Blog Archive

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Interruption without Distraction

When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick . . . they all ate and were filled. . . . And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. (Matthew 14:13-15,20,23 NKJV)

The Man Jesus had an amazing relationship with His Father. Though one with Him, Jesus still made prayer (distinct from meditation) a priority. Jesus allowed His love for people and compassion for their needs to interrupt His prayer, but His own need for His Father drove Him back to a long and private time of speaking with the One He was already one with. To pray without ceasing is both continual fellowship with One who dwells within me, and extended time of solitude with Him.

Everlasting Father, Lord Jesus, Precious Paraclete: You are the One I praise, adore, who my heart always hungers for. Please draw me to both walk with You and rest with You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Friday, May 30, 2008

Hidden Treasure

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44 NKJV)
"Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." (Matthew 13:52 NKJV)


The Bible contains some 31,173 verses. Few believe each one holds hidden treasure. Far too many have found in them only the curses of religion that fail us. Yet the entirety of God’s Word contains hidden treasure. Even the curses reveal the blessings. "Things new and old" are both part of the full picture of the Person of YHWH—Father, Son and Spirit.


To those in search of religion (whether more of it or a more satisfying version of it), the Word disappoints. God Himself is the Treasure waiting to be joyfully discovered.

Word made Flesh, thank You for making God visible. Please heal those hurt by religion. Please let me never use Your Word for injury.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Dull Heart

"And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed ...' " (Matthew 13:14-15 NKJV)

"But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23 NKJV)

Our jealous God does not allow His bride to share her affections with another master, but instead commands, "Love YHWH your God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength." The distracted heart that loves any less than this grows dull, and will fail to hear and see the voice and face of the Beloved. The heart that is broken for sin, watered by the Holy Spirit, and softened by love will receive the seed of the Word and bear the fruit of the Spirit—some hundredfold.

Adonai, knowledge of Your goodness compels my love. Please protect my sheep-like heart that is so easily distracted, so readily wanders. Let me see, hear, and understand You. Produce Your fruit in me.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

United We Stand

Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. . . . He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. . . . Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:25,30,50 NKJV)

Jesus came to bring not peace but a sword in the world. His Gospel draws sharp lines between black and white in a world which prefers shades of gray. There are nonetheless two kingdoms: His kingdom, and the kingdom of His opponent.


When subjects of the true King are divided, we become unwitting allies of the opponent. Whatever my citizenship, associations, and human blood ties, I must remember who is my opponent, and who is my true family—united by Blood and Spirit.

My Father, You are Majesty on High. You have shown me great favor to adopt me into Your kingdom. Let me serve You only, united in my heart with Your Spirit and family.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Where is God?

"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." (Matthew 11:25-27 NKJV)

My favorite study topics are Bible related—its culture, its history, its land. I love the insights I gain by understanding the Bible’s setting. Yet insights of education cannot be compared to the revelations of the Holy Spirit when I simply read the Bible itself as an earnest child, seeking and finding God because I search for Him with all my heart. Like an affectionate daddy playing hide-and-seek with a beloved child, my Abba in heaven wants to be sought, wants to be found.

Lord of heaven and earth, I truly love you as my precious Abba. Thank You for restoring my heart to that of a child if I puff up with knowledge. Please keep me mindful of my ignorance.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Monday, May 26, 2008

Purpose of the Cross

"He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39 NKJV)

A cross has one purpose: death. I come to Jesus to receive life. If I want no more than a good life on earth, Christianity is certainly the most worthy religion by which to live. But since I want to follow Jesus into eternal life in heaven, I will also follow Him now, to the cross on which Self dies, my life ends, His life in me begins.

Self must die daily. Life in Christ increases with every decision to follow His will. Each choice I make for Self is the futile attempt to recover a life that no longer exists.

Father, You are good. Please freshly fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may put to death each desire in me that is not Yours. Let Your Son live in me today and every day.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Call to Missionary Work

But when He saw the multitudes, [Jesus] was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary [harassed] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38 NKJV)

The Good Shepherd longs to see His sheep feeding in green pastures, refreshed with living water, restored in soul. Missionary work isn’t always traveling abroad or evangelism at home. Part of the work is the labor of prayer that sends, enables, and upholds the missionary. It might give a greater sense of fulfillment to be a laborer reaping the harvest. But the labor for fruit includes planting, reaping, and praying.

Lord of the Harvest, thank You for bringing me into the peace of Your sheepfold. Many of Your sheep are yet harassed by sin and scattered in the world. Please open their ears to hear Your voice, eyes to see You, hearts to welcome You.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Throne Room Conduct

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." (Matthew 8:2 NKJV)

The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed." (Matthew 8:8 NKJV)


As a child of the King, I have the privilege to come boldly before the throne for both grace (getting what I don’t deserve) and mercy (not getting what I do deserve). Yet once there, do I show proper homage to the Sovereign of the Universe and Eternity? Or has familiarity made me too casual? The beggar worshiped. The man of power showed fear for the presence of God. Both called upon Him as Lord—the Master to whom one’s own will is submitted.

Precious Abba, thank You that I have full access to Your throne through the name and blood of Your Son. Let me not fail to acknowledge Your majesty, to submit my will to Yours—to give You my love.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Friday, May 23, 2008

Christ Must Know His Bride

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV)

Joseph took Mary home as his wife, yet chose to keep a proper distance from the virgin. After Jesus was born, Joseph "knew" his wife and she bore him children, the natural result of a bride’s intimate yielding to her husband.

Like Mary, who yielded to the Holy Spirit and received the life of Jesus within her, I am daily asked to yield to the Holy Spirit, so that Christ may be reproduced in me and I will leave the practice of lawlessness, so that I do not claim His name in vain—so that I do the will of the Father.


Lord Jesus, my life is Yours to do with as You please. Let me love and know You ever more dearly, that Your will is done on earth through me.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Eternal Investments

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21 NKJV)

Investments in the future require present sacrifice—something I’d have now must be forfeited for future reward. The sacrifice is soon forgotten, any discomfort further diminished by focus on a specific goal of saving.


Prayer stands out among numerous eternal investments with present dividends. Seeing God’s hand move in response to prayer is cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving. A payoff waiting in Heaven is discovery of how fully prayers were answered.

Almighty God, You are so merciful to hear us and act on our behalf. Thank You for all the ways I’m privileged to share in Your work through prayer. Please conform my prayers to Your will.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Who Others See

"You are the light of the world. . . . let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16 ISV)

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them. . . . And when you pray, you must not . . . [pray that you] may be seen by others. . . And when you fast, do not look gloomy . . . [that your] fasting may be seen by others." (Matthew 6:1,5,16 ESV)

Unbelievers may say the Bible contradicts itself. Believers may be divided over differing views. The entirety of God’s Word provides balance. Harmony is often found by simply looking to Jesus and emulating Him.

If the opinion of others guides the manner in which I do good, any esteem I receive proves me self-serving—even when doing what God wants me to do. If motivated by love for my Father and His opinion, what I do is merely His light radiating through me so others esteem Him.

Father, You are the Great and Mighty God who does wonderful things, sometimes through me. Please make me modest so You are visible.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Getting Even

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven . . . For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" (Matthew 5:44-46 NKJV)

Jesus says many "radical" things difficult to understand and accept. "Love your enemies" is as radical, impossible—and simple—as it gets. If I will pray for (not against) those who are spiteful and persecute me, ask God from my heart to bless them, and then bless them myself, will they remain enemies? How can I fail to come to love those who bother me most if prayer brings me to see them as God does? The power of God released by my obedient love transforms me, and maybe even them.

Oh my God, You have poured out upon me love and grace without measure and made me a new person. Please enable me to pour out love and grace to others.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Monday, May 19, 2008

The King’s Crumbs

[Jesus’] disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth and began to teach them, saying, "How blessed are those who are destitute in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them!" (Matthew 5:1-3 ISV)

A merciful person will overlook the filth and show a homeless beggar mercy, but never envy. Those "just don’t get it" destitute of spirit people who weigh down the world are more invisible or despised than esteemed. Yet if I emulate the life of a spiritual pauper—without my own resource, aware of my utter ignorance, shamelessly begging for crumbs from the King’s table—I receive within me the whole kingdom! My blessing is to be fully satisfied amid spiritual riches.

Most High King, please help me empty out more of Self today, to make room for more of You. Grant me a glimpse inside Your treasure room to help me remember how poor I am apart from You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Vindication

Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But [Jesus] answered and said, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’" (Matthew 4:3-4 NKJV)

I would like to have a good name and reputation, based on being blameless. If my integrity suffers false accusation, I want to be vindicated. The words of another will be more compelling than my own to defend me. Yet in the end, I need to be justified only in the eyes of God. If the Lord Jesus—God’s Word made flesh—has vindicated me by His blood, I am without condemnation. The Word that gives eternal life feeds my soul more surely than bread feeds my body.

Father, I can live without bread, but I cannot live without Your Word. Thank You for providing my sustenance. Thank You for the immense satisfaction I receive from feeding upon it.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Fruit of the Spirit

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! . . . Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance . . . And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 3:3,8,10)

Salvation and sanctification come only by faith. Works measured by humans are always found deficient. I never measure up to even my own standard. God’s standard is to simply produce good fruit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. What good work does not begin and end with these? A tree produces fruit not by its own effort, but by a miracle of its Creator—and the tree lacking fruit will not endure.

Lord, thank You for Your Spirit, to produce from me what I cannot create myself. Please remind me of my dependence upon You. Please woo my heart mightily when it becomes weary, distracted, or self-indulgent.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Friday, May 16, 2008

Perilous Times

Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." . . . Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under. (Matthew 2:13,16 NKJV)

We live in perilous times. Evil prevails in people everywhere, from city thugs to economic bosses, from social voices to the highest realms of government. Many antichrists precede The Antichrist. If I fear man, there is much to fear—for my children even more than for myself. If I fear God, I trust that He is in control, that He sees the most secret plots of the future, that He will direct those who are His, and can protect them from even the most powerful men.

Lord, I confess that I can be intimidated by those who may bring great harm. Please draw me to remain close to You, and abide in the shadow of the Almighty, where I can hear your voice.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Righteous

Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to disgrace her, decided to divorce her secretly. After he had thought about it, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:19-20 ISV)

Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness. One can only be seen as righteous because of faith. If my faith has transmitted to me the righteousness—the rightness—of my Lord Jesus, how might I behave? I will love others enough to place their status above my own. I will not act in haste. I will accept the direction of God when it flies in the face of reason. Joseph is the only man in the New Testament other than Jesus addressed as "Son of David." It was a fitting reward for faith.

Lord, thank You that I am now righteous because of Your Son's sacrifice. Please make me ever more like Him. Thank You for the inheritance awaiting me.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Suspicious of Me

Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. . . Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed. Psalm 25:4-5,3 NKJV)

I’ll readily admit that I don’t like to wait, and am inclined to become impatient with people and circumstances that force me to wait. The Person who makes me wait the most is the Lord. I want to wait upon Him willingly. I nonetheless struggle. Most frustrating is my sneaking suspicion I wait upon Him because He is trying to show Me His ways, teach me His paths, lead me in His truths—but is Himself patiently waiting for me to respond as I should. (Sigh.)

Lord, all Your ways and all Your timing is perfect. Thank You for the confidence I have that You want my best. Please lead my heart to honor Your name, so I am not ashamed by my impatience.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Welcome the King

Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:9-10 NKJV)

The entrance of the King of Glory into His dwelling place is worthy of highest praise from a pure heart. Each time Jesus knocks at the everlasting door of my heart (Revelation 3:20 is spoken to His church), He should be welcomed with a joy that mirrors the shameless dance of David before the ark. The knock is the gentle voice of His Holy Spirit directing me—an invitation to yield myself, throw open my heart, and receive my Lord.

At the wedding, the voice will be of the Bridegroom Himself.

Lord Jesus, I confess that I do not always listen to Your Spirit as I should. Give me a submissive heart that yields readily and receives You in all Your fullness.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Monday, May 12, 2008

I Shall Not Want

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:1,6 NKJV)

It’s been said that wealth consists not in the abundance of our possessions but in the fewness of our wants. Paul said, "godliness with contentment is great gain . . . having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." Not only has the Lord always provided food and clothing for me, but He has given me the gift of eternal life, and the abiding presence of Himself living within me. Nearly $4/gallon at the pump hurts, but the Lord’s goodness and mercy are undiminished.

My Father and Shepherd, thank You for Your unfailing provision. I look to You for every need of my body, heart, mind, and soul. Make me fully trust You for everything the future holds.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Purest Praise

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? (Psalm 22:1 NKJV)

You have answered Me. I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear the LORD, praise Him! (Psalm 22:21-23 NKJV)

Unlike the sweet grape juice often used to celebrate the Lord’s Table, the wine of covenant cup tastes both bitter and sweet—but the Christian walk was never intended to be all sweetness. The Potter’s process of breaking the flesh of clay to reshape it is painful. My communion with Jesus is a fellowship of both rejoicing in His life, and laying down my life to share His suffering. The purest worship and praise I experience seems to spring from such brokenness and tears.

Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You! Blessed be Your name, both when the sun is shining upon me and when there’s pain in the offering. My life exists to give You glory.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Royalty in Disguise

His [the king’s] glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him. For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. (Psalm 21:5-6 NKJV)

King David’s glory, honor and majesty found its exceeding gladness in the presence of a Divine King—a presence David knew when he was still a fugitive waiting for his throne. I am a daughter of royalty living in the presence of the King. In the physical realm, I have no honor or majesty. I look upon the things of this world when I would rather see the King’s face and live in a heavenly place. Nonetheless, I am to behave as royalty and glory in my salvation throughout my time as a humble servant.

Most High King, You have shown Your servant great mercy to make me Your daughter. Let me never shame Your throne by behaving as what I have been.


Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Friday, May 9, 2008

The Name

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of [YHWH] our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. (Psalm 20:7-8 NKJV)

The names of God reveal much of who He is. Yet few are truly names. They are titles, attributes, adjectives that are all precious. His name is YHWH. In English, neither rendering it Yahweh or Jehovah, nor giving it the substitute of Lord, conveys YHWH as Exodus 34:5-9 does. YHWH is personal. It is the name that gives salvation as no power of earth does. It is the name of Him who declared, "I am YHWH your God . . . who brought you out of bondage." It is a name to be remembered—and reverenced.


YHWH, You are my God, who has purchased me and raised me from death. You are my Lord, whom I willingly bow before and gladly obey.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The Problem with Grace

Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:13-14 NKJV)

There is no rationale for a sinful wretch like me to receive mercy except the amazing grace of God. Now given the privilege of close relationship with Almighty God Himself, it’s an easy pitfall to presume upon Him. When my Father lavishes gifts on me, His child, I can readily take those gifts for granted. It’s not difficult to rely on knowledge that if I falter in my walk with Him, He will not condemn me. May His grace be cause for my gratitude, never presumption!

My precious Father, Your love for me is beyond anything I could ever desire. Please let it move me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. You are too wonderful to take for granted.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Clean in His Sight

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me. I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity. Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. (Psalm 18:21-24 NKJV)

2 Samuel 22 places this psalm at the end of David’s life. His grave and numerous sins are infamous. But his repentance ran deep. He was a man after God’s heart with whom the Lord had fellowship. David was clean in God’s sight. The blood of Jesus Christ cleansed my sin. Though my Father may still discipline me for whatever hinders my closeness to Him, I have a relationship with Him that makes me blameless, righteous, and clean in His sight.

YHWH My Righteousness, thank You for choosing to see me through a lens colored by blood. Thank You for recompensing me as Christ’s, and not for my many vile deeds and evil heart of rebellion.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Salvation

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings. (Psalm 17:6-8 NKJV)

"You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them" has got to be the longest name of God in the Bible. Yet who better than David could petition the Lord by such a name? His confidence and mine is that God hears me. His request and mine is not to receive any material blessing from his Maker’s hand, but to have divine lovingkindness revealed to a mere human, to be in the center of His vision, to be covered with His salvation, protection and love.

Merciful, Almighty God, I am completely unworthy of the favor You show me as you answer this prayer every day of my life. Thank You for light under the shadow of Your wings.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Monday, May 5, 2008

Fullness of Joy

I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved... You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:8,11 NKJV)

This life is like the covenant cup Christ gave on His last night—a sweet cup of rejoicing mingled with bitterness. The full glory of Christ revealed on the mountaintop was followed by sorrowful words of his torture and death. Fullness of joy in this life in the Lord’s presence is not out of reach. Whether He leads me to a high mountain surrounded by light or through a dark valley, I must keep the Lord always before me, at my right hand.

My Father, there is no greater joy than to know You and Your Son and the presence of Your Spirit. Help me keep You before the eyes of my heart so that I will not be moved when I am inclined to act more like me than like You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Presence of God

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart . . . he honors those who fear the LORD. (Psalm 15:1-2,4 NKJV)

The church doors will be open this morning to all who enter. But only those cleansed with the blood of Jesus enter the heavenly tabernacle. What a privilege to come boldly to the throne of grace! Now that the Lord is my God—now that every breath I take is filled with eternal life—I cannot fathom a life where I can only stand in the outer court and present a petition as a foreigner. I can personally enter the Lord’s presence with my worship, praise, thanks, repentance, confession, petition!

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the price You paid to give me access to the Father, to know You, to receive Your Spirit. Thank You for allowing me to touch Your presence.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Doing Good

The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one. (Psalm 14:2-3 NKJV)

Many children of men seek to do good, and they try many ways. But until one seeks God and becomes His through Christ’s Blood, not one does good. Through Christ’s blood, I am a child of God. I likewise seek to do good. But until I seek His face, my effort is limited to my own power, and it will fall short. “Only One is good.” If I would do good, it must have the power of God’s anointing upon it. I must daily seek Him and find Him because I search for Him with all my heart.


Oh Lord, my heart readily seeks the good which distracts me from God. I am a too easily distracted sheep. Please let me hear Your voice. Please draw me to seek Your face.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Friday, May 2, 2008

Not a Lone Warrior

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? (Psalm 13:1-2 NKJV)

I daily battle three enemies. For me, the devil (master of disguise as an angel of light) is most difficult to recognize, the world (always before me) is most distracting from God, and Self (mind, emotion, flesh demanding indulgence) is most difficult to resist. I long for the end of this war—this test—but not before I’ve completed it successfully. If I falter or grow weary or see only one set of footprints in the sand, I need to look to the One carrying me.

Lord Jesus, You once felt the weight of human flesh. You walked where the eternal is unseen with human eyes. You were attacked where vulnerable. Thank You for Your Spirit going through it all with me.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Beautiful, Wonderful Words of Life

The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times. You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation forever. (Psalm 12:6-7 NKJV)

One of the biggest differences between religion and relationship is the Lord’s Word. Religion is the words of man — or God’s Word conformed to man’s ability to carry it out. (Even Christianity falls short when it’s only religion.) Relationship is Almighty God speaking life into me. It is the trust of a child for truth from the Father. It is the tender intimacy expressed between bride and Bridegroom. It is the intense love of the Spirit that breathes into my very soul and sets it on fire. It is never about my ability to perform because I don’t have any.

Precious Lord, Your pure Word gives me my hope, inspires my faith, fills me with love. It is a treasured gift. Thank You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy