Doubting John
By Lisa Boyer

Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
John 1:32-34

John the Baptist had seen and heard the most amazing things! When he baptized Jesus, he witnessed the Spirit coming down from heaven as a dove, and in Matthew 3:17 the Bible tells us he heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."

But in spite of hearing God’s voice declare that Jesus was the Son of God, John doubted while he was in prison. In Luke 7:20 we read, “When the men came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"

It seems that when times get tough, doubt tends to creep into our hearts and minds, and John was no exception. Yet in the midst of doubt, John still knew where to find the answer… Jesus Himself.

And what an answer Jesus gave! “So he (Jesus) replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor’” Luke 7:22.

Jesus didn’t criticize, get angry or belittle John for doubting. He lovingly pointed John back to the evidence which made it obvious… Jesus was in fact the One.

You and I may not doubt that Jesus is the One, but we still have a tendency to doubt things we should know. We should know that we’re forgiven… we should know that God loves us… we should know where we’ll spend eternity… we should know that He’ll walk with us through anything that happens… we should know that we can trust Him, and yet we doubt.

Thankfully, we too can go back to Jesus where He lovingly provides the answers in His Word.

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you’re struggling with doubt, will you go back to Jesus and His Word today?
2. If you don’t feel you are in a place to go back to Jesus alone, will you ask a friend to come alongside you?

FURTHER READING:
Jude 1:22; Romans 8:38-39; Titus 3:4-5

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa is a co-leader for the Junior High girls’ small group.

Sealed Forever!
By Susan Klein

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Ephesians 4:30

Usually when I read the above verse, I am focused on the words, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” I tend to concentrate on keeping my words and actions in check so as to be obedient to those words. I’ve never given much consideration to the second part of the verse, “by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” I’ve recently come to truly understand the implications of these very profound words, and I now take great comfort in them.

In the distant past, a king or ruler would wear a one-of-a-kind signet ring, hand-crafted especially for him. He never removed it as long as he was in reign. It functioned as his personal signature. If the king’s seal was on a document or an item, it was officially his property and he had total control over what happened to it. No one dared remove the seal unless the king himself instructed them to.

Today, the absolute moment a person puts her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, she is sealed by the King! The God of the universe has claimed ownership of her and has placed His authentic seal on her. It is permanent and secure, definite and complete. It cannot be broken or removed by anyone or anything. What exactly is that seal? It is the Holy Spirit of God. We have the privilege of receiving the Holy Spirit’s indwelling at the very instant of our belief. And His presence in our lives is forever. He will never leave us! Everywhere we go, He goes. Everything we see, He sees. Everything we say, He hears. He is a permanent resident!

Why is that comforting? Because it’s irrevocable! Unlike the kings of the past, God does not give anyone permission to remove His seal from us. We can have the absolute confidence and security in knowing that we are sealed forever with the holy presence of God’s own Spirit! And, “for the day of redemption” indicates that God has a final destination for us. That destination is also permanent and irrevocable! Our eternal place of dwelling, with the God who has claimed us with His seal, cannot be taken from us by anyone, nor can it be revoked by any wrongful actions on our part. It is guaranteed!

Could anything be more encouraging than knowing you are sealed forever by the King?!!

GOING DEEPER:
Are you absolutely confident in your position in Christ? Do you live in the security of knowing God’s gifts are irrevocable? What difference does that make for you today?

FURTHER READING:
John 10: 28-29; Romans 8:37-39

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

Consider the Cost
By Leslie Snyder

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish it.’”
Luke 14:28-30

“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:33

I recently went through training with an excellent instructor in the field of health and fitness. She is well-educated, highly trained, full of experience, holds extremely high expectations, and is brutally honest in her feedback and critique. She readily admits that her forthrightness can be somewhat shocking to those expecting to be coddled, but her goal is not to make her students feel warm and fuzzy. Her goal is to produce the very best instructors in her given field. In fact, she’ll tell you that her ultimate goal is to turn out instructors who are better than she is. With expectations like this, it was no surprise that after the first week of training the number of students was noticeably lower. The cost of completing was just too high.

Jesus was also never known to beat around the bush. In the passage above, Jesus is underscoring the significance of the decision to follow Him. He is not pleading with people to follow Him, nor trying to coax them away from some other leader. If anything, He is making clear the cost of following Him and in a very real sense is giving people a way out if they think the cost is too high. There is no pressure to become disciples, no obligation to keep following, and in this passage, no invitation to begin a new journey. Instead we find a very straightforward conversation about the commitment required to follow; Jesus requires people to follow Him with their entire life for their entire lives. Wow! That’s huge. From what we read later on in Scripture, this theme of completion continued. Philippians 1:6 says, “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We are all a work in progress, called by an invitation from Jesus Himself. Each of us is in different stages of development and on different places on the journey. Called to consider the cost and called to complete the goal. And if completion is the goal, quitting is not an option.

Going Deeper:
1. As a follower of Christ, hang on to the promise of Philippians 1:6. God, not your own power, will carry you on to completion.

Further Reading:
1 Corinthians 9:24

Used with permission by Homeword, Inc.

We’re Covered
By Sarah Kosanke

"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”
Romans 4: 7-8

It called to me while on the shelf in my mother’s craft room. That jar of the finest glow-in-the-dark glitter I had ever known in my six years of life. It caught my eye, captured my thoughts and soon enough, was in my grip. I’d been was told by my mother not to step foot in her craft room; one could imagine the destruction a little girl could cause. As I opened it to get a better look at its sparkle, I knew I should put it back. I had loosely put the cover back on it, reaching up on my tippy toes to place it back on the shelf, when disaster struck. The once-contained glitter fell off the shelf, showering me and the floor in a sea of sparkle. I tried my best to pick it up, but I failed. I tried my best to wipe it off, again, I failed. The more I tried to cover it up, the more it spread. I was covered in it; the floor was covered in it. Each attempt was hopeless. Everywhere I went, it followed. Even when I went to turn off the light and close the door, there was still the glow-in-the-dark reminder of my mistake ground into the carpet.

Recently, God reminded me of this childhood blunder as I was recalling the fall of man. Like the fruit on the tree caught Eve’s eye, the glitter caught mine. Just as the serpent tempted Eve, so my imagination ran wild with me. More so, as the glitter covered me and everywhere I went, so does the mistake of the first sin. We see the evidence of sin all over. We as humans were not originally created to hurt, ache or even die. If things were the way God had first intended it, we would never have to say good-bye. The worst consequence of sin is that it separates us from God. Because of His character, He cannot fellowship with us. We have no way of cleaning ourselves up either. It is a hopeless attempt on our part.

We are not without hope, however. Jesus made it possible for us to fellowship with God. He fixed what we could not fix; He restored what we could not restore. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross in our place, the blood He shed covers our sin. It’s a worthy payment before God. When God looks at us, we are blameless! We can fellowship with Him…forgiven and clean!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Thank God today for the amazing gift He gave us that we could not give ourselves.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 32; Ephesians 2:12-14

Sarah is a single young lady who works as a rehabilitation specialist for mentally ill clients in a group home. She teaches girls in Oakwood’s Quest 56 and children’s program.

Choices
By Jeannine Sawall

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
Deuteronomy 30:19

"Tension is the place where the worst of life and the best of true hope meet to unveil our eyes to God’s artistic work of redemption. What a mighty and creatively loving God we serve. He allows us to know great pain, so that we can know the greater pleasure of trading it in for purpose." --Matt Hammitt

I came across this statement by Matt while he was blogging about his infant son, Bowen. Bowen was born with a serious heart defect, one that is potentially life-threatening. My heart ached as I looked pictures of that tiny baby with tubes coming out of everywhere. Even his chest was still open after surgery for "easy access," in case something went wrong and the doctors needed to get into it again quickly.

Why?? Why such pain for that little guy? Why such sorrow and uncertainty for his family? Why such trauma in everyday life for any of us? Friends whose loved ones are sick with terminal diseases and wasting away before their eyes? Others who have lost jobs and fallen on difficult financial times? For myself, why 10 miscarriages? Why the unexpected loss of my mom? It's so easy to go to that place of "why?" So easy to wonder where God is at these moments.

Sin. The Curse. The Fall. The answer to my "why's." Sickness, sorrow, pain, death...these are the results of sin. However, God can use these times to draw us to Him, if we let Him. In the midst of living in a world where we can expect difficult times, we are given two choices. We can say He is not enough and turn away, or we can be touched by our gracious God who meets us in the midst of that tension. We can lean into a God who, in that worst place, shows us there is still purpose. He will reveal to us His character and tell us He has made a way; to hang on, hope is around the corner. He has redeemed us and a day is coming when tears will be gone forever. And when we know the secret of His redemptive grace, we can stand in the midst of any trial and say He is good…even if tears are streaming down our cheeks. We are given that choice. We only have to make it for Him.

Going Deeper:
1. Have you found yourself doubting God or wondering where He is in a hard time? Stand firm on His promises. He will see you through any difficulty.

For Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 27:4-5, Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 26:3-4

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

My First Christmas Part 2
By Lisa Boyer

“Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare His praise?”
Psalm 106:2

I had a good Christmas!!!

If you’re surprised that I say this when Christmas is still so far away, you’ll need to read my devotional entitled My First Christmas(1). In it, I shared my historical “dislike” for Christmas, the seemingly inevitable depression that accompanied it, my hope that I would be able to successfully celebrate this Christmas and my plan to do that on a specific day before December 25.

And so I did; I celebrated Christmas on October 25, 2010. How I celebrated my Christmas isn’t important or even that interesting, but what God did was amazing.

While planning for my Christmas celebration, I often found God bringing specific incidents to mind that contributed to my negative feelings toward Christmas. Not that I hadn’t thought back on them before, but it had always been during moments of Christmas depression that fed on those negative memories. This time was different. God was cleaning house and getting rid of the garbage I was holding on to. I don’t know about you, but I don’t find cleaning to be a fun task and being cleaned is even less fun… but living in a cleaned house is incredible!

He worked through my memory bank and my heart, healing the scars of the past and setting me free. It didn’t change anything that had happened in the past, but it allowed me to move on, leaving it in the past.

During this process, I discovered something…something that changes Christmas for me forever! Christmas isn’t about me! I realize how obvious that should be; however, each Christmas that I spent hoping that somehow someone would make up for my bad Christmases made that Christmas about me. But it isn’t about me, it never has been, it never could be and it never should be.

Yes, I had a good Christmas, because I spent it celebrating the One whom Christmas is truly all about, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m even planning on having another good Christmas this year… on December 25, 2010.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, will you make a plan to intentionally and personally celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season?
2. Are you holding on to garbage from your past? Will you let God begin cleaning your house today?
3. Do you struggle with unrealistic expectations of others during the holiday season? Will you surrender those expectations to God?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:6

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.

(1) My First Christmas October 29, 2010 http://www.oakwoodfreshstart.blogspot.com/

Moving Past Understanding
By Elin Henderson

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!”
Philippians 4:6,7 (NKJV)

Who doesn’t know and love these precious Scriptures? How many of us have gone to this again and again in time of need to find comfort, help and peace? There are so many nuggets of truth and hope that can be found locked away in these two verses.

Recently, I was reflecting on the passage sandwiched between what to do (don’t be anxious and give it to God) and the result (a peaceful mind). There are really two ways to interpret this section and both are equally rich and beautiful.

When we let go of our anxieties and commit them to the only One who can truly handle them, a peace that we can’t possibly explain or understand is promised to take over. How many of us have experienced a peace, a calm rest, in the midst of the storm like the disciples did when Jesus calms the storm in the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:39 & Matthew 8:26))? Peace is what the world cries out for and desperately needs, yet what always remains just out of its reach, since it is sourced only in the God of the universe! We have a promise of that peace here! You can’t explain it! It’s just a “God Thing!”

Yet, there is a different kind of peace that He gives, as well. Not just freedom from our fears and doubts like when Jesus calmed the seas. But, a peace which “passes understanding”…in other words, it moves past understanding to simple faith and trust. This is like Peter in Matthew 14:29 when, despite the storm, he was able to step out of the boat in faith, walk on water and do the impossible. Or when the unexpected comes and things don’t work out as planned, we have a peace in the midst of that storm. We need to get past seeing things with human eyes and see them through the eyes of the Savior! What is a storm when you are with the Creator of the seas?

Oh, to have a faith and peace that passes understanding and doesn’t require an explanation or reason. One that simply steps out in faith and sees the hand of the Lord at work! “Move us past understanding today, oh Lord!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what areas has the Lord given you inexplicable peace in the midst of storms?
2. In what areas is He calling you to move past understanding and find His peace?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalms 119:69; Ephesians 3:19

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and eight-year-old Elias.

The Unseen Enemy
By Leslie Snyder

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
I Peter 5:8

Some time ago, my husband and I took our kids and some of their friends to play in the children’s play place at our local mall. The weather had been very cold and snow days had kept all of us cooped up for too many days. We all needed a little time to relax and run off some energy. After about fifteen minutes, I caught up with our troupe in the center of the play place. They were climbing like monkeys up and down and over and through a log-like structure that was large enough to endure the frolicking of many children. I quickly noticed that many of the children were coughing. Fearing the spread of yet another illness, I looked at my own kids. They were coughing, too. Within seconds, so was I. I found my husband who also noticed that the coughing had spread to the entire play place. We noticed police began to circle the area. We grabbed our kids, their friends and immediately left the building.

The kids were crushed. We had promised them ice cream and the only thing on their mind was that we had broken our promise. “But you said we could get ice cream!” Then came the complaints, one after another. There were no, “Thanks for saving our lives,” or “Wow, Mom and Dad really did the right thing.” Only complaints about leaving too soon and not getting the promised ice cream.

Isn’t that how we often treat attacks on our souls? Someone else sees the danger we are experiencing, loves us enough to drag us out of it, and then we complain because we didn’t get exactly what we wanted. Fortunately, as it turned out our “enemy” at the play place was just a thoughtless person releasing pepper spray as a joke. We were okay and had no lasting physical effects. However, the enemy of our soul isn’t just joking around. He is out to steal, kill and destroy. And when someone loves us enough to see the danger we’re in and lead us from it, we need to follow into safety.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there an area in your life that could use some rescuing? What’s keeping you from leaving?

FOR FURTHER READING:
John 8:42-37, 10:7-8

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Her Scarlet Letter
By Susan Klein

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18b

Her scarlet letter was an “A,” for adultery. Hester Prynne, a young woman living in 17th century puritanical Boston, was labeled and paraded through town to shame her for her actions. She was not allowed to remove the letter, lest she or someone else forget the detestable sin she committed. Scorn and shame were her constant companions in a city where even the sun would not shine upon her. Her story is fiction. (1)

Rahab’s scarlet letter was an “H.” She was a harlot, or a prostitute, as we would call her today. People knew her for her disdainful lifestyle. Men used her and woman despised her. She is addressed three times in Scripture as “Rahab the harlot.” Her story is real.

Rahab’s story has a much happier ending than Hester’s. Rahab puts her faith in the One true God who can shower her with forgiveness and remove her scarlet letter. In fact, He even goes so far as to adopt her into the family of His chosen ones: the Israelites. She marries, has a son, and is named in the blood lineage of our Lord, Jesus Christ. She is loved, in spite of the past that could have branded her for life.

Consider other women in Scripture. Eve’s letter might have been a “D,” for disobedient. She had to leave Paradise, but she was forgiven by her Father. Miriam’s was quite possibly a “P,” for prideful. She thought too highly of herself and was temporarily struck with leprosy. But God cleansed her and brought her to a place of restoration.

And ourselves? We’ve all worn our “scarlet letters” at one time or another. We’ve all struggled with sin. Fortunately, our demise is not that of Hester Prynne’s. Our past does not identify who we are, and the “Son” does shine upon us! We have a loving God who hears our confessions and promises forgiveness. He strips us of our scarlet letter and cleanses us from all unrighteousness so that we may appear before Him white as snow. We can put our past behind us, just as He has.

If anything, our letter should be a pure, white “F” for forgiven and free!

GOING DEEPER:
1) What old letters might still be tucked away in your closet that need to be given to the heavenly Goodwill?
2) Do you know of someone else who may be in need of the Father’s “letter removal business”? Ask Him for an opportunity to share your own experience with her.

FURTHER READING:
Joshua 2 & Matthew 1:5-6; Numbers 12; Galatians 5:1; Hebrews 10:22-23

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

(1) Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields, 1850

Rescue Plan
by Jennie Pierce

“Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in . . .”

Mark 7:24 (NLT)

Sitting next to him on what was his first official airplane ride, I couldn’t help but be affected by the excitement that buzzed through his body. Unlike the seasoned traveler who typically settles right in for a nap, my son sat tall, observing everything around him, taking in every word the flight attendant spoke as she pointed here and there, explaining this and that. Suddenly, that excitement was squelched as the attendant explained the use of the oxygen masks, “Adults, assist yourselves FIRST, then the small child next to you.” She walked up and down the aisle purposefully stopping next to each adult who had a child by his side repeating, with emphasis, “Yourself FIRST, then the child.” Eyes widened and brows furrowed, my son exclaimed in disgust, “What?! That’s not fair!”

Initially, it does seem selfish, really: to assist yourself before assisting others. But consider the overall context. The health level of the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of one’s life will affect the degree to which we can help and rescue those around us. Jesus knew that full well. After a busy day of ministering to a large, needy crowd, He purposely put a pause on ministry for a break, for some food and physical rest, even though all the needs weren’t yet met. After another time of intense ministering, He tried to sneak away to a friend’s house for some R&R. Scripture clearly states that He didn’t want anyone to know where He was! There were times when Jesus withdrew from the people, and even His disciples, to be alone for some intense time of prayer.

What Jesus modeled was not selfishness, but a pattern for wise and healthy living. Even He knew and understood the limitations and needs wrapped up in our humanness. There is no guilt, no shame in choosing to take care of yourself, in order to take care of those around you.

I think children are far wiser than we give them credit. I told my son that what the attendant had said didn’t seem fair, at first, but I asked him to think about the “why” behind what she was suggesting. Then it dawned on him as he exclaimed, “Oh, I get it! You can’t help me very well if you need help, too!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? Change your thinking, and realize it is important to invest in the health of yourself, too.
2. This week, what is one purposeful idea you can implement to assist in your physical, emotional, or spiritual health? Whether it’s a vigorous walk around the block, coffee with a friend, or some God-and-you alone time -- Do it!

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 8:18,24, 14:23; Mark 6:31-32,46; Luke 6:12, 9:28

Jennie is a wife and mother of three teenagers. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

My First Christmas
By Lisa Boyer

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Psalm 103:8

You may be thinking that it’s a bit early for a devotional about Christmas, but the Christmas decorations are already in the stores so if it’s not too early for decorations, it’s not too early for a devotional! Besides, this is the time of year I usually begin dreading Christmas, knowing that the unavoidable Christmas depression is just around the corner.

In fact, my first brush with Christmas dread came weeks ago, as a friend and I stood in front of a Christmas display and she said, “Doesn’t this just make you happy!?!” I thought to myself, No, it doesn’t, I hate Christmas, quickly blinking to keep the tears from filling my eyes. The guilt was immediate. A Christian who hates Christmas is wrong on so many levels.

Since that day, I’ve spent a lot of time talking to God about this issue. Not just talking; pouring my heart out to Him. He knows I’ve tried everything in my power to enjoy Christmas, but in all my years…childhood through now, I’ve never succeeded. I have to admit I was feeling hopeless and guilty.

And then there was this moment, this moment when I stopped looking down in shame but looked up and saw my compassionate God was grieving too! He hasn’t been angry and disappointed in my inability to celebrate the birth of His Son all these years. He’s been hurting right there with me from the very beginning of my bad Christmas experiences. My guilt melted away and took my hopelessness with it.

After years of failure, I finally have hope that I will be able to successfully celebrate this Christmas. And to make sure I get to do just that, I’ve made a plan. I’m going to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior on a specific day well before December 25. It will be a day just for me to celebrate Him: no buying gifts, no decorations (except maybe a manger scene), no family gatherings, no cooking and no cleaning to burden or distract me. A day just for me and Jesus. It will be my first real Christmas and I can hardly wait!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Today, will you make a plan to intentionally and personally celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season?
2. If you are one of the many who struggle this time of year, will you bring your burden to our compassionate God, asking Him to show you a way that you can freely celebrate the birth of His Son?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 103:1-5; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:6

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.

Reaching The Next Generation For The Lord
By Pamela Blattner

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

Deuteronomy 4:9

I cannot wait to be a grandmother…. again. I wonder if my son and his wife will have a daughter or son.

We just got home from an annual Blattner most-excellent vacation! We talked and daydreamed about what the future will look like with another small grandbaby around and I cherish those thoughts because they make me delightfully happy. I so look forward to the day when I get the pleasure of kissing soft cheeks and holding pudgy little hands in mine.

There are certain things I want to remember to always do with my precious grandchildren. I want to continue to take them out and spend time with them. I want to take them to the park and go on slow walks with them discussing the trees and the birds in the air while holding hands. I want to be available as a babysitter so their parents can get some much-needed rest and time for each other. I want to be supportive and encouraging. I want my grandchildren to make homemade cookies with me and get the kitchen really messy as we dance around the room. I want to tell them stories from the Bible, teach them about the Lord and what He has done in my life. I want them to know that "Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children" (Proverbs 17:6).

But what I would not want to do is not be available. The Israelites taught their grandchildren about the Lord so that they would not forget Him. We ought to do the same. The Bible teaches us how to view grandchildren--as a crown. At times, I find that I need to grasp the bigger vision -- the one of reaching the next generation for the Lord. Grandmas, you possess much wisdom and experience that needs to be shared. You are so important: The Lord views your role as valuable to your grandchildren. What a great way to celebrate ongoing life!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In these challenging times, we can stand in the gap with prayer for our children and grandchildren. Will you do so today?
2. Not all of us are grandmothers, and not all grandmothers have as much access to their grandchildren that they’d love. Ask God to bring to your mind children in your life…the next generation… whom you can influence, reach out to or pray for.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 103:17

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care and is Co-Coordinator of Touched Twice Ministries.

Next, Please
By Elin Henderson

“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’”
Mark 1:41 (NKJV)

Do you ever feel that life is sometimes like a Walk-In Clinic? Maybe it’s only because I’m a nurse that I would think this way! Life is a series of appointments, some scheduled and some walk-ins. There is nothing as irritating as trying to complete a day’s work when one interruption after another vies for our time and attention. We have patience for the scheduled things since we’ve planned time and energy for them, but those unscheduled walk-ins tend to just annoy us.

The Lord has been challenging me lately in my attitude towards the walk-ins in my life. Rather then seeing them as interruptions, He desires that I see them as “divine appointments” – not on MY schedule but perfectly part of HIS schedule for me.

How many walk-ins did Jesus have to deal with in a day? In the first chapter of Mark, on His way to a preaching engagement, along came a leper “imploring Him to heal him.” Chapter 2, a paralytic and his friends drop in (literally) while He’s having a meeting. Chapter 3, on His way to the synagogue, a man with a crippled hand seeks help. Chapter 5, Jairus seeks Him out to heal his little girl, immediately followed by a woman with an issue of blood. Chapter 7, a woman with an unclean spirit finds Him on His way to Tyre and Sidon. Later on, a woman is cast before Him condemned of adultery…the rich young ruler stops him on his path…a pack of children crowd around him…the examples go on and on. When did He stick to “a schedule”?

Did these walk-ins keep Him from ministering to others, or rather amplify His ministry among others? They were opportunities…and because Jesus was in constant communion with the Father, He willingly took the time to deal with each one. His example taught those around Him and still speaks to us today.

So, the next time your day seems to be filling up with a lot of walk-ins, just remember who sets the schedules we live by. Trust that He knows not only how much we can handle for the day, but also the specific lives He wants us to touch that day!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If you have a chance, study the different Gospels and keep track of how many interruptions (walk-ins) that Jesus dealt with daily! The list will surprise and challenge you!
2. Where in your life do you feel that you have been stiff-arming the walk-ins for the sake of your scheduled appointments? How do you feel the Lord would have you change your approach?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew; Mark; Luke; John

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and seven-year-old Elias.

Thirsty Vines
By Sarah Kosanke

“The eyes of all look to You and You give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of all living things.”
Psalm 145: 15-16

I’ve grown up with a garden for as long as I can remember. My father and his father shared a particular love of growing tomatoes, which were not only delicious but gigantic! They watered them often, fed them regularly and provided the most pristine conditions to grow in. I’ve often thought that is how my “spiritual garden” should be too. I learned that by going to God, He gives us all the nourishment we need to produce the right fruits. That all I have to do is ask and He immediately pours on the good stuff. For many years, I’ve lived by this knowledge.

I was mortified though, when I heard how grapes in a vineyard are grown. If grapevines are pampered and treated as tenderly as my father’s precious tomato plants, they produce little fruit of less quality. The best grapevines are withered, painfully pruned to the point of leaving scars on them, baked in full sun with little water and not consistently fed the nutrients they need. How can anyone say that this is good for them? How can they produce fruit in such conditions? What a sweet lesson from our Creator. It’s when these vines are deprived at the surface of what they need, they sink their roots deep into the ground, reaching further and further to find nutrients and water underground. It is said that these vines not only produce the most fruit, they produce the best-tasting fruit. The older and more beat up they are, the better the fruit.

Do you ever find that you ask God for things, good things, and it seems as though He holds out on you? I’m not saying that God ignores us, or He denies us the things we need. Our God provides for us exactly what we need at the time we need it. Sometimes He even holds back something we crave, only to make it better for us in the end. Sometimes He allows painful pruning in our lives to enlarge our spiritual output and understanding. Sometimes His best for us includes tenaciously digging our roots deeper into Him, trusting Him alone, finding our satisfaction nowhere but in Him.

Our Owner is singleminded: He will do all He chooses to grow us stronger, more resilient, and best of all…more fruitful!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some things you feel you are lacking that you are crying out to God to provide? Trust Him today, as He is our provider.

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9; Matthew 7:18

Sarah is a single young lady who works as a rehabilitation specialist for mentally ill clients in a group home. She teaches the 5th and 6th grade girls on Sunday Mornings and the 2nd through 4th grade girls on Wednesday nights at Oakwood.

Da Peent Ones
By Jen Wollner

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts…Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:6, 8-9

“Da peent ones wit da hearts on dem…Da peent ones wit da hearts on dem…”

This was what I heard my daughter, Libby, whispering to herself recently as she skipped toward the laundry room. In case you don’t know how to translate 4-year-old speak, she was saying “the pink ones with the hearts on them” over and over under her breath. Why, you wonder? Well, it’s simple really. Several minutes before, I had instructed her to go put on her shoes for school…the pink ones with the hearts on them! I realized quickly that she was repeating my orders out loud to herself so she wouldn’t forget on the way to completing the task. Believe it or not, oftentimes she does forget my directions in only a matter of seconds. Short attention span? Yes! But, a smart cookie nonetheless? Yes! And, a determined little one, too! She wasn’t going to forget this time. She was going to say the instructions repeatedly to make sure she wouldn’t lose her focus!

I find our key verse for today really interesting. Practically speaking, should we take the Lord literally and really do as He suggests? I believe that, yes, when He says, “Tie them as symbols on your hands…bind them on your foreheads…write them on your doorframes…and on your gates,” He is speaking somewhat literally. The Lord knows full well that our attention spans are short and we need His commands right smack in front of us all the time! Maybe it’s a piece of jewelry we wear with Scripture or a Cross on it. Maybe it’s a painting or wall décor inscribed with God’s Word. Maybe it’s a devotional we read each morning and meditate on throughout the day to remind us of spiritual truths. Or, maybe we make it a point to memorize Scripture and repeat it out loud to ourselves often so that it’s on the tip of our tongue when we need it most. Whatever it is, we would be wise to have God’s Word and reminders of His truths around us, in plain sight, so they are more likely to become inscribed on our hearts and minds. Then, following them will become more natural and habitual.

Let’s take a cue from Libby’s “peent ones wit da hearts on dem” and do whatever it takes to stay focused on God’s instructions and obediently act on His commands.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what ways do you surround yourself, literally, with God’s Word? What else could you do in order to better remember Him and His commands daily?

FURTHER READING:
Numbers 15:38-40

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of seven and four. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

The Journey
By Lisa Boyer

“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

Sometimes during life’s journey we find ourselves on routes we didn’t expect….

In Genesis 37, we read of the young man Joseph who had dreams, dreams from God of his brothers bowing down to him. But in Genesis 39 and 40, we find that he’s not being revered by his brothers, he’s been sold into slavery by them and is in an Egyptian prison. Prison: not where Joseph expected to be.

1 Samuel 16 tells us of the young shepherd boy David who is anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. But in I Samuel 19 through 26, instead of ruling a kingdom we find David hiding in caves, hunted like an animal by King Saul who’s trying to kill him. Hiding: not where David expected to be.

Those unexpected routes in life can surely shake one’s faith, but Joseph and David remained faithful. Now, we Bible readers may be tempted to take their faith for granted because we can turn forward a few pages and see how their life’s journeys unfold: Joseph is made a ruler in Egypt and his brothers do bow down before him; David becomes the king and rules for 40 years. But Joseph and David were in the middle of their journeys without the Book to tell them how things turn out. All they knew was that God made a promise and they believed He was going to keep it. They kept the faith in spite of years of waiting…yes, years. The two chapters describing the events of Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment covered 13 years of his life’s journey. From the time David is anointed as king to when he actually becomes king is over 15 years.

The middle of life’s journey can be difficult and long, but we must not lose sight of the fact that we are in the midst of a journey. It’s not over yet. We may not be able to see where our journey leads, but we KNOW that God is always up to something in our lives and it’s always a good something, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you become discouraged with your life’s journey? Today, will you reaffirm your commitment to follow and trust God no matter what route your life’s journey takes?
2. Have you intentionally left the path God had you on? Right now, will you go to God in prayer and get back on the route He has planned for you?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 16:11; I John 3:2a; Jeremiah 29:11

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for the Junior High girls’ small group.

Preventing “Truth- Decay”
By Susan Klein

"You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth."

1 John 2:20-21

“Prevent Truth Decay -- Read Your Bible” were the words displayed on a church sign as I was driving by. I chuckled to myself at the intended pun. But as I drove on, I had to give consideration to the full impact of this short exhortation.

We are definitely living in a time of “truth- decay.” Politicians distort the truth to try to appeal to people in every camp. The media twists the truth to tout their biased viewpoints. Textbooks in schools have been re-written to exclude events that are deemed intolerant, as if they never existed, and are filled with endless theories presented in the form of facts. Just about everywhere we turn, we can find some sort of misrepresentation, or truth- decay.

If we are not constantly in God’s Word, we will fall victim to this epidemic as well. Lack of exposure to God’s infallible Word will be to our hearts as lack of toothpaste is to the teeth. What we once knew and believed to be true will start to decay from lack of exposure and be replaced by the ugly cavities of deceit that infiltrate our minds on a daily basis. We must get our regular dose of “Truth” to prevent decay!

Scripture warns us that the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from truth [emphasis mine] and turn aside to myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Ladies, don’t let this happen to you! You can prevent truth- decay! Just as you would not let a child fill up only on sugary treats without giving him good nutritious food, don’t let your minds be filled with only what the world has to say. Feed it some healthy soul-food from God’s life-giving Word. Let it wash over you to cleanse your heart and purify your mind.

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near (Revelation 1:3).

GOING DEEPER:
1) Are you starting to see visible signs of decay in your own life?
2) How much protection are you receiving in the form of God’s Word?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 30:5-6; Psalm 26:2-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-15

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

Jailbreak!
By Elin Henderson

“…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
I Corinthians 10:5b (NKJV)

Your day is progressing as usual when suddenly the sound of alarms fills your head. “Emergency! Jailbreak, Cellblock A!” Quickly, you run to see what the problem is when you realize that the escaped convicts of Cellblock A have opened Cellblocks B and C! Now, true chaos begins to fill your world. Before you know it, the top security inmates in solitary confinement are working their way free from their cells! What do you do??

Do you ever feel that there are jailbreaks in the prisons of your mind? Those thoughts that you believed were locked up with the keys thrown away suddenly dig a hole through the floor and begin to wreak havoc in the world of your mind? We all have different levels of security that we think are impenetrable. Some thoughts get detained in low security facilities, while others are sealed away in quiet recesses where few know about them (if any). Yet, at different times, when our guards are down, these thoughts break free. In their escape, they bring others along with them. Before long, your carefully controlled mind becomes a cesspool of unwanted escapees!

There is no parole for “good behavior” amongst the errant thoughts. They must be taken captive and sent back to the confines of their cells. Unfortunately, they are often joined by cellmates with similar tendencies and issues. One group of criminals called “Woeful Worries” has a tendency to overtake us when we are overwhelmed. Another gang, the “Guilt Gang,” stages a coup when we are already down-and-out about ourselves! Then there are those high security “Past Pain Prisoners” who lurk in the dark corners of solitary confinement where we try to keep them quiet and inactive. The list goes on….

It is a full-time job keeping a vigilant eye on the imprisoned thoughts of our minds. They are often repeat offenders that you might have to lock up every 5 minutes until the phase passes. But, while we are the prison matrons so to speak, we aren’t alone! There is the Boss in Charge -- the Architect and Creator -- the One who built the prison and knows its every nook and cranny. He’s on call 24/7, always there to help! Not only that, He is willing to help with guard duty, Philippians 4:7b “…will guard your hearts and MINDS through Christ Jesus.” When we catch an errant thought on the loose, our job is to bring it back to the Big Boss to deal with, lock away again and help guard the cell door!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What kinds of thoughts have been breaking free from the prisons of your mind lately?
2. What promises does the Big Boss offer about His ability to deal with even the worst of escapees? Will you act on them today?


FURTHER READING:
II Timothy 1:12; Philippians 3:21; Ephesians 3:20

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and eight-year-old Elias.

The Crossroad
By Jeannine Sawall

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

I recently reached a crossroad in life where I had to choose which road to travel. My mom passed away unexpectedly, and for several months I walked a road filled with heartache and mourning. The relentless whisper of loss and grief constantly reminded me that she was gone. Time, however, brings a measure of healing…whether or not you want it to. As I thought of her in heaven and me here, I faced a dilemma: Could I move forward with joy? Or, if I let go of some of my grief, was I letting go of her, loving her less? Those thoughts rang loudly. With mind and heart torn, I stood at the crossroad.

I knew without a doubt my mom was alive and well, enjoying a life more joyful and rich than she ever had on earth. I imagined her anticipating the day we would all be together, just like we awaited the arrival of dear friends coming to visit. Our youngest son Joshua was constantly watching at the window, asking excitedly again and again, "Are they here yet?!"

I don't believe Mom waits with longing, but with completeness of joy in the presence of our Lord, knowing that when the time is right, we will come. There lay the answer to my crossroad dilemma. If Mom is on the other side waiting with joy, should I not try to walk with joy on this side?

Crossroads give us choices. Will we step back into the past, stay put, or move forward? We know our faithful God always walks beside us. We can trust Him to go with us as we move forward, no matter the circumstance.

GOING DEEPER:
1) Have you reached a crossroad in your life? Trust God to walk with you down the path He has for you.
2) Are you holding onto grief? Let God heal and comfort today; He has promised He will.

FOR FURTHER READING:
Psalm 9:9; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 48:14; 1 Peter 5:6-7

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

Seashells by the Seashore
By Jennie Pierce

"I praise you because I am fearfully andwonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Proverbs 139:14

Seven days on the gulf shore should have been plenty of time to guarantee me the perfect find of a shell: a beautiful, completely intact conch shell. It was my one and only goal. In earnest, I set out to find that beautiful treasure. Day after day, I was drawn to the water, searching high and low, but always coming up empty-handed. No qualified conch shell could be found. Several days into my search, my elated husband found one. As he handed me a rather chipped, discolored conch shell, instantly, I thought, “That’s ok. I’ll take it home and bleach it out so it will be pretty.” As unpredictable as the ocean waves, a conviction washed over me. I was so focused on finding what I had qualified as the perfect shell, that I had easily overlooked other shells that held a unique beauty of their own. It was then that I changed my focus, and began to see and appreciate the beauty that other shells had to offer, and added those to my collection, instead.

In life, the struggle is the same. We quantify and qualify what is to be considered “beautiful.” It might be with our own physical bodies. If only I were taller, thinner, had straighter teeth, blonder hair…and this defining of outward beauty is carried deeper still. If only I weren’t so shy, if I could sing like so-and-so, if I had the courage to lead a group, if I didn’t have this discolored past. Precious friend, do you know you are God’s prized possession? He made you in His image and, when you became His own, He breathed His very existence into you! What you see when you look in the mirror is not was defines your beauty. You are beautiful because God says you are - - because He created you in a fearfully and wonderfully way. You are no “oops” to Him. The God who knows everything about you, even the exact number of hairs on your head, accepts and loves you. Completely. Period. The End. No Questions Asked.

Exiting the water for what would be my last time, I headed toward home, random seashells in tow. At the last second, I glanced over my shoulder onto the soft, sandy white beach. There, nestled under some brush lay a perfectly white, sun-bleached conch shell, fully in tact! Carefully scooping up the shell, I realized that not only do I wrongly define what true beauty really is, but often I look for it in the wrong places. True beauty, true self-worth, is found only in the person of Jesus Christ, my Creator…the One who loved me enough to die for me.

GOING DEEPER:
1. At times, when you are feeling worthless, or even hate yourself, remember that the very character of God, Himself, is reflected in the creation of every person. You are no exception.
2. Have you ever noticed that in the description of the Proverbs 31 Woman, her appearance is never mentioned? It is her character, alone, that makes her an attractive woman.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139; Proverbs 31; Matthew 10:30

Jennie is a wife and mother of three teenagers. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

Sharing Sorrow
By Karen D’Amore

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26a (NKJV)

He was a recent high school graduate; a boy the blogs described as “fun, funny, quirky, godly.” A few days earlier he was seen hanging out with friends in the church youth room. A weekend get-away turned tragic when an ATV accident claimed the young boys’ life. A son, grandson, brother…and a friend to many, he was now…forever gone.

The mood within the church grew somber, as the news of the boys untimely death was announced from the pulpit. As details of the tragedy unfolded, the church aisles dotted with tissues blotting away tears. Teens clung to one another in disbelief. Parents clutched their children tighter then ever before. Embracing arms moved like a “ball-game-wave” across the room, as pew neighbors reached out to comfort one another. A storm of tears flooded the room as the worship team sang, “You give and take away/You give and take away/My heart will choose to say/Lord, Blessed be Your name.”

I didn’t know the young boy personally; however, his face was familiar from within the church halls. As my eyes scanned the sanctuary, they fumbled past one grieving member after another. Some members couldn’t put a face with the name; some members knew of him, while others knew him well. But regardless of the relationship, the room was void of a single dry eye. Knowing many who were close to him, my chest tightened in anguish as I shared in the pain of those surrounding me. I swallowed hard and labored to breathe through the vicarious suffering of the Body.

Hearts continued to grieve as the church service drew to a close. Heads which had hung downward in despair, diverted to an upward gaze of hope. Strangers linked arms with strangers and universal tears melded the hearts of the Body of Christ together as one. Scripture came to life as Christ infused the members of the congregation with a deep sense of solidarity. On a day with great cause for sorrow, I found reason to rejoice.

As Christ-followers, we have been adopted into the family of God. And as members of the Body of believers, we are exhorted to bear one another’s burdens, rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Seeing Scripture come to life in vivid Technicolor was a sight to behold. Experiencing the unity of the Body of Christ, made me question why anyone would not want to be a member of such a glorious family.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you share in the suffering of others?

FURTHER READING:
Roman 12:15; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 3:8

Married to Dan, Karen is a retired police officer and is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns. She is an administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

What is His Name?
By Peggy Kleckner

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth - the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
Amos 4:13

"Oh what is his name?" How often have we uttered that phrase followed by "you know the one that did such and such or played so and so in that movie." We say what we know about a person to help describe them, so that someone will fill in the name that is lost on the tip of our tongue. Imagine the conversation: " You know the One who forms the mountains and creates the wind." "The One who turns dawn to darkness." Would your friend's face become clouded over? Who doesn't know God?

Truthfully, there are days I remember His name, but I forget what I should know about Him! When I am being overwhelmed by the "stuff" of life, when life isn't looking "fair," when it looks like the darkness is winning...those are the times I struggle. Does He care? Where is He? Does He really have a plan for me? This morning, God used the dawn. It came quietly, no great noise. Gradually, it overcame the darkness. Suddenly I could see out the window, where before all was black and my vision was of no use. In my thoughts, I dared to question further, "What about when the darkness returns?" But then I recalled that the darkness does not overtake the light, the light leaves. Darkness is powerless when we hold on to the light...our hope.

God is sovereign. He orchestrates our lives. Look for Him in all of your situations. If you are in darkness, look up, reach out and grab the hand that knows the way. Open His word and allow Him again to remind you of who He is and all that He is capable of. Stand fast, our Creator-Redeemer lives.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have a harder time recognizing God in the darkness or in the light?
2. What have you learned about Him in both places?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:3-5; Exodus 10:21-23; Exodus 20:20-21

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - two sons and two stepsons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

The Blame Game
By Susan Klein

"Do not accuse a man for no reason -- when he has done you no harm."
Proverbs 3:30

I love to play games, any kind of table or board game! Being a word-lover, I especially enjoy games like Scrabble or Scattergories. There is one word game, however, that I don’t particularly care to play, though I have certainly played it my fair share of times over the years. It is a game that requires at least two people to play, but can be played with many. The play of the game goes something like this: The first player takes a turn by performing a wrongful action or speaking some harmful words. At the completion of her turn, that player then accuses someone or something else of being the cause of her wrong action. She does not take responsibility for her own behavior. Sound familiar?!!

I am talking about the “Blame Game.” I think I can safely say we’ve all played it at one time or another. In fact, Eve was the first person ever to play. We could almost go so far as to say she invented the game! And Adam played right along with her. She passed blame on to the serpent, and Adam passed blame on to her. In fact, we could say that we would never have to play this game at all if they had not initiated it! But then, we would actually be playing the game just by inferring that, wouldn’t we?!!

The word “blame,” carries the idea of “missing the target.” Instead of directing the guilt toward our own sinful heart, we send the arrow of blame into another person, making him or her the guilty target. “If that wife you gave me hadn’t given me that fruit and made me eat it, I wouldn’t have sinned!” It sure makes us look and feel better, doesn’t it? Well, temporarily anyway. Until the consequences of our actions catch up with us! Fortunately for you and me, we have the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin. Unfortunately, if we’ve already passed blame on to someone else, then we’ve not only got our own sin to deal with, but the injuring of another person, as well.

God’s Word is useful for instructing us in how to play the game correctly. We can learn from history, and choose not to repeat it. We have the wisdom of knowing how to take responsibility for our actions and to repent of our sins, without wounding others in the process.

Choose your games and your words carefully today or you may end up engaged in “Truth or Consequences?”!!

GOING DEEPER:
Are you willing to do a little self-introspection to see hidden areas of blame that you may be engaging in? (For example; “I wouldn’t lose my temper if you would just pick up your socks!”)

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 3:1-19; James 1:13-15

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator (Women Embracing the Word) and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.

The Touch of the Church United
By Pamela Blattner

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Matthew 25:35 (NLT)

Worship leader Bridget Willard once spoke on church unity. She said, “Church isn’t where you meet. Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.” (1)

I had a life-changing experience this past year. I volunteered at an event called Touched Twice United in Madison. I felt such a deep satisfaction and fulfillment in doing what God designed and created me to do. This free clinic provided free medical, social, spiritual and resource services to those in need and was produced by a number of local churches, local businesses and community services working hand-in-hand.

The love that was felt by the guests and volunteers was indescribable. I found a fellowship and intimacy in working with other Christians that cannot be experienced in any other way. It was awesome! People really knew they were welcome; some radical hospitality was going on around the place that day! And I witnessed a whole lot of willing hearts serving alongside those less fortunate.

One of the things that touched my own heart was seeing church denominations going beyond tolerating their differences to not only accepting those differences, but even being inspired by one another in their differences. Volunteering with other believers, I experienced being a vital part of the Body of Christ; got to make use of the truth I’ve learned; and was able to see God at work through many denominations working together. The unity felt that day was so strong. What a beautiful picture of God’s Church!

In John 17:6-19, I love reading the prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples. And then in verse 20, He goes on to pray for all future believers…including you and me! In that prayer, Jesus prayed for unity within the body of believers. It makes you think He knew in advance exactly what would happen to His church once He ascended into heaven…!

I don’t suppose you’d be surprised to hear that I am now part of the team bringing a Touched Twice United free clinic to the Lake Country community on October 23rd! (2) I can’t wait to see the Church do Church…to see the Church as the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ…to see the Church BE the Church…united!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Jesus told a parable in which He makes it clear that when we respond to those in need, we are responding to Him. How can you respond to a particular need today for the sake of Christ?
2. What is your part in adding to the unity of the Church?

FURTHER READING:
John 17:6-26; Ephesians 4:2-7

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care and is Co-Coordinator of Touched Twice Ministries.

(1) http://thinkexist.com/quotes/bridget_willard/
(2) http://www.touchedtwicelakecountry.org/touchedtwice/

Spend and Be Spent
By Elin Henderson

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls…”
II Corinthians 12:15a (NKJV)

If you ever want a study in determination and endurance when it comes to working with difficult people, look no further than the Apostle Paul! As I study his letters, I am amazed at his heart for the people with whom he worked. How many times he could have given up and said, “That’s it!! You people aren’t worth this much stress!” This verse in II Corinthians sums up his heart. He was willing to spend (give all he had) and be spent (be used up) to reach these difficult, often immature, irritating people.

It is even more interesting to see whom Paul was referring to when he speaks of spending and being spent. Was it unbelievers or believers? It was actually the believers. The ones who should know better, have truth, have the Holy Spirit…those are the ones he is addressing.

I sometimes find it easier to be spent and endure for those who don’t know Christ personally than for those who do. We realize the sacrifice that needs to be made to reach those who aren’t yet part of God’s family, but sometimes we forget that we are also called to spend and be spent for those who are. Paul had a dual purpose in his ministry: Always, he was seeking to reach out to those who had no knowledge of the truth, while at the same time, never losing heart to constantly point those who already knew Him back to the Lord. Paul didn’t think about what it would cost him, but rather what he could give!

So, the next time you find yourself frustrated with those inside God’s family of believers, whether you are in a ministry position or just part of a group of believers, think of the example of Paul. Are you willing to spend and be spent for their sakes? Let’s not count the cost, but do what it takes to point people to the Lord and to truth!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some ways (tangible and intangible) that we can spend ourselves for others?
2. Can you think of someone that you can “spend” yourself on in those ways?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:5-11; Philippians 1:29; I Corinthians 9:19

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and seven-year-old Elias.

God Answers Prayer
By Lisa Boyer

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:22

2009 began with a huge transition of leaving my church of 20 years and coming to Oakwood, a church much closer to home. I quickly knew I was where God wanted me, but there was a huge hole in my life. I was at a new church and all my friends were at my old church. It was painful, to say the least.

For a while, I calmly looked around my new church for my new best friend. God knew of my need and I honestly expected Him to point someone out and say, “There she is!” but that didn’t happen. Months later, filled with discouragement because God hadn’t answered my prayer, I convinced myself that I didn’t need friends. After all, God was enough. But the next Sunday, the pastor spoke on connections and how God designed us for connection with Him and with others.

Certain that that message was God’s confirmation that He acknowledged my need for a friend, I was sure that I would be finding that friend soon. But not so, time passed and there was no new best friend.

Though I continued to pray to God for a new best friend, it became a back-burner issue. I had more important things to occupy my time with, including ministry to the junior high girls at church. To gain insight into their world, I read a few books written for teens by Nancy Rue, one of them was Girl Politics. At the end of each chapter was a short exercise for the girls to do. One of the exercises instructed the readers to make a list of the significant people in their lives and the roles they play. I decided to do that exercise and made my own list. What I discovered was amazing.

I had always been told that God answers prayer in one of three ways: “yes,” “no,” and “not yet.” But that day, I discovered there is a fourth answer: “Look around, I already have.”

I cannot introduce you to the best friend I had prayed so diligently for, but I can show you my list…my list of the 12 amazing women in my life who together fill that role beautifully.

God does indeed answer prayer, just not always in the way we expect Him to.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have an unanswered prayer? Is it possible that God has, in fact, answered the prayer in an unconventional way? Will you look around for that answer?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4; Mark 12:30-31

Lisa has been married to Ted for 18 years and they have two teenage sons. She is a co-leader for a Junior High girls’ small group at Oakwood Church.

Lessons from a Legume
By Jennie Pierce

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6

They had let me down so many times before, I was sure this time would be no exception. In fact, I had come to expect disappointment and frustration, so this particular day I approached them with a plan: rip out every bean plant in sight and just be done with it! It seemed like a logical and fair approach. For one, all summer long they had produced only a mere handful of beans at a time; for another, nearing the end of the growing season, I assumed that what little growth and energy they did have was now spent. Boy, was I wrong! Everywhere my hands touched, the plants were laden with beans. In fact, I picked more beans than I had all summer long. Sadly, I found myself ill-prepared. Assuming I was ripping out plants, I brought no container to collect the bountiful produce.

Oh how I’m thankful that Jesus takes a different approach with us, His precious creation! He has promised that He WILL complete the good work He has begun in us! This work for us began at the Cross when He died in our place, and started working in us when we first believed. The work now continues as the Holy Spirit within empowers and enables us to grow, mature, and become more like Christ (1). Even when we are dry and withered, He nourishes us with His mercies (that are new every morning), with His love (that never fails), with His wisdom (that is free for the asking), with His power (that raised Him from the dead), and with His hope (that is found only in Him). And, when we finally do produce fruit, He is never surprised…only pleased. Pleased that we are becoming more and more like Him. Pleased that we were obedient. Pleased that we didn’t give up on ourselves, because He never does.

I’d like to think the only mistake I made that day was not bringing big enough containers to the garden to collect all the beans. The truth is, my decision to assume the plants were non-productive and to totally give up on them was so erroneous. Certainly, the produce I picked that day was of no credit to myself. I stopped investing time and energy into them long ago. I’m so grateful our Heavenly Father pursues us and promises to provide for us as we grow to know Him more deeply and reflect Him more clearly.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel as if you aren’t making progress in your spiritual life? Are you discouraged, feel incomplete or unfinished? Have you stopped trying?
2. Ask God to renew your desire to keep trying and relying on His strength, and thank Him for His faithfulness to you.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 1:9-11, 3:12-15; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:9-14

Jennie is a wife and mother of three teenagers. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

(1) Life Application Study Bible - Application notes pg. 1994, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005 ed.

Angels to Feed You
By Elin Henderson

“Then, as he lay under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’”
I Kings 19:5(NKJV)

Have you ever been to a place, like Elijah here in I Kings 19, where life just seems unbearable? Where you come to the end of yourself and say, “Enough! I can’t take it anymore!” Been sitting under any Broom Trees lately, only to find an angel there to help you? Feeling alone but never alone!

Isn’t God good? He keeps His angels on standby, ready and willing to reach down to our humanity, meet us where we are, and bless us. He isn’t in the business of crushing, but of restoring! He allows us to go low, to collapse, to feel utterly useless and worthless, yet in the midst of it, He sends His grace and love to help us!

Sometimes I think we meet these angels unawares. I wonder if Elijah wondered when he was awoken by the angel, “Where did this guy come from?” Scripture doesn’t tell us, but what we do know is that he ate (was renewed inwardly), was allowed to rest again (further renewal and restoration), and then was shaken awake and told to arise, eat and go! The angels were busy that day! Whether Elijah was aware of what was taking place, we don’t know. All we do know is that his strength was renewed – beyond normal even – and “he went forth.”

Just like with Elijah and many others, God’s help is always present for you in those times of discouragement. His angels are always ready to reach down and comfort and help! His plan is never to crush us, but rather to tenderly meet us where we are, help us and send us on our way, with strength beyond what we could ask or think. The question is: Are we accepting their help? Do we take advantage of the help, allow the renewing to take place or just roll over and say, “No thanks”? May He make us more and more aware of His angels all around us and His renewing that comes when we next find ourselves under the Broom Tree.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Where else in Scripture has the Lord showed His kindness by using angels to help and encourage His people?
2. How has He demonstrated His kindness to you in a time of discouragement? Have you ever told someone else about what He did?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 16:7-15; I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 3 & 4

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to ten-year-old Callie and seven-year-old Elias.

A Rich Heritage
By Jeannine Sawall

“The Lord is my heritage and the wine of my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, I have a noble heritage.”
Psalm 16:5-6

Stories of personal history fascinate me. They are legacies left behind by those who have gone before. Unfortunately, my heritage story felt incomplete. I knew my mom’s family emigrated from Poland, but the story beyond my grandparents was lost to war and time.

My biological father had never been a part of my life; that half of my story was a complete mystery. Then two years ago, he contacted me, desiring to begin a relationship and those blank pages slowly began to fill. There was a great-great-grandmother who was full-blooded Cherokee. Who’d have thought this blond, blued-eyed girl was part Native American! Another ancestor had fought in the Civil War, and another was burned as a witch in Salem.

Discovering this rich heritage thrilled me, not only because it was so varied and surprising, but because it was my heritage, my story.

As I shared my newfound heritage with friends and family, I was reminded I have always had a rich heritage. I was a member of the family of God, a child of the heavenly Father, co-heir with Jesus! Our family record contains countless stories of spiritual ancestors and their journeys. I can trace my heritage in the Lord without help from Ancestry.com; I just pull out my Bible.

We can be thankful for our earthly history, but doubly thankful for our heritage in the family of God. Our heavenly Father wants His children to know His story because it is our story. It is a record of our rich spiritual heritage in Him and the blessings and gifts that come with being a part of His family. He desires to continue that heritage with us so we can extend the same legacy to all who follow after us.

GOING DEEPER:
1) Perhaps you feel your heritage leaves something to be desired. Thank the Lord for the rich heritage He has given you in His family.
2) Are you leaving a spiritual legacy behind for those who come after you?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 45:3; 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 78:5-7

Jeannine is a wife and active mother of four boys. She works in property management and is a part of the Special Events team for Oakwood’s We Women ministries.

Shimmering Trails
By Jen Wollner

“…women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly…And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.”
Daniel 12:3 (MSG)

My daughter just got a new dress. Actually, it’s a hand-me-down from a friend, but it’s a new treasure to her. And, it’s not just any ‘ol dress…it’s a fairy princess dress! It’s the brightest, glitteriest outfit you’ve ever seen. As a matter of fact, it’s so full of glitter that when she wears it, she leaves a trail wherever she goes. Sparkles are everywhere and they stick to everything…even to her brothers! It’s really quite fitting for her personality. She lights up every room she enters with her big smile and infectious giggle. And with this dress, she leaves a physical representation of her joyous spirit in the form of iridescent glitter, perfectly matching the twinkle in her eyes.

As I’ve noticed the new sparkles throughout my home, I got to thinking: What do I leave behind when I walk out of a room? What sticks around long after I’m gone? I absolutely shudder to think of some of the things I’ve been known to leave splattered across a room…or on a person. Oh, the horror of my selfishness, critical spirit, unkind words and harsh tone. What utter foolishness! My sinful nature and free will have, at times, left destruction and chaos following behind me in a long path of sorrow. Maybe you can relate?

I praise God that over time, as we begin to conform to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit, our minds and hearts change! Consequently, the trails we leave behind as we walk through life begin to change, too. Instead of devastation, we leave a brilliant twinkle in the form of grace, love, mercy and compassion. Instead of “self” being evident when we walk out of a room, there are shiny glimmers of hope, encouragement and wisdom sparkling everywhere, sticking to everything and everyone.

Oh, beloved, may today be a day in which we outwardly display the light of Christ we possess in our hearts. Let’s put it on like a radiant, shimmering princess dress…then, do a twirl and let the glitter fly!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How has the Lord transformed the ugly trail of sin in your life? What beautiful path do you now leave behind wherever you go? Thank Him.
2. Whom in your life could you sprinkle a little “glitter” on? How could you show that person Jesus’ love today?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:13; Matthew 5:16

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of seven and three. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Designer Uniforms
By Karen D’Amore

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

“Fruit of the Spirit” is a biblical term that sums up nine of the visible attributes of a true follower of Christ. It’s the physical manifestation of the believer’s transformed life; a life emulating the character of Christ. “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you; compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline” (Colossians 3:12,The Message). Scripture teaches that as “new creations in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are recognized by our fruit (Matthew 7:16). Therefore, we are instructed to clothe ourselves in a spiritual wardrobe, chosen by Jesus, to showcase Him. Just as doctors, soldiers and athletes are recognized by their uniforms and must dress the part, so must the follower of Christ. The believer’s uniform must set him/her apart as a recognizable member of the family of Christ.

As a police officer, I was mandated to dress the part. Wearing a uniform which distinguished me as a member of the Long Beach Police Department, I was entrusted with the responsibility of showcasing the integrity of the Department. Feeling strongly that the officers’ uniforms reflected its image, the Department frequently conducted impromptu inspections. Expecting officers to “shine” for the Department, they scrutinized our uniforms from head to toe. As high-ranking officers conducted formal para-military inspections, the first article examined was our shoes. Because we were required to walk in a manner worthy of our entrusted authority, the inspector strained to see his image reflecting in the mirror-like finish of our spit-shined shoes. Working his way up the uniform, a white-gloved finger swiped the surface of the badge…looking for it to be tarnish-free, glistening with a Brasso-finished shine.

As public figures constantly under the community’s watchful eye, we wore uniforms that reflected our commitment to a code of ethics and the oath we swore to uphold. As Christ-followers, we are continually under the watchful eye of the world. As we put on our “Designer Uniforms” we must “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work…” (Colossians 1:10a NKJV).

Let’s become “fruit inspectors” and examine ourselves daily. As we inspect ourselves from head to toe, may our uniforms shine and reflect the image of Jesus with:

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which attribute(s) are you struggling to keep tarnish-free? What steps do you need to take for this part of the Spirit’s fruit to shine?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:5-8; John 15:8

Married to Dan, Karen is a retired police officer and is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns. She is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.