The Anger Danger, How to Close the Door on Your Enemy

The danger of anger.

We have an enemy. His goal is to lead your heart away from God and godliness.

This master of subtlety and conniving, knows your areas of weakness and mine. He often uses our pride and our selfishness to prompt us to action. In the first generation of mankind, our adversary was already using anger and resentment as a lure. Notice the warning God gave to Cain.

“Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Genesis 4:4-6

Anger becomes a problem when we allow it to remain in us. “BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity (or place). Ephesians 4:26, 27. Like Cain, when we allow anger to stay, we also allow Satan a place in our heart. Cain allowed his anger to fester and grow and overtake him. His anger opened the door for Satan (who was crouching just outside the door) to work in him.

What is the remedy for injustice and our anger because of wicked schemes? How do we respond? Not in anger…

“Commit your way to the LORD,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light

And your judgment as the noonday.

Rest in the LORD and

wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Cease from anger and

forsake wrath;

Do not fret;

it leads only to evildoing.”

 Psalm 37:5-8

This you know, my beloved brethren.

But everyone must be quick to hear,

slow to speak and

slow to anger;

for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

James 1:19, 20

My enemy wants to infiltrate my mind and my actions. How do I close the door on this adversary who is crouching just outside the door?  

•  Commit my actions to Him
• Trust Him to take care of it
• Rest and wait patiently while He works
• Do not be angry or fret over it
• Listen with mouth closed
• Do not act in anger.

Father in Heaven,

You know the injustices, accusations, and wickedness around us today. I pray that I will respond without anger and resentment. I pray that I will respond with total trust in You to bring judgment and not take judgment into my own hands. I pray that You will give me the strength and courage to look to You and rest in You when all around me is turmoil, strife and anger of men.

May I never fall for Satan’s lie and act in my anger and distress. I pray I will behave in a manner pleasing to You, no matter the circumstance surround me. 

I pray for those in distress today. I pray that You will surround them and they will look to You instead of the enemy.

I pray these things in Jesus’ most holy and righteous name, Who is my example of not returning insult for insult, and when reviled, did not revile in return.

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Crepe Myrtles and the Hanging Basket Problem

Hanging basket supported by young twigs.

It wasn’t the crepe myrtle’s fault at all! I simply asked too much when I tried to hang the basket from its’ limb.  

That is where I always hang my winter baskets, so I didn’t question the location. It is a prime spot where we can see them coming in and out of the house.

Their summer home is under the maple tree canopy where they enjoy the shade, and we enjoy their summer bloomers. Even in Alabama, it gets too cold to sit under the trees, so the summer bloomers are replaced with pansies and are strategically placed for our indoor viewing.

So, the transition time came and my annual swapping of the flowers took place - impatiens out, pansies in.  They were carefully arranged around some perennials that are permanent residents. (Well, sort of permanent.  If they struggle, they are relocated. If they don’t bloom they are relocated. If they take over they are relocated. If they die, well, you get the point.)

A lovely focal point for the winter hanging baskets is on three crepe myrtles grouped in a cluster along our patio. They are a gorgeous watermelon red/pink variety that have been in place for over twenty years and never failed to impress. Problem number one was that they had grown so much that their blooms were so high in the air, we couldn’t really enjoy them.

Problem solved this past spring when my very own Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome trimmed their little trunks down to proper level. (He is a handy helper to have around, as my trimming days are LONG gone.) He whittled them down to a more manageable size. In response, they sprouted new growth. By the time their summer blooming season came, they were able to show out (Southern for doing more than expected) right down here where we could enjoy every ruffled pink blossom. They were a lovely sight.

I encountered problem number two as I tried to find a place for the winter hangers. The sturdy crepe myrtle trunks were now far too low to keep their bottoms dry (I wouldn’t want a soggy bottom, would you?) and the new growth from them was far too tender to hold the baskets.  So, with some creativity, I wrestled the hooks over medium sized limbs and anchored the hook against small twig growth so it wouldn’t slide down. Problem solved! I was so proud of my young crepe limbs for holding up under their new job description! This was their first rodeo uhm, year, after all.

Then I watered them.

You see, you can only ask so much of a young limb, before it breaks. Down came the basket, all the flowers, and half the soil. So, I “repacked” the basket and tried again to find a limb strong enough to hold it. Finally, I found the stub of a trunk that had several small saplings sprouting up that were in just the right spot to support the basket when I hung it on a medium sized limb. Ta dah!

You have probably seen the same thing happen. Maybe not by asking too much of crept myrtle limbs, but asking too much of someone who did not have the strength and experience to hold up under the extra burden.  These young limbs seemed suited for the job. But broke in the “storm” of sudden watering. They didn’t have the strength and experience of weathering storms to hold up under the strain. It took an experienced limb to bear the load and young ones were able to group together and support it.

If you are praying about taking a job, or assigning a job to someone, here are some things to remember…

• When we are too tall, we might be cut back to size.

• Just because you are part of a strong limb doesn’t mean you can do the job of the limb. Grow first.

• Just because we bloom well one place doesn’t mean we can bloom there all year. Expect to be moved according to His timing.

• Sometimes you may be the main bloomer, other times you need to rest and gather strength for next season.

• Youth does not trump experience.

• The Master Gardener will only give a load to the limbs that can bear them.

• Be willing to be used in a supporting role until you have the strength to withstand the storm.                                                                                       

• Expect storms.

• Trust God to bring you through storms and give you strength for His next assignment for you.

Father in heaven,

We are so thankful for Your Creation all around us that teaches us so much about our lives and purpose.  We see Your hand at work and know that You have not abandoned us or forgotten us. Your truth is still working and is a great comfort to us in a turbulent world today.

Help us to recognize our purpose, our calling, our mission. Help us to learn and grow daily to be strong and courageous for the jobs You give us.

Give us strength and patience to support those we need to support and to bear the load you give us, knowing You will cause the blooming in proper season.

Thank You for the beauty of nature and reminding us of Your hand at work all around us.

How about you? Waiting? Growing? Burdened under a heavy load?

Interested in more stories of faith? Read

Oscar the Extraordinary Hummingbird 

and 

Other Tales From Life In My Father's World

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Introducing Oscar The Extraordinary Hummingbird

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This little book is a collection of stories which includes the chronicle of a tiny hummingbird and the unlikely friendship he and I shared. Through the time we spent together, God used Oscar to teach me many things about

life,

suffering, and

joy in the midst of it all.

I remain amazed that He chose this itty bitty bird and so many precious, yet seemingly insignificant, things within His Creation to demonstrate such profound spiritual truths to me, and I am delighted to share these simple stories with you.

May you always take time to see God

 in the little things.

They may become your

biggest treasures!

All the tales within this book are true. The simple parable-type lessons offered here about life in my Father’s world have touched my soul, and I pray that your heart will likewise be enriched by reading them. Inside you will become acquainted with Oscar, the sweetest little hummingbird you ever could meet, along with some fishy characters, and you will stroll with me through the beauty and splendor of the garden. Together we will explore patterns and truths found in Creation which point us to a deeper understanding of our Creator. 

Chapter 1 - A Tiny Treasure

When I first spotted the mysterious wad, immediately I had grand hopes of discovering some sort of little treasure. I am familiar with the ending of the curious cat but was compelled to investigate nonetheless. By the size and shape it could have been an owl pellet! Because owls have no teeth with which to chew their meals, they swallow them whole. They also–uhm–“release” the undigested portion whole, in a pellet form, just about the size of this suspicious little gem. I drew closer to the twisted glob and realized it wasn’t what I hoped for at all.  

Oh, no! I thought. Horrified, I instantly reached down to him. We have hosted many hummingbirds throughout the spring and summer, and this appeared to be one that met an untimely demise. His little body was twisted in an unnatural position. His poor, tiny head had been stripped of all feathers on top and on one side, revealing only raw, purple and blue skin. There appeared to be fishing line tangled all around his mouth. His condition suggested he might have been run over by a lawn mower. I gingerly lifted up the bruised and limp little bird and cradled him in the palm of my hand, amazed at the beauty of the tiny creature and sorry for the suffering he must have endured. 

Against all hope, I became aware of a faint, rapid thumping of a little heartbeat against my hand. Thankful for the opportunity to comfort him in his final moments of life, I ever so gently stroked his broken little body and brought him close to my face while whispering, God knows when a sparrow falls[i], and He knows all about little hummingbirds, too. Realistically, it was more a prayer to comfort me than an expectation that he actually understood what I had said to him. Fighting back tears, I blew softly into his face to let him know he was not alone.  He blinked his eye - the one that wasn’t swollen shut. Yes, he heard me, and he knew I was there with him and perhaps he understood that God was as well. 

I don’t know how much animals understand. I do know my responsibility, according to the Word of God in the book of Genesis, is to “rule[ii] over (or have dominion over) the creatures of the earth.” Surely this would include taking care of one who has fallen. God spared him long enough for me to comfort him a bit, and for that, I was grateful. I just absolutely love the way God works and have found that His timing is perfect, always.

Continuing to bathe him with my warm breath, I slowly and as tenderly as possible, began to untangle him from the fishing line in and around his mouth. My desire was to give him as much comfort as possible. He blinked again and tried to lift his poor, bruised, and bald little head.  

As the untangling progressed, it became apparent that the “line” was his tongue! Poor little fellow! Bless his sweet little heart! He must have wondered, Why is this woman pulling on my tongue?  He was having a bad enough day already without me tugging on his tongue, of all things.  I chuckled at the absurdity and apologized, Sorry about that, little guy!

Gradually, he regained consciousness and his tongue retracted into its proper place. He looked at me, with his one good eye - not with fear but rather with curiosity.  I continued to examine him for injuries and found that one wing was not in the correct position, and a tiny spot of blood was on the front of his neck. So, still holding him in one hand, I took a paper towel with the other hand and dampened one corner, folding it over to make a swab to lightly sponge his wounds. I stroked and tucked the tiny wing back into the proper position. 

By now, he was more conscious than not but still too weak to resist my “mothering.” He didn’t have the strength to fly, but he did seem content to rest in the warmth of my hand. 

Because most acquaintances begin with an exchange of names, I, not knowing his hummingbird name, decided to call him Oscar.  You know, the Grouch.  Both are green, a mess, and more than a little grumpy.  It seemed to fit.

Because of the severity of his injuries, I feared he would perish before I could document this precious moment so, while he was still alive I took a few pictures of Oscar in my hand. I marveled at the opportunity to hold such a small, magnificent creature. I continued to assure him of my intention to help him to the very best of my ability. He was truly a pitiful sight - tiny, helpless, bruised, and bald - but alive!

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[i] Matthew 10:29

[ii] Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:6-8 

Bluebird Graduation

Bluebird Graduation.

It has been a sweet sight to watch Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird prepare their home and take care of their precious babies. They built a dandy nest, and she laid lovely little eggs. Mrs. B sat and sat until they finally hatched, with Mr. B keeping a close eye on her and their home. He brought her birdie take-out meals and fearlessly protected their home from intruding birds.

They have worked tirelessly together to feed these newly hatched little ones for over a week. Now, it seems that it must be graduation time, except they haven’t been able to convince the babies to leave the nest. They come to the nest with mouths full of yummy worms, dangle them in front of the babes then turn and leave with their mouths still full – bird bribery of sorts. “Time to grow-up kids. You aren’t helpless anymore!” seems to be the message.

While it was sweet and cute to watch them take care of the helpless chicks, it is now time for the parents to administer a little tough love. It would be foolish for them to spend the rest of their lives feeding their children who were fully grown and capable of feeding themselves. Their job is to instruct, and the baby’s jobs are to learn and grow, then both parents and children are to do.

Perhaps we can learn from their example.

• When we are children, we are expected to behave as children. 1 Corinthians 3:1,2 http://blb.sc/0Hl7 speaks of giving babes milk and likewise new Christians spiritual milk before either is ready for solid food. It is an important time of growth, trust, and learning that leads to maturity.

• There is a time to listen and learn.  Make sure you are listening and learning the truth in order to grow in it. The Word of God is the one source of truth on which you can totally rely. People make mistakes, His Word does not. http://blb.sc/4Tjd 1 Thessalonians 2:13

• Growth is expected.  We buy baby clothes with the expectation of replacing them as the child grows, and often proudly mark the progress on growth charts. We celebrate each graduation from pre-K to college as we watch them move forward in growth and maturity.  Likewise, as Christians “we are no longer to be children…we are to grow up in all aspects into…Christ.” http://blb.sc/4Sgp Ephesians 4:14,15.

• Imitate the godly leaders. As the bluebirds want their babies to follow their example, children often like to imitate their parents, the good and the bad habits. When we find godly examples though, they are worth following.  Watch someone who is committed to serving God in good times and in hard times. Walk alongside them to learn. That is behavior worth imitating. http://blb.sc/4Ti3  1Thessalonians 1:6.

• Keep growing. Excel still more in every aspect of your life, http://blb.sc/4Tqc1 Thessalonians 4:1. There will be graduations from level to level, but there is always room for growth.

• Be a good example. Someone may be imitating you today. How to be a good example from http://blb.sc/F2SZ 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15:

1. encourage one another,
2. build up one another,
3. appreciate your teachers,
4. live in peace with one another,
5. admonish (warn) the unruly,
6. encourage the fainthearted,
7. help the weak,
8. be patient with all,
9. do not repay evil with evil,
10. always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men.

Dearest Father in heaven, when we see the birds teach their young, we realize how much more You want to teach us the things we need for life and life everlasting. Help us to let go of the things which keep us as children, and be diligent to learn more and more, being good examples to those who follow.

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Wrong Robins

Robin baby.

It was a day of slander and defamation of character, mine. They based their opinion – very loud opinion – on appearances. They were wrong, but didn’t listen to my explanation. They were too busy screaming and calling for backup. It was very innocent, just taking a picture of their babies and lovely nest in a Foster Holly bush. To them, it looked like murder, or at least attempted murder.

I walked away and gave my best soothing-voice apology to no avail. They were joined by the sparrows, blue birds, mockingbirds, house finches, and cardinals, all of which trusted their bird-kin, and mistrusted me. With all of them giving me the eye of shame and squawks of indignity it was quite humiliating. They refused to hear my words but listened the loud, angry, and incorrect words of the robins. They didn’t even accept my peace offering of dried mealworms.

Now, I don’t blame Mr. and Mrs. Robin for wanting to protect their home and children. I also know they couldn’t understand my human words but, it seems like a common trait we share - speaking badly of someone before we know all the facts. Being “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” James 1:19( Click to read the first chapter of James) are character traits that Christians should embody. The robins didn’t, and I confess, I have at times been guilty of that very thing. Maybe you have too.  If only they had listened, if only I hadn’t spoken so quickly…regrets that

can’t be undone.

Father, help us remember to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Help us to listen carefully to You before we express our anger about a circumstance. Help us to not speak against others or repeat words spoken in anger. Forgive our impatience, and strengthen our understanding. Thank You for Your patience with us.

If a little birdie tells you about my massacre, I hope you will not believe it, and perhaps be able to tell them the truth, even brag on their baby pictures a bit!

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Building a Legacy

hand crafted mallet, from my daddy

My daddy helped me today.  Those who know me will remember that he died several years ago but, in a way he was here for me today.  You see, he envisioned and crafted this mallet out of a walnut tree that once grew in my grandmother’s yard.  The tree came down, and the wood was beautifully crafted into beautiful and useful kitchen tools.   He was good at that-finding something, seeing its potential and using his hands to make something beautiful with it.  He worked the restaurant business as his day job, and operated an antique shop, and refinishing business, for which he was quite well known, on the side.   He was from a rural community in North Alabama and was raised with gardens, chickens, pigs, and cows providing food, and a creek (pronounced “crick”) running behind the house providing entertainment for the brothers and sister.   Hard work was expected, even required to provide for their family.   Using the mallet he made for me, helps me remember the lessons I learned from this hard working man.   He didn’t lecture me about hard work, he lived it. 

A teacher who encouraged me to write, helped me today too.  I haven’t seen her in decades, yet that one bit of encouragement remains clear in my memory.   She taught about literature, grammar, and such but, the encouragement is what I remember.  Having been a High School teacher myself for a few years, I tried to fill my students with encouragement and direction that would stay with them even after I was no longer a part of their lives.  Sometimes, I am blessed to visit in person or on facebook with some of them, and feel so honored that they include me in their circles.

We are each doing more than taking up space in this world; we are building a legacy and making a difference.  Our flesh will die, and our spirits will leave this earth.  The things we acquired will be sold and distributed to someone else.  Many of the hearts we touched will also remain, but those are the things which can not be sold.  Our impact, for better or worse, will remain.  Neither you nor I can go back and undo those things we have done to make a negative impact, but we can purpose in our hearts to honor our Father starting today and going forward.  How can we use our remaining time here to make a lasting, eternal impact for the kingdom of God? Consider with me these three starting points. Perhaps you will join me in;

Seeking His will.  This is the logical starting point, but is actually a tough one.  If you are anything like I am, you may face serious temptations to do what you want to do.  It isn’t easy to let someone else guide your life, but with Him leading, it is the best way.  He will always guide you to do that which is good and right.  Once the director is determined, the direction will be perfect.

Searching His word.   Spending time with God while studying His word is an absolute necessity for growth.   I recommend a good study such as Precept (although I admit I am biased in this area) that allows you to see truth for yourself.   Those with heavy commentary are man’s comments, and may or may not be accurate.  The only way to know what God has said is to study what He has said.  Reading in context, over and over, committing to memory (hiding in your heart), and letting Scripture interpret Scripture. (Commentaries can be helpful, but study first.  After you KNOW what the Word says, you can discern whether or not the commentator is on the right track.)  The key is to spend time with Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us.      

    

Speaking His wisdom. With God guiding and our hearts full of truth, wisdom will come from our lips as a natural result.  Our responses to our life events and the circumstances of those around us will be a reflection of what is in our hearts. 

Our Father has given us this beautiful opportunity to live a brief vapor of a life that will have eternal impact.  He has shown us how we are to live, and has even come to earth to give us an example in the flesh.  I pray today that you and I will follow the legacy of Christ, and in turn leave legacies and examples of godly direction and encouragement. I pray God will forgive our words and actions that have broken spirits and give us a heart like His own that equips others with wisdom, strength and truth. 

Side note:  There may be days when you feel that you make no difference at all, or that no one cares, or that the world would be better off without you.  That is a feeling, but it is not true.  Let me repeat, THAT IS NOT TRUE!  If you hear those words and are tempted to act on them, wait.  Never act while angry, tired, upset or sick.  You will make the wrong decision.   

Tomorrow will be an entirely new day, yes, it will have its own set of trials, but it will also have a new set of opportunities for you to help, encourage, and make a difference.  Someone who is watching you may need to see you work through your hard time, hand in hand with God.

You are created in the image of the Creator of the universe.  He knows you, and the number of hairs upon your head (you probably don’t even know that about yourself)! He knows your talents and He knows your limitations.  He has allowed circumstances that we do not understand to encompass us but He will not, leave us or forsake us.  Life and death are in His hands, and He knows the number of your days.  Things are not out of control. Trust Him.  Not only that, you make a big difference to me!  Knowing someone is out there reading, is just absolutely precious to me.

Lest you think I am looking through rose colored glasses, I share with you that my life circumstance has changed quite a bit in the last few years, and many of the things I used to be able to do are now out of reach.  But, I can spend time here with you.  You are such a blessing to me!  

Live.  

Live strong. 

Live for encouraging someone who needs to hear the truth.  

Live for Him.   

I always welcome your comments, and examples of how God is working in your life!

About me
https://about.me/lisawsmith57

Interested in more stories of faith? Read

Oscar the Extraordinary Hummingbird 

and 

Other Tales From Life In My Father's World

available on
Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Extraordinary-Hummingbird-Other-Fathers/dp/1490882197/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1434117054&sr=1-1

Westbow Press -http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000990255/Oscar-the-Extraordinary-Hummingbird.aspx

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oscar-the-extraordinary-hummingbird-lisa-worthey-smith/1122075111?ean=9781490882178