07
Sep '19

Being Childish
07
Sep '19

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4
Read more...
31
Aug '19

Inspirational Women
31
Aug '19

I am very blessed to be surrounded by so many inspirational women. My mom has always inspired me with her amazing strength. So many times I never realized it, I took it for granted, but she was my rock when I was growing up. She continues to this day to exhibit focus and direction for me. My sister, Kathy, without even knowing it, inspires me to find strength in myself. She shows me that I am stronger than I realize. When I can’t figure things out, she’s always there to help me out, though I can be frustrating at times, she helps me. Kristina, my
Read more...
31
Aug '19

The Struggle Continues
31
Aug '19

Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14
Read more...
24
Aug '19

Freedom in the Spirit
24
Aug '19

Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:15-18
Reading God’s word can be convicting. There are many times I will read something, and have a strong
Read more...
24
Aug '19

Is Knowing, Growing?
24
Aug '19

Ouch. There’s much to be said for those 3 small words. I’ve been a Christian since I was 15 years old, and raised in a little Baptist Church my entire childhood, but l’ll admit in my life, there’s been times that I did not grow toward God, even though I knew Him. I could even be as bold to say that I grew away from God during certain times in my life, while still knowing Him. So the answer to the question is: no.
“Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.” – 2 John 1:9
“Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.” – 2 John 1:9
Read more...
24
Aug '19

He is our Hope
24
Aug '19

Challenges are part of life. Things get put in our paths everyday that can cause us to stumble and slow down. We can start to wonder why things aren’t happening as quickly as we think they should. Life can really throw us some curve balls. Starting to question God and asking Him where He is at in our lives is something we can find ourselves doing. We want the answer now. God, why am I going through this? Why can’t You fix this now? I don’t understand, where are You? It’s hard for us to wrap our human brains around God’s timing. We live in a world where we want immediate results. We don’t have time to wait, we have things to do. Getting so wrapped up in our own issues and struggles and trying to keep up with everything is something that’s taken over our lives. When things happen that slow us down, we can forget that God has a plan, He is in control, He is our hope. He’s promised to take care of us. We very often forget that we live in a fallen world and things are far from perfect. What we have to remember is that Jesus paid our debt. Our eternity is with Him. When our faith and our trust are in Him, He takes care of us. We have a place in heaven free from the challenges of this sinful world. When things get rough and we find ourselves in quicksand, we have to remember our precious Savior, and know that He’s going to take care of us.
John 16:33 ESV- I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 10:10 ESV- The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.
It’s hard for us to relax while we’re going through a rough time. We get stressed, we get anxious, we wear ourselves down with frustration. God understands. He doesn’t want the weight of the world to be on our shoulders. He willingly shoulders our burdens and walks through fire for us. We have to be patient. We have to trust God. We have to put our hope in His promises and let go of the frustrations of this world. He is our hope!!! Romans 8:39 NLT- No power in the sky above or the earth below- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
BLOG AUDIO
Have a blessed day!!!
~Rita
Please share this blog. Simply click the share button below, or copy the URL.

About Rita:
“Being a Christ follower throughout my life has been quite the journey. He’s taken me through deep waters and trials that have tested me over the years. I have fallen so many times, and He’s always been there to lift me back up on my feet. Through a series of broken relationships, I finally figured out what was important to me, putting God first and letting Him lead me. I love writing and learning, and growing with God. I have a beautiful, adult daughter that I love spending time with whenever I can. My hope is to be a tool for God to use to lead others to Him.“
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakwoodchurchsaline/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakwood_churchmi/
Read more...
17
Aug '19

Have a Talk with God
17
Aug '19

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise You forever, O God,
for what You have done.
I will trust in Your good name
in the presence of Your faithful people. Psalm 52:8-9
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise You forever, O God,
for what You have done.
I will trust in Your good name
in the presence of Your faithful people. Psalm 52:8-9
Read more...
17
Aug '19

Living a Life for God
17
Aug '19

I’m called to live a life for God. I’m called to live my life according to His will. I’m called to love and show kindness to people even when I don’t understand. This doesn’t mean that I accept or approve of unhealthy behaviors. Jesus called us to love and guide others and to set a Christian example for how to live a healthy lifestyle. It seems like everything around us is becoming acceptable, when it’s not. It’s so important for Christians to stand firm and not back down. We seem to live in a society that makes up rules to satisfy our
Read more...
10
Aug '19

Day or Night
10
Aug '19

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NKJV)
Years ago, I was riding on a bike path in the middle of the evening. I had completed a lap around the park (about 8 or 10 miles) and was feeling really good. I decided I would go another lap. “There’s plenty of time,” so I thought. Little did I know that my bike chain would come off about mid-way through that lap. By the
Read more...