Remembering the Sabbath By Brita Crouse

Remembering the Sabbath

By Brita Crouse

“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

Exodus 20:11 (NIV)

I have known the commandment about keeping the Sabbath holy since I was very young, but it wasn’t until college that I began taking it seriously. I would purposefully take a day off from homework, usually Saturday or Sunday, and spend time developing my relationships with others and with God.

Now, most people would be happy to take a day off from homework... but, for me, a Dean’s List college student, it was really difficult. If I wasn’t doing anything, I felt guilty because I knew I had so many things to get done. However, God quickly took my perspective of the Sabbath and turned it around, and I started to see it as a huge blessing.

In a productivity-based culture, it is hard not  to feel guilty if you take an entire day off to rest. We are made to believe we are lazy and a detriment to society if we are not always pushing ourselves and working harder. That is such a lie!

I have found after taking an entire day to rest and spend time with God, I am much more productive and make better use of my time. I also feel more rested and closer to God after intentionally taking time to spend with Him. God didn’t give us this commandment for nothing. Even He took a day off to rest... after creating the entire universe!

Since I’m not in college anymore, my Sabbath practices have changed a little. Instead of giving up homework, now I try to stay off of Facebook and email. I’ll take a nap, to give my body physical rest. I spend quality time with my family. I make a point to tell my employers that Sundays are off-limits for working. I take bike rides or go for a run to enjoy God’s creation. And, most importantly, I take a large portion of the day to spend time with God, the One who allows me rest.

I’m definitely not perfect with my Sabbath practices, but I can notice a huge difference in my attitude and work ethic when I feel well-rested, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

Rest in God’s presence and He will restore your spirit! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Practice the Sabbath for the next month. Make a list of differences you notice in your attitude and level of productivity.

2.  What are things you can give up one day out of the week to help you keep the Sabbath holy?

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 33:14; Matthew 11:28

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, has been attending Oakwood for sixteen years, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56.

What Are You Waiting For? By Janet Byrne

What Are You Waiting For?

By Janet Byrne

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Psalm 5:3 (NASB)

One of the first questions we women tend to ask when we find out a friend is pregnant is “When are you due?”  The miracle of birth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months for a baby to develop inside her mother’s womb and to be born. Why is that? Why doesn’t God allow us to be pregnant for just a day? He could, He is  God. But, He doesn’t. He chooses to have us wait. So, we wait.

There are many references in Scripture to people having to wait. Noah had to wait for the floodwaters to recede. Abraham and Sarah had to wait before the birth of Isaac. Job had to wait for his trials to be over and his deliverance to come. And we see Jesus Himself waiting…for the right time to start His ministry, for His sacrifice on the cross and for us to ask Him into our hearts.

God’s timing is perfect. He sometimes wants us to wait so that He can grow us. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…so that you may be mature and complete…”  Waiting tests our faith. Waiting helps us grow in maturity. But, waiting can also hurt. It can sometimes seem unbearable. However, Isaiah 30:18 says, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!”  There is a blessing in the waiting! And there is blessing in waiting for HIS answers, not ours.

So, what are you waiting for today? Are you waiting for the depression to lift or anxiety to pass? Are you waiting for your marriage to change? For your financial situation to improve? Are you waiting for some kind of healing in your life? Whatever it is, we are all waiting for something.

Whether you are heading into the waiting room, are already there or are leaving the waiting room, take heart! Blessed are all who wait…

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time in your life when you have had to wait for something. When you look back, are you able to see the blessings that came out of the waiting?
2. Do you know someone who is in the “waiting room” right now? How can you encourage her today?

FURTHER READING:
Lamentations 3:24; James 5:7; Micah 7:7

Janet balances her time caring for her husband Yancy and their two sons, is a prayer intercessor at Oakwood, and is currently preparing for the second Just Breathe 5K Run/Walk to raise money to prolong the lives of transplant patients like Janet.

Gift of Grace

By Jeannine Sawall

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

I was in a serious car accident a couple of years ago and sustained injuries that slowed life to a crawl. I had been very discouraged at the slowness of recovery. I had not been released to drive yet because I lacked the range of motion necessary for my head to turn to properly see oncoming cars from the right or left, or if I were to back up. If I sat too long, I was in pain. My body was generally extremely tense from the shoulders up, causing headaches, and I was totally fatigued by the end of the day. On top of that...it was the Christmas season and the mom who generally makes it happen was not herself. When I asked the doctor when I would start to "feel normal," he said I would only get frustrated and discouraged if I thought in days or weeks. He said, “Look out a few months and think May.” ...MAY!?! Just shoot me now!!

I had to decide whom I was going to listen to. The nagging, feeling-sorry-for-myself, this-is-so-unfair voice, or the voice who says, “My grace is sufficient.”  Instead of focusing on the hard and discouraging things, I needed to look at the positives. There was much to be thankful for. I ONLY have muscle injuries. I was alone in the car when I was hit, so no one else was injured. I walked out of the ER from an accident that totaled my car and turned a class 3 hitch 180 degrees and burst my spare tire. I was mending (although, much slower than my impatient schedule would desire) and I had friends and family who were able to take me where I needed to go.  

No matter what our circumstances, God reminds us He will provide. I don’t think God willed the accident to happen, but He definitely did allow it. We may not always LIKE what God allows, but we are called to trust Him. We need to remember, He is in control of it all...our healing, our timeframe, our life and our salvation. He will provide and offer us the strength to go through anything He allows into our lives, because He provides us with His gift of grace.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where in your life do you need the grace of God to provide for you in a struggle or difficulty?
2. Whose voice do you listen to on a daily basis: your own or the voice of Truth?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 9:8

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.

The Meaning of Freedom

By Tracy Smith

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

We know where the Spirit of the Lord is

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is liberty

We know living in your freedom

living in your freedom, we see your glory

We know where the Spirit of the Lord is

Where the Spirit of the Lord is

There is liberty. [2]

As the July 4^th holiday approaches, I find myself thinking about the word freedom and what is means. The Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary lists many meanings, but this is the one that caught my eye, “c : the quality or state of being exempt or released, usually from something onerous.” [1]

In relation to our country, our forefathers wanted to be released from the constraints England was forcing upon us as one of their colonies. These men saw belonging to England as something onerous and something they needed to be free from. Because of this belief, they took the necessary and hard step to declare war and fight for their freedom. Due to this strength and bravery, the United States celebrates July 4th as our Independence Day.

In relation to our spiritual life, the above definition of freedom also applies. We all have something in our life that weighs us down and robs us of our freedom. Galatians 5:1 (The Message) says, “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”  Jesus Christ took the necessary and hard step to die for our sins and to set us free.

As we celebrate the holiday of our nation’s independence, let us be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in the United Stated…and the freedoms we enjoy as a child of God!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Will you spend some time in prayer today thanking Him for the freedom we have in Him?

2.  If you know a member of the military, will you thank them for the sacrifices they make to keep our country free?

FURTHER READING:

John 8:36; Psalm 118:5

[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom

[2] Tomlin, Chris. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is.” Passion: Awakening, Six Step Records, 2010.

Along with being a wife and mother to two boys, Tracy is an administrative assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and leads a great group of Junior High girls.

Jesus’ Love Language

By Elizabeth Cole

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.”

John 14:15 (The Message)

One of the more practical concepts I’ve encountered through years of marriage studies has been the idea of love languages. Author Gary Chapman writes about five different love languages, one of which typically speaks love to us in a deeper, more effective way than the others. Specifically, they are quality time, acts of service, physical touch, receiving gifts, and words of affirmation.(1)   I’ve found these so helpful in identifying my husband’s primary love language, as well as that of my daughters and girlfriends.

In terms of marriage, sometimes feeling a lack of love is really a matter of one spouse trying to communicate love in a way that isn’t all that important to the other.  Here’s an example: A spouse comes home from a business trip and, as an expression of love, decides to throw in a quick load of laundry followed by straightening the kitchen followed by changing a light bulb in the hallway followed by putting away the shoes that are piled up by the back door….all while the other spouse is waiting on the couch to catch up and talk about the trip. Speaking love through acts of service when your spouse speaks the language of quality time can create some real misunderstanding! At times, it’s that simple; other times, it’s more complicated to discern a loved one’s primary love language.

Ever wonder what Jesus’ love language is? I’m grateful that we don’t have to try to figure it out. Instead, He just comes right out and says it: “If you love me, keep my commands” (NIV). Jesus’ love language is obedience.

I’ve been thinking lately about how often I want to speak a different kind of love language to Him…one of my own choosing. Like quality ministry performance. Or a well-written presentation. Or programs that run effectively. Make no mistake, these are perfectly fine things…with the right motivation. But when I hold them out to Him as love, in place of  doing what He’s asked me to do…well, that’s another story. I’m definitely not speaking His language…and I’m fooling myself to think otherwise.

My heart’s desire is that I authentically express my love for Jesus more and more in terms of simple and trusting obedience. That I speak love to Him in the deepest way…in His love language.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What “love languages” are you speaking to Jesus in place of obedience? In what specific area of your life can you change that?

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:21; 1 John 2:3-6

(1) http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Elizabeth is a wife and mother of three grown daughters. She is the Director of Connecting and of We Women at Oakwood Church.

My Grave Moment

By Lexi Ellis

“As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on the day of clouds and thick darkness.”

Ezekiel 34:12 (ESV)

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still.

You, oh Lord, have made a way,
The great divide You heal.
For when our hearts were far away,
Your love went further still.
Yes, Your love goes further still.

You alone can rescue,
You alone can save,
You alone can lift us from the grave.
You came down to find us,
Led us out of death,
To You alone belongs the highest praise.

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes,
You're the Giver of Life. [1]

“You alone can lift us from the grave.” The words of the familiar worship song hit me. Instantly, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “What is your grave? What struggle do you need to be lifted from?” Suddenly, I realized I had misunderstood this line. I had figured the line referred only to the grave Jesus rose from. I assumed it was about Easter.  

Yes, I have been saved from spiritual death. Yes, God has lifted us up from the grave of eternal separation from God. But He has saved us from more than just hell. We’ve been lifted up from a grave of oppression, selfishness, hurts and hang-ups to oneness with Him - - to a relationship. Notice the tense in the song. It’s not “you alone have rescued; you alone have saved; you alone have lifted us from the grave.”  The lines aren’t past tense, they’re present. Except for the line that Jesus “led us out of death” (past tense - - His work on the cross), the rest is about the sanctifying work God does in us when we are in relationship with Him.

After hearing this song multiple times, I had focused exclusively on the work that God had done. I missed out on the support He provides with my “graves” now:  struggles, hang-ups and hurts that affect my spiritual growth. My graves are something that only God can rescue, save and lift me from.  And because of it, He deserves the highest praise.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take the time to listen to this song. Allow His Spirit to speak to you through the theology of the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2cWrjq-O0I

2.  Take time to also reflect. What graves do you need to be surrender?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 22:19-22; Ezekiel 34:29-31

[1] “You Alone Can Rescue” Matt Redman. “Awakening” EMI Christian Music Publishing

Lexi is married to Andrew, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

For Sure

By Vernette Kureck

“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

Oprah Winfrey’s magazine “O” ends each issue with a column called “What I Know For Sure.” Her original intention “was to have a magazine that would serve as a manual for living your best life.” Many of the monthly essays deal with relationships to self, family, nature, etc. As God’s people, we don’t need a magazine! We have the Bible, God’s inspired Word - - our believers’ manual - - which reveals how to live our best life and have our best relationships. Most important is our relationship with God Himself.

For sure, know that you are connected to God through Jesus His Son. Without Jesus, there’s no relationship with God. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Have you invited Jesus to live in your innermost being? Acts 2:21 says, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is saved.”

For sure, know “that it is by grace that you are saved, through faith - - and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - - not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). God sees the work of His Son when He sees you. You are loved forever and never will be separated from God.

For sure, know that when “we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9-10). How liberating it is to know I am free from sin’s power; that when I mess up, I can turn away from sin and seek forgiveness and restoration.

For sure, know that every day God is available to talk with you. God’s Spirit searches our hearts and minds and intercedes in our weakness according to God’s will. The Creator of the universe has time to listen to you pour out your heart.

For sure, know that you have received gifts from the Holy Spirit. Everyone’s gifts are different and God places you where your gift can best be used. The important thing is to be using your gift to build up God’s family.

For sure, know that your future is in heaven. As a believer, your life is hidden in Christ who’s seated at the right hand of God and, when He appears in glory, you also will appear (Colossians 3:1-4). How exciting is that!

For sure, know that the Bible is inexhaustible. It needs to be read and studied and read again! For sure, know that, unlike a magazine that comes and goes, it serves as the ultimate manual for leading your best life!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Make your own list of “For Sures.”

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:26-28; Romans 8:35-39; Romans 12:4-8

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 44 years and have 2 sons. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain.

Wound Check

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Sandy was an incredible young lady with a memory like a steel trap. She loved hugs, never met a stranger, and was always smiling.

Sandy had another remarkable trait:  she could literally feel no pain.

Born with a cognitive disability, the “wiring” to the pain center in her brain was affected. As a result, her sunny disposition was never impacted by headache nor heartache.

Sounds great, right? But if Sandy was hurt, she couldn’t tell anyone. As a young child, an unknown burn became severely infected and could have killed her. After the incident, her parents instituted regular “Wound Checks”  to identify any unknown injuries.

We don’t like it, but pain is a necessary component to our lives. Pain tells us to remove the hand from the hot stove, to stop the knife when the finger gets in the way, to draw fresh boundaries in a hurtful relationship. 

Pain also moves us to look for comfort from the hurt. When the ache takes over,  it is natural to look to someone who can help us. Someone who has been there. A person who has faced the diagnosis, survived the divorce, or mourned a similar loss. Those who have gone before can provide the much-needed “Wound Checks,”  because they know the pitfalls of the journey.

God sent us the Ultimate Comforter in Jesus. He came to earth as a human, willing to experience all of the emotions that come with that. He knew the betrayal of a friend (Judas),  and wept with those who grieved for a loss (Lazarus). And let’s not forget the physical pain of the torture He endured at the Crucifixion. 

Isaiah 61 says the Messiah has been sent to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, …to comfort all who mourn,…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” His very mission includes performing Wound Checks with us. 

Like Sandy, there are times when we need to submit to the Wound Check and listen to Christ and those He uses. Like Sandy’s parents, sometimes we need to love someone enough to do the Wound Check for them.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Who can you help with his/her Wound Check?

2.  How is Jesus, the Ultimate Comforter, helping you with your wounds?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 119:76; Ephesians 3:16

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

A Thorough Weeding

By Susan Klein

“What was sown among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth come in and choke it, making it unfruitful.”

Matthew 13:22 (NIV)

I love to garden and I love flowers. I don’t, however, love weeds! With the abundance of rain we’ve had so far this summer, they’ve become like a metastatic cancer in my flower beds. I can barely keep up with them! And if it’s not the weeds encroaching on my beautiful blossoms, it’s aphids or beetles. So, I’ve weeded, and I’ve sprayed, and I’ve fertilized. And just when I thought I had everything looking picture-perfect, the roofers came. Now my flower beds have flying shingles and plastic tarps to contend with. I hope they are strong enough to survive!

In the Gospels, Jesus tells a parable about a farmer who went out to sow his seed. Some seeds fell among the weeds and the tender shoots were choked out, unable to produce any fruit. As I battle the weeds in my own flower beds, I can kind of empathize with that farmer. However, when I read the rest of the story, I see Jesus explaining the real meaning of the parable to the disciples. In essence, He says that when we hear the Word of God, and we don’t have strong roots in our faith, we are like those tender shoots when hardships and the worries of life (weeds) sneak in. We can’t stand firm and we are overcome by them. 

I have to wonder…what are the weeds, or the bugs, or the flying shingles that encroach on my faith, rendering it unfruitful? Am I spiritually strong enough to stay firmly rooted where I’ve been planted? Do I rely on scriptural truths in every circumstance, or does “Doubting Thomas” become my nickname the minute those weeds start creeping in? And how much time do I spend nurturing the seed that’s been planted in me?

Sometimes, a bit of fertilizer and a good, thorough weeding are in order. While it’s true that struggles and hardship are inevitable, we don’t have to let them overtake us. A healthy dose of God’s Word, along with some prayer mixed in, can be a great remedy for weak roots. And, pulling out those  “worry” weeds on a regular basis; trusting in the Master Gardener instead, will go a long way to promote fruitfulness in our lives.

So, what’s growing in your garden?!!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What steps can you take to ensure you’re standing strong against the encroaching weeds of this life?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 22:5; Hebrews 6:7-8

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

Intentional Community

By Brita Crouse

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another

- - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

Over the weekend, my high school friends and I met up at a local coffee shop. We sat at a small, round table, elbow-to-elbow, and talked about the changes we have seen in each other over the past eight years. Some of us are getting married, starting new jobs or new relationships, and some of us are going through really difficult things. 

One thing we all agreed on: Our friendship isn’t “normal.” It is a precious gift from God. Most college kids don’t stay in touch with their friends from back home. We did, though, despite attending schools in five different states (none of them Wisconsin), and having vastly different, life-changing experiences.

The secret to our long-lasting friendship? Intentionality and vulnerability. We talk regularly, see each other whenever we can, support one another during times of suffering, and laugh together during times of joy. We are open and honest with one another. We apologize when we need to, hold each other accountable, and spur one another on with biblical truths.

These friendships have given me a clear picture of how the Church should operate. How different would our lives be if we interacted with others in this way on a daily basis?

We have been created as relational beings, to be known and to know others. If you have ever spent a long time alone, you will know this to be true. Our faith life, our struggles, and our triumphs are not meant to be kept a secret. Believing that you are the only one who is going through something difficult is one of the biggest lies Satan tells. You are never alone in your struggles. Not only do you have God, but you also have a community of believers who are ready to give support and encouragement.

It wasn’t easy for me, but I have learned how to be vulnerable with this group of friends, and guess what? They still love me. They encourage me, pray for me, and “spur [me] on toward love and good deeds.”

When we are transparent with one another, those feelings of isolation and loneliness disappear, bonds are formed, and we are brought into an intentional community, where we are loved and supported. 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Who can you be encouraging this week?

2.   What are ways that you can be spurring on your friends and family this week?

FURTHER READING:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 27:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, has been attending Oakwood for sixteen years, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56.

Encouraging our Faith
By Jen Wollner

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 1:41 (NIV)

Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist) were not only relatives, but also appear to be friends. Almost immediately after learning that she was to be the mother of the Savior, Mary made the trip to visit Elizabeth. The Scripture actually says that she “hurried” to see her. Why the haste? Was it because the angel Gabriel had told her that Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy and she wanted to confirm it herself and celebrate with Elizabeth? Or, was it because she couldn’t wait to share the news of her own pregnancy? Exactly why she so quickly went to Elizabeth’s side isn’t clear, but I’m guessing her decision involved these reasons and many more. Her mind must have been spinning as she made the journey to Elizabeth’s town.

What is really amazing about the story of Mary going to Elizabeth is how God used both women to encourage the other. Scripture says that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, John leapt in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed with joy the truth of Mary’s pregnancy and that she was, in fact, carrying her Lord. She continued by praising Mary’s trust in the Lord to accomplish what He said He would. Imagine Mary’s heart the moment she heard Elizabeth’s words and saw the joy on her face. The faiths of both women were encouraged that day by what God had done for each of them…and the world.

As with Mary and Elizabeth, God uses the women in our lives to speak to us. Our girlfriends encourage us to persevere, motivate us to action and challenge us to change. They laugh with us and cry with us. They share in joys and sorrows. They act as God’s hands and feet in our lives. But, best of all, they point us to God.

God knew that Mary and Elizabeth needed spiritual encouragement. And, He knows that we need that, too. Sometimes He sends heavenly angels with messages…and sometimes He sends a girlfriend.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a woman in your life whom God has used to encourage you. What little act of thanks could you do to let her know how much she is appreciated?
2. Who in your life could use godly encouragement from you today? What could you do to encourage her?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 1:39-56; Psalm 10:17; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25

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

M.I.A.
By Becci Terrill

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-9 (NIV)

MISSING: 5’9”, 135 lb. female, brown hair & eyes, 46 yrs old, probably wearing red high heels.

It had been one of those days…my husband was out of town, the kids were attending school out of state, the new job wasn’t going as well as planned, and to top it off, the puppy had just chewed up my Oriental rug. At this point, even Calgon couldn’t take me far enough away to help. The passport in my drawer was calling out my name, tempting me with visions of far off places, but unfortunately the checkbook was speechless and empty.

Maybe I could run to that place, like Cheers, where “everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” Surely someone there would understand, wouldn’t they?

Have you ever had one of those days? A day when life is spinning out of control like an amusement park ride and you just want to get off and run away? Fortunately, no matter where we run, the Lord is there. Jonah found this out the hard way by trying to flee from God. He thought he had succeeded…paid the fare, boarded the ship, and settled in his bed for a nap. Then came the big storm, the unexpected swim and the unusual accommodations where God finally got his attention…in the belly of a whale.

Maybe that’s where I should run in the first place…TO JESUS! Maybe He allows all these things to crowd into my life to drive me TO HIM. I hadn’t thought of that before. Spending time with my precious Savior, away from the busy-ness and crazy-ness of life, is just what I need to refresh my soul and calm my emotions…especially after “one of those days.”

So, if you ever see the M.I.A. notice posted above, please let my family know I’ll be home soon…after time spent with Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What circumstance in your life makes you want to run away? Whatever you are facing, share your heart with Jesus.
2. Do you sometimes feel like you’re beyond God’s reach? Ask God to strengthen your faith.

FURTHER READING:
Jonah 1-2

Becci is a wife and mom to two daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove and is the Special Events Coordinator for Oakwood's We Women Ministries.

Believing Prayer
By Peggy Kleckner

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”
Acts 12:5 (NIV)

The church was praying for Peter. They couldn’t physically free him, but they could pray to the One who could. They probably had their own ideas of how God would answer and none of them included Peter knocking, angel-released, at the door (Acts 12:13)! We read through this account and think, “That’s nice, Peter is free.” But if we take the time to really enter into the situation – WOW! He was chained to two guards, there were sentries at the entrance and an iron gate to get through…but earnest prayer to the One True God freed him from his captivity.

Have you ever been faced with an impossible situation, and then just known in your heart that you were to believe God would answer your earnest prayer? I have. I was sitting on the couch with my husband, when I realized the diamond was missing from my wedding ring. Now, this is no small annoyance for any woman, but our marriage had just survived some very dark waters (by the grace of God!), and this seemed to be just too much to bear. So I prayed, and I called on my family and my friends to pray. I knew that our God is the God of the Impossible. Finding a loose diamond is hard enough when you know where you lost it, but I didn’t even know that! Since a clean home is not where I live, that just added to the impossibility of the situation. So, we hunted and we prayed and I just kept believing that God was going to put that diamond in the palm of my hand. It was almost a week later that my son bent down in the kitchen, picked something up off the floor and placed it in the palm of my hand – yep, my diamond! What a joy to share answered prayer! Not only was my faith stretched and confirmed, but so was the faith of all of those who had joined me in prayer.

Over and over again prayer seems to be the Lord’s lesson to me. No matter the dire circumstances – God says pray. When we see no way out – too many guards and iron gates – He tells us to pray…and trust His sovereignty. He is looking for those who will believe, for those who have the faith to cry out in earnest prayer for Him to act on their behalf.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What impossible situation are you ready to turn over to God?
2. What friends and relatives do you have who are being held captive physically or spiritually? Are you praying for their release?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:13-18; Matthew 21:22 

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children—two sons and two stepsons and is an active encourager at Oakwood.

“Follow ME” – PERIOD!!

By Karen D’Amore

“Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and Follow ME [emphasis added].’”

Matthew 16:24 (TLB)

Horses LOVE peppermints?! Eager to test out this new revelation, I hiked to the neighboring horse ranch…my pockets overflowing with peppermints. Greeting me, a handful of curious horses patiently waited as I freed the peppermints from their plastic wrappers. One bite and it was clear…this newly-acquired information was true! Within moments, the small group multiplied into a large herd and the feeding frenzy spun out of control. When the horses kept trying to steal the peppermints from my pockets, I backed off and continued my walk along the bridle path. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed the entire herd following me. As I playfully and repeatedly changed my direction of travel, the herd followed me everywhere I went. The herd stopped and wandered back into the pasture once my pockets were empty. For months, I’ve repeated this peppermint ritual; the results always the same. The horses followed me “conditionally”…only if and when I dispensed sweet peppermint treats!

How often we conditionally follow Christ. And yet, repeatedly throughout Scripture, Jesus says, “Follow Me.”   Period!!!  At times I have struggled with putting a comma where God puts a period!  He says “Follow Me,” and I’ve said, “I’ll follow You if…” or “I’ll follow You when…” or “I’d follow you, but…”

As Christ-followers, we are called to follow Jesus. Period!

We’re to follow Him:
…when He’s silent.
…when He says “no” to our plan.
…when He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we think He should.
…when He leads us through undesirable places or circumstances.
…when He asks us to sacrifice our comforts.
…even when His pockets are empty of “sweet treats.”

When Jesus says, “Follow ME,” the “period” should be translated… “unconditionally.” It’s an all-or-nothing invitation! We give up our rights in exchange for a relationship with our Savior. Following Jesus means becoming His shadow:  following Him through “leper colonies,” being friends to outcasts, and standing firm for what’s right, in spite of the cost. It means following Him in the very essence of who we are - -that deep place within where we submit our rights to the One who gave them up for us.

Following Jesus consists of remarkable benefits, but also a price. But whatever   the cost, hearing those words “well done, good and faithful servant” will have made following Him so worth the sweet, eternal “treats.”

How are you responding to His invitation? Prayerfully surrender the “ifs”… “whens”… and… “buts”…and “Follow Jesus”…PERIOD!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What conditions are you putting on your “following”?

FURTHER READING:

Luke 9:57-62; 1 Peter 2:13-24

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

“He Marveled”

By Susan Klein

“Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled…”

Matthew 8:10a (NASB)

Whenever I find myself in need of some “real” time with my Savior, I know I can turn to the Gospels and find Him there. His presence is visible upon the pages of God’s written Word. How like our loving heavenly Father to provide us with this very personal gift to use over and over again to fit our every circumstance.

When I am grieving, I can read Jesus wept (John 11:35), knowing He personally shares in my grief. When I need counsel, I can read that Jesus spoke to the multitudes and I can glean from His message to them. When I am weary from life’s demands, I can learn from the example that Jesus withdrew to solitary places to be alone with His Father for rest and refreshment.

Among other things, the Gospels tell us that Jesus:

rebuked

healed

performed miracles

went away (or departed)

forgave

raised the dead

defended

prayed

All of these things have touched my heart in a personal way at a time when I really needed them. All of these things Jesus did because He was the Son of God and they were things He was sent here to do. However, there is one thing Jesus did in response to  what someone else did. He marveled. In context, the above verse explains that Jesus marveled over the great faith of one man, a Gentile, no less. Without the benefit of growing up memorizing Old Testament Scriptures or sitting under the tutelage of esteemed Jewish leaders, a Roman centurion heard about Jesus and beseeched Him to heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus immediately understood the great faith this man placed in Him by humbly presenting this request, and by believing it would be done. (You can read the rest of the story in John chapter 8!)

As I glance back over my list, I realize these are things Jesus did for me. To show my gratitude, I’d like to do something for Him. I’d like to exercise my faith like the humble centurion did. I want to take all these things to heart and gratefully, diligently and unquestioningly apply them to my life in a way that brings Him glory and honor. And wouldn’t it just be ever-so-precious if perchance, He were to marvel at my faithfulness?!!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you spend intentional time exercising your faith?
2. What are some weak areas in your faithfulness that might require some attention?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 9:20-22; Romans 1:17; James 2:14-23

Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.

Product and Process

By Lexi Ellis

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”

2 Corinthians 5:9 (ESV)

Currently, there is a push for product-driven education - - ways to determine the actual product and effectiveness of education. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I have a product - - what I want my students to learn or achieve -- and I then create a pathway to get there.

Of course, like anything, it can go too far. I recently saw on Pinterest, (1) “I care more about the people my students become than the scores on the tests they take.” Tests are important: They give important information. But when we focus exclusively on the product of the test score, we miss out on the process of learning.

In my teaching, I try to balance process and product; however, in my spiritual life, I find I often focus exclusively on a product - - how I appear to others. Oswald Chambers writes that our true aim must be pleasing God, not the product of appearance.  It’s “not making our first priority to win souls, or to establish churches, or to have revivals, but seeking only to ‘be well pleasing to Him.’” (2)

It isn’t about how I look to others. It’s about my pursuit of pleasing my God. Chambers goes on to write, “My worth to God publicly is measured by what I really am in my private life. Is my primary goal in life to please Him and to be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how lofty it may sound?”

When I seek to be pleasing to God, in faith, I do what He asks and I love like He loved. The apostle Paul wrote about how insignificant the product is without the process of love.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 

 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (3)

When I choose to pursue the process of pleasing God and not on the product of how I look to others, I allow God to use me for His Kingdom. In the same way education works to balance process and product, we need to remember to forgo our own emphasis on appearance and focus our energy on pleasing our Creator.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Spiritually, where are you focusing on the product rather than enjoying the process?

FURTHER READING:

2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 1:10

(1) http://pinterest.com/pin/109353097174514328/

(2) Oswald Chambers. My Utmost for His Highest. March 17 entry.

(3) 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Lexi is married to Andrew, serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

To God be the Glory

By Brita Crouse

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Did you know that Puffer Fish can inflate to several times their normal size? They ingest large amounts of water to make themselves bigger than they regularly are. The reason they do this is to ward off predators. They may be afraid of being eaten or attacked, so “puffing up” protects them from any threats.

There are many days where I feel very similar to a Puffer Fish, but instead of ingesting water, I ingest pride. My fears cause me to “puff up” so I can keep any threats at bay. I catch myself with this inflated pride when I am feeling insecure about my abilities or stressed out about my current situation. Instead of trusting God completely, I use my own defense - - my inflatable pride - - to make others believe I am better than I really am.

The truth is: I am no better than anyone else. What would make me so special or important to be favored over another?

In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan says this about our verse for today: “Frankly, you need to get over yourself. It might sound harsh, but that’s seriously what it means.” (1) This was the swift kick-in-the-pants that I needed. It is harsh to hear that, but it’s true. In the grand scheme of things, our lives are only a vapor and it is what we do with that time that matters.

Do we glorify God by trusting in our own strength? Do we glorify Him when we put ourselves before others? Is it glorifying to God to put others down to puff ourselves up? The answer to all of these questions should be a resounding, “NO!” Yet, we still find ourselves doing these things.

Instead of focusing so much time on ourselves, what if we focused on others? What if we viewed people, tolerable or intolerable, as if they were Christ Himself? Our attitudes would be completely different! Plus, our actions, and the motives behind those actions, would be glorifying to God.

God created everyone. Not just you. Not just me. Everyone. And He loves His creation. Instead of focusing so much on ourselves, trying to puff up our egos, let’s love others as if they were Christ. In doing this, we will bring Him glory and honor.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What person, or group of people, should you be more loving to this week?

2.  Listen to “In The End” by JJ Heller. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-w4KLSEJUs) Make a conscious effort this week to act in ways that will glorify God.

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 11:2; Mark 12:29-31

(1) Francis Chan, “Crazy Love.”  Pg. 44, David C. Cook, © 2008

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, has been attending Oakwood for sixteen years, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56.