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Hello Great Family,

We have a "Discover Oakwood" lunch scheduled for this coming Sunday.  If you are relatively new to Oakwood and would like to know more about who we are and what we believe, click here to register or contact the office at (248)628-6388 and let us know you would like to attend. Lunch is free and childcare is provided!

I encourage you to sign up for one of our six-week adult equipping groups that begin on Wednesday, October 4th. Click here to find out more about each group and register or stop at the "Oak" on Sunday morning.

I recently read a devotional by Rick Warren designed for pastors that I wanted to share with you.  I took the liberty of rewriting it and removing the references to pastoral leadership and made it specifically for you.  I hope this will encourage you.

One of our deepest needs is to feel secure. We want to be valued to know that our lives matter. Were searching for significance.

The problem is, many of us search for significance in all the wrong places. Were constantly comparing ourselves to others. Were quietly asking ourselves (and others!) if we measure up, if we are good enough, if we have what it takes. Inevitably, this leads to insecurity. 

God wants all of us to be secure in his love for us. Our only foundation for self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves is understanding how much we matter to God. Here are three truths about how much each of us matters to God.

1. No matter how small you are, Jesus notices you.

I've heard from many people through the years who feel invisible. They don't have a large social media presence or a huge friend list. They mistakenly feel like no one sees them and their life doesnt matter.

But God knows who you are, and he's paying attention to how youre serving him. From the moment you took your first breath, he had his eye on you. You've never served someone in his name where he hasn't cheered you on. 

God knows every detail of your life, from beginning to end. He has heard every criticism that has been leveled against you in the past or that will be expressed in the future.  

Jesus told us, God never overlooks a single [sparrow]. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detaileven numbering the hairs on your head! (Luke 12:6- 7 MSG).

The greatest way anyone can show us love is by paying attention to us. God shows incredible attention to every detail of our lives.

2. No matter who ignores you, Jesus knows you.

Sometimes it feels like no one is listening to us. How many nuggets of wisdom have you given? How many times have you quietly done what was right and seemingly no one noticed?  Sometimes it feels like youre just talking to the wind. But Jesus hears you. To him, youre unforgettable.

The Bible says, Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands (Isaiah 49:15-16 NLT).  

A mother wont ignore her nursing child. Neither will God forget about you, no matter how forgotten you feel some days. The God of the universe has your name written on his palms. Reflect on that the next time you feel like no one is listening.

3. No matter what youve done, Jesus wants you.

You are ashamed of some things in your life. All of us arepastors included! We dont measure up to our standards, much less Gods standards. 

I know many individuals who are deeply afraid of people finding out something about their past. They spend a lot of energy hiding it and praying no one ever finds out. Jesus knows everything youve ever done, and he loves you. 

Jesus is interested in changing you, not condemning you.

The Bible reminds us of this in John 3:17, For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (NIV).

May you always remember how much you matter to Godand how he wants to use you for his glory in this world. 

You matter to God and you matter to us at Oakwood too!  Hope to see you Sunday at 9am or 11am.

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)