the Mundane to the Meaningful  Bible study, Bluefish, 2013. Available for Oakwood attenders on RightNow Media.

Faithful

By Karen D’Amore

“…Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Mathew 25:21a (NIV)

On our tenth wedding anniversary, I asked my husband the question, “So, after ten years of marriage…if you had to choose one word to describe me, what would that one word be?” Aware of my husband’s propensity to embellish things with humor, I knew I was asking a loaded question! I was pleasantly surprised when he took my question to heart, and responded in sincerity with the word…“Faithful.”

As a writer, I LOVE words; as a wife who loves words…I loved the word my husband chose. Merriam-Webster’s defines “faithful” accordingly:

            -obsolete: full of faith

            -steadfast in affection or allegiance: loyal

            -firm in adherence to promises of duty: conscientious

            -given with strong assurance: binding (1)

Upon reflecting on the true definition of the word “faithful,” I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to consistently uphold and exemplify its meaning, so as a constant exhortation, I had the word “Faithful” permanently inscribed on my inner left wrist.

A year later, I was deeply impacted by an interview between Sean Hannity and Rev. Billy Graham. When asked, “How do you want people to remember you?” Billy Graham responded, “I want them to remember that I was faithful: faithful to the gospel, faithful to the call that God gave me!” (2) Billy Graham’s response ignited and inspired the same desire in my heart. I too, long to be “full of faith”; faithful to the gospel, and to God’s call on my life! As honorable as it is to make faithfulness a hallmark in our human relationships, the faithfulness that matters most is in our relationship with God. “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT).

As Christ-followers, our faithfulness to God is demonstrated through our obedience to Him. His heart becomes our heart; His mind our mind; His will our will. We cannot be faithful to Him…while choosing our will over His. Jesus, our supreme example of faithfulness, had only one desire, “…Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42b, NIV).  His permanent inscriptions of His faithfulness and obedience to the Father - - His nail scarred hands - - should become our continual exhortation to be faithfully obedient.

Starting with faithfulness in the little things, let’s be good stewards of our families, jobs, finances, ministries and in that which God has entrusted us. And may our faithfulness reflect an eternal pursuit to hear His descriptive words…

                        “…Well done, good and faithful servant!”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What interferes with your faithfulness to God?

FURTHER READING:

Revelation 2:10; 2 Samuel 22:26; 1 Corinthians 4:2

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. 

(1) www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

(2) http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2014/04/18/hannity-revisits-interview-with-rev-billy-graham/

We’re Going to Fall

By Lisa Boyer

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - - this I keep on doing.”

Romans 7:19 (NIV)

Given Paul’s confession that even he doesn’t do the good he wants to do but does the evil that he doesn’t want to do, it seems this is a never-ending battle for every Christian, no matter their spiritual age. Most sermons I’ve heard from the Romans 7:15-25 passage end with, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

While I am overwhelmed by God’s grace towards me in the deliverance He gives me through Jesus Christ, too often I find myself stuck in a place before  deliverance, that place where I’ve fallen and feel stuck in my failure.

Recently, I read a quote by Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton that spoke to me. “The first thing I teach skaters at my skating academy is how to get up - - because we’re going to fall.” Hamilton goes on to say, “And that’s how I live my life: I’m going to fall down, I’m going to make mistakes, I’m going to do all kinds of things that I’m going to wish didn’t happen. But it’s what’s next - - it’s how you get up.”

I wish my walk with Jesus had started with lessons on how to get up, but it didn’t. It’s only been in the past few years of my 39-year journey that I’ve focused on “what’s next” and “how you get up” without getting stuck in my failure.  

So, what is the “get up” plan? You can create your own plan based on Scripture, but here’s mine: immediate confession and repentance - - allowing no time to get stuck wallowing in my failure - - and then accepting forgiveness.

Scott Hamilton’s quote ended with, “The more times you get up, the stronger you are to face the next thing, which will happen - - because that’s life.” While my preference is that I never fall, I still do (and not very gracefully); I’ve learned that when I get back up and make things right with God quickly, the less likely I am to fall in that same area again. 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you struggling with failure and haven’t found deliverance in Jesus? Today, will you humble yourself in prayer, confess your sin, repent, and truly receive forgiveness?

2.  If you haven’t made a “get up” plan, will you begin that now?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 7:15-25; 1 John 1:9; James 4:10

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves as an event photographer at Oakwood and wherever else she is needed. 

Live Like the Lid is Off

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

John 10:10 (The Message, paraphrase)

A number of years ago, Sony made a commercial for a game system that depicted fleas in a jar. The fleas were shown to be jumping all around in the jar, some even soaring out of the top. A lid is put on the jar for three days, then removed. The fleas no longer have the limitations of the lid. But guess what? The fleas no longer jump higher than the height of the lid. They have been trained, and don’t bother to attempt to go beyond, although no restrictions remain. And their offspring? They stay at the lowered height, never venturing above the top of the jar.

Sometimes, we humans are no smarter than the fleas. We put restrictions on ourselves and our lives, never venturing beyond the familiar. Or perhaps we did try something new, only to bang our heads and simply gave up. Maybe we were even told by others there was a limit, so instead of pushing at a boundary, we took their word for granted and never attempted to venture out.

But what if we were smarter? What if we lived like the lid was off of our lives, similar to:

-      Peter and Andrew, the disciples who left their family fishing business to train with Jesus

-      Ruth, who left her homeland to support her mother-in-law

-      Esther, who was bold enough to approach a king, risking death

-      The boy with a lunch, who handed it over to be the source of feeding thousands

-      Paul and Barnabas…leaving Jerusalem and taking the message of the Messiah to the world

I don’t know what the label says on your lid…what might be containing you. There are lots of lids. Some are labeled “condemnation”...”victim”… “stupid”… “fat”…“ugly.” Mine is labeled “fear.” Fear of ridicule, or losing someone I love, or losing personal safety. But like the paraphrase of John 10:10 above says, Jesus Christ came to give us life.  It is a precious and important gift. Don’t let your lid keep you from exploring life.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Does your life have a lid? What label is written on it?

2. Think of how you can help someone struggling to remove their own “lid.”

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 10:39; Luke 9:24

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

To see the commercial, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlpjA-QgmQM