Turf War

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22 (NIV)

The other night my daughter called and wanted some advice about a situation going on at the girl's school. As women, we seem to be very good at creating large problems out of small incidents, the proverbial mountains out of molehills, and she was mixed up in one with another mother. In thinking about the various aspects of the problem, I conceded that mothers become very protective about their children and intimidated if there is a feeling of being taken advantage. It is also easy to make assumptions about another person's life, particularly if things are not going well in our own home. Before you know it, we misconstrue seemingly, simple, innocent gestures or actions resulting in hard feelings and unkind responses. So how do you handle the elephant in the room? I immediately thought of the phrase "heaping coals of fire" on an enemy's head from today's verse. Not sure about the exact meaning, I decided to do a google search and found some interesting definitions:

• In the biblical era, fire was a valuable commodity. Often a person would go to a neighbor and ask for a coal with which to start his fire. This expression means don’t just give him the basic essential. Instead, give him so many coals they are so heavy he has to carry them on his head as was the custom with heavy loads. Thus, we are taught a lesson in helpful generosity.
• To heap coals of fire on the head of a foe: To melt down his animosity by deeds of kindness.
• It means to treat someone who wrongs you with extra kindness, above and beyond the norm and in spite of whatever they have done to you. It usually shocks the person and points out to them that they have done something wrong.

I found the translation from The Message offered some helpful clues:

If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you. Proverbs 25:21-22 (The Message)

So I gave her a few suggestions: Call this mom up and arrange to meet at Starbucks for coffee. Listen rather than talk. Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Offer sympathy and help. She may turn down your offer and probably will never be your BFF, but you will have done your part. An act of kindness, a simple cup of coffee, may completely turn around the situation. It won't be easy but remember, it's during the hard times that we grow. Whatever the outcome, the verse ends with the promise that He will look after you. This is a win-win situation. Got her number?

God is God

I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. Job 42:2 (NLT)

Job's story blows me away. Each of us can spin the tale of our lives to include romance, pathos, sorrow, and victory but Job wins the Oscar. I have many questions to ask God some day and we read that Job, also, had a few. He could not figure out why God was treating him with so many trials and indignities. It was so bad that he wished he had never been born and wanted to die. The incessant hammer of the "so-called" advice from his friends was useless…it just made him mad. He scolded these friends for humiliating him and doubting God. Although I am impressed that Job never renounced his faith, I do think pride may have been his Achilles heel. Why? Because when God finally took center stage to respond to him, the majesty and grandeur of our Creator was overwhelming to Job. He realized that all he ever had or was came directly as a gift from the Father. He could control nothing and in the end, he takes back everything he said and repents. We can rail against God because of our circumstances or we can accept that the God who created thunder, lightning, ice storms, and ocean monsters has also created me with my particular story. I must remember that God is God.

Sit

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. Job 2:13 (NLT)

Did you know that the book of Job is one of the oldest books of the Old Testament? In my Read-through-the-Bible-Chronologically commitment, Job has been my assignment for the past few days. After reading Genesis, which records the stories of the Patriarchs ending with Joseph's story of reconciliation and promise, Job's trials jolted me back to reality. The story begins with a jealous Satan taunting God that the only reason that Job feared Him was because of his prosperous life. God decided to allow Satan to test him because He knew Job's character and believed he was a man of integrity. Tragedy ensued and Job lost everything that was dear to him except a bitter wife. He suffered from horrible health issues so that those who knew this well respected man began to slink back in the shadows in embarrassment…except for three "friends." I use that term loosely because their actions and counsel left a lot to be desired. Yet, they started out great. These three guys heard about Job's mess and traveled to his home to comfort him. They quickly assessed his pain and grief and just sat with him for seven days. Words were unnecessary. I know that in the midst of great pain, there is nothing like someone taking hold of your hands and looking you in the eyes. This simple act of touch conveys volumes of sympathy and empathy without one single word, allowing pent-up emotions to spill out and healing to begin. We are such a fix-it-now society that sitting makes us uncomfortable. We want to do something. But, Job's story illustrates the value of being willing to let go of our ideas and let God do it His way and in His time. Be a friend that reveals God-with-skin-on. Sit.

A Thriller

The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed. Genesis 39:23b (NLT)

I love to read and one of my favorite fiction genres is action/thrillers. The story of Joseph in Genesis captures my imagination in a similar way. The twists and turns of the plot keep me glued to the story wondering what is going to happen next between the good guys and the bad guys. Typically, the bad guys are unknown to the hero but in this story, they are his brothers. Jealousy, vindictiveness, deceit, and cover up define their actions and as we watch them sell Joseph into slavery, ship him off to a foreign country, and lie to their father. Joseph ends up in Egypt, his problems continue and he lands in jail. What could be a worse fate? And to top it off, his family and fellow prisoners think he is weird because he can interpret dreams. I am sure this chain of events was not on Joseph's "to-do" list. A rational person might question what God had in mind for this young man. However, the story does not end with doubt but with promise. Joseph trusted God and even when his future looked bleak, his good work habits, industriousness, and loyalty brought him positive attention. Eventually even Pharaoh was impressed with the young man and his abilities and appointed him as ruler over the land. Without that authority, when a severe famine hit, he would not have been able to rescue his family. God does not make mistakes. At times, we may question what is going on around us. Life is not fair. It is too hard. Where is God? We question but we cannot even see around a corner let alone months into the future. God alone is the master of our destiny and all He calls us to do it to trust Him. Joseph did not expect fame, nor did he seek it. But God placed him in a position of power for His honor and glory. I encourage you to read Joseph's story as encouragement for your walk. If you feel all alone, remember, God is in control.

Look Up

And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward;" Genesis 13:14 (New King James Version)

After the New Year, I chafed to get back to my various activities, especially Bible Study. I was ready to get going on the new study of The Patriarchs with Beth Moore. I have some new ladies in my discussion group and after the first session, while they were still catching their breath, I told them that watching her is like drinking from a fire hose. You just have to hold on…but it is worth it. While reviewing Abrams story, it occurred to me that life takes time. I get frustrated at the lack of progress on my intended plan for my life. Unforeseen events force me to step back and wait. Illness, death, moving, surgery, distance from family and friends stop me cold. Abram and Lot also had problems and encountered a seemingly insurmountable problem of enough grazing land for their flocks. I am not so sure I would have been as gracious as Abram was but he allowed Lot to choose the best land and he took the other. I wonder if he was worried about finding water in the hilly country that was his portion. But even as Lot took off, God stopped Abram and asked him to look up. He had something better in mind for Abram than the watered plains in the east. Everything as far as the eye could see would belong to Abram but it was necessary for him to separate from Lot before God would implement His plan. As I sat pondering, I realized that God knows what is going on in my life. Time has no meaning for him…it is my hang-up. He has separated me for His reasons and my part is to stay close to Him so He can show me my inheritance. After He got Abram's attention, He commanded Abram to walk in every direction and claim the land. He does the same to me—keep walking, don't give up, I haven't forgotten you. Look up!

God Will Provide

So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22: 14 (NIV)

Imagine the movie scene of Abraham, his arm raised, knife in hand, ready to plunge it into the heart of his only son, Isaac. What could be more dramatic than the sacrifice of your only son? As I read the story in Genesis this morning, I wondered what Abraham was thinking on the three-day journey to the mountain. He certainly did not question God's command, in fact, he got right to it…no dawdling, excuses, or whining. But what was in his mind? Did he question God and want to know why? How many times have I pleaded with God during a difficult time and questioned what was happening to me or those I love? Yet, as they walked together, Abraham knew that this boy was a miracle and that God promised his destiny would be great. If sacrificing Isaac pleased the eternal God, then he would do his part. His birth had already been a miracle, so Abraham did not waver. He did not know how God would do it, he only knew He would. Because his actions revealed his pure, trusting, and devoted heart, God stopped him just before the point of no return. What a perfect name for this place on the mountain, "The LORD Will Provide," because when God called to him, Abraham looked up; he saw the ram, caught for him, ready to offer up to the God that loved him. How like God to give us an encouraging story like this so that we will have confidence during those impossible situations of our lives. All we need to do is look up. He will provide.

A Challenge

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

I am back to first principles. Although I accepted Christ as a young girl, I read through the Bible for the first time in 2007, enjoying the process and learning much about the context of God's word. After patting myself on the back, I decided not to do it again the next year, instead picking up a good devotional and a haphazard reading of the Scriptures. Now I have nothing against devotionals but there is something about going to the source in a consistent way to hear what God has to say to me, prompted after studying Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer last fall. So for 2009, I am committed to reading through again, only this time I am using the New Living Translation Chronological Bible. I love a good story and look forward to reading this magnificent account from its opening drama to its closing triumph. I plan to sit and let it sink in, ask questions, see how it applies to me, and journaling my prayers and any insights that God whispers to me. I like to journal because it allows me to thumb through it for encouragement on those days when the darkness threatens to hide the light on my path. I have proof in black and white of God's presence in my life. It's not too late to start and there are many ways to do it. Check out the various options. It takes about 15 minutes a day, so why don't you join me? We will spur each other on to make it to the finish line, finding God's plan for us along the way.

Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Hope! When all else fails, that is what keeps us going. This has not been the easiest year for me. As I look back over my journal entries, the long days and nights flood my memory and I am so thankful we made it. At times, I wondered. When life was dark, the light of His Word brightened my day. When loneliness threatened to overwhelm, my phone rang with a cheery hello from a friend. When answers seemed impossible to find, professionals stepped up with solutions. And when I needed a pick-me-up, a call to the grandgirlies delighted my heart. In the end, when my world began to shake, God provided a level path to walk on and His promised peace filled my heart. He is so good! I have many piles of stones by the side of the road as reminders of God's faithfulness to me this past year. As a result, let's go for it in 2009.

10,000 Steps

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

We enjoyed a "magical" Christmas at Walt Disney World last week. We loved sharing and watching as the grandgirlies experienced the thrill of the roller coaster rides, viewed the spectacular fireworks from a bench in Fantasyland and the top of the Contemporary Hotel, and rode on boat and bus shuttles to spend the day at one park after another. We joined the throngs to view several parades march down the middle of Main Street. The highlight for me was the Candlelight Procession in EPCOT. Steven Curtis Chapman, joined by massed choirs and orchestra, narrated that evening and we listened once again to the story of Jesus from Luke 2. The glorious music thrilled our hearts and we all left acknowledging the wonder of that miracle birth. However, did you know WDW is 400,000 acres? After the second day, I borrowed Mel's pedometer because I have a doctor who advocates walking 10,000 steps a day as a way to good health and was curious if I could do it. To my amazement, when I took the pedometer off that night, it showed that I had walked 12,388 steps. I figured I walked about 50 miles by the end of the week. I must add that as the week wore on, I slowed down and each step took a little more energy highlighting one of the many differences between Nanas and grandgirlies! Mel did an outstanding job of planning the week's activities—we just followed the leader. As I look back over this last year, plans filled my calendar each month…appointments, dates with Mark, trips, repair men, invitations…each one added with the time and any notes I needed. Yet, after all the planning, I scrapped many of those dates as God's plan for my life threw me several curve balls. Many months found me just hanging on to the hem of His garment. Yet, I know that during that time He ordered my steps for my good health. In the end, it became an unexpected blessing because it forced me to trust Him with all that I am and have. He gave me His strength, mercy, grace, and love each step of the way. It is about time to change to my new 2009 calendar. I don't normally make a big list of New Year's resolutions but this year I have a couple—one being to keep trying to walk 10,000 steps a day. But the other is to follow that plans of the Master. I missed the challenge and blessing of reading through the Bible this year so I have a new chronological version to use in '09. What better way to get my marching orders? Want to join me?

So Exciting!

King of kings forever and ever

and lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah And he shall reign forever and ever. The Messiah, by George Friedrich Handel

Excitement fills our house and that of the grandgirlies in California. The bags are almost packed, the refrigerator is bare, and the mail is on hold. We all leave tomorrow for Disney World and anticipate a week of memories filled with fun, laughter, fatigue, and a fairyland of lights. The youngest grandgirlie was a baby the last time we visited so she sees all the festivities through the eyes of her two sisters. They know what is coming and can hardly wait. As we all get ready for the big trip, it reminds me of the meaning of Advent: "arrival" or "coming," particularly of something of great importance. We have been planning this trip for almost a year; getting plane reservations early so we could use frequent flyer miles, making dinner reservations for each night since we expect crowds, finding the best deal for park tickets. But Advent is not about anticipating Disney World, it is about waiting for the birth of the baby Jesus. Generation after generation looked for that promised King, little expecting that some shepherd boys would herald His birth. The long awaited miracle born that night changed the course of history. What have you done to prepare for His arrival this year? Have you asked Him into your heart and made him your King? Sometimes, we get so caught up in the "preparations" of baking, shopping, and entertaining that we forget that our hearts and minds need preparation, too. In the coming week, I encourage you to plan time to read the Christmas story with your family, visit a lonely person, or share a meal with a friend. Make time to spend alone with God and listen to Him speak to you. Remember...people are more important than things and they last longer, too. Yes, this season is full of joy and excitement. But when we fly home next week, the Christmas season will end as we put away the decorations, exchange the presents, and shop for sales. However, what is more important than keeping the love and joy that Christmas brings to your heart alive and available to share throughout the new year? Let Jesus, the King of Kings, make the difference. Maybe we should sing Joy to the World in July?