John 15 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. The whole chapter is written in red, meaning the words recorded are the words of Christ. Christ knew that he would soon be leaving this world and the disciples would be left behind until his appointed time. Jesus was reminding them of things they would need to know in order to carry on with their mission on earth. The message he gave them is also true for us today.
Jesus reminded his followers that they need to abide (stay connected) to Him, and if they did they would bear much “fruit”. He also stated that if they did not bear much fruit they would not be useful to Him and fulfill their holy purpose. He reminded them that even if they stayed connected to Him that they would go through difficult times (pruning), but their difficult times would enable them to become even more “fruitful”. In the book of Galatians, chapter 5, scripture reveals that the spiritual fruit in a Christians life is “love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”. Now who wouldn’t want more of those characteristics in their lives? If we do, we must stay connected to Jesus. How do we stay connected? By spending time in His Word, the Bible. By spending time in prayer and meditation. By living according to His word and walking in obedience. To learn to love Him, and trust Him more and more every day and by doing so we will experience the sweet fruit of salvation.
This is a message that the Oaks Ministry shares with our residents. It is our desire that the women entering our program will grow deeper in their relationship with Christ or come to know Christ in a way that truly satisfies and produces good fruit in their lives.
As we work with hurting women, we have been blessed to see them grow, blossom and become new creations in Christ. To see God heal the brokenhearted, to set free those that are in bondage, to comfort those who mourn by placing on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They become new creations in Christ, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3) Just last weekend we had a Benefit Luncheon and one of our previous residents shared her testimony. Jennifer is not the same person she was when she entered our program in Feb. 2016. She is a beautiful example of what God can do and an inspiration to others. To God be the Glory!!
Please keep The Oaks Ministry in your prayers as we strive to show the love of Christ to women in need. We thank God for you who have come along side of us in this faith journey. We know that together we can make a difference in the lives of the women God sends our way.
There are many ways you can help us help others. If you would like more information, please contact us at 484-368-7268 or visit our website at http://www.oxfordoaksministry.com.
oxfordoaksministry.com 