Osage Orange

The osage orange is truly a remarkable tree if for no other reason than it grows well in Kansas. Actually it grows too well. I’d almost call it a weed. Very few people appreciate this tree except for its use in a hedgerow for a field. That is why most of us call it the hedge tree.

In the hedge row it can pursue growth in odd shaped directions and drop those awful, sticky hedge apples (hedge balls in the farmers' vocabulary) all over the place. A few trees will become a thicket if the field they protect from strong winds is not regularly tilled. If you are wanting firewood that burns long and hot, hedge is perfect but beware of using it in a fireplace as it will pop embers.

We have a large male hedge tree in our backyard. It was there when we moved into our home on the edge of a small Kansas town. It has benefited from the irrigation system we installed and the fertilizer applied to the yard and garden. Recently we had Hummel Tree Service trim out the dead branches. What a difference that made! It is gorgeous and stately.

I have had some time to think as I have been slowly recovering from my back-hip-knee injury. What is important in life? What is just window-dressing? What is a total waste of my energy and time? Like that hedge tree, I need to have some dead wood removed along with some errant branches of temptation. Regular spiritual watering and feeding through Bible study, prayer, and association with Christian friends means I have a healthy relationship with Jesus. However, if I am to stand out as a well-formed, healthy Christian I must cut away that which does not belong in my life.

Surely it cannot be much. I am a good person living a good life.

"Ouch." There goes the branch of self-congratulatory pride. Okay God, let’s get the painful work done.

So what needs to be pruned?

• The time wasters—those things which really do not matter
• The things I do to boost my ego
• My pridefully stubborn behaviors
• My self-direction
• My thoughtless behaviors towards others because I am too self-absorbed

“...That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble.’" James 4:6b

Lord, continue to show me the deadwood in my life. Remove the errant branches. Prune me.

Puny Me

I am puny. Not that I like it nor want that descriptor attached to me. But I have to accept it right now.

From the first second I woke up Friday morning, my life changed dramatically. Thursday was a good day. I felt good, my days were happening reasonably close to what I planned, I was exercising, my yard looked good, I was keeping up on the housework and meal planning, and I was enjoying some hobbies. That all changed Friday morning when I heard Ray say, “Sandy, it is ten minutes after six.”

I was sleeping in an odd, contorted position, jumped at the sound of Ray’s voice, jerkily rolled, and came to rest in another very odd position. Pain poured through my body. Somehow I stumbled to the bathroom and then to the bed. Pain was running through my body but seemed to be centered in my hip even though my knee appeared to be rotated inward. So I "self-diagnosed" that I had a hip out of place, called the chiropractor, and arranged for my dear friend Roz to transport me to the 9:15 appointment.

The pain was excruciating, but the guilt of not being able to help Ray get his mother up for the day was worse. During a good day it takes two people to get her up. Friday morning she did not feel well and her blood pressure was unusually low. But somehow, Ray managed all by himself. At one point he came into the bedroom, gently smiled at me, and said, ”God is testing me this morning.”

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship…” 2 Timothy 4:5a NIV

The hip was not out of place by the time I reached the chiropractor. Maybe it slipped back in as I dressed. Maybe it never was out. Who knows? All I remember is the excruciating pain. The chiropractor’s instructions to ice the painful area and the administration of an ultrasound treatment did help a bit but by early Saturday morning, I was calling Janice, another special friend, to transport me to the emergency room. I actually told the x-ray technician she was running a torture chamber. I did say it nicely because I know her and respect her. I was trying to lighten the situation as I had been bawling and panting uncontrollably from the pain of lying on the x-ray table.

No broken bones were discovered which was not a surprise to me. Unless waking up in an odd position can break a bone, I had done nothing to warrant a bone injury. I was given a prescription for pain pills and told to contact my doctor on Monday. Monday morning another dear friend, Rita, took me to the doctor. He confirmed that it is not a bone issue, gave me some instructions, and prescribed more pain medication.

From my waist to my knee on my left side was a mass of pain Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday. By Monday I had improved enough that I could recognize specific areas of injury. The major areas of pain were confined to specific locations in my left buttock, hip, leg, and knee. I realized Monday morning that my knee was numb which concerned me because numbness may mean nerve damage. By Monday afternoon it had become obvious that the worst pain was caused by muscle spasms related to the position of my leg. With that discovery, I am able to start walking using a walker as long as my body is flexed at the knee, hip, and waist. I truly look like a little old gray-haired lady when I go from the recliner to the bathroom.

I am very thankful for my Christian friends and neighbors. It has been such a comfort to know I can call on them anytime when a need arises. My heart has been profoundly encouraged by their calls and offers to help.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 NIV

So to all our friends, please know it is unbelievably calming to experience your concern and generosity during this challenging time. Your love has motivated Ray and I toward having a positive outlook and inspired us to follow God’s direction.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Lord, thank you for the reminder that you are in control. Thank you for forcing me to recognize the many ways you care for and bless me each and every day (even during the challenging days).

Putting on the Show

We had tree problems so I called Hummel Tree Service for a solution. It was fascinating watching the three men take down a large tree in a small area, grind the small branches into mulch, cut to size the large branches and trunk, stack the logs in a trailer, grind down the stump, rake up debris, and leave the area in better condition than they found it.

While watching the process, I started thinking about how the life of that tree parallels my spiritual life. It is important not to stretch this kind of comparison to the point of being ridiculous, but this time the visual helped me understand my spiritual life better.

One of the trees was putting on a show of being healthy, but it really was a hypocrite. It looked good from the west, but from the east the rotting interior was obvious. As that tree was cut down, a squirrel came scurrying from the interior. In reality, that "pretty" tree was hollow, decayed, weak, harboring a squatter.

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” Isaiah 29:13 NIV

That tree knew how to put on a good show. It looked good from the side I normally viewed it, from the side it wanted me to see. But inside it was rotten, void, empty.

How often do I put on the good show for others? I know how I am supposed to behave in most situations to be considered socially well-adjusted. I do not mean to be a fake, a hypocrite. I mean well, but if I am not regularly nourishing myself with God’s Word, my core will become rotten, unable to distinguish behaviors which are pleasing to God from behaviors which are pleasing to my selfish nature. Self-rationalization takes over instead of seeking God as my source of strength. The interior rot accelerates. No matter how hard I try to hide my sin from others, I will be unsuccessful. Eventually the rot will become exposed, even on the good side which I allow to be seen. Sin cannot be concealed or camouflaged forever.

This rotten-to-the-core tree even had a squirrel as a squatter. When my core becomes empty, hollow, that vacancy leaves room for sin to take up residence.

So I have two choices when I find my core hollow and sin seeking to lodge itself in my life. Either I can continue harboring unrepentant sin, or I can genuinely seek God’s forgiveness, guidance, and direction in overcoming the sin which has invaded me.

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:11-12, 14 NIV

Lord, make me aware of any sin which takes up residence in me. Give me the strength and desire to eradicate it using your guidance and power.

Pray for What?

Recently I challenged myself to pay careful attention to what I pray. It did not take very long for me to realize that my prayers are very self-centered. Now there is nothing wrong with praying for what is important to me and praying for the situations I will face today or in the near future. But I soon realized that my prayers for others, my prayers for spiritual growth, and my prayers for witnessing were minimal.

I admire Paul. He gave up success and prestige to preach Christ. He was greatly persecuted yet did not turn away from Jesus Christ. To help me get a better understanding of how to pray, I looked at some of the passages written by this remarkable apostle.

Paul prayed for the spiritual growth of his friends and colleagues.

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Eph 1:18-19a NIV

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph 3:16-19 NIV

Paul desired for others to pray for his witness for Jesus Christ.

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Eph 6:19-20 NIV

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains." Col 4:3-4 NIV

Various times Paul teaches that the Christian is to be thankful in all situations, but he also talks about being thankful as we pray.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Col 4:2 NIV

Although Paul must have prayed for his current physical and economic needs, they were not the major topic of his prayers. He was more concerned with others learning about the saving grace of believing in Jesus Christ as Savior.

So my prayers should focus more on the salvation of others, the spiritual growth of other Christians, and my witness not only to the unsaved but also to fellow Christians.

Lord forgive me for my selfish, shallow prayers. I want to grow spiritually so that I may pray sincerely for not only my current concerns but also for the spiritual growth of myself and others.

Friendly Fire

This is one of the greatest battles women of faith experience according to Grace Hardy, the keynote speaker at Women in the Battle Ladies Retreat. And I whole-heartedly agree. Friendly fire from other Christians can cause immense emotional injury and sometimes result in tragic casualties--friendships forever lost.

David addresses the issue of friendly fire. He was betrayed and wisely instructs us about how to endure betrayal.

"But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God...My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant...Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:13-14, 20, 22 NIV

Biblical wisdom literature addresses this issue also. What are we to do when we are the cause of the hurt?

"If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!" Proverbs 6:2-3 NIV

I am not for sure I like this. It is hard to soothe the hurt feelings of another when I am still hurting. When the other person is not receptive or purposely continues to hurt me, it causes the emotional wound to become a gaping hole. However, I must admit that seldom am I totally innocent. With that in mind I need to make sincere apologies when I have responded to a hurt inappropriately. I also must make amends when my thoughtlessness injures another. Tough, tough, tough.

Either I will handle friendly fire the world's way or God's way. The important thing is that I do what is right in God's sight. If I do that he will bring me through the hurt and give me peace. I know that, but it is still hard to humble myself to respond correctly. It is so much easier to nurse my hurts, rehearse my well-justified response, and build my coalition team. However, gossiping and back-biting are sin.

God's word is very clear about how we are to address wrong.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 NIV

So it is important for the Christian to be an offense preventer by avoiding idle talk, forgiving, not being easily offended, and working to stop friendly fire.

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 NIV

Lord, give me the wisdom to know when my actions or words might cause injury. Keep me from being the cause of friendly fire.

Identity Crisis

If a stranger sees you shopping at Wal-Mart, Kohl's, or the grocery story, would that person identify you as a Christian? Could the stranger tell by your clothing, actions, and words that you proclaim Christianity as your religion and Jesus Christ as your Savior? This was a challenge giving to us by Grace Hardy, the keynote speaker at the Women in the Battle Ladies Retreat. Provocative thought.

We all take note of the people around us when in a public setting. If we don't, we should. It is unsafe to not take note of others in our vicinity. But that is generally all that I do--check them out to see if they appear safe. After hearing Grace Hardy speak, I have started to look, really look, at the people I encounter at Wal-Mart and in other public locations. Now I know it is not right to pass judgment on a person's spirituality based on a quick superficial assessment. However, as I observe them, I have started to wonder about their assessment of me. Do they perceive that I profess Christianity--being not of the world but only in the world?

What should be the observable characteristics of a Christian?

1. Self-control--Are my behaviors controlled and appropriate for the situation?

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." Proverbs 29:11 NIV

"Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Proverbs 2:11 NIV

2. Husband lover--Do I speak well of my husband and honor him by not inviting flirtatious conversations?

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12 NIV

3. Quiet and gentle spirit--Do people notice me for my gentle confidence or my overt attention getting behavior?

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3a,4 NIV

4. Modest--Does my clothing display good taste without tightly forming to my figure or showing too much flesh?

"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety." 1 Timothy 2:9a NIV

5. Neat--Who wants to emulate someone with a disheveled appearance?

"For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:33b-11:1 NIV

So do people see my Christianity as an act or as real? Do they see my Christianity at all?

"Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace." 2 Corinthians 1:12-13 NIV

Lord, not only on the good days but even on the days when things do not go well, make my Christianity obvious and desirable to those who notice me as I go about my daily tasks in the public arena.

Contentment

We too often are selfish, spoiled, and ungrateful. We grumble and complain when things do not go our way. We expect immediate reward--instant gratification. We want, want, want. But is this the right way to live--constantly wanting more possessions, achievement, recognition?

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, 'declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8 NIV

What is the right attitude to achieve contentment? A powerful example of being contented in even the worst of circumstances is given in Acts. In ancient Philippi, Paul and Silas had been witnessing. The owners of a slave girl became very angry at them after they helped the girl. The slave owners complained to authorities.

"After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them...After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left." Acts 16:23-25, 40 NIV

Now that is contentment. They sang praises to God even in the worst of circumstances. When they were released, they visited friends and encouraged them. Paul and Silas did not gripe about their wounds, about their unfair treatment, or about how ungrateful the slave girl's owners were when they cured her. As a result, the jailer and his household came to a believing faith in Jesus Christ. They were an inspiration to Christian friends. And eventually the church in Philippi became a strong, productive Christian influence. All of this would not have happened had Paul and Silas behaved the way we modern Christians normally do.

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2 NIV

We are too busy sinning to receive God's blessing. We covet what others have, turn our desires into obsessions, blame and make demands on others, manipulate, connive, and do not enjoy the blessings we already have.

Happiness only happens through a contented, thankful heart. Being thankful is the cure for discontent. What if God took away everthing you have not thanked him for? Reflecting on this question has greatly impacted my thinking.

So we must cultivate a thankful heart in any and every situation.

Lord, forgive my selfishness. Imprint in my mind a realization that it is not what I want that is important, but it is knowing your ways are always best.