Foundations

By Tracy Smith

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

While on a recent road trip, we were playing CDs we’ve had for years. One 20-year-old song is one I’ve always loved, but have not heard in a while. The song is sung by the band Big Tent Revival and is called “Two Sets of Jones’.” The song is a modern retelling of the Wise Man/Foolish Man parable. It tells a tale of two young families. One family builds its foundation on money, success and material things. The other builds its foundation on Jesus. The chorus goes like this:

And the rain, came down,
And it blew the four walls down
And the clouds they rolled away
And one set of Jones' was standing that day [1]

The song goes on to talk about how the family with the wrong foundation falls apart through hard times while the other family stays strong. 

The parable is found is found in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus points out that those who hear His words and put them into practice are like the wise man who builds his house on the rock. When the winds and rains come, the house is standing in the end. Those that hear His words and ignore them are like the man who builds his house on the sand. When the wind and rain come, the house crashes down because the foundation was not firm.

The song asks two important questions. The first: “Is your life built on the rock of Christ Jesus or a sandy foundation you’ve managed to lay?” [1]

There are so many sandy foundations we can build our lives on: money, success, looks, education, earthly relationships, careers, etc. Each of us has to look into our own hearts to see what sandy foundation beckons to us.

I’ll end with question number two from the song: “There’s two sets of Jones’, which one will you be?” [1]

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What is the sandy foundation you struggle with? What can you do to avoid using that as your foundation?

2.  The video for the song shows the story of the song, watch it here at this link (plus you get a flashback to 90’s styles!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7qPchMdcO8

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 3:11; Luke 6:47-49

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] http://www.lyricsmania.com/two_sets_of_jones_lyrics_big_tent_revival.html

Escape Route

By Elin Henderson

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV, emphasis added)

Living overseas in the middle of nowhere, one of the things we are required to have by our contingency/safety team is several ways “out” in the case of emergency, catastrophe, etc. Basically, these are our “escape routes" in the unlikely event we would need them! So far, praise the Lord, we have never needed to use these escape routes but we have them planned nonetheless, and it gives us relative  peace to know that should a crisis arise, we are prepared!

Isn’t it great that God does not leave us alone in our crises and the temptations of the enemy and our sinful nature? He provides a way of escape! We all know it isn’t a matter of “if” but “when” the attack will come, and He is prepared for all contingencies. Frontal attack, attack from the rear, side swiping, overhead bombing, whatever the enemy and our sinful nature throw at us, His escape route is secure and ready! Nothing takes Him by surprise. For each one of us, He has custom-crafted individual escape routes from the temptations that come our way. Each one is unique to the needs we have and allows us to be able to bear up under the strain that the temptation brings.

We often miss the escape routes altogether though because our eyes are focused in the wrong place. We either look at the crisis or temptation, and become overwhelmed by it, or we look inward to our own strength to resist it, and come up with quick fixes that only end in defeat and discouragement. There is only one escape artist, and that is the Lord. We must look to Him if we are to successfully locate and utilize the escape routes He has set in place.

So, the next time you encounter a temptation along the path of life, remember that the GOD has made a way “out.” We don’t need to fold under the pressure. He makes a way of escape and strengthens us in the process. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author (of our Escape Route) and Perfecter of our Faith! 

 

GOING DEEPER:

1.       Make a list of the temptations that have been coming your way lately, then ask the Lord to specifically show you His ESCAPE ROUTE for each of those. 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 71:2; James 1:12; Hebrews 12:2

Oakwood’s missionaries, Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes Mission in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to sixteen-year-old Callie and thirteen-year-old Elias.

Hail

By Peggy Kleckner

“I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD.”

Haggai 2:17 (NIV)

We once experienced hail in our area. To many, it was an inconvenience, an oddity. It lasted only a short period of time. Maybe it kept them indoors; maybe they had to run for cover while they were at the State Fair; maybe they watched from a front room window. Did it bring to anyone’s heart the thought of God? His sovereignty?

What about those with gardens? Did they see the work of their hands demolished in a few short minutes? The work of their hands - - breaking up the soil, planting, weeding, watering, pruning etc. - - all perhaps brought to ruin in a few short minutes. Were they just beginning to harvest the fruit of their labor? Did it seem unfair or even cruel? Were they angry, seeing God as unjust?

Let’s broaden our view. What about the droughts, the mudslides, the hurricanes? Are these also not under the sovereign hand of God? Are not all of these things troubling our world today, impacting all of us?

Who then is seeking God? The verse above says that God Himself struck their work and then it says sadly, “yet you did not turn to me.” God is not cruel; He is compassionate. If the fruit of our own work brings contentment without God, it isn’t true contentment. We have been seduced by a lie, blinded by the enemy. Our days will end without Him and we will have lost the greater for a meager handful.

It is His compassion that demolishes the work of our hands in order to help us seek the greater, a relationship with Him. A relationship built on truth, not lies.

We are implored to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Seek Him first. Acknowledge that He is God, acknowledge our need for the saving grace of His Son, Jesus. Without Jesus, there can be no restored relationship with God. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. None of us is God. We all need Jesus. It is the recognition of our neediness that draws us back to God.

Is it God’s intent to demolish? No, it is His intent to bless. Haggai 2:19 (NIV) says this: “Is there any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. From this day on, I will bless you.”

Come, let us return to the LORD.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Where in your life are you experiencing famine, drought or hail?

2.  Instead of trying harder are you willing to seek God?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 30:15-18; Psalm 103; John 12:44-46

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.

Time of Adjustment

By Lexi Ellis

I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you..."

 Jeremiah 29:14a (ESV)

Our dog, Calvin, loves to have a “doggy playdates” with my parents’ dog, Riley. Calvin has grown up with Riley, but now that Calvin is bigger, he’s not as easily pushed around like when he was younger. While both dogs genuinely enjoy each other, there always seems to be a time of adjustment whenever I bring Calvin over. Calvin pushes the envelope and will go over to Riley, put his paws on Riley’s side and “stand up,” attempting to elevate his head above Riley’s. Riley, being the bigger and in-charge dog, isn’t too fond of Calvin’s attempts to upset the fruit basket. There’s occasional growling (nothing inappropriately aggressive), but clearly communicating and figuring it out. Then, ten minutes in, they’re best friends. Every time, it’s an identical beginning scene.

It makes me think of the “times of adjustment” I’ve had to go through: unexpected changes, conflict or challenges that upset the status-quo or didn’t go the way I was expecting. Chosen or not, the boat’s been rocked and I feel shaky. Feelings of tension, fear, uneasiness and insecurity usually ensue as I struggle to be “top dog” of the situation or challenge. I long for the time of adjustment to be over so I can have (perceived, of course) everything back under control.

And yet, like Calvin and Riley’s beginning ritual, times of adjustment do not last forever. Often they’re necessary for the joy and plain-old-fun that awaits. As I look back on those times of adjustment, I have had the privilege of seeing God at work, or something was learned, or something better resulted.

In the verse above, Israel was going through a time of adjustment.  (They’re in exile!) Earlier in this chapter, God says He knows and has prosperous, hope-filled plans (Jeremiah 29:11). Through it all, God says that even in the midst of their times of adjustment - - and our times, as well - -  He will be found, He will deliver and restore.

Right now, Calvin and Riley are running around, taking turns with a green ball. Despite any rocky starts, there’s good to come. We know God promises that all works out to His glory, and often we’ve seen His hand at work in the past. May we be those who choose to depend on Him in the midst of times of adjustment.

GOING DEEPER:

1.      What are some current times of adjustment in your life or a friend’s? What Scriptural promises and attributes do you know of God during this time of adjustment?

2.      Think of past times of adjustment in your life or a friend’s. How did you see God at work?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 25

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

Lost!

By Susan Klein

“But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:14 (NIV)

Have you ever been lost? I mean, deeply, scarily lost? Long before GPS, MapQuest, and cell phones, I got lost on the way to a friend’s house one evening. I thought I knew the way, but was very sadly mistaken. As the sky grew dark, I found myself in a not-so-nice part of town with cars up on blocks, ramshackle buildings, and glaring people you wouldn’t feel safe asking for directions. About to press the gas pedal and hasten my exit, the light at the oncoming intersection turned red. I had to stop, amidst many loitering onlookers. I didn’t know the Lord at the time, but I spoke the words, “Please, get me out of here!”

Just then, a voice boomed, “Exit your vehicle and put your hands up!” What?!! In my rearview mirror I saw the flashing light. It was me they were petitioning! The police didn’t even get out of their cars in this part of town unless absolutely necessary. After summoning (all 98 pounds of) me to their car, the officer said I’d receive a citation for stopping in front of the entrance to a fire station. I looked up and noticed it for the first time. Scared and tearful, I told them I was lost. I think they took pity on me and let me go with just a warning to stay out of neighborhoods like this.

About to walk back to my car, glimpsing the crowd that had gathered, I turned back and said, “I really am lost! Could you please tell me which way to go to get out of here?” They gave me directions and followed me for a short distance until I was securely on my way.

As a Christ-follower now, I look back on that situation and am struck by not only how God provided a safe way out for me when I was physically lost, but by how much that officer was a picture of God (who would eventually lead me to salvation). The officer rebuked me for my wrong, but he also showed me mercy by not making me pay for my offense. He cautioned me not to make the same mistake, then protectively guided me to the right path home.

How very loving and patient our God is, desiring for all those who are lost to be safely found.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you know someone who might be going down a wrong path? What can you do to help guide them back to safety, to the Father?

FURTHER READING:

1 Timothy 1:15-16; Proverbs 4:18-19

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads a Wednesday Night Community small group

Stillness and Quiet

By Tracy Smith

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

I am reading the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, and in the chapter titled "Living Room Intimacy," Joanna Weaver says,

                  

"I constantly fight the tendency to fill the God-shaped hole he created in me with fluffy stuff…I don't like quietness so I fill up the silence with sitcoms and talk shows, Christian music and CNN - - but it was in the quiet of the night that Samuel heard God's voice" [1]

That's me. I am the type of person who does not like quiet or stillness. I cannot just sit at the doctor's office and wait for the doctor without something to do, so I bring a book to read. I cannot do chores in a quiet house, so I put on the TV or radio as background noise. I am so bad that if I am watching a TV show, I will read a book at the commercials to keep the brain busy! I'm most comfortable when I keep my brain active and engaged.

The Bible gives us examples of people who heard God's voice when they were still, when they were quiet. Samuel heard God's voice in the middle of the night when all was quiet (1 Samuel 3:1-14). Elijah hears the voice of one of God’s messenger angels when he is discouraged enough to give up, so he lies down to sleep (1 Kings 19:4-8).

Why am I unable to just relax the brain and enjoy? I really don't know, but I would guess that is just the way I am wired. Does that mean that I should not try to learn to be still? No. In the above verse, God tells us to be still and to know who He is. What am I missing by not being still and/or quiet?  What would happen if I stopped, kept still and listened to God? I hope to find out soon!

GOING DEEPER: 

1. Will you commit to picking a time every day that you focus on being still and quiet?

2. What do you use to fill the quiet? What can you do to change that?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 37:7, 62:5; Isaiah 32:17

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.

[1] Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook Press, 2007).

Cloudy with a Chance of Blessing

By Elin Henderson

“…and His strength is in the clouds.”

Psalms 68:34b (NKJV)

Living just kilometers from the Indian Ocean, we certainly get a front seat to the sea’s ability to churn out some serious clouds. Often we see huge billowing clouds form up in an instant and soar inland with their rain and shade! There is a time that the local people call “khuusi” in which the sea becomes a virtual factory and spews out clouds all day long! We generally are quite happy with this respite from the hot African sun and the well-welcomed rain that the assembly belt of clouds provides, although when you rely on solar power for electricity, sometimes you wish they would clear out a little quicker! 

I was struck recently by the number of times clouds are mentioned in Scripture. Probably the most notable mention is the pillar of cloud God inhabited in the Old Testament that went out with the people of Israel when they left Egypt and went into the Wilderness. It was their guide, showing them the way and even became their source of light at night. At one point, the cloud moved behind them and became a barrier of protection against Pharaoh and his army. 

In 2 Samuel, a cloud the size of a man’s hand, seen far off on the distance brought the provision of rain and the reminder that God keeps His promises! In the Wilderness Tabernacle and in the Temple of God in Jerusalem, a cloud was a reminder and evidence of God’s presence and glory. On the Mount of Transfiguration, a cloud enveloped the brief meeting of Jesus and Elijah and Moses. That cloud, and the Father’s voice from within it, became a very real revelation of both God’s glory and the divinity of Christ to Peter, James and John, who witnessed it. 

I don’t know about you, but I could use a few of these kinds of clouds/blessings around; some guidance in this wilderness of life, some light in the dark places, some protection against the dark forces that threaten to overwhelm us, some provision after a dry time in our lives, a reminder of His daily presence with us and a revelation God’s glory and that He will have the final say and the final reign! 

Forecast for today….”Cloudy with a chance of blessing.” Get ready for His clouds to start pouring off the divine assembly line, bringing refreshment and blessing on your life today!

GOING DEEPER:

1.      No physical clouds showing up on your side of the world to remind you of His blessings?? Sketch a quick cloud and post it in a place where you will see it.

2.       Write in it the particular blessing reminder you need for the challenges of that day! 

FURTHER READING:

Job 38:37; Psalm 36:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Oakwood’s missionaries, Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes Mission in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to sixteen-year-old Callie and thirteen-year-old Elias. 

The Most Honest Person in the Bible

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“… (Jesus said), ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’”

Mark 9:23 (NIV)

A story is told in Mark chapter 9 of a desperate father. This man had brought his son to the disciples, seeking help for his demon-possessed son. Since childhood, this boy would go into convulsions, even being thrown into fire or water against his will. 

This father is going through hell on earth. Completely out of control, frantic that his son will be killed, helplessly watching these episodes.  He has tried everything, including bringing this boy to the disciples who can perform miracles. The disciples were unable to help. Now, he pleads with Jesus:

“If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately, the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark9:21-24, NIV, emphasis mine).

And with that statement, I believe this man is the most honest person in the Bible.

When you or I are forced to watch helplessly in our own life situations, our human faith’s imperfections come exploding to the surface. We desire with everything in our souls to believe that an all-mighty God can sweep in to fix our suffering, but doubt that He will choose to for us. The thought niggles in our mind that perhaps God has forgotten about me or my loved one, or we wonder if He is even there at all, or a dozen other wrong contemplations. The daily grind of dealing with the wayward child, the ill parent, the dysfunctional marriage, job stress, health or any other issue, will bring us to our knees. And our doubts only serve to compound our guilt and frustration.

Listen to the next part of this story. When the boy’s father cries in brokenness to Jesus, Jesus does not rebuke him.  Jesus does not take him to task over his admission. He does not shame the man. Jesus instead sends the demon out of the child. His grace and healing are extended, despite the imperfect belief of the father. His grace will come to us, despite our flaws, as well.

GOING DEEPER:

1. When going through the dark times, consider claiming the words of Jesus and this man into your prayer time: “Jesus, You said that anything is possible for those who believe. I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
2. Be honest about your faith and doubts with God.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 28:7; Matthew 19:26

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

Agree to Disagree

By Susan Klein

“One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

Romans 14:5 (NIV)

Have you ever had a major disagreement with someone?  One in which you felt very strongly that your position was right, yet so did the other person? Perhaps your position was even backed by Scripture, but the other person’s was not. When do we exercise grace, and when do we take a purposeful stand for the truth?

I had one of these encounters. It was with someone who was raised with the same biblical beliefs as mine. However, as we advanced in our life-journeys, the other person’s path took her in a completely different direction. I felt the great deceiver, Satan, had her believing a lie as she made a life-choice that I believed was contradictory to God’s Word. My heart ached for her to be so blind-sided by this wrong belief that our culture touted as right. She felt equally bad for me, feeling that I was clinging to archaic beliefs, not being culturally relevant and accepting of her choice. What transpired was not at all biblical: We argued.

Scripture is clear that the Lord’s servants are to not take part in foolish quarrels or arguments. Instead we are to gently instruct those who oppose God’s Word, so that the Holy Spirit can convict them and lead them to a knowledge of the truth. [1]  When I argued with my friend, we were each trying to impose our own beliefs on the other, which was foolish and futile. Neither of us was about to change our battle position. I am not her Holy Spirit and cannot convict her of something she is not choosing to believe, especially when I am argumentative instead of “gentle.”

So what might have been, or still could be, a better solution when faced with similar circumstances? Perhaps, when at an impasse, we need to agree to disagree. That doesn’t mean I change my mind or my convictions.  But it does mean that I won’t expect her to change her choice based on my beliefs, and she won’t expect me to change my beliefs based on her choice. We respectfully disagree, allowing the Holy Spirit to work it out as He sees fit, in God’s perfect timing.

I have learned that our battle is not with each other, but with the enemy - - the deceiver - - Satan. (Eph.  6:12)  And one of our greatest weapons in that battle against him is prayer, out-loud prayer that the enemy can hear.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How might you avoid quarreling with someone who believes a lie?

2. Are you wielding your spiritual battle weapons?

FURTHER READING:

[1] 2 Timothy 2:22-26, 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads a small group with her husband.

My Ignorance
By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

Ignorance. It’s got to be on the list for one of the most-overused and polarizing words. Doesn’t it just seem to seep judgement? Rather than engage in a productive discussion over matters of disagreement, it’s so much easier for both sides to just claim their opponents are simply “ignorant.”

Consider its actual definition. The formal definition is “lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular.”  But then our informal vernacular also adds the emotion of “rude, uneducated or unsophisticated,” shifting the word from not just being uninformed but adding insult.  [1]

Maybe it’s an insult because it’s a word that’s exclusively pointed at someone else? But then it made me wonder. What ignorance do I have? Where am I “lacking knowledge, information or awareness”? Rather than pointing and being frustrated with the “other side,” where does my own selfishness, or my individual privileges and experiences, prohibit me? What parts of God’s kingdom-building am I missing out on because of my own ignorance?

Recently, Tim Bodnar, the Vice President of Exploit No More, spoke at my church. [2] Even though I thought I knew quite a bit about human exploitation and trafficking, his sermon revealed my lack of knowledge and a lot of misconceptions on my part. The Holy Spirit convicted me.

What other topics remain a no-no for believers to respectfully dialogue and biblically debate among each other? If we don’t engage in humble learning and discourse, aren’t we perpetuating our own ignorance? Even worse, if believers can’t respectfully disagree and discuss our own “ignorance,” what hope is there for healthy debate outside of the Church?

Jesus calls us to identify our own ignorance. Much of His biblical teaching addresses and corrects what others had distorted about God. Over and over again, Jesus also called His followers to live counter-intuitively to their own selfish desires. Thankfully, believers now have the Holy Spirit to help us discern and highlight when we are lacking grace, compassion, information or awareness.  

God convicts us when we ask. It’s time that followers of God stop using the word “ignorant” as an attack on others.  Instead, let us start pleading with God to reveal our own ignorance. Pray that He would show us what following Him really looks like, and then pray that He would help us focus on what His Kingdom-building work should entail.

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Take time to just focus on you. Pray that God’s Spirit identifies areas of ignorance in your life. Then…what’s your next step?

FURTHER READING:

1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:1-11

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

[1] https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=define:+ignorant

[2] June 26, 2016. Oakwood Church. Watch the sermon by clicking HERE.

Outbreak!

By Elin Henderson

“I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry grounds…”

Isaiah 44:3a (KJV)

You want to see some people in the medical field get up and move pretty quickly? Just whisper the word “outbreak!” Nothing invokes fear like that simple word. It basically means that something is out of control, uncontainable, moving faster than the medical personnel can keep up with. We saw that recently in Africa and beyond when Ebola reared its ugly head once again!

An outbreak occurred on a small island in the UK many years ago. But this wasn’t your typical outbreak where the medical field was called in and people quarantined. A famous minister, Duncan Campbell, was there to witness it. He called it an “outbreak of God.” A power was let loose from on high, and it literally spread like wildfire across this small community and beyond. Like all outbreaks, there was no predicting it nor containing it. Those who were there saw the hand of God moving and realized very quickly that this was not a result of human effort, but one of divine intervention. 

The revival on the island of Lewis began with a handful of men committing to persistent and faithful prayer. They cried out first for clean hands and clean hearts, and then for revival to spread throughout their community. One day, it started to rain on that parched soil and an outbreak of God occurred that stunned the world! 

           

Our land has grown dried and parched with no rain in sight. What we need is an outbreak of God’s living water to descend upon us and wash over us today! But like outbreaks of disease, there is no predicting it, no planning it. It just happens. What we need to be doing is praying for it and getting ourselves ready to receive it. We need to pray for revival within our own hearts and homes first.  And then we need to pray for a revival that sweeps through our neighborhoods and country…changing lives for eternity! 

Is the arm of God any shorter today? He is as ready today as then to reach down and revive this dry and thirsty land. No posters, meeting tents or advertising needed. Just a few individuals that are serious about revival, first within and then without, ready by faith to receive an “outbreak of God!”

  GOING DEEPER:

1.      Do you feel the need for revival in your lives and communities? Who can you be partnering with in prayer for an “outbreak of God”? 

2.      For more about this outbreak of God listen to the sermons by Duncan Campbell on www.sermonindex.net 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 85:6; Isaiah 57:15; Psalm 24:1-6

Oakwood’s missionaries, Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes Mission in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to sixteen-year-old Callie and thirteen-year-old Elias. 

True Confession

By Lisa Boyer

“We have spoken freely with you…and opened our hearts wide to you.”

2 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)

Two years ago, I had a moment where I realized I had been struggling as a writer. The last piece I had finished was started a long time ago, but other than that, I’d had nothing the previous five months. I saw things I wanted to share, but I wasn’t able to sit down and write about them - - as though it all disappeared before I had the chance. As a devotional writer, I didn’t know if it was writer’s block or God not having anything to say through me at that time, or the enemy purposely getting in the way of my writing.

As I look back on that time, I think the real issue was I had been afraid, which is ironic, because the topic I had wanted to write about before the writer’s block set in was “fear not.” “Fear not” is found over and over again in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Yet, I was afraid. I was afraid to share what was on my heart - - what God’s had been teaching and showing me. It’s not that a reader has ever given me a reason to be afraid; I just had been afraid.

As I look back, it wasn’t that I found a way out of all fear or around it. Instead, I had to choose to write in the middle of it. I had to choose to set the fear aside as best as I could and trust God to do the rest. I’m not sure how God plans to use my past confession in the lives of you, the readers, today…but He knows. Or maybe getting back to writing then was a necessary “getting back on the horse” to get over my fear (which may also remind you that those in ministry need your prayers). 

But perhaps it’s not just me and what I learned. Perhaps I’m not the only one who has been afraid to do what God has put on their heart to do. Perhaps you understand what I went through because you are suffering or have suffered from your own kind of “writer’s block.” Perhaps you too are or were afraid. Even today, I don’t have a lot of answers, but one thing I know: We, the children of God, are to “fear not.” Sometimes, fear is just an opportunity to step out in faith!  

GOING DEEPER:

1. Are you struggling with your own “writer’s block” that prevents you from using the gifts God has given you to bring glory to Him? After spending time in prayer, will you step out in faith and “fear not”?

2. As you read this, did God bring to your mind someone who is struggling? Will you take the time to pray for them?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 41:10, 13; Psalm 46:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Lisa has been married to Ted for 24 years and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood.