Kindred Spirits

By Becci J. Terrill

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Romans 8:16 (NIV)

If you’ve read the book or seen the movie Anne of Green Gables,  you are familiar with the term “kindred spirit.” Finding a “kindred spirit” was very important to Anne. [1]

The term “kindred spirit” means “somebody who resembles somebody else in character, interests and temperament.” [2] Have you ever come across someone like this? If you have, you know how special they are. You make a connection instantly and have so much in common. You enjoy each other’s company and no matter the distance or time lapse between visits, you can always make that bond.

I have been blessed with many “kindred spirits” during my life: women who were older than I, as well as those who were younger. There is no age requirement for a kindred spirit. That’s what makes these individuals so special.

Recently, one of my “kindred spirits” retired after a lifetime of service. I remembered meeting her for the first time and the instant connection that we made. Over the years, our relationship has deepened and the feelings that sprang up in those first moments have proven true again and again. I’m grateful for the impact that she has had on my life.

I met with another “kindred spirit” who is at the beginning of her life journey, yet she has much to share that I can learn. Still another “kindred spirit” and I shared stories of our journey as moms, wives, women and leaders.

I wonder if this is similar to what it’s like when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our lives. We know there is something different the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior - -  His Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. We learn to hear His voice and listen to the promptings that come from Scripture, a song or nature. It’s not something that can be easily described, YET we know - - just as we do when we meet a “kindred spirit” - - there is something special with this relationship. It is unlike any other.

If you, like Anne of Green Gables are searching for a “kindred spirit,” I encourage you to read the Book of John. Jesus can’t wait to meet you! He will be a best friend that will never let you down. Find a “kindred Spirit” in Him.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Read Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit  by Jim Cymbala or Forgotten God  by Francis Chan.

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:7-11; Proverbs 27:17;

[1] For fun, read or watch Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery. Anne’s adventures are sure to make you smile.

[2] Encarta Dictionary: English (North America)

Becci is a wife and mother of two adult daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove, WI. She serves as WE Women’s Special Events Coordinator and teaches 4th grade.

What It’s About

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Two years ago, my then-fiancé, Andrew, and I were meeting with wedding caterers and it wasn’t something I was particularly enjoying. I felt defeated. We had been in contact with ten different caterers - - analyzing menus and prices, comparing pros and cons - - and I was overwhelmed. 

On the way home from another appointment, I lost it. Andrew looked at me, put his “non-driving” hand over my eyes and said “Change of plans, I have a surprise. Keep your eyes closed.” When the car stopped, we were at Dickten Park. Andrew led me to the spot where he had proposed and said, “Babe, this is what it’s about. Not the money, not the kind of food. It’s all about the next step we chose to take right here.” 

We all need those little reminders. We all need breaks in the midst of crazy busy-ness to remember what it’s about. That day made me wonder: Are there other areas in my life where I feel so overwhelmed that I’m missing out on what my life is really about? Are the details and the busy-ness of my routine getting in the way of the “big picture things”? Things like remembering who God is and what He has done for me? Because I’ve known Christ for a long time, I sometimes forget what it’s about. I get caught up in the “today” and the checklist of things to do right at this moment.

What are some of those “big picture” things? What is it all really about?

We are: 

 - God’s image-bearers.

 - loved by the Creator of the Universe.

 - free from guilt and shame because of His work on the Cross.

 - called to a life that is intentional about loving and serving others.

 - redeemed by a God who desires oneness with us.

 - purchased at a great cost because He values us.

 - worthy in His eyes to be called His daughters.

The reality is, there is so much power and freedom in the magnitude of what God has done for us. I’m thankful Andrew reminded me of the “big picture” with our wedding planning. I’m also thankful we serve a relational God who deserves to be served above the small little details of our lives. HE is what it’s about. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Before the day gets busy, stop and think about what it’s really about. 

2. What do you need to do right now to focus more on the “big picture” of our God rather than the busy details?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 40; Psalm 1

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, are puppy-parents to Calvin. She serves with Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country Christian Academy and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

The Right Hand

By Vernette Kureck

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory.”

Psalm 73:24-25 (NIV)

Oh, how sweet it is to feel a little hand slip into my hand. Children will often reach up to grandparents or parents with an outstretched arm so you will grab their hand and guide them. It is a great feeling of security. Many times there is even an anticipation and excitement as to where you are taking them. 

Even sweeter is to see an elderly couple that has been married many, many years showing their love and affection by holding hands. It is an intimate bond that reflects their special relationship and demonstrates how, together, they are stronger and complete each other. This expression of tenderness warms the viewer’s heart.

Then there is the sweetest expression of hand-holding. Our Heavenly Father extends His right hand for us to hold. With that connection, we receive intimacy, guidance, provision and security. Psalm 145:16 says, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” And Psalm 31:15: “My times are in your hands.”  We can be comforted and excited, anticipating the green pastures He promises to lead us to. Let us lift up our hands in prayer and thank our Creator for His everlasting love, and, like the biblical psalmist David, be filled with joy in His presence.  

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; and my body will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.  You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16: 5-11). Thank you, Lord.  Amen.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Whose hand have you been holding?

FURTHER READING:

Acts 2:22-35

Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 45 years. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren from their two sons and their wives. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain.    

“Honk” for Help

By Karen D’Amore

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

I felt alone as I walked through a dreadfully dark season. Though I struggled to maintain my “everything is fine” persona, the weight of isolation was crushing me. A few close friends were aware of my circumstances; however, the magnitude of my pain remained undisclosed. Fearful of being burdensome, my life often emulated a “go it alone” guise. Considering Galatians 6:2, I’m more comfortable being a “bearer” as opposed to a “bear-ee” of burdens.

Though Scripture contradicts this propensity to fly solo through adversity, I’ve wrestled with voicing  needs. God realigned my heart by illustrating spiritual truths through nature. Living in an area saturated with Canadian geese, I’m mesmerized by their “V” formation flight patterns. Impelled to research, I was touched by their God-given instincts:

“As geese flap their wings, it creates an up-lift for the other geese. Flying in a “V” formation adds 71% greater flying range than if they flew alone…When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the goose immediately in front of it… When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position… The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to maintain their speed. When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with the goose until it dies or is able to fly again, launching out with another formation or catching up with the flock.” [1]

One day I was struggling alone  in my crushing circumstances and I spotted a lone goose honking  and flying zealously. In the distance was a flock of geese flying in “V” formation. My heart ached for the lone goose as it frantically honked  and attempted to catch up with the flock. Remarkably, as the flock of geese became aware of the lone goose through its persistent honking, they circled back… allowing the lone goose to catch up and join the flock.

Overcome with emotion, the lessons from these geese pierced my heart. Recognizing their need for each other, geese don’t fly alone! Instinctive communication/honking is vital to their relationships. As Christ-followers, designed to need one another…we’re also called to be “honkers!”  “Honk” to encourage …help those who “honk” and “honk” for help!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How are you “honking”?

FURTHER READING:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:24-25

[1] Quotes taken from Curriculum Leadership Development: A Guide for Aspiring School Leaders by Carol A. Mullen, p. 111. Original work: Lessons from Geese by Dr. Robert McNeish

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

Safe In His Hand

By Jeannine Sawall

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Once I was shopping with my then-nine-year-old son. We had parked the car, gotten out, and were walking toward the store through a busy parking lot. As we rounded the car and headed out into the busy thoroughfare, his hand reached up and linked with mine. I looked down at his little red head and smiled. I said to him, “Josh, I like holding your hand…how much longer do you think you will want to hold mine when we walk?”  He took a moment to ponder the question and responded, “I think when I’m ten, then I’ll be okay to walk by myself. When I’m ten, I will know how to be safe.”

His simple answer brought tears to my eyes. Not because the day when he felt he would be safe and didn’t need to hold my hand was coming sooner rather than later, but because he knew my hand was there to provide safety and comfort. Walking in that busy parking lot with our hands linked meant he did not have to fear; his mom was there to protect him. He no longer had to be dismayed or worried, since I would not let him go where he would get hurt. I loved knowing he knew that!

It wasn’t too many days later, I came upon the verse in Isaiah and the Lord impressed upon me that He has His hand out, ready to protect me, to help me, to strengthen me…and all I have to do is rest in it. It was such a startling picture in my mind - - imagining my hand linked with God’s, knowing I did not have to be afraid of or worry about anything. Being assured that He is always there, offering that same love and concern I had offered to my child.

As much as we love and protect our children, doing whatever we can to make them feel loved, safe and secure, the Lord is there providing the same love, protection and care…only infinitely more than we can even imagine. He says, “Do not fear or be dismayed.” He wants us to have that same sense of security in Him that our children have in us. Whatever you have going on in your life, reach out and grab the Father’s hand; He won’t let you go where His hand can’t safely keep you.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What in your life causes you to be dismayed or fearful?

2.  Do you trust the Father to keep you safely in His hand?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 121:7; Jude 1:24; Psalm 91:1-7

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

Finishing Strong

By Susan Klein

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…”

Acts 20:24 (NIV)

In his book, Nearing Home, Reverand Billy Graham shares an anecdote involving his wife Ruth. He tells of a time when she was driving along a stretch of highway that was under construction. As she came to the end of all the detours and cautionary signs, she found one that read, “End of Construction. Thank you for your patience.” Chuckling, she conveyed the incident to her family and proclaimed that was what she wanted inscribed on her headstone when she died. [1]

While this is indeed sweetly humorous, it really does speak to each of our hearts. We are always under construction by our heavenly Father. He is shaping, refining and perfecting us until we are conformed to the image of His Son. While it is true we are created in His image at our conception, the conforming of our sin nature into that of a Christ-nature is quite a lengthy process. Lifelong even. None of us ever gets to the point where we can say, “I’m finished!” God is not finished with us until He takes us home to be with Him.

The problem is, we never know when that end will come. It may be tomorrow or several years down the road. Too often, we fall into thinking we have lots of time yet. We may think we can just coast through some of the stretches of construction because the end is so far away. But what if it were just around the next bend? Would we be more alert? Would we be more willing to welcome God’s refining process? Would we be more pliable in the hands of our Creator? Would those irritating detours become something to look forward to?

What if we lived each day as if it truly were the end of our construction zone? What if we got up each morning and spoke the words of the Apostle Paul in the verse above, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me [today]”? We could truly finish each day strong, and go to sleep knowing God was whispering, “Well done, my good and faithful child.”

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Are you alert to God’s construction in your life or are you on cruise-control?

2.  How are you steering (each day) toward “completing the task the Lord Jesus has given you”?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 10:36-39, 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:58

[1] Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well, Billy Graham, Thomas Nelson Publishing, ©2013.

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and mentoring. She and her husband Mark co-lead an on-site small group studying 1 Corinthians with Oakwood's Wednesday Night Community.

Quick, Throw Me My SELF-Preserver!
By Elin Henderson

“…and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”
2 Corinthians 5:15 (NASB)

Warren Wiersbe, in his commentary on 1 John, Be Real,  says the following, “‘Self Preservation’ is the first law of physical life, but ‘self-sacrifice’ is the first law of spiritual life.” (1) How often I find self-preservation to be the pervading song of my life! Things get a little rough, too many people need me, my responsibilities grow too large, and I am quick to say, “Hurry, throw me my self-preserver!!” Yet recently, the Lord has been challenging me to move beyond self-preservation and trust Him with a spirit of self-sacrifice.

Christ is the ultimate example of sacrifice and servanthood…not only in His death, but also in His life here on earth. Look through the Gospels at His life and you will find a life lived nonstop for others and for the Father. Crowds followed Him, people needed Him virtually 24/7, He had a group of disciples that He was helping to bring along spiritually…His plate was full! How did He do it? By constantly communing and abiding with His Father.

Yet in the busy-ness, we do see that the Father didn’t keep Him going beyond which He was able, but gave Him breaks and times of refreshment. Sometimes I fear that if I give myself fully to the Lord, I will just be run into the ground. That wasn’t the case with Christ and it won’t be what God does to us. Who knows us best? We think we know ourselves, but reality is that we are finite in our understanding. Only God truly knows our limits and our capacities. Psalm 139 tells us in verses 1 and 2 that He searches and knows us. In verses 13-16, the psalmist tells how God has known every fiber of his being from before conception until now. Christ found rest in the fact that His Father knew Him best, and from that confidence could give Himself fully to be used up.

Just as Christ lived a life of servanthood and sacrifice, those who desire to follow after Him must do the same, realizing that the road may be difficult. Within us, we might be screaming for self-preservation, but the safest and best place to be is fully available to our Father to use as He sees fit. He will guide us as we fully depend on Him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you intentionally make yourself available to God each day? What might you be holding back?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:5-8; John 15:1-8

(1) Wiersbe, Warren. The Bible Expository Commentary: Volume 2. Chariot Victor Publishing. Colorado Springs, CO. 2001. p. 511.

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to thirteen-year-old Callie and ten-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.

Scandalous Grace

By Tracy Smith

“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is - - free and undeserved.”

Romans 11:6 (NLT)

I am a fiction reader and have favorite authors whose new releases I eagerly look forward to. One of those authors is Dee Henderson. She had a new book released shortly before our family had a trip planned to visit my husband’s family in Minnesota. Six hours of reading - - a dream come true for this reader! Little did I know that this fiction book would have a gem of a quote that would spark my thinking for months to come. In the book, Unspoken, I found this quote, “Grace is so scandalous we can never get beyond its reach to forgive.” [1] Wow! I had to stop reading, write the quote down to think on later.

Scandalous and grace - - not two words you think of as “going together.” But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that God’s Word is full of examples of scandalous grace.

David (2 Samuel 11): David sent a man to his death in war so that he could have the man’s wife. Yet because of David’s true repentance and lifelong trust in God, he is later called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4): She was a woman and a Samaritan, so normally a Jewish man would not have spoken to her. On top of that, she was an outcast (she was at the well during an “off” time) because of some sad choices she had made in life. Choices others may have seen as unforgivable. Yet, Jesus did a scandalous thing for His day: spoke with her and then offered her Living Water.

Saul/Paul (Acts 9:1-31): As Saul, he thought he was doing God’s work by persecuting and contributing to the death of Christians. Yet, after his conversion, God used Paul mightily in the new church.

In our world, the actions of those above would be deemed “hard to forgive” or even “unforgivable.” But God puts no one and no action outside of God’s redemptive, forgiveness grace. Scandalous and amazing!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you ever feel like you’ve done something hard to forgive or even unforgivable? If so, would you commit to finding more stories of God’s scandalous grace in the Bible as encouragement?

2.  Do you know those who feel like they’ve done something unforgivable? What can you do to encourage or remind them of God’s forgiving grace?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1; Hebrews 4:16

[1] Henderson, Dee. Unspoken. Page 170. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2013.

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.

Behind the Scenes

By Lisa Boyer

“Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.”

Psalm 105:2 (NIV)

A few years ago, while driving to church in the snow on New Year’s Day, I was filled with anticipation - - anticipation of worshipping God that morning. I had woken up early and had already been spending time with Him, yet I couldn’t wait to worship Him with my church family!

Thoughts of the year gone by drifted in and out of my mind... it had been a rough year, but never before had I been so convinced of His personal love and care for me than this year, this rough year. I just couldn’t wait to sing His praise! The irony of having a rough year and yet being so convinced of His love and care wasn’t lost on me and I couldn’t help but smile. In spite of everything, and I mean everything, He was there.

Worshipping with my church family was sweet, but even more sweet was the blessing of the message, “Behind the Scenes where God’s at work” from the book of Esther. The pastor made three main points (1):

1.   “God is always at work behind the scenes whether we recognize it or not.”  Esther 1:1-10:3

Ah ha! Wasn’t that exactly what I had been thinking? He is! He really is! I saw Him!!!

2.    “God does not have us (you) in this place at this time by chance or by mistake.” Esther 3:7, 9:1, 4:13-16 “Trust His placement” Esther 4:14b, “Trust His timing” Esther 4:14c, “Trust His plan” Esther 4:14a

Ohhhhh, that had been a tough one this year. I had been diagnosed with a serious condition in March, but I chose to trust Him in the midst of it. And then, a few weeks ago, a woman I encounter frequently in the course of my job gave me a gift. It was a red cardinal with the word “faith” on it. She said she had to get it for me when she saw it, “because you are so full of faith.” Could it be that God is using my faith in these circumstances to draw others closer to Him? I pray so!!

3.    “Recognize what God has done & celebrate it!” Esther 9:20-32

Now, that was what I had come to church to do that morning!! I had recognized His hand in preparing my heart for the journey… I had recognized His hand preparing the path I would take… I had recognized His hand in whom He surrounded me with during that time… I had recognized Him in it, in all of it and I had come to celebrate!!!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you not seen God at work behind the scenes in your life? Today, will you pray and ask Him to show you?

2.  Will you trust His placement, timing and plan?

FURTHER READING:

The Book of Esther

(1) Pastor Roger Ellis, Oakwood Church, Delafield, WI, January 1, 2012

Lisa has been married to Ted for more than 20 years and they have two teenage sons. Lisa administers Fresh Start’s Facebook and blog, and loves hanging out with and impacting teenage girls for Christ.

REpurposed Vessels

By Karen D’Amore

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

An embellished, vintage drawer pull transforms into a unique necklace. Discarded wood pallets are reconfigured into rustic furnishings. Beverage bottles, mason jars and cheap throw-away vases are converted into decorative candle holders and vases. The latest trend in “re-purposing” goods has become a popular and infectious phenomenon! The concept of “trash to treasure” re-creations inspired me to create my own creations called REpurposed Vessels, where I transformed throw-away glass containers into unique one-of-a-kind,  re-usable items.

My repurposing projects have several steps. I begin by soaking and cleansing  the vessels from the inside out. Next is stripping  off the old labels. I study the size, shape and color of each clean, bare vessel to determine its new purpose and suitable ornamentations. Each vessel is then clothed  with fabric, adorned  with varying textures and lace trimmings and finally embellished  with shiny bling.

The dictionary defines repurpose as “to give a new purpose or use to.”[1] Items originally discarded as trash and considered useless are repurposed and redeemed for something useful. Something worthless takes on a new meaning and transforms into something valuable.

Catching a glimpse of my reflection in one of my repurposed projects drew me to consider deeper Spiritual parallels in how God repurposes lives. As I reflect on my personal life journey, I resonate deeply with the “trash to treasure” concept. Before I invited Jesus to rule and reign in my life, I was living a life dead in sin (Ephesians 2:13). My sin-filled, messy life was a heap of useless rubbish. But glory to God who changed that!

As our Redeemer, Restorer and Master Repurpose-er, God uses a similar process to transform useless, frayed vessels or lives (non-believers) into something useful (believers). Through the blood of Jesus, He cleanses  us from the inside out (John 3:16, 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 1:18) and clothes  us in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). He strips  away our “old labels” (carnal attributes) making us new, clean vessels…to be filled by Him and for His purpose (Ephesians 4:22).  He faithfully adorns us with grace (Romans 5:15, 17), embellishes  us with His everlasting love and transforms us into vessels where He can sparkle and shine (1 John 3:1, 4:7).

 “We have this treasure in earthen vessels that it may be clear that the surpassing power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV). Believers are transformed by God from “trash to treasure.” As His REpurposed Vessels, we’re re-designed to shine His love and reflect His glory.

Where are you in God’s repurposing process? 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What area of your heart/life needs repurposing?

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:10

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

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

The Terrible Typo

By Lexi Ellis

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness...”

Isaiah 43:19a (NLT)

I love being a part of the Fresh Start ministry. Part of my “job” is to format and edit devotionals. It’s a joy getting a “sneak peak” at how God works in our writers’ lives and then uses them to share it with others. But sometimes, I miss a typo or mess up the format. Often, it’s caught by another team member before the devo goes out, but sometimes it’s not.

Recently, I missed a letter. There was a word without a vowel and this teacher-by-profession didn’t see it. Man, I felt like kicking myself. I read the sent-out devo - - now too late to change it - - and just felt defeated. While a small mistake, it felt huge at the time. Critical thoughts flooded in: Are you serious? You’re clearly not qualified for this. How did you miss a mistake in the title…it’s bolded?!

Realizing this was heading in a dangerous direction, I imagined laying my mistake down at the Lord’s feet. God, help our readers be encouraged despite this typo. Help them sense Your Presence and continue to strive towards an active, ongoing and vibrant relationship with You. Help me depend on Your strength rather than my own ability and keep things in perspective.

Aren’t you thankful God has chosen to use imperfect people to do His perfect will? Scripture is filled with people who really messed up or had awful circumstances, but God used them when they chose to be obedient…in the midst of their mess. I think of Abraham and Sarah, Miriam, Gideon, David…all imperfect people whom God used in spite of their mess. We - - as believers - - also get to be involved in His plan! While I am very aware of the mistakes I make, I realize God can use me when I trust and surrender to Him.

And despite our un-perfect-ness, God has gifted and wired us uniquely for our role in this plan. There are countless examples of this in Scripture, like when God put Aaron’s gift of communication or Deborah’s gift of leadership to good use. In the New Testament, Paul writes about the importance and diversity of spiritual gifts and how vital these gifts are to the Church (1 Corinthians 12). The strengths we possess are by no accident.

While I’d like all words to have vowels, I’m thankful for the reminder that God uses us - - despite the terrible typos and imperfections - - and that each of us is uniquely gifted.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What imperfections do you need to lay at the Lord’s feet?

2. How has God uniquely designed you for His Kingdom?

FURTHER READING:

1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6-8

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

Hands and Feet

By Brita Crouse

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)

They are everywhere. They are seen daily on the news. They are discussed by our friends and neighbors. They live in our communities. They pass us by without our even realizing. Who are “they”? The oppressed. “They” are those who are hurting, lost, and in need of Jesus.

Jesus commands us to care for the oppressed. His Word is teeming with these charges. Why? Maybe because He knew that, for all time, people would be suffering and in need of Him.

God has been convicting me to follow this command more diligently in my daily life. Why should I be so blessed when so many around me are in need? Shouldn’t I be sharing Jesus with these people who are desperate for a Savior?

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be obedient to this command toward victims of horrors I cannot even fathom. Every Wednesday night, I make the 30-minute drive to a center for abused women and children. Here, I have the blessing of being an advocate for children who have been victimized in their own homes. 

Why do I do this? Because I want to? No, most nights my selfish human nature tries to convince me that I am too tired after a long day of work to do anything of worth. Because it’s fun? Not always. Many times I have left the center in tears, either from frustration or grief for the things these children have witnessed. Because I am paid to do it? Nope, I actually lose money in all the gas I use driving back and forth!

I do this because I am called to, and the One who is calling me is the One who created those children; the One who never intended for their lives to be full of suffering; the One who wants to be made known to each of them. Here, I feel as if God is using me for what I was created to do. Here, I get to be His hands and feet. That’s why I do it.

In some way, it has been communicated to these kids that they are unloved and unwanted, so when my greatest commandment is to love, how could I not obey?

Take the opportunities you are given to be obedient and become the hands and feet of Jesus to the oppressed. In return, you will be blessed more innumerably than you could ever imagine.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Who can you reach out to this week?

2.  What are local ministries/organizations that you can plug into?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 82:3; Psalm 68:5; James 1:27

Brita recently graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Psychology, and is currently a helper for Oakwood’s Quest 56 and the Just Among Moms weekly childcare team.

Light in the Darkness

By Peggy Kleckner

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 9:5 (NIV)

I am really tired of darkness. The news blares it. Facebook is full of it. It is in our newspapers, in our magazines. It feels like a tidal wave crashing across all of life.

I can get so focused on what is wrong here that I forget about the light. My ears are full of doom and gloom, my eyes are fixed on the broken, my mind is consumed with endless painful trials. I am weary and crying out, “God, don’t you care? Where are you?”

I am so like the disciples. I read in Scripture that they were out on the lake, a place they were used to, and a storm came up. I am sure they were used to storms as well, but this one seemed to be winning against them.  Where was Jesus?  “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion” (Mark 4:38).

Imagine you are rowing your heart out, working with others to keep the boat upright and where do you see Jesus? In the back of the boat asleep! 

They asked what I myself have asked Him recently, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” What did Jesus do? He acted and then He spoke. First, He calmed the sea that was causing them all the trouble, and then He addressed them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Ouch. Essentially I hear Him ask me, “Do you still not trust who I am or know what I am capable of doing?”

He doesn’t sound angry, just hurt that I don’t trust Him. Sometimes, I have to stop and look in the back of my boat. He is still there and He is still sovereign. I can rest in that knowledge though the storm is at fury stage.

I wonder if perhaps Christ’s question was more like “Why didn’t you call on me sooner?” Perhaps the disciples didn’t think they needed him for the mundane, normal part of life. Perhaps we don’t think so either, but then the storm comes up where we weren’t expecting it.

I think it comes up for a reason, to show us that we are not capable of doing life on our own. We really do need a Savior - - not just for the BIG issues of our lives - - but for the everyday, every-moment parts of our lives.

He is the light that comes into us and lights the world.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you watched for His answer when you asked, “Don’t you care?”

2.  What story from your life can you share with someone about His “showing up” in your darkness?

FURTHER READING:

2 Samuel 22:29; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John1:7

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.