When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, [the nobleman] went to Him [at Cana] and implored Him to come down [to Capernaum] and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.
~ John 4:47 (NKJV)
The twenty miles from Capernaum to Cana was a long journey in the time of Jesus—evidently an overnight roundtrip.
Is there any situation in your life at the point of death? A job? Finances? Health? A relationship?
You might spend two days working on it. But would you spend two days to simply search out God's help for it? How about just one full day?
If there's such a situation in your life, the question is worth asking.
Our Father in Heaven, You hold our lives and everything touching them in Your hands. Please give us strength of heart to seek You out and humble ourselves before You when something vital is slipping away from us. Please enable us to trust You for the outcome, and for Your timing, however long we wait.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Playing for Points
My ten-year-old daughter loves to play Rummy, and often shows up at my elbow with a deck of cards. She's good enough to beat adults, and looks for any opportunity to do so.
I play for points—and take big risks for those points. I do crazy stuff like get a card that could be played different ways with other cards I'm holding, and discard that double-play card. That way, I've got more cards in my hand to score with, and a better chance of picking up the whole pile for even more scoring. I can rack up some huge points on a single hand.
The risk, of course, is that I get caught at the end with too many points in my hand. I watch carefully for game's end and try to meet it, while my daughter delights in catching me unprepared. If I lose a hand, I'm likely to lose big. But since we play for fun instead of for money or competitively, we're both happy no matter how the hand comes out, win or lose.
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
~ 1 Timothy 1:14-15 (NKJV)
My most consistent source of failure (after my pride) is my tendency to go too far. "Yield + Zeal" is a guaranteed combination for success. But when zeal breaks out of a strong stride and breaks into a headlong sprint—without watching for the Holy Spirit's signals—and then fails to yield, watch for a colossal crash.
I really do try to watch carefully and avoid falling. I kick myself when I discover, too late, that I've gone too far because I forgot to listen to the Lord's cues. I nurse my pride and resolve I'm never going to run with such zeal again, but will use a little more restraint next time.
And then, inevitably, I remember:
Oh to Grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be.
I know I can't possibly pay my debt to Grace. I'm nonetheless determined to make as big a dent in it as possible. While I learn new ways to rely on the Holy Spirit, I'm still willing to take big risks, always hoping for a big win—hoping for great glory to God.
I can afford to do so, because I'm not playing for a personal win, I'm playing for His points. I'll be happy at the end, whatever my hand, securely in my Lord's hand.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Being Built Up
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman ... So when the Samaritans had come to Him ... many more believed because of His own word.
~ John 4:39-41 (NKJV)
With highly educated Jews, Jesus experienced conflict and rejection. He receives a warmer reception among Jewish common people (Mark 12:37). And when He comes to the Samaritans, who generally had even less knowledge of spiritual and religious matters than Jews, they accepted Jesus and His Gospel at once.
We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up ...
~ 1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV)
When one of my family members went through a "trying on Christianity" phase, he quoted the above verse and told me that he didn't read the Bible, because people who know the Bible are filled with pride. (He's now a committed Wiccan.)
Since any one of us might be inclined to take pride in our knowledge—and plenty of education (like plenty of money) can be a stumbling block to faith—can an argument be made for maintaining a certain level of ignorance?
By no means! The Bible encourages us to obtain knowledge. Here's how that verse from Corinthians continues:
We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
~ 1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV)
We might know our Bible and our theology and everything related inside out. But if our motive is to build ourselves up, either in our own eyes or the eyes of someone else (including God), we achieve the opposite spiritually.
On the other hand, if our motive in obtaining knowledge is to know God and become more Christlike—if we are motivated by love—the result for ourselves and others is edification, which means "being built up."
An interesting irony in experiencing the power of love.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:39-41 (NKJV)
With highly educated Jews, Jesus experienced conflict and rejection. He receives a warmer reception among Jewish common people (Mark 12:37). And when He comes to the Samaritans, who generally had even less knowledge of spiritual and religious matters than Jews, they accepted Jesus and His Gospel at once.
We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up ...
~ 1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV)
When one of my family members went through a "trying on Christianity" phase, he quoted the above verse and told me that he didn't read the Bible, because people who know the Bible are filled with pride. (He's now a committed Wiccan.)
Since any one of us might be inclined to take pride in our knowledge—and plenty of education (like plenty of money) can be a stumbling block to faith—can an argument be made for maintaining a certain level of ignorance?
By no means! The Bible encourages us to obtain knowledge. Here's how that verse from Corinthians continues:
We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
~ 1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV)
We might know our Bible and our theology and everything related inside out. But if our motive is to build ourselves up, either in our own eyes or the eyes of someone else (including God), we achieve the opposite spiritually.
On the other hand, if our motive in obtaining knowledge is to know God and become more Christlike—if we are motivated by love—the result for ourselves and others is edification, which means "being built up."
An interesting irony in experiencing the power of love.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cause for Celebration
Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. He calls Himself the Bread of Life. He says His flesh is real food.
Food is our sustenance and satisfaction, our delight and signal of relationship. Food is both cause for celebration and our way of celebrating anything and everything.
Jesus—the Word of God, recorded for us in the Bible—is all of this for our souls and more.
So what does the Word of God say His food is? What, for Jesus, is sustenance, satisfaction, delight, relationship, and cause for celebration?
The Father's word—the Father's will and work.
In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." ... Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
~ John 4:31,34 (NKJV)
Our Father in Heaven, please make Your will as food for us. By Your Holy Spirit, please make Your will not only our food, but our continual cause for celebration.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Food is our sustenance and satisfaction, our delight and signal of relationship. Food is both cause for celebration and our way of celebrating anything and everything.
Jesus—the Word of God, recorded for us in the Bible—is all of this for our souls and more.
So what does the Word of God say His food is? What, for Jesus, is sustenance, satisfaction, delight, relationship, and cause for celebration?
The Father's word—the Father's will and work.
In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." ... Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
~ John 4:31,34 (NKJV)
Our Father in Heaven, please make Your will as food for us. By Your Holy Spirit, please make Your will not only our food, but our continual cause for celebration.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Urgency
The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" Then they went out of the city and came to Him.
~ John 4:28-30 (NKJV)
Jesus has just disclosed that He is the Messiah (or Christ) to the Samaritan woman. Did shivers run up her spine? Did she gasp? How big did her eyes get?
This is something too big to think over for herself, or mention later to her friends. She leaves behind her waterpot. She goes straight to the men. She conveys to them enough astonishment that they are compelled to interrupt their day and go check out the Jew at the well.
How often do we act with such urgency? We are convicted to make a contact, take action, or pick up a Bible, and we make a mental note to do just that ... later on.
And then 'later on' doesn't come.
I've heard it said that we have more regrets over things we failed to do than for things we did and wish we hadn't. I suspect it's true.
“Don't wait. The time will never be just right.”
~ Napoleon Hill
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:28-30 (NKJV)
Jesus has just disclosed that He is the Messiah (or Christ) to the Samaritan woman. Did shivers run up her spine? Did she gasp? How big did her eyes get?
This is something too big to think over for herself, or mention later to her friends. She leaves behind her waterpot. She goes straight to the men. She conveys to them enough astonishment that they are compelled to interrupt their day and go check out the Jew at the well.
How often do we act with such urgency? We are convicted to make a contact, take action, or pick up a Bible, and we make a mental note to do just that ... later on.
And then 'later on' doesn't come.
I've heard it said that we have more regrets over things we failed to do than for things we did and wish we hadn't. I suspect it's true.
“Don't wait. The time will never be just right.”
~ Napoleon Hill
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, October 24, 2011
He Will Tell Us All
The [Samaritan] woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."
~ John 4:25-26 (NKJV)
Of all the surprises in the passage about the Samaritan woman, I am struck by the fact that not only does an adulterous Samaritan woman boldly proclaim faith in Christ with the words, "He will tell us all things," but that Jesus first recorded declaration of Himself as the Christ is to her.
How does this woman have such faith? Is it because all else in life has failed her that she is willing to rely upon the Christ to be true? Is such simple faith all Jesus looks for?
I remember clearly the startling day in 1985 when I met the Word of God made flesh. I'd heard about Jesus and read the Bible all my life. But when I first heard Scripture read with authority, there was no doubt in my mind that I had found the reliable Source of Truth, and I've not had a day's doubt since.
I've been called naïve for such belief. I sometimes take for granted such faith as a gift from God.
But then, He surely smiles upon any one of us, and reveals Himself to us, when we are utterly willing to believe:
He will tell us all, and we need look no further.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:25-26 (NKJV)
Of all the surprises in the passage about the Samaritan woman, I am struck by the fact that not only does an adulterous Samaritan woman boldly proclaim faith in Christ with the words, "He will tell us all things," but that Jesus first recorded declaration of Himself as the Christ is to her.
How does this woman have such faith? Is it because all else in life has failed her that she is willing to rely upon the Christ to be true? Is such simple faith all Jesus looks for?
I remember clearly the startling day in 1985 when I met the Word of God made flesh. I'd heard about Jesus and read the Bible all my life. But when I first heard Scripture read with authority, there was no doubt in my mind that I had found the reliable Source of Truth, and I've not had a day's doubt since.
I've been called naïve for such belief. I sometimes take for granted such faith as a gift from God.
But then, He surely smiles upon any one of us, and reveals Himself to us, when we are utterly willing to believe:
He will tell us all, and we need look no further.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Ironing Out the Bible
Among the million and one things I did this week was iron out the Bible used by our younger kids, who learn to read from this large print version.
Even before the invention of the printing press, countless people across the millennia have not only learned to read from written Scripture, but they've become literate for the simple purpose of being able to study the precious texts. The NKJV Bible has long been our family's successful reading curriculum.
Though younger kids are taught to handle both the Word of God and the print and ink Bible with respect, numerous fragile leafs near the front and back get quite wrinkled. Then they start sticking out. And then they start to tear as the Bible gets dragged around the house for schoolwork. A worn Bible is one thing. An injured Bible is another.
So I spent about an hour carefully ironing out about twenty pages of the Bible and taping rips before gently returning it to its place with the books used to teach our children.
All your children shall be taught by the LORD,
And great shall be the peace of your children.
~ Isaiah 54:13 (NKJV)
On school days, my five darlings and I sit down to read from and study the Bible. We're presently in Proverbs. However interesting rest of Scripture, there's definitely some thought-provoking contrasts there. Consider this one:
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
~ Proverbs 26:4-5 (NKJV)
Everyone is encouraged to share their insights as we together iron out God's Word. One of my greatest thrills in life is when my kids teach me, and I hear the Holy Spirit speaking through them.
Care for a sampling?
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
~ Proverbs 15:8 (NKJV)
One of the kids observed that even though a wicked person gives while the upright asks, the former offends the Lord and the latter delights Him. We went on to discuss that you're not willing to ask someone you dislike to do you any favors—you'd rather go without than be that humble. Even asking God for stuff is a welcome expression of humility if done with the right heart.
So I'll confess ...
While I do look to the Holy Spirit for inspiration and guidance as I write these posts, I admit that not all the thoughts are original. I thank God for all the people His Spirit uses to teach me.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Treasure Hunt
A few last thoughts on worship—the topic I haven't been able to exhaust this week.
"... for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."
~ John 4:23 (NKJV)
Aren't we supposed to be the seekers, chasing after God? Yet Jesus says the Father also seeks us, worshipers in spirit and truth.
That omniscient God always sees us isn't new knowledge:
The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
~ Proverbs 15:3 (NKJV)
But do we consider that He not only looks after us ...
And the Angel of the LORD said to [Hagar]: "... the LORD has heard your affliction..." Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are- the-God-Who-Sees.
~ Genesis 16:11-13 (NKJV)
... He also hunts after us, as treasure?
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
~ 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV)
And then He gives all He has to obtain that treasure:
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
~ Matthew 13:45-46 (NKJV)
I've asserted more than once that God actually needs us, because He has impressed it so often upon my heart. That concept runs counter to everything we know about omnipotent God. But consider His great love for us, and these closing words:
"Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.'
Mature love says: 'I need you because I love you.' "
~ Dr. Erich Fromm
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"... for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."
~ John 4:23 (NKJV)
Aren't we supposed to be the seekers, chasing after God? Yet Jesus says the Father also seeks us, worshipers in spirit and truth.
That omniscient God always sees us isn't new knowledge:
The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
~ Proverbs 15:3 (NKJV)
But do we consider that He not only looks after us ...
And the Angel of the LORD said to [Hagar]: "... the LORD has heard your affliction..." Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are- the-God-Who-Sees.
~ Genesis 16:11-13 (NKJV)
... He also hunts after us, as treasure?
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
~ 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV)
And then He gives all He has to obtain that treasure:
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
~ Matthew 13:45-46 (NKJV)
I've asserted more than once that God actually needs us, because He has impressed it so often upon my heart. That concept runs counter to everything we know about omnipotent God. But consider His great love for us, and these closing words:
"Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.'
Mature love says: 'I need you because I love you.' "
~ Dr. Erich Fromm
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
True Worship
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth ..."
~ John 4:23 (NKJV)
What is the heart of true worship, in spirit and truth?
True worship will certainly bow the knee to God as Lord—but even those who are spiritually lost and will perish shall one day bow the knee and confess Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).
True worship will continually speak praise to God for His goodness (Psalm 34:1-3)—but all to often our words fail to come from the heart (Matthew 6:7).
True worship sacrificially offers to God the very best of time, talent, and treasure—but God does not desire the simple return to our Giver of what He first gave us (Acts 17:25; 1 Corinthians 4:7). Indeed, David says in Psalm 40:
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire ...
Then I said, "Behold, I come ...
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart."
It seems to me that to worship in spirit is to worship God for His own sake, as pleases Him, and not because Self seeks benefit, pleasure or completion of duty; to worship in truth is forsaking whatever image of Him I've created so that I might delight to gaze upon the beauty of all He truly is, and thereby delight in His will.
What is the heart of true worship, in spirit and truth?
Can we even begin to understand the answer to such a question?
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:23 (NKJV)
What is the heart of true worship, in spirit and truth?
True worship will certainly bow the knee to God as Lord—but even those who are spiritually lost and will perish shall one day bow the knee and confess Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).
True worship will continually speak praise to God for His goodness (Psalm 34:1-3)—but all to often our words fail to come from the heart (Matthew 6:7).
True worship sacrificially offers to God the very best of time, talent, and treasure—but God does not desire the simple return to our Giver of what He first gave us (Acts 17:25; 1 Corinthians 4:7). Indeed, David says in Psalm 40:
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire ...
Then I said, "Behold, I come ...
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart."
It seems to me that to worship in spirit is to worship God for His own sake, as pleases Him, and not because Self seeks benefit, pleasure or completion of duty; to worship in truth is forsaking whatever image of Him I've created so that I might delight to gaze upon the beauty of all He truly is, and thereby delight in His will.
What is the heart of true worship, in spirit and truth?
Can we even begin to understand the answer to such a question?
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Carpe Diem—Seize the Day!
Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero
“Seize the Day, putting as little trust as possible in the future.”
~ Horace
“Seize the Day, putting as little trust as possible in the future.”
~ Horace
My first few heady months on the fiction venture promised much ...
: : :
So begins my post today at the WordServe Water Cooler, "Carpe Diem—Seize the Day!" You're invited to click the link and follow me over there for the rest. :D
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Success in Resolution
One form of resolution is the determination to effect change by the power of word and will.
Among the reasons such resolutions fail:
• too much is attempted at once;
• no specific plan is made;
• without accountability or other support, moments of failure become permanent.
A more significant reason for failure is focus on negative action ("I will not ...") rather than affirmative action ("I will ...") Eliminating something creates a void. Whatever has our attention is most likely to fill that void. We effect change not by looking back to what has been, but by visualizing success and working toward it—and then empowering the vision with necessary components of words and will.
There is a third component which determines success or failure in resolution.
Words and will lead us.
But worship leads words and will.
"That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
We worship what we esteem and trust so much—whether it is good or bad—that we look to it with reliance in moments of question, or weakness, or desire for satisfaction.
God most certainly uses people and things to answer us, to strengthen and reassure us, to satisfy our healthy desires. But He is the Provider. Only God is God. Anything else we worship is an idol.
We do not weaken our reliance upon idols by saying, "I will not worship ..." We instead strengthen our reliance upon God with "Everyday Worship" (yesterday's post).
"You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship ..."
~ John 4:22 (NKJV)
Success in both good and bad resolutions comes through the power of word, will, and worship.
Know what you worship.
: : :
This post is part of the "One Word at a Time" blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's one-word theme: Resolution.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Everyday Worship
"... the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father."
~ John 4:21 (NKJV)
... to kiss, adore. To worship, do obeisance, show respect, fall or prostrate before ...
The definition of worship includes all these things and more (see Friday's post, "A Kiss is NOT Just a Kiss"). So ... if we adore God in our hearts, then go to church on Sundays and offer corporate praise, and then maybe even go so far as to kneel with face to the ground in personal prayer, have we adequately worshiped?
Or might worship be incorporated into every waking moment? Might worship be an expression of the soul which is continually prostrated before God, acknowledging Him to be Lord and God in everything?
Whenever our thoughts and feelings, words and actions put God on the throne, we worship.
I think worship is as simple as an hour ago when I opened the cheese coffee cake in our kitchen, felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit to bypass it, tried to think of all the reasons that couldn't be the Holy Spirit speaking (so I could still have some dessert), and then by momentous effort closed the package again. With my actions I worshiped and said, "You, God, are Lord over even the coffee cake."
When I feel His prompting that I've spoken too harshly to a child and then take time amid a hectic schedule to apologize, I worship.
When I realize an unwelcome task is a divine appointment, and then make it welcome, I worship.
If I can say to the Lord, "Better is one day in Your courts, where You rebuke my pride and refine me with trials, than a thousand days of esteem and comfort elsewhere"—I have worshiped.
Might, perchance, the Lord receive such worship as kisses?
: : :
I invite you to share other ways in which God is continually worshiped in the everyday.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:21 (NKJV)
... to kiss, adore. To worship, do obeisance, show respect, fall or prostrate before ...
The definition of worship includes all these things and more (see Friday's post, "A Kiss is NOT Just a Kiss"). So ... if we adore God in our hearts, then go to church on Sundays and offer corporate praise, and then maybe even go so far as to kneel with face to the ground in personal prayer, have we adequately worshiped?
Or might worship be incorporated into every waking moment? Might worship be an expression of the soul which is continually prostrated before God, acknowledging Him to be Lord and God in everything?
Whenever our thoughts and feelings, words and actions put God on the throne, we worship.
I think worship is as simple as an hour ago when I opened the cheese coffee cake in our kitchen, felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit to bypass it, tried to think of all the reasons that couldn't be the Holy Spirit speaking (so I could still have some dessert), and then by momentous effort closed the package again. With my actions I worshiped and said, "You, God, are Lord over even the coffee cake."
When I feel His prompting that I've spoken too harshly to a child and then take time amid a hectic schedule to apologize, I worship.
When I realize an unwelcome task is a divine appointment, and then make it welcome, I worship.
If I can say to the Lord, "Better is one day in Your courts, where You rebuke my pride and refine me with trials, than a thousand days of esteem and comfort elsewhere"—I have worshiped.
Might, perchance, the Lord receive such worship as kisses?
: : :
I invite you to share other ways in which God is continually worshiped in the everyday.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Of Bathtubs and Toilets and Such
Our cozy house has two bathrooms and two teen daughters who each get a bathroom to clean. I'd honestly rather clean a bathroom than cook dinner, so it's not uncommon for me to do the former rather than the latter.
Instead of writing and posting this last night, I was on hands and knees to scrub rust stains out of a bathtub and then detail-clean every single spot near the toilets used by boys—arguably the two dirtiest jobs of the house.
More important than a clean house is teaching the principle that no task should be below me. I've often told the kids I'll never ask them to do anything I'm not willing to do myself. Or, put another way, there shouldn't be any task that either they or I look at and say of it, "I'm too good to do that—let someone lesser than me do it."
Because no one is lesser.
That's the line I use when someone around here whines about a dirty job. "Who's the person not as good as you that you think should do it?"
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NKJV)
When it comes to messy, bathtubs and toilets ain't got nothin on love.
I wish parenting never got any more difficult than teaching kids to detail-clean a bathroom. It's a thousand times—a million times!—more difficult to teach "love is not provoked" when you live around people who provoke you with all their little idiosyncracies (especially when I allow myself to be provoked).
The messiest cleaning job pales next to "bless those who curse you."
So I remind myself constantly that my life is God's experiment in love. He gives me the recipe for love, empowers me to love, and then allows all the conflicts which challenge love and cause me to fail and rise again. He not only gives me the privilege of proving Him true, but He makes it difficult enough to prove that love really does work.
He makes this experiment love messy enough to prove that He and His Word are anything but purely academic.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
~ Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Instead of writing and posting this last night, I was on hands and knees to scrub rust stains out of a bathtub and then detail-clean every single spot near the toilets used by boys—arguably the two dirtiest jobs of the house.
More important than a clean house is teaching the principle that no task should be below me. I've often told the kids I'll never ask them to do anything I'm not willing to do myself. Or, put another way, there shouldn't be any task that either they or I look at and say of it, "I'm too good to do that—let someone lesser than me do it."
Because no one is lesser.
That's the line I use when someone around here whines about a dirty job. "Who's the person not as good as you that you think should do it?"
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NKJV)
When it comes to messy, bathtubs and toilets ain't got nothin on love.
I wish parenting never got any more difficult than teaching kids to detail-clean a bathroom. It's a thousand times—a million times!—more difficult to teach "love is not provoked" when you live around people who provoke you with all their little idiosyncracies (especially when I allow myself to be provoked).
The messiest cleaning job pales next to "bless those who curse you."
So I remind myself constantly that my life is God's experiment in love. He gives me the recipe for love, empowers me to love, and then allows all the conflicts which challenge love and cause me to fail and rise again. He not only gives me the privilege of proving Him true, but He makes it difficult enough to prove that love really does work.
He makes this experiment love messy enough to prove that He and His Word are anything but purely academic.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
~ Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, October 14, 2011
A Kiss is NOT Just a Kiss
"You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews."
~ John 4:22 (NKJV)
"Worship" is the English translation of the Greek word proskunéō. The definition provided by The Word Study Dictionary* is so compelling that I quote it here:
proskunéō: to kiss, adore. To worship, do obeisance, show respect, fall or prostrate before. Literally, to kiss toward someone, to throw a kiss in token of respect or homage. The ancient oriental (especially Persian) mode of salutation between persons of equal ranks was to kiss each other on the lips; when the difference of rank was slight, they kissed each other on the cheek; when one was much inferior, he fell upon his knees and touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, throwing kisses at the same time toward the superior.
The dictionary definition goes on for a few paragraphs. I also plan to share more about worship.
But for today, I'm simply re-absorbing the paragraph above, and thinking of all the times the Bible refers to someone falling on his or her face in worship.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
~ Psalms 2:12 (NKJV)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
* from The Complete Word Study Dictionary
General Editor: Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D.
© 1992; Revised edition, 1993 by By AMG International, Inc.
~ John 4:22 (NKJV)
"Worship" is the English translation of the Greek word proskunéō. The definition provided by The Word Study Dictionary* is so compelling that I quote it here:
proskunéō: to kiss, adore. To worship, do obeisance, show respect, fall or prostrate before. Literally, to kiss toward someone, to throw a kiss in token of respect or homage. The ancient oriental (especially Persian) mode of salutation between persons of equal ranks was to kiss each other on the lips; when the difference of rank was slight, they kissed each other on the cheek; when one was much inferior, he fell upon his knees and touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, throwing kisses at the same time toward the superior.
The dictionary definition goes on for a few paragraphs. I also plan to share more about worship.
But for today, I'm simply re-absorbing the paragraph above, and thinking of all the times the Bible refers to someone falling on his or her face in worship.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
~ Psalms 2:12 (NKJV)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
* from The Complete Word Study Dictionary
General Editor: Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D.
© 1992; Revised edition, 1993 by By AMG International, Inc.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Little People
I ask my readers' forgiveness for being MIA this week. I'm back now that three pressing projects are now out of the way.
The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
~ John 4:19-20 (NKJV)
The last post offered the perspective that when the Samaritan woman at the well learns Jesus is a Prophet, she is emboldened to ask Him her One Burning Question about worship.
There are, of course, other possibilities which explain her drastic change of subject. One is that she is reminding Jesus that even if He is a prophet, He is a Jew with different priorities and beliefs than Samaritans, which places her outside of His ministry.
Which communicates messages like:
"I know that I'm not really important to You."
"If we disagree about the big stuff, what's the point of discussing lesser matters?"
"You can't tell me what to do."
"You're not for me."
In other words, she must be irrelevant to Jesus, so isn't He irrelevant to her?
We may think we're being humble if we shrug off God with the excuse that either we ourselves or some matter in our lives isn't significant enough for Him to be troubled with. We're actually belittling God, by thinking of Him like us—interested in the big stuff but not quite big enough to have time for all the little details and little people.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
~ Luke 12:6-7 (NKJV)
God cares about the little people enough to die for them. We know from answers to prayer that He cares about the little stuff too, if for no more reason than He loves us so much.
If the woman at the well was reminding Jesus that she was outside His ministry, I'm inclined to think she was inviting Him to reassure her that she could be on the inside—because that's where she ended up!
Q4U: What's one of the smallest things you've prayed for that God gave you?
I'll go first ... (see comments, below)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
~ John 4:19-20 (NKJV)
The last post offered the perspective that when the Samaritan woman at the well learns Jesus is a Prophet, she is emboldened to ask Him her One Burning Question about worship.
There are, of course, other possibilities which explain her drastic change of subject. One is that she is reminding Jesus that even if He is a prophet, He is a Jew with different priorities and beliefs than Samaritans, which places her outside of His ministry.
Which communicates messages like:
"I know that I'm not really important to You."
"If we disagree about the big stuff, what's the point of discussing lesser matters?"
"You can't tell me what to do."
"You're not for me."
In other words, she must be irrelevant to Jesus, so isn't He irrelevant to her?
We may think we're being humble if we shrug off God with the excuse that either we ourselves or some matter in our lives isn't significant enough for Him to be troubled with. We're actually belittling God, by thinking of Him like us—interested in the big stuff but not quite big enough to have time for all the little details and little people.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
~ Luke 12:6-7 (NKJV)
God cares about the little people enough to die for them. We know from answers to prayer that He cares about the little stuff too, if for no more reason than He loves us so much.
If the woman at the well was reminding Jesus that she was outside His ministry, I'm inclined to think she was inviting Him to reassure her that she could be on the inside—because that's where she ended up!
Q4U: What's one of the smallest things you've prayed for that God gave you?
I'll go first ... (see comments, below)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Everything in Its Time
image source: dodge.com image source: jeep.com After owning three vans, we considered it might be time for something different.
We talked about a Ram pickup. We talked about a Jeep. (That's pronounced "CHEEP!" by my outdoorsy fifteen-year-old daughter.) After looking over a number of Chrysler vehicles (our personal favorite), and considering our family of seven, we settled on (drum roll please) ... a minivan. They're just too darn practical.
So when time came to buy, my dear husband John went for a test drive.
Me: "How do you like the engine?"
Him: "Meh."
"Two glove boxes!"
"Meh."
"Great storage space in the stow–n-go bins."
"Meh."
"LOVE the retro dashboard."
"Meh."
"Good grief, there's cup holders everywhere!"
"What a lame idea to put a cup holder in the door—you'll spill your drink!"
"What a lame idea to bring a drink in a car without a lid."
I'd mentioned the hope that we buy a Jeep next time around. As long as we were at the dealer,
Me: "How do you like the engine?" (same 3.6 V6 as Caravan.)
Him: "Love it."
Me (opening small narrow tube on passenger side): "Has a glove box."
Him: "Nice size!"
Me: "This has got to be the tiniest windshield I've ever seen."
Him: "Yeah, cause the roof comes off."
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven ...
What profit has the worker from that in which he labors?
I have seen the God-given task
with which the sons of men are to be occupied.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1,9-11 (NKJV)
Perspective is everything. If we like someone or something, we see everything about them in the best light. When we're not enamored with someone or something, even their best doesn't win our hearts.
Perhaps the best this life offers is choosing to see everything as beautiful in its time.
Note from John: "The fact is, the engine is not the same, I did not say 'meh,' I said 'eh,' and it's not about the size of the glovebox, but about the size of the world you can reach with a Jeep! : )
Next time around, babe. I'll pray for it! : ) backatcha!
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, October 7, 2011
The One Burning Question
The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet... "
~ John 4:19 (NKJV)
The woman at the well stands exposed. The Prophet sees her for what she is. Most people might withdraw and hide at this point.
But the Prophet did not turn away from her, and she does not turn away either. She elects another option, revealing an even deeper secret of her heart—revealing the woman who has already been in hiding.
Something greater than her shame dares to emerge, because she has won the spiritual lottery of obtaining a Prophet's ear. She wants to claim a prize which has eluded every person she knows.
"... Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
~ John 4:20 (NKJV)
The woman at the well of five husbands and a live-in boyfriend wants her worship to be validated.
This woman who is a nobody dares to believe she might be a somebody in the eyes of God.
I ask of you and of myself ~
When exposed before the Lord, is the first inclination to run and hide as Adam and Eve, or face the God-Who-Sees and engage Him?
When we understand that we have God's ear, will our one burning question dare to emerge?
Is worship about doing a duty or about knowing we've touched God?
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:19 (NKJV)
The woman at the well stands exposed. The Prophet sees her for what she is. Most people might withdraw and hide at this point.
But the Prophet did not turn away from her, and she does not turn away either. She elects another option, revealing an even deeper secret of her heart—revealing the woman who has already been in hiding.
Something greater than her shame dares to emerge, because she has won the spiritual lottery of obtaining a Prophet's ear. She wants to claim a prize which has eluded every person she knows.
"... Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship."
~ John 4:20 (NKJV)
The woman at the well of five husbands and a live-in boyfriend wants her worship to be validated.
This woman who is a nobody dares to believe she might be a somebody in the eyes of God.
I ask of you and of myself ~
When exposed before the Lord, is the first inclination to run and hide as Adam and Eve, or face the God-Who-Sees and engage Him?
When we understand that we have God's ear, will our one burning question dare to emerge?
Is worship about doing a duty or about knowing we've touched God?
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Moment of Truth
The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw." Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband."
~ John 4:15-17 (NKJV)
Does Jesus' M.O. feel a little like bait and switch?
Jesus opens an unwelcome discussion about water. He manages to entice an unsuspecting woman into desiring the water He has available. But when she becomes interested in what He offers, Jesus changes the subject.
It just so happens to be the last subject in the world she wants to talk about, where she is most vulnerable.
Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,' for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly."
~ John 4:17-18 (NKJV)
Whatever her own contribution to her situation, this poor woman has either been divorced or widowed five times. She likely has no chance of another marriage candidate, and is reduced to cohabitation or harlotry or slavery for subsistence. Could she possibly feel more rejected by God or men or both?
And now, this stranger condenses the sum of her life's tragedy to a single sentence and confronts her in a moment of truth she was not ready to face.
But we know what she has not yet discovered. When God brings a man or woman to such a moment of truth, He is ready to do some of His best work in a life.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 4:15-17 (NKJV)
Does Jesus' M.O. feel a little like bait and switch?
Jesus opens an unwelcome discussion about water. He manages to entice an unsuspecting woman into desiring the water He has available. But when she becomes interested in what He offers, Jesus changes the subject.
It just so happens to be the last subject in the world she wants to talk about, where she is most vulnerable.
Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,' for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly."
~ John 4:17-18 (NKJV)
Whatever her own contribution to her situation, this poor woman has either been divorced or widowed five times. She likely has no chance of another marriage candidate, and is reduced to cohabitation or harlotry or slavery for subsistence. Could she possibly feel more rejected by God or men or both?
And now, this stranger condenses the sum of her life's tragedy to a single sentence and confronts her in a moment of truth she was not ready to face.
But we know what she has not yet discovered. When God brings a man or woman to such a moment of truth, He is ready to do some of His best work in a life.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Season of Drought
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.
~ Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)
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.
~ Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)
The heartbreaking photos of devastation in Texas due to a season of drought are a poignant reminder of the planet's dependence on water.
Nestled between the Great Lakes, I may never know drought here in Michigan. Yet my well could run dry. Our water supply could easily become (or be) contaminated. It's a long walk for water if I ever have to actually draw it out of a lake or river. I cannot afford to take my water supply for granted.
The Bible shows that God has always used drought to call people to remember dependence on Him for sustenance. Some people might call drought judgment. I see it as mercy. The more dependent we become on the Lord for the water needed by both our bodies and by our souls, the closer we will draw to Him, and the more we will experience life.
The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."
~ John 4:15 (NKJV)
The woman at the well wished to avoid thirst and the need to draw. But Jesus says instead, to her and each one of us, "Thirst! Yes, thirst, that I you may come to Me and drink. Come! Yes, come here and draw—draw closer to Me."
God forbid that we should not thirst!
El Shaddai, God Almighty, You are giver of all life. We are utterly dependent on You. Please let each of us recognize where there we experience a season of drought in our lives, that we might come and receive living water from You.
: : :
This post is part of the "One Word at a Time" blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's one-word theme: Season
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Dust in the Wind
This time last week, I was attending that writers conference in St. Louie I mentioned.
Was that really only a week ago? It seems like it's been a month. I've been working hard since then, following up conference business, catching up home chores, going to dinner with my husband, homeschooling the kids, shopping for a new car (yay!), writing blog posts, writing fiction, falling into place on the church drama team. (That latter group is a class full of class clowns.)
Where is my calling? Where do I belong?
Everywhere. Anywhere. I'm forever running late, because I live too much in the moment. Wherever I may be, there I am. Wherever I may be, I want to drip Jesus (even if I fail or forget), and I sometimes hesitate to move on.
I breathe
I eat
I dance
I die
And yet I never live
You can feel me
But cannot touch me
Although your heart may hold me
Nothing with life survives without me
And nothing of heaven and earth will survive me
I am Fire
("I am Fire" © 2010, 2011 Anne Lang Bundy)
The fire in my heart for the Lord is as mysterious to me as the fire I just put in our wood stove for these first chilly hours of October. How does the tiny flame ignite and convert heavy chunks of tree into ash, which disappears into the wind when I dump the ash bucket—leaving behind peace and warmth inside?
The fire in my heart for the Lord reduces me to nothing some days. I think I've finally been reduced to ash, nothing left but dust in the wind.
That's okay with me, as long as I leave behind a little peace and warmth of the Lord in the process.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Was that really only a week ago? It seems like it's been a month. I've been working hard since then, following up conference business, catching up home chores, going to dinner with my husband, homeschooling the kids, shopping for a new car (yay!), writing blog posts, writing fiction, falling into place on the church drama team. (That latter group is a class full of class clowns.)
Where is my calling? Where do I belong?
Everywhere. Anywhere. I'm forever running late, because I live too much in the moment. Wherever I may be, there I am. Wherever I may be, I want to drip Jesus (even if I fail or forget), and I sometimes hesitate to move on.
I breathe
I eat
I dance
I die
And yet I never live
You can feel me
But cannot touch me
Although your heart may hold me
Nothing with life survives without me
And nothing of heaven and earth will survive me
I am Fire
("I am Fire" © 2010, 2011 Anne Lang Bundy)
The fire in my heart for the Lord is as mysterious to me as the fire I just put in our wood stove for these first chilly hours of October. How does the tiny flame ignite and convert heavy chunks of tree into ash, which disappears into the wind when I dump the ash bucket—leaving behind peace and warmth inside?
The fire in my heart for the Lord reduces me to nothing some days. I think I've finally been reduced to ash, nothing left but dust in the wind.
That's okay with me, as long as I leave behind a little peace and warmth of the Lord in the process.
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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