The Day of the Lord

"Spiritual warriors fight for love, fight for light,
and believe in what others say is impossible."
~ Maura Casey

The Day of the Lord
#biblestudy


Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power,
in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning:
thou hast the dew of thy youth.
~ Psalms 110:3 (KJV)

Your troops will be willing on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you
like dew from the morning's womb.
~ Psalms 110:3 (TNIV)

... when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe ...
~ 2 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV)

While the Psalms are all poetical, Psalm 110:3 is more so. The Lord has allowed to King David the prophet that his eyes should see the glory of the coming of the Lord. The majestic vision has evidently compelled David to use language even more evocative and figurative than usual. Of roughly 30 Bible versions I consulted, the translations for this particular verse were highly varied. As is often the case with poetry, no one understands it quite the same.

Here's what I see in today's passage from Psalms, translated to prose:

During the long dry months from perhaps April thru October, Israel's ground receives no life-sustaining moisture except the dew. For someone like David, in exile from Saul for many long years, and often in the desert wilderness, the dew was indeed a glorious display of life from the womb of the morning. His glimpse of the Day of the Lord was more glorious yet, for it was a day long awaited, accompanied by the Lord's bride in all of her own glory, willingly at her King's side as He faces His enemies.

Our adornment shall be the splendor of holiness. Holiness gets a bad name, because artificial holiness is a source of pride. True holiness is being like Christ, in all the beauty of His goodness and love, with all the strength of youth in its prime.

The Day of the Lord is awaited by Him with even more zeal than by us. When the hour finally arrives for the Lord Jesus to display His might, it will be as lovely as the early dawn—the best part of the day—and it will be only the first light of our Lord's reign.

Lord Jesus, we see the signs You said would tell us it is near—right at the door! How happy we are that we shall see you soon. How beautiful shall be the King and His bride. Prepare us, Lord. Make us beautiful in Your eyes.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from flickr.com

Fascination not Force

"Art is not what you see,
but what you make others see."
~ Edgar Degas

Fascination not Force
#knowingGod

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
~ Psalms 63:1-2 (NKJV)

What first fascinated you about the Lord? What did you learn or see that captured your awe?

My friend Mike Ellis shared this thought: "Christianity spreads best not through force but through fascination." He then asked me, "How do you, I and other Christ followers make Christianity fascinating?"

I do not think we can make Christianity fascinating unless we make Christ Himself fascinating, because He has fascinated us.

However else the Lord captures the awe of others, He seizes my heart with no more than His presence. He draws near when I enter the place of worship, and I bow before His majesty, truth, and love.

It is then a privilege, pleasure and passion for me to even attempt to make Him fascinating to others.

Lord, Your presence is an exquisite and satisfying wonder. We need no more from You than Yourself. How glorious the day when You are ours without distraction.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to

BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Art of Riek Jonker titled "In Awe" from fineartamerica.com

Thanksliving

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues,
but the parent of all the others."
~ Cicero

Thanksliving

The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
~ Psalms 145:15-16 (NKJV)

I agree that giving thanks should be a way of life, not a one-day observation. I also believe that a one-day observation is a good opportunity to make Thanksgiving what my pastor calls "Thanksliving."

In his post "The Ten Dollar Challenge," Billy Coffey made the suggestion to bless others by giving without the expectation of a return. He says it doesn't have to be with ten dollars. It could be more—it could be less.

People can be blessed with even spare change. Have you heard of people who anonymously put money in parking meters? I have my own small change blessing I pass along.

My grocery store requires a 25 cent deposit to remove a cart from the corral. When I'm finished, I always leave my quarter behind, along with a small prayer that the Lord will send the blessing to whomever most needs it, or perhaps to someone who will return the blessing to the Lord with a word of thanks. It's also my way of thanking the Lord for the gift of an ample grocery budget.

If the heart is willing, opportunities for Thanksliving abound.

Father in Heaven, Your goodness to us goes far beyond bed and board. You provide to us life and love, light and laughter. You give us of Yourself in Your Son, Your Scripture, Your Spirit. We thank You. We love You!

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from activerain.com

Friday Freelance: TWO LIES

The following is an excerpt from the message I prepared for women I visited at the county jail on Thanksgiving Day.

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls."
~ Mother Theresa

Friday Freelance: TWO LIES
#salvation

It has been my observation that if people do not draw close to the Lord, they may be a prisoner to one of two lies:
"I'm good enough."
"I'm not good enough."

I've found this to be true whether or not they've come to a point of affirming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Someone believes the former lie when they've failed to grasp the magnitude of sin. They either see themselves as "pretty good," and have yet to realize that the wages of sin is death; or they don't fully appreciate the cost of Jesus paying the penalty for their sin, because they don't see themselves as all that bad to begin with. They may think God unfair for any suffering they endure because they view themselves as undeserving of it.

Someone believes the second lie when they've failed to grasp the magnitude of God's love. They know full well how much they've sinned, and are overwhelmed by it. They may believe they could never be good enough for God to love them, let alone die for them. Even if they've accepted forgiveness through Jesus' blood, they believe themselves unworthy of any favor from God. They may wallow in suffering because they believe they deserve it.

"For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life."
~ John 3:16 (NIV)

This verse is said so often that we may hardly hear its ability to defeat both lies. There is no such thing as "pretty good" or small sin, because all sin puts a person on death row. God did not give His one and only Son to die because we only needed a little bit of salvation. Not a single human being is without the sin which requires payment of his or her life. The person who loves little has not sinned little, but simply failed to understand how great all sin is.

Understand that if God gave His one and only Son to die for you, He highly values you, and sees you as worthy of His very best love. If He's already given His Son, He'll deny you no good thing—in His timing. He does not allow you to suffer because you deserve it, but so that you may be like Him, sharing in suffering as His Son experienced. If you choose to draw near to Him, He'll carry that suffering with you.

Eternal life is not something we wait to experience when we say good-bye to this world. Eternal life begins on the day we transact business with Jesus Christ, giving Him our sins and our lives, accepting from Him His forgiveness and His eternal life.

Eternal life is a life of joy, which cannot be imprisoned.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
photo from columbiamissourian.com

Great Multitude

"To love is to receive a glimpse of Heaven."
~ Karen Sunde

Great Multitude
#loveoneanother

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth;
Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.
~ Psalms 109:30 (NKJV)

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands ...
~ Revelation 7:9 (NKJV)

I travel in many circles:
my family, husband's family, church family;
my ministry, his work, our kids' friends;
Facebook, Twitter, blogsphere;
present neighbors, and friends we never quite let go.

Then there's those many people I just know. Mary and Judy and everyone at the grocery stores. People I recognize only as parents of kids my kids know. Clerks and attendants and receptionists all over. (I'm continually embarrassed by how many names I forget.)

A good many of us know each other as children of the King. When our paths cross, I want to sit down with every single one of you, soak up your company, and express my genuine affection for you. I hate hasty hellos and quickly posted comments and 140 character tweets that say far less than I want to.

Today, I give thanks for your place in my life, whatever it may be.

Today, I give thanks that the day is coming when I'll remember every name, get to hug every neck, and have eternity to bask in your presence.

Ironically, I'm writing about people least likely to see this today, because hardly any of the "great multitude" for whom it is intended will read my blog on a holiday.

I nonetheless say to every one: I love you.

Father in Heaven, thank You for blessing me with so many wonderful people in my life. Please let me be Your blessing to each and every one of them. Please show me how to best love so many in this temporal and imperfect place.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from community.beliefnet.com

Finding Peace

"Although the world is full of suffering,
it is also full of the overcoming of it."
~ Helen Keller

Finding Peace

Is it not You, O God, who cast us off?
... Give us help from trouble,
For the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
~ Psalms 108:11-13 (NKJV)

"For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good ..."
~ Mark 14:7 (NKJV)

"I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the LORD...
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD,
But shall not find it."
~ Amos 8:11-12 (NKJV)

The above photo is of a little girl who caught Kevin Carter's attention with her "soft, high-pitched whimpering" as she collapsed in her struggle toward a food distribution site. Carter won the Pulitzer for the impact his photo carried. But inability to cope with humanity's struggle brought Carter to take his own life.

Yesterday's post ("Troubled") described the haunting affect upon me of this arresting image from the past because it attests to the oppressive evil behind famine and innumerable other atrocities of the present. I struggle to reconcile the celebration of thanks in the contrasting light and shadow of feast and famine.

I understand Carter. Like him, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of despair. I am not God, and am therefore incapable to effectively respond to every need of which I become aware, however much I want to or try to. Neither dollars nor activism will defeat famine and evil. The help of man is useless.

Carter captured Sudan's plight and broadcast it to the world, then hopelessly collapsed in despair within reach of nourishment. Driven by my hope and love, I see those suffering and am compelled to gently touch them and lead them to the Bread of Life and Living Water. I don't care if they are people of Christ or people of the world, if their affliction is momentary or ongoing, but only that they might be nourished.

Yet relief is insufficient if unsustained. I might briefly uplift people with my words or spirit. I'm always blessed to know I've succeeded. But I've done too little unless the soon-forgotten image from me stimulates hunger for the eternal Word of God and draws them to bask in the Light of the Holy Spirit.

The help of man is useless—unless it is directed and empowered by Almighty God.

Two kinds of famine trouble me. I am sensitive to physical hunger while I celebrate abundance this week—mindful that evil causes the plight pictured above.

I remain resolute to wage war upon the spiritual famine which leads to despair.

Father in Heaven, You are good. You suffer with us the indignity, violence and oppression of precious people You created in Your image. We wait in faith and hope for You to make all things right. We look to You for the place You give us in bringing your light and love to others. Please make our hearts willing and able to do whatever You might ask of us.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from Snopes.com

Troubled

Today, please scroll slowly, and
read the words before you see the photo.

"If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap
whence everyone must take an equal portion,
most people would be contented to take their own and depart."
~ Socrates

Troubled

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
... He turns rivers into a wilderness,
And the watersprings into dry ground;
A fruitful land into barrenness,
For the wickedness of those who dwell in it...
~ Psalms 107:31,33-34 (NKJV)

Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping ... He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.
~ John 11:33 (NKJV)

I don't like to rant. Rant seems too close to complaining. And complaining seems too close to asserting that my life isn't good enough—too close to accusing God that He's either ignorant, uncaring, or impotent.

I've written before about the difference between complaining and groaning. Jesus groaned. The Holy Spirit groans.

Today, I groan, because of an image I saw which has left me unsettled.

I'd had a long, busy morning on Saturday and forgot to eat breakfast. Around noon, hunger became distracting. I grabbed a bowl of yogurt and some cereal. Most of my hunger pangs had faded when I clicked on the blog of Christa Allan. I immediately wished I hadn't eaten when I saw for the first time the photo of a vulture stalking a Sudan famine victim.

If you'd like the full story on this 1994 Pulitzer prize winning-photo by Kevin Carter, click here.

I write this on Monday, after shopping for groceries. Before arriving at aisle after aisle of food, I walked past hundreds of racks and shelves displaying various shoes, clothing and household goods I might need. I meandered through one section the size of my house, gazing upon fresh produce from all over the world. While I waited for a clerk to fetch an item, I rested comfortably at a blood pressure machine which assessed my health as excellent. I slid a piece of plastic through a machine without worry of how to pay for everything desirable to celebrate a feast with my family in expression of thanks to God for the abundance we know.

The entire time, I could shake neither the image of a little girl whose fate is unknown to the world, nor the certainty that God is good and it is right to celebrate it.

The entire time, I fought tears as I struggled to reconcile the two.

Tomorrow: Finding Peace

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Endure Chastening

Note: Be looking for new thoughts on praise and suffering as we work our way through Psalms 101-125 til about Christmas. This week will focus on giving thanks.

"I like to see the Beauty in everything,
the blessings disguised in conflicts and struggles,
and because of that, life kisses me often."
~ Maura Casey @mauraaura

Endure Chastening
#discipleship

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his loving kindness endures forever...
Remember me, LORD,
with the favor that you show to your people.
Visit me with your yeshu'ah [salvation],
that I may see the prosperity of your chosen.
~ Psalms 106:1,4-5 (HNV)
　
"For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives."
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons ... But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons... Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
~ Hebrews 12:6-8,11

How does a good parent demonstrate love?

I sometimes run across a commentary which captures something as I wish I had already written. Consider the words of Albert Barnes (1798-1870) on this passage from Hebrews:

It is a universal rule that God sends trials on those whom he truly loves... If he did not, he would let us go on without any attention, and leave us to pursue a course of sin that would involve us in ruin. To restrain and govern a child; to correct him when he errs, shows that there is a parental solicitude for him, and that he is not an outcast. And as there is in the life of every child of God something that deserves correction, it happens that it is universally true that 'whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.'

We are assured that the Lord is good. He loves His children, and shows favor to those who are His. His favor includes chastening, because His chastening is intended for our prosperity.

His chastening is love as surely as is His kiss.

[Additional note of interest on Psalm 106:4, from the Hebrew Names Version: the word for salvation here is the Hebrew yeshu'ah—also the Hebrew name of Jesus.]

Father in Heaven, You are all goodness and loving kindness. You show us grace and mercy in abundance. Please enable us to understand Your chastening, and to give you thanks for it as Your kiss upon us.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo courtesy of gettyimages.com

Ever Over, Into and Under

"Community. A rhythm. A beat. A pulse. A flowing river
connecting you to him and her and them and us to you
and back again flowing ever onward.
Ever forward. Ever over, into and under."
~ Louise Gallagher, Recover Your Joy

Ever Over, Into and Under

"I [pray] ... that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one."
~ John 17:20-23 (NKJV)

I'd never been part of a big church. It didn't even occur to me that I'd want to. Two years ago this month, the Lord blessed our family extraordinarily when He brought us to experience small church love in a fairly large church (around 500 people gather on Sunday mornings).

Among dozens of things I love about my church is that Sunday worship feels like a taste of heaven. The semi-circle layout enables us to see one another. Praise and worship are given prominence and excellence from orchestra, choir and praise leaders.

The Lord is exalted.

And if I close my eyes during certain songs, I can imagine I'm in Heaven singing with the hosts of angels. Because this is what Heaven will be like: a river of love flowing through people connected to one another through the blood of Jesus, united to our God, Him in us and us in Him, in glorified bodies, hearts beating together with one pulse in songs of praise, "ever over, into and under."

See you there—whether you're part of those I see today, or those I see on that Day.

Almighty God, Lord of Heaven and Earth, You are high and lifted up above all Your creation. May it be our highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion to bring all wisdom and majesty and power and glory unto Your holy name—in this age, and for all eternity. Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord! Come soon!

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from 268generation.com

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs ...
the payment is pure love."
~ Mildred B. Vermont

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
~ Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Yesterday's post ("Give and Take") spoke of the difference between extending unrequited love, and returning love in relationship. This song makes the point with more eloquence.



How much do I owe you? said the husband to his wife
For standing beside me through the hard years of my life
Shall I bring you diamonds, shall I buy you furs
Say the word and it's yours

And his wife said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the riches of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

How much do I owe you? to the mother said the son
For all that you have taught me in the days that I was young
Shall I bring expensive blankets to cast upon your bed
And a pillow for to rest your weary head

And the mother said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the comforts of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

How much do I owe You? said the man to his Lord
For giving me this day and every day that's gone before
Shall I build a temple shall I make a sacrifice
Tell me Lord and I will pay the price

And the Lord said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the treasures of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

Lyrics of "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love" by Paul Overstreet
© 1987 Capitol Records

Friday Freelance: Give and Take

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone
who can do him absolutely no good."
~ Ann Landers

Friday Freelance: Give and Take

I'd embarrass my children if I told you how old they'll be before I quit blowing bubbles on their bellies—as if I even knew. It's harder with the older ones. You have to catch them when they're sleeping.

They'll always be my babies. Not that they're babied. I subscribe to the Amish philosophy which says that from birth to six expect children to take more than they give, from six to twelve expect them to give about the same they take, and after twelve expect them to give more than they take.

This is surely why the Creator made babies so cute. It's not so bad when an infant cries, upchucks (or worse) on you, or keeps you awake with sickness. They're cuddly and helpless and evoke sympathy. We had one who was colicky and drove us to our limits. But knowing she was in pain compelled me to draw upon an inner reserve of strength from God I didn't know existed.

They took more than they gave at that age—but they did give. They responded with smiles and affection and love.

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
~ Matthew 5:46 (NKJV)

Unconditional love is willing to give without receiving, in ways big and small. It will care for the elderly invalid who curses without recognition. It will feed the homeless even if they do not say 'thank you.' It will yield an opening to the car trying to turn into heavy traffic.

It will die for us while we are still sinners in rebellion against God.

But extension of unconditional love does not constitute relationship. Relationship means there will be give and take of validation, and respect, and grace extended.

Jesus gave us numerous instructions which make for harmony with our world, ourselves, and our fellow man. Then He summed up everything in two simple commands: love God with all that you are, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.

He extended unconditional love to us when we gave Him nothing in return. He then invites us to share relationship with Him by returning that love.

After all He has done for us, it seems too little. In His eyes, it is all.

"They do not love that do not show their love."
~ William Shakespeare

Tomorrow's post: This message in a song

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Putting on the Brakes

"Speed counts. If everything’s under control, you’re going too slow."
Mario Andretti

Putting on the Brakes

Even Andretti pulled into the pit once in a while, for the maintenance he needed before again reaching optimum speed.

The time comes when a person just needs to slow down. Every few months I wind up taking a couple of days off to do just that.

But like Andretti, I never slow down for very long. See you soon!
~ Anne

And [Jesus] said to [His apostles], "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
~ Mark 6:31 (NKJV)

Anointed Ones

Note: Be looking for new thoughts on praise and suffering as we work our way through Psalms 101-125 til about Christmas.

For those guests visiting for the blog carnival on "Community" (hosted by Bridget Chumbley)—Welcome! Regular readers are invited to visit this link for more messages on the Community theme.

"If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament,
he would be a criminal.
If he would follow strictly the teachings of the New, he would be insane."
~ Robert Green Ingersoll

Anointed Ones

He is the LORD our God ...
He remembers His covenant forever ...
for a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac ...
To Israel as an everlasting covenant ...
He permitted no one to do them wrong;
Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,
Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm."
Psalms 105:7-9,14-15 NKJV

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob"; "and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins."
~ Romans 11:25-27 (ESV)

I wrote last Wednesday in the guest post on Peter Pollock's blog of the need for unity among Christians, in answer to what's been called "The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus." Today is an opportunity to expand on that message, with more relevance than might be immediately apparent.

I continue to be surprised by how many people consider both the Jews and the Old Testament of minimal relevance to Christianity. Jesus said "salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22) and made Himself known in the context of Judaism. He also said He came not to destroy the "Law and Prophets" of OT Scripture, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-18).

The New Covenant (or Testament) is superior to the Old; the NT provides fuller revelation of the OT and enhances understanding of it. But the new by no means does away with the old. Like an oil lamp long made obsolete (Hebrews 8:7-13) for most people, the OT still gives light to those who choose to use it, or who are ignorant of the better alternative.

Anti-Semitism has prevailed for hundreds of years, robbing Christianity of the riches of Judaism and full appreciation of the Old Testament. Even Martin Luther, one of Christianity's greatest reformers, was markedly anti-Semitic. The church has largely failed to see the unity between Jew and Gentile which Paul notes as God's plan (Ephesians 2:11-16). We define Christians as "anointed ones." Yet the Lord also called His covenant people of the OT "anointed ones."

I treasure the entirety of Scripture not merely for the knowledge it offers, but for its revelation of the Father, His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Not only do I see NT truth as a continuous revelation of the OT, I embrace the bond between faithful Jews and Christians. We will one day be fully united, and the Spirit is already bringing Jew and Gentile together in Messianic congregations around the world, in the name and blood of Yeshua ha-Mashiach (Hebrew for Jesus Christ).

If you are a student of eschatology (the study of end times associated with the second coming of Jesus), you know that the time is at hand when Christians and Jews needed to stand in UNITY against our COMMon enemy—one definition of community.

I celebrate that unity now, in the simple gesture of welding together on a single link a cross of gold and silver Star of David. It is the pendant I wear, and the bond I already feel in my heart.

Father in Heaven, please unite our hearts to one another, in the love and blood and name of the Lord Jesus Christ—Adonai Yeshua ha-Mashiach—that we may stand firm for Your name in any hour of trial.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

While I Have My Being

Note: Be looking for thoughts on praise and suffering as we work our way through Psalms 101-125 til about Christmas.

"Think not of death as the extinguishing of life,
but rather the snuffing out of a candle because dawn has come."
~ Anonymous

While I Have My Being

You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
You hide Your face, they are troubled;
You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust...
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him ...
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
~ Psalms 104:28-29;33,35 (NKJV)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)

A speaker recently challenged our audience to write down five aspirations. If you've been hanging around me or my blog at all, you know that my inner Don Quixote is quite given over to the Impossible Dream. I nonetheless hesitated, because I also like to let God lead in the dance through this life.

But we were encouraged to dream big. So I thought about some joys I'd like to be mine. Secret stuff, you know.

Want to hear one? (Won't be a secret after today, I guess.)

With my dying breath, I want to bless the Lord.

Because the Lord has blessed me in ways far beyond my highest imagination, I share the psalmist's resolution: "I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." Every breath He gives me is opportunity for praise—whether I walk through land that is plentiful, where streams of abundance flow (been there); or whether I'm found in the desert place, walking in wilderness (done that).

So I want to die the way I'm living. The manner of death is irrelevant. (Except for dying in my sleep. I don't get my wish if I die in my sleep, so I hope to exclude that one.)

If you think me silly, I really don't mind you laughing. Whether or not I attain this particular quest, I plan to have the last laugh.

Lord, You've indeed blessed me, exceedingly, abundantly, in the knowledge of You. I bless Your name today. I'll bless Your name while I have my being. If I have found favor in Your sight, I ask You to grant my desire to bless Your name with my final breath.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from dannorcott.co.uk

Follow Your Heart, Part II

"So much has been given to me,
I have no time to ponder over that which as been denied."
~ Helen Keller

Follow Your Heart, Part II
#knowingGod

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.
~ Psalms 92:1 (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
~ Psalms 136:1 (NKJV)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

What puts praise in our hearts?

In a word, appreciation. Appreciation for the Lord's blessings. Appreciation for all he has done, is doing, and promises to do. Appreciation for Who He is. (And He is Good!)

The trials of life—especially suffering—can cloud our vision. Perception makes the difference between believing the Lord is working everything for good and wondering why His goodness is unseen; between the heart confident of the Lord's love, and the heart which doubts His favor.

The heart of gratitude sees His goodness and mercy everywhere. Even suffering can be accepted as means by which He refines us, draws close to us, and draws us close to Himself.

The heart filled with gratitude leads everything else in us to love the Lord, to know His love, to feel His every touch as blessing—and to give Him praise.

Lord, Your mercy and grace are so abundant. Our eyes are often clouded by the temporal, by pain, by the ugliness of evil. Please open our eyes and hearts to receive everything with thanks, and give You the full praise of which You are so worthy.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from nalanda.nitc.ac.in

Follow Your Heart, Part I

"Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

Follow Your Heart, Part I
#loveoneanother

"But 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."
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)

No one disputes that our human nature resists returning good for evil. When we are angry, injured, or our sense of justice is violated, our inclination is to see the offender suffer in like manner.

Jesus knows we may not feel like doing what is contrary to human nature. But if we go ahead and pray for, do good to, and give love and blessing out to scoundrels—simply because we love the Lord—we discover a distinctly unnatural ability to follow through.

When we unite our hearts to His Spirit, the rest of us cannot help but follow.

Lord Jesus, give us such confidence in Your instructions that no matter our own heart, we readily follow Yours.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo courtesy GettyImages.

Friday Freelance: FALLEN ON FACE

Image source: revphil2011

"By nature, worship is not some performance we do,
but a presence we experience."
~ A.W. Tozer

Friday Freelance: FALLEN ON FACE
#knowingGod

Like millions across the nation, we’ve had a house full of sickness this week. My husband John went first, then the kids, one by one. By God’s grace (and with a few natural remedies) I’ve thus far evaded being sick, despite sleeping between two sick people.

Four-year-old Daniel slips into my bed so quietly that I don’t realize he’s there until his warmth pressed into mine wakes me up. Sickness isn’t the only reason he’ll wind up there. Funny noises outside his window will bring him. The rare bad dream dispatches him in search for safety. And returning from a nighttime trip to the bathroom is simply an excuse to snuggle.

We’ve always had an open door policy with our kids during the wee hours. Our philosophy is that they’ll know God is always available to them in a dark times by learning it first from us. There are other times when the door is locked, for Mom and Dad to have a serious talk or serious affection. In those hours our children learn that however important our relationship with them, the relationship with each other comes first.

When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down,
and the glory of the LORD on the temple,
they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement,
and worshiped and praised the LORD.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:3 (NKJV)

There is another place in the house which our children know to respect when it is closed. I’m usually already out of my prayer closet when they awaken, but if I tarry they’ll come to give me a good morning kiss (the youngest two will also cuddle quietly a bit), then slip away and allow me my time with the Lord. They understand that my relationship with Him comes first.

I try to "pray without ceasing" in mental chatter with the Lord all day, but of course it’s interrupted. I have lazy mornings when I try to get away with prayer time in bed, and as often as not it lapses back into sleep. I most enjoy morning prayer time in the eastern family room which offers sunrise in the summer and wood stove warmth in the winter.

But that prayer closet ...

This is the place of serious talk and serious intimacy. Unlike my numerous computer Bibles, the paper and ink version stored here is stuffed with notes and covered with writing. Like a suitcase plastered with travel stickers from around the globe, it evidences the places the Lord has taken me and the things we’ve seen together. A prayer journal ensures no one is overlooked (including you, dear readers). And the square of padded carpet behind tapestry curtain provides a comfortable place to sit—or a place for my face.

Say what you will about the Lord is everywhere and hears us no matter our position. For me, if I need to hear from Him, I fall on my face before Him. Something in this posture not only shuts out lesser things, but brings my heart to a place where either His whispers become clear, or His Spirit and mine find such unity that I needn't hear His voice. Like a comfortable couple who've reached the place where words are no longer necessary, I feel His pleasure, comfort, understanding, stretching, challenge, grief, peace. If you've felt any of these things, you know they are real.

If you desire these things, quietly slip into His presence with a humble heart until you feel His warmth pressed into yours.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

As Far as the East is from the West

"Nearness to God is the foundation of a creature's happiness."
~ Isaac Watts

As Far as the East is from the West
#salvation

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
~ Psalms 103:11-12 (NKJV)

In Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin... Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
~ 1 John 3:5-6,9 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

The north and south poles are 12,436 miles apart. No such extreme point exists between east and west. The distance between them is not infinite. The two are simply opposed to one another without measurement.

The Hebrew word for transgression is pesha. It means the sin of rebellion, revolt, or to throw off authority. Such rebellion puts us in opposition to God—as opposed as east and west.

When we come to fear the Lord—to recognize Him as Almighty God and stand down from opposing Him—He makes available the mercy of Calvary. There God took the transgression of man upon Himself and removed it "as far as the east is from the west." God now draws near.

God once stood afar off. Now sin is far removed. Sin once tightly bound us. He is now tightly bound to us. Sin was once deeply inside of us. He is now inside of us.

Holy God will not have sin where He resides. Thus sin cannot be in us. Never.

If we commit sinful thoughts, feelings, words and actions, how are they not sin? Because they are no longer attributed to us. No matter what we do, it is no longer counted as sin, for then it would also touch Him.

This is no license to permit sin to abound—a topic of Hebrews 10:26-29 and well-covered in other posts here. It simply describes the liberty in which we walk as new creations.

Precious Abba, what words could we offer in gratitude for what You have done? You have taken what is most disgusting in our lives, filled with death, and exchanged Yourself—fullness of lovingkindness, goodness, light, peace, life, joy, love. We stand in awe.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from facilities.pps.k12.or.us

The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus

"Christianity promises to make men free;
It never promises to make them independent."
~ William Ralph Inge

Christians are arguably more like the world in one respect than any other: criticizing Christians.

So begins the message I’m sharing today. A respected pastor I'm blessed to call friend, Peter Pollock (pictured with his wife Debbie), honored me with an invitation to guest post for him today.

You can follow me over to his blog by clicking on this title

The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus #churchunity

or you can copy and paste this link:
http://blog.hafchurch.org/peter/index.php/2009/11/church-unity-guest-post-by-anne-lang-bundy/

Hope you’ll follow me over there, and that you won’t allow Peter’s glowing intro to scare you off since you all know it’s just me. ; )

~ Anne

The Sound of My Groaning

"I will love the light for it shows me the way,
yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars."
~ Og Mandino

A Prayer of the Afflicted, When He is Overwhelmed
and Pours Out His Complaint Before the LORD.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, And let my cry come to You...
My heart is stricken and withered like grass,
So that I forget to eat my bread.
Because of the sound of my groaning
My bones cling to my skin...
He looked down from the height of His sanctuary;
From heaven the LORD viewed the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoner,
To release those appointed to death.
~ Psalms 102:1,4-5,19-20 (NKJV)

In the beginning was the Word ...
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
~ John 1:1-4 (NKJV)

The Sound of My Groaning
#encouragement

In being afflicted, overwhelmed, and stricken, what is the sound of groaning?

It is surely different for each of us. To be in such agony of spirit that we forget to eat, to sob with such violence that our ribs cling to our skin, to feel our hearts withered like grass—this about sums it up for me.

Throughout my life, I could not remember a time of being angry at God or thinking Him cruel. I certainly cried out "why" more often than He should have tolerated, but I suppose I accepted that if He is God He must be good and may do as He wishes. (Only inexplicable grace can explain this attitude.)

Then came a time of pain and rejection like none I'd ever known. Like a stormy sea, it buffeted me mercilessly as I rode its waves and clung to faith. I was sustained by the hope of light as I waited for the clouds to clear.

But the relentless storm finally prevailed. I grew weary and felt my hold slip as sorrow billowed over me. I felt the coldness of anger. I succumbed to the cry, "Oh my God, how can You be so cruel?"

As the thought was given the substance of words, its hideous form became instantly apparent and I shrunk back from it with rejection. Faith is the assurance of the unseen, and faith assures me that my God is not cruel. Faith extinguished doubt, I felt the Lord hear my groaning, and release was mine. I quit trying to ride out the storm and slipped into a loving Father's waiting arms. The pain did not stop, but I found His presence and comfort in the midst of the suffering. I hurt, but I did not hurt alone.

So cradled, I found peace in the eye of the storm. In the darkness of night I gazed into His Heaven and saw the glory of stars such as the glory awaiting me. In the Word I found strength to face the storm wall which would pummel me yet again—I gained endurance to face the raging winds of dark clouds until they cleared and the life of light was again mine.

Light is always waiting.

"He is good. Only good."
~ Betsy ten Boom, at Auschwitz concentration camp,
from the biographical movie "The Hiding Place"

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from digg.com

Blameless

"In reading the lives of great men,
I found that the first victory they won was over themselves."
~ Harry S. Truman

Blameless

I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.
~ Psalms 101:2-3 (ESV)

"I was also blameless before Him,
And I kept myself from my iniquity."
~ 2 Samuel 22:24 (NKJV)

How did King David—the man who committed adultery with Bathsheba, murdered Uriah, and unrighteously numbered his people so that 70,000 people died—declare himself "blameless" near his life's end?

David did not leave his sin unattended. When he became aware of it, he did not make attempts to rationalize or justify it, explain it or excuse it. His heart was broken for sin. He humbled Himself before the Lord and immediately confessed his sin. David pled for the Lord's mercy, even as he accepted the consequenses for his sin. He therefore left nothing for which he might be blamed, because the matters had been resolved.

It is not the absence of sin, but the absence of unrepentant sin which makes a man blameless.

Lord, thank You that in Christ's blood we are absolved of sin's debt. Please let us never hesitate to turn from the sin which demanded a life to make us blameless. Please let us be daily mindful and grateful that the life was given by the Innocent for we guilty.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Photo from gettyimages.com

Send Me On My Way

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
~ Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know what prayers to offer nor in what way to offer them. But the Spirit Himself pleads for us in yearnings that can find no words ...
~ Romans 8:26 (WNT)

Send Me On My Way

Along the way of my journey toward Heaven, my prayers are much like this song—my words to God come out in pieces that sound like nonsense of which only the Spirit might make sense.

But underlying the music to which I often dance is a clear message to the One Who directs my life: "Here am I! Send me on my way. I go wherever You say with joy."

(With thanks to Wendy for turning me on to this song. :D)



send me on my way
by rusted root

on my way
on my way
on my way
on my way

I would like to reach out my hands
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young
well pick me up with golden hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young

(2x)
I would like to hold my little hand
how we will run we will
how we will cry

(7x) send me on my way (on my way)

I would like to reach out my hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young
well pick me up with golden hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young
well

(2x)
I would like to hold my little hand
how we will run away we will
how we will crawl away
send me on my way, on my way

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"Send Me on My Way" lyrics © 1996 The Island Def Jam Music Group

Image

"It matters less what people think of me
than what they think of Jesus Christ because of me."
~ my adopted motto, original author unknown

"You are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)

Image

My friend Bradley Moore publishes the blog "Shrinking the Camel," which regularly examines the integration of faith at work. His post this week ("How Important is Your Image?") included remarks from Michell Corbett on the topic: "Which of these are most important to your career advancement: Performance, Image, or Exposure (P.I.E.)?"

Brad elaborated, and asks his readers, "Does this blatant self-promotion run opposite to the good Christian values of humility, servanthood and putting others before ourselves? Is there a biblical basis for career advancement?"

Because I've got my foot in the door of the publishing industry, this is an issue I've had to grapple with. I'd like to share with you a portion of my response.

"What people think of me matters less [than what they think of Jesus Christ because of me], but it very much matters. In this world, I am the image of Jesus to others. I want to project it with all possible excellence, because exposure of bad image will work against me, and without performance to back it up, image will eventually crumble.

"In thirty years, I’ve run the gamut with image... I now aspire to present an attractive, approachable and modest persona which projects the genuine light of Jesus wherever I’m seen. Even if my plans are to stay home today, I am conscious that I project an image (and example) to my husband and children, whoever comes to the door, and any divine appointment the Lord’s scheduled on that quick trip for groceries.

"I hated the idea of self-promotion online when I encountered the concept. It seemed to run counter to humility. 'I want to promote You, not me!' was my whine to the Lord. He gave me a prayer: Please enable me to build a solid platform which gives prominence to You.

"I sometimes fumble, but this remains my goal."

I have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to http://www.blogger.com/+Ÿ%1Cp. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Friday Freelance: FLOW

"Temptation usually comes in through a door

that has been deliberately left open."
~ Unknown

Friday Freelance: FLOW
#discipleship

My husband and I visited Alaska one August while the salmon were running. You don’t appreciate the effort a salmon makes to swim upstream until you watch the fish vault the rapids as mist from the pounding water floats into your face. The fish are driven.

When we came to their destination, thousands of dead salmon clogged the water. They had expended every bit of their lives to fight their way upstream and lay their eggs. One need not be a Darwinist to believe in survival of the fittest. No weak salmon reached its journey’s end.

I’ve walked against the flow of a crowd on occasion. The only way to make it through is to be assertive. Without the determination to continue toward a fixed goal, one is swallowed by the throng and carried in their direction.

Can you anticipate where I’m taking this? We do not draw closer to God by being carried along with the crowd of this world. Direction is maintained by setting our eyes on Him we seek and purposefully pursuing Him.

Do not be deceived:
"Evil company corrupts good habits."
1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)

Though we may set our sights on following Jesus, we walk in a world heading away from Him. If in our compassion for people we turn to them in the effort to change their direction, we risk being swept up with them and backsliding. But if we turn a blind eye to them, we lose the strength of Spirit we would have gained through love.

A discerning heart is needed. We must take a hard look at what areas of weaknesses we have, and understand that we cannot afford to maintain close associations with those who might cause us to stumble in such areas. The recovering drug addict might think he can reach other addicts for Christ because he speaks their language. Both they and he will benefit if he first associates with stronger Christians, becomes strong himself through God's Word and Spirit, and only returns to minister in his old haunts accompanied by a friend who's had no such temptations.

Same for those with struggles of any kind—gossip, gambling, sports, porn, alcohol, gaming, media, sex, money, power—the list of obsessions goes on. It's not a matter of how long we've been walking with the Lord, but of how weak we may be in a given area. It doesn't mean we must completely cut off old friends, but that we use wisdom in how we associate with them.

We regularly hear of renowned Christians who take hard falls because they were overcome by some kind of temptation. Each of us probably knows someone personally whose life has been shipwrecked by something they thought they had under control. Rarely does someone fall alone. We are social creatures, and those who crash usually had help.

I hear often, "Jesus associated with sinners." He did indeed. Hebrews 4:15 even says Jesus "was in all points tempted as we are." But He was never weak, never sinned, and never encouraged sin. He ministered to sinners effectively because He ministered from strength.

Going against the flow is not for the weak fish. <><>BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from itresourcing.com.au

Trust the Lord to Decide

"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations."
~ Elton Trueblood

Trust the Lord to Decide
#encouragement

"You shall appoint cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person accidentally may flee there... and he shall remain there until the death of the high priest ..."
~ Numbers 35:11,25 (NKJV)

The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.
~ Proverbs 16:33 (NKJV)

In ancient Israel, the Lord designated six places as "cities of refuge," where a person who accidently caused death was placed under house arrest, and was thereby protected from an avenger. The manslayer was required to remain in a city of refuge for as long as the high priest lived—a period of time ultimately under the Lord's control.

I like the idea of putting a matter squarely in God's control. Every once in a while, when I come to the end of my mental capacity to render judgment in a sibling dispute, I get out a coin and ask, "Will you trust the Lord to decide?" My wise children inevitably say they will. We recite the above passage from Proverbs, pray and tell the Lord we're giving Him the decision, then flip. One side will evidence quiet disappointment, but contention ceases.

Peace may be found if one allows that those matters which truly lie outside our control are yet under God's control. We have freedom to speak to Him about the situation, and perhaps by our prayers move His hand. If we decide ahead of time that we will rest in His decision, we can save ourselves a great deal of anxiety.

This does not require great faith, but only the faith of a child who trusts a loving Father.

Our Father in Heaven, You are wise and good. We cannot ask for anything better than Your will. Please increase our faith in You. Please help us find the balance between trust and presumption. Please grant us Your peace whatever our circumstances.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from homeaccentstoday.com

Credibility

"Promises are like the full moon;
if they are not kept they diminish day by day."
~ German Proverb

Credibility
#powerofwords

"But if you do not do [as you promise], then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out."
~ Numbers 32:23 (NKJV)

Better not to vow than to vow and not pay... Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? ... But fear God.
~ Ecclesiastes 5:5-7 (NKJV)

These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue ...
~ Proverbs 6:16-17 (NKJV)

Today's verses from Numbers are about three Israelite tribes who asked for permission to receive land east of the Jordan River, and to settle their families there, promising to afterwards help the other tribes obtain their land west of the Jordan. The passage context shows Moses had serious reservations about their promise to follow through.

Yesterday's post, on the theme of "Remember," mentioned my commitment to pray every day for a friend who is under unusual duress, and my fear of failure to follow through. I hold in high regard the power of words, and the credibility behind them. I may—indeed must—retract my words if I discover I have erred, and I expect this will happen on occasion. But if my words are not trustworthy when they are spoken, they prove me untrustworthy.

I have staked everything in my life, and all my eternity, on the credibility and infallibility of the Word of God as it is recorded in the Bible, however imperfect a translation might be. The same Holy Spirit Who inspired the Word enables its understanding. God does not change, His Word does not change, and His promises are trustworthy.

If God should be found unreliable on even one minor point of Scripture, how then should we be able to rely on any of it?

If we should be found a liar on any matter, how shall we be counted trustworthy in anything?

Lord Jesus, Author of truth, thank You for proving Yourself utterly reliable. Please help us find forgiveness for the times we've proven fallible. Please give us love for truth which protects us from the enemy, who is the father of lies. Please enable us to speak words with credibility, and show us how to maintain it as honors You.

"The foundation of morality
is to have done, once for all, with lying."
~ Thomas H. Huxley

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to

BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from ocrasc.ca/images