It is common, as I listen to love songs, to feel the passion of the Greatest Love Story. Usually, I hear my ache for Jesus. Other times, I've felt the ache of Jesus for His bride.
I hadn't heard "Unchained Melody" in years. It was played at a wedding last weekend, and it hasn't left my head and heart all week.
Has Jesus' waiting also seemed like a long time? I've been wondering, as Jesus sits at His Father's right hand, if among his prayers for us might be: "God speed your love to Me."
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
~ Mark 13:32 (NKJV)
UNCHAINED MELODY
Written 1955: Lyrics, Hy Zaret; Music, Alex North
Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
a long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow to the sea
to the sea
to the open arms of the sea
lonely rivers sigh wait for me
wait for me
I'll be coming home wait for me
Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered, hungered for your touch
a long lonely time
and time goes by so slowly
and time can do so much
are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label #Playlist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Playlist. Show all posts
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I Love Them So
This post is dedicated to a spirit of diversity in Christ's church, and to the unity made possible by love. It is also the "Rest of the Story" behind yesterday's expression of thanks to God posted at Everyday Testimony.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV)
Though differences among Christians certainly can bring about divisions, how else could we possibly express understanding of a God as huge as ours? I am convinced that without such diversity, we would see much less of God than we do.
The same is true of expressions of love. Seven members of my diverse household each express love in different ways. Unless we value our individuality, we are certain to either miss the more subtle expressions of love we have for one another, or fail to appreciate the bold ones.
The Lord is Master of both.
He's teaching me new ways to be subtle. Yet I can't imagine that I'll ever weary of the frequent "I love you" or PDA (public display of affection) which either embarrasses or grows old with some people. I grew up amid a family fluent in this open love language.
My mother, blind since birth, began playing the piano before she could walk, and can literally play a song by ear if you hum a few bars. Her gift for music includes the uncanny ability to remember nearly every song she's ever heard. The miles and years are often bridged by the music my mother shares with her grandchildren in various ways.
Musical skill skipped over me to my children. My love of music is devoid of the same breadth and comprehension shared by the generations preceding and following me. For example, I did not share my mother's affection for the 60-year-old cowboy tune she passed along to my kids several years ago.
Then on Sunday I did a post about social media, "Following." The same day, my 17-year-old daughter offset every pain in the neck social media has ever been with a simple post to my Facebook wall. It included four words, three hearts, and Youtube link:
I love you Mommy! ♥ ♥ ♥
Here are the words to a song which resounds with love reaching across the generations.
MOM AND DAD'S WALTZ
Words and music by Lefty Frizzell
© 1951 Hill and Range Songs
I'd walk for miles
Cry or smile
For my mama and daddy
I want them
I want them to know
How I feel
My love is real
For my mama and daddy
I want them to know
I love them so.
[CHORUS:]
In my heart joy tears start 'cause I'm happy
And I pray every day for Mom and Pappy—
And each night.
I'd walk for miles cry or smile
For my mama and daddy
I want them to know I love them so.
[violin bridge]
I'd fight in wars
Do all the chores
For my mama and daddy
I want them
To live on til they're called.
I'd work and slave
And never rave
To my mama and daddy
Because I know
I owe them my all.
[CHORUS]
I love them so.
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
♥ ♥ ♥
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV)
Though differences among Christians certainly can bring about divisions, how else could we possibly express understanding of a God as huge as ours? I am convinced that without such diversity, we would see much less of God than we do.
The same is true of expressions of love. Seven members of my diverse household each express love in different ways. Unless we value our individuality, we are certain to either miss the more subtle expressions of love we have for one another, or fail to appreciate the bold ones.
The Lord is Master of both.
He's teaching me new ways to be subtle. Yet I can't imagine that I'll ever weary of the frequent "I love you" or PDA (public display of affection) which either embarrasses or grows old with some people. I grew up amid a family fluent in this open love language.
♥ ♥ ♥
My mother, blind since birth, began playing the piano before she could walk, and can literally play a song by ear if you hum a few bars. Her gift for music includes the uncanny ability to remember nearly every song she's ever heard. The miles and years are often bridged by the music my mother shares with her grandchildren in various ways.
Musical skill skipped over me to my children. My love of music is devoid of the same breadth and comprehension shared by the generations preceding and following me. For example, I did not share my mother's affection for the 60-year-old cowboy tune she passed along to my kids several years ago.
Then on Sunday I did a post about social media, "Following." The same day, my 17-year-old daughter offset every pain in the neck social media has ever been with a simple post to my Facebook wall. It included four words, three hearts, and Youtube link:
I love you Mommy! ♥ ♥ ♥
Here are the words to a song which resounds with love reaching across the generations.
MOM AND DAD'S WALTZ
Words and music by Lefty Frizzell
© 1951 Hill and Range Songs
I'd walk for miles
Cry or smile
For my mama and daddy
I want them
I want them to know
How I feel
My love is real
For my mama and daddy
I want them to know
I love them so.
[CHORUS:]
In my heart joy tears start 'cause I'm happy
And I pray every day for Mom and Pappy—
And each night.
I'd walk for miles cry or smile
For my mama and daddy
I want them to know I love them so.
[violin bridge]
I'd fight in wars
Do all the chores
For my mama and daddy
I want them
To live on til they're called.
I'd work and slave
And never rave
To my mama and daddy
Because I know
I owe them my all.
[CHORUS]
I love them so.
♥ ♥ ♥
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Standing By
"He will never break His promise,
though the stars should break faith with the sky."
~ Rich Mullins
Standing By
It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.
~ Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)
Tuesday's post from Revelation 12:10-11 looked to the saints overcoming the devil with their Testimony.
But we see here in Revelation 13 that along the way, the enemy sometimes overcomes us.
It is in darkest moments of seeming defeat that we must call to mind: our Deliverer is standing by, waiting to make known His might.
My Deliverer
Joseph took his wife and child and they went to Africa
To escape the rage of a deadly king
There along the banks of the Nile, Jesus listened to the song
That the captive children used to sing
They were singing
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
Through a dry and thirsty land, water from the Kenyon heights
Pours itself out of Lake Sangra's broken heart
There in the Sahara winds Jesus heard the whole world cry
For the healing that would flow from His own scars
The world was singing
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise
He has written it upon the sky
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
I will never doubt His promise
though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise
though the stars should break faith with the sky
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
Lyrics "My Deliverer" © 1998 Myrrh Records
by Rich Mullins (1955 – 1997) and Mitch McVicker
GMA's Song of the Year 1999 (awarded posthumously)
though the stars should break faith with the sky."
~ Rich Mullins
Standing By
It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.
~ Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)
Tuesday's post from Revelation 12:10-11 looked to the saints overcoming the devil with their Testimony.
But we see here in Revelation 13 that along the way, the enemy sometimes overcomes us.
It is in darkest moments of seeming defeat that we must call to mind: our Deliverer is standing by, waiting to make known His might.
My Deliverer
Joseph took his wife and child and they went to Africa
To escape the rage of a deadly king
There along the banks of the Nile, Jesus listened to the song
That the captive children used to sing
They were singing
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
Through a dry and thirsty land, water from the Kenyon heights
Pours itself out of Lake Sangra's broken heart
There in the Sahara winds Jesus heard the whole world cry
For the healing that would flow from His own scars
The world was singing
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise
He has written it upon the sky
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
I will never doubt His promise
though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise
though the stars should break faith with the sky
My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by
Lyrics "My Deliverer" © 1998 Myrrh Records
by Rich Mullins (1955 – 1997) and Mitch McVicker
GMA's Song of the Year 1999 (awarded posthumously)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
And He Shall Reign
Then the seventh angel sounded:
And there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
“The kingdoms of this world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever!”
~ Revelation 11:15 (NKJV)
And He Shall Reign
I searched through numerous videos of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus to select one for today's post. I was dismayed that the majestic piece has become a source for farce, for gay pride promotion, and even for a movie opportunity to drop the f-bomb in connection with Jesus.
The video below may not have the highest quality of photos and text, but it is certainly faithful to the reverence for God with which the piece was written.
This passage of Revelation inspired the beloved music which looks to the day when "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of the Lord, and of His Christ." I pray these verses might inspire you to think of the day when the sound in Heaven may be something like this ~
Hallelujah Chorus
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Hallelujah Chorus composed 1741 by George Frideric Handel.
And there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
“The kingdoms of this world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever!”
~ Revelation 11:15 (NKJV)
And He Shall Reign
I searched through numerous videos of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus to select one for today's post. I was dismayed that the majestic piece has become a source for farce, for gay pride promotion, and even for a movie opportunity to drop the f-bomb in connection with Jesus.
The video below may not have the highest quality of photos and text, but it is certainly faithful to the reverence for God with which the piece was written.
This passage of Revelation inspired the beloved music which looks to the day when "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of the Lord, and of His Christ." I pray these verses might inspire you to think of the day when the sound in Heaven may be something like this ~
Hallelujah Chorus
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Hallelujah Chorus composed 1741 by George Frideric Handel.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Traffic in Hope
"Hope is to be alive at this moment."
~ Maureen Doallas
from the poem "Hope Is"
: : :
I am guilty of counting time my enemy.
Time is too brief to appreciate the good.
Time is too crowded to accomplish the better.
Time is too protracted to touch the best.
Hope has been my study. Bible words for hope are connected to waiting with expectancy or with trust or with confidence, but always with that agonizing waiting which brings me to despise the time which is both too short and too long.
: : :
Whenever my first encounter with Maureen Doallas, I took notice of her nearly a year ago when I read a piece she wrote titled "Uncommon Community," about those dogged by cancer. This is an excerpt:
We need time. We want for time....
We struggle to hold on to faith when faith doesn't answer our questions. We have too many questions and not enough answers.
Mostly, we traffic in hope.
: : :
Everywhere I turned this week, Hope and Patience confronted me.
Maureen challenges me to make time my friend, to live with a hope placed not in the future, but in the moment—to traffic in hope rather than with time.
A video I encountered three days ago complements her words with an additional challenge for living in the moment: use whatever comes to my hand to make something wonderful, and say of the waiting, "This too shall pass."
For a moment, His anger,
For a lifetime, His favor;
For the night weeping may tarry,
But the morning is for rejoicing.
~ Psalms 30:5
: : :
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
You know you can't keep lettin' it get you down
And you can't keep draggin' that dead weight around.
If there ain't all that much to lug around, cultivate
Better run like hell when you hit the ground.
When the morning comes.
When the morning comes.
You can't stop these kids from dancin'.
Why would you want to?
Especially when you're already gettin' yours.
'Cause if your mind don't move and your knees don't bend,
well don't go blamin' the kids again.
When the morning comes. (Repeat ...)
Let it go, this too shall pass.
Let it go, this too shall pass.
Let it go, this too shall pass.
(You know you can't keep lettin' it get you down.
No, you can't keep lettin' it get you down.)
When the morning comes.
: : :
Postscripts:
Notre Dame fans may appreciate their marching band's unconventional performance with OK GO on an alternate video.
My prayer is that our nation will call to mind each September 11th that our only hope is dependence upon our Creator.
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"This Too Shall Pass" by OK Go © 2009 Capitol Records
~ Maureen Doallas
from the poem "Hope Is"
: : :
I am guilty of counting time my enemy.
Time is too brief to appreciate the good.
Time is too crowded to accomplish the better.
Time is too protracted to touch the best.
Hope has been my study. Bible words for hope are connected to waiting with expectancy or with trust or with confidence, but always with that agonizing waiting which brings me to despise the time which is both too short and too long.
: : :
Whenever my first encounter with Maureen Doallas, I took notice of her nearly a year ago when I read a piece she wrote titled "Uncommon Community," about those dogged by cancer. This is an excerpt:We need time. We want for time....
We struggle to hold on to faith when faith doesn't answer our questions. We have too many questions and not enough answers.
Mostly, we traffic in hope.
: : :
Everywhere I turned this week, Hope and Patience confronted me.
Maureen challenges me to make time my friend, to live with a hope placed not in the future, but in the moment—to traffic in hope rather than with time.
A video I encountered three days ago complements her words with an additional challenge for living in the moment: use whatever comes to my hand to make something wonderful, and say of the waiting, "This too shall pass."
For a moment, His anger,
For a lifetime, His favor;
For the night weeping may tarry,
But the morning is for rejoicing.
~ Psalms 30:5
: : :
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
You know you can't keep lettin' it get you down
And you can't keep draggin' that dead weight around.
If there ain't all that much to lug around, cultivate
Better run like hell when you hit the ground.
When the morning comes.
When the morning comes.
You can't stop these kids from dancin'.
Why would you want to?
Especially when you're already gettin' yours.
'Cause if your mind don't move and your knees don't bend,
well don't go blamin' the kids again.
When the morning comes. (Repeat ...)
Let it go, this too shall pass.
Let it go, this too shall pass.
Let it go, this too shall pass.
(You know you can't keep lettin' it get you down.
No, you can't keep lettin' it get you down.)
When the morning comes.
: : :
Postscripts:
Notre Dame fans may appreciate their marching band's unconventional performance with OK GO on an alternate video.
My prayer is that our nation will call to mind each September 11th that our only hope is dependence upon our Creator.
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"This Too Shall Pass" by OK Go © 2009 Capitol Records
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Praise You
"You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created."
~ Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)
These are the words of praise heavenly saints offer to complement praise of angels.
Today, rather than my own words, I offer words sung by our church orchestra, accompanied by the dance of earthly saints.
(If you don't have time for the entire video and wish to see the dancers, we enter at about 2:00. Please excuse the mediocre recording quality.)
PRAISE YOU
Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.
O God Who spoke creation
Whose Word has formed all things
We praise You
O God Who reigns forever
Immortal King of kings
We praise You
You dwell in holy light
You rule with pow’r and might
Heaven and earth unite
To praise You
Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
We praise You
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You
O God we bow before You
And in Your awesome presence
Praise You
For You alone are worthy
Our hearts with fear and rev’rence
Praise You
O Sov’reign Lord You reign
The universe proclaims
The splendor of Your name
We praise You
With saints who’ve gone before us
Our spirits shout in chorus
Praise You
With highest adoration
This is our declaration
Praise You
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, almighty.
The whole earth is full of His glory.
Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.
Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
We praise You
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You
Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.
Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You!
Words and music of “Praise You” by Tony Wood and Brian Petak
© 2004 New Spring Publishing Inc.
#worshipdance
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created."
~ Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)
These are the words of praise heavenly saints offer to complement praise of angels.
Today, rather than my own words, I offer words sung by our church orchestra, accompanied by the dance of earthly saints.
(If you don't have time for the entire video and wish to see the dancers, we enter at about 2:00. Please excuse the mediocre recording quality.)
PRAISE YOU
Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.
O God Who spoke creation
Whose Word has formed all things
We praise You
O God Who reigns forever
Immortal King of kings
We praise You
You dwell in holy light
You rule with pow’r and might
Heaven and earth unite
To praise You
Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
We praise You
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You
O God we bow before You
And in Your awesome presence
Praise You
For You alone are worthy
Our hearts with fear and rev’rence
Praise You
O Sov’reign Lord You reign
The universe proclaims
The splendor of Your name
We praise You
With saints who’ve gone before us
Our spirits shout in chorus
Praise You
With highest adoration
This is our declaration
Praise You
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, almighty.
The whole earth is full of His glory.
Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.
Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
We praise You
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You
Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.
Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You!
Words and music of “Praise You” by Tony Wood and Brian Petak
© 2004 New Spring Publishing Inc.
#worshipdance
Sunday, August 29, 2010
O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus
Lord, I've asked in the past if I could have a spot in Heaven not too far from the King, even if it's just scrubbing out the corner with a toothbrush. I'm not particularly interested in Heaven's other locales or pleasures.
Then I consider how undeserving of Your grace I am, and I feel I can't ask for even that much.
All the same, I know that You love me, and that You know my love for You. And I want to say that I don't care a whit about Heaven unless I'm with You, in Your presence, taking in the fullness of Your vast, unmeasured, boundless love. I'd rather spend an eternity on Earth in only Your Spirit's presence than to be Heaven without You.
O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To Thy glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches over His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own
How for them He intercedeth,
watcheth over them from the throne.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Tis a heaven of heavens to me
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee!
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Words of "O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" by S. Trevor Francis, 1875.
Arrangement recorded by Selah © 2004 Curb Songs
All other content Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Then I consider how undeserving of Your grace I am, and I feel I can't ask for even that much.
All the same, I know that You love me, and that You know my love for You. And I want to say that I don't care a whit about Heaven unless I'm with You, in Your presence, taking in the fullness of Your vast, unmeasured, boundless love. I'd rather spend an eternity on Earth in only Your Spirit's presence than to be Heaven without You.
O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To Thy glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches over His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own
How for them He intercedeth,
watcheth over them from the throne.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Tis a heaven of heavens to me
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee!
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Words of "O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" by S. Trevor Francis, 1875.
Arrangement recorded by Selah © 2004 Curb Songs
All other content Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Broken Inside
Lord, there are mornings when I come before You and feel too small and broken to know what to give You.
I am reminded that this is all You ask.
And so I give You myself, small and broken. And I say "Thank You for the cross," knowing it cannot be said too many times.
Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at Your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You,
Once again I pour out my life
Now You are exhalted to the highest place
King of the Heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now, I'll marvel at Your saving grace
I'm full of praise once again
Oh I'm full of praise once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my friend
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Lyrics "Once Again" by Matt Redman & Tim Hughes © 1996 Thankyou Music
I am reminded that this is all You ask.
And so I give You myself, small and broken. And I say "Thank You for the cross," knowing it cannot be said too many times.
Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at Your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You,
Once again I pour out my life
Now You are exhalted to the highest place
King of the Heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now, I'll marvel at Your saving grace
I'm full of praise once again
Oh I'm full of praise once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my friend
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Lyrics "Once Again" by Matt Redman & Tim Hughes © 1996 Thankyou Music
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Magnified
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
~ David, (Psalms 34:3 NKJV)
By age 16 I'd smelled enough untruth in church to leave it. My quest for Truth and life purpose took a meandering route through a variety of places both ungodly and goodly. I sensed Truth was connected to God, and He was connected to church, so my path finally led back there.
Though Truth eluded me in the Roman Catholic church I attended, the Lord kept wooing me until I found myself in a church which magnified the Bible and the Bible's God. The beauty of the Lord and His Truth loomed large, and we've been in love ever since.
Among the many reasons I attend church is that when we come together as God's people, the Lord and His Truth are magnified. If lies make us prisoners and Truth makes us free, then exalted, magnified Truth makes known the breadth of our freedom.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ Jesus, (John 8:32 NKJV)
MUCH OF YOU JESUS
Steven Curtis Chapman
How could I stand here
And watch the sun rise
Follow the mountains
Where they touch the sky
Ponder the vastness
And the depths of the sea
And think for a moment
The point of it all was to make much of me
Cause I'm just a whisper
And You are the thunder
I want to make much of You, Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today to give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of You
And how can I kneel here
And think of the cross
The thorns and the whip and the nails and the spear
The infinite cost
To purchase my pardon
And bear all my shame
To think I have anything worth boasting in
Except for Your name
Cause I am a sinner
And You are the Savior
I want to make much of You, Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today to give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of You
This is Your love, oh God
Not to make much of me
But to send Your own Son
So that we could make much of You
For all eternity
I want to make much of You Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today to give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of You
I want to make much of You
Much of You Jesus
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Lyrics of "Much of You" by Steven Curtis Chapman, © 2004 Sparrow Records
#Truth
And let us exalt His name together.
~ David, (Psalms 34:3 NKJV)
By age 16 I'd smelled enough untruth in church to leave it. My quest for Truth and life purpose took a meandering route through a variety of places both ungodly and goodly. I sensed Truth was connected to God, and He was connected to church, so my path finally led back there.
Though Truth eluded me in the Roman Catholic church I attended, the Lord kept wooing me until I found myself in a church which magnified the Bible and the Bible's God. The beauty of the Lord and His Truth loomed large, and we've been in love ever since.
Among the many reasons I attend church is that when we come together as God's people, the Lord and His Truth are magnified. If lies make us prisoners and Truth makes us free, then exalted, magnified Truth makes known the breadth of our freedom.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ Jesus, (John 8:32 NKJV)
MUCH OF YOU JESUS
Steven Curtis Chapman
How could I stand here
And watch the sun rise
Follow the mountains
Where they touch the sky
Ponder the vastness
And the depths of the sea
And think for a moment
The point of it all was to make much of me
Cause I'm just a whisper
And You are the thunder
I want to make much of You, Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today to give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of You
And how can I kneel here
And think of the cross
The thorns and the whip and the nails and the spear
The infinite cost
To purchase my pardon
And bear all my shame
To think I have anything worth boasting in
Except for Your name
Cause I am a sinner
And You are the Savior
I want to make much of You, Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today to give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of You
This is Your love, oh God
Not to make much of me
But to send Your own Son
So that we could make much of You
For all eternity
I want to make much of You Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today to give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of You
I want to make much of You
Much of You Jesus
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Lyrics of "Much of You" by Steven Curtis Chapman, © 2004 Sparrow Records
#Truth
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Who Am I?
"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant."
~ Genesis 32:10 (NKJV)
Who Am I?
The Bible quotes David asking three times, "Who am I, that ..." The man after God's own heart asked this of Saul shortly after slaying Goliath, of God after receiving promise of an everlasting kingdom, and again shortly before he died.
Please permit me to quote from that last instance with greater length than I generally use here:
"Blessed are You,
LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.
"Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name.
But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.
For we are aliens and pilgrims before You,
As were all our fathers;
Our days on earth are as a shadow,
And without hope... "
~ 1 Chronicles 29:10-15 (NKJV)
Whatever his lapses, whatever his achievements, David did not lose sight of the fact that he was quite small, and God is quite large; that without the Lord, we are utterly without hope; that the Lord is worthy of our blessing at all times, even in the valley of the shadow of death.
It is a fitting perspective.
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wondering heart?
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord You catch me when I'm falling
And You told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see our sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me? ...
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Lyrics of "Who Am I?" as recorded by Casting Crowns are written by Hall, John Mark; © 2003 Reunion Records, Inc.
~ Genesis 32:10 (NKJV)
Who Am I?
The Bible quotes David asking three times, "Who am I, that ..." The man after God's own heart asked this of Saul shortly after slaying Goliath, of God after receiving promise of an everlasting kingdom, and again shortly before he died.
Please permit me to quote from that last instance with greater length than I generally use here:
"Blessed are You,
LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.
"Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name.
But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.
For we are aliens and pilgrims before You,
As were all our fathers;
Our days on earth are as a shadow,
And without hope... "
~ 1 Chronicles 29:10-15 (NKJV)
Whatever his lapses, whatever his achievements, David did not lose sight of the fact that he was quite small, and God is quite large; that without the Lord, we are utterly without hope; that the Lord is worthy of our blessing at all times, even in the valley of the shadow of death.
It is a fitting perspective.
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wondering heart?
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord You catch me when I'm falling
And You told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see our sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me? ...
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Lyrics of "Who Am I?" as recorded by Casting Crowns are written by Hall, John Mark; © 2003 Reunion Records, Inc.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Make the Love Between Us Flow
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
~ John 15:12 (NKJV)
Reconciliation was and is the work of God. In every way, the Lord Jesus worked to bring reconciliation between God and mankind, among people. The difficulties in our life which God allows draw us to His throne in prayer, and compel us to work together for resolution and unity.
True unity is of another, unseen world. We learn it from the things of this world which are seen. We see birth and death that we might understand a bigger circle which unifies.
We see colors, that we might better understand the God Who is all colors of light—Who visited the earth as Son of Man and allowed us to glimpse purest love.
The Coloring Song
Red is the color of the blood that flowed
down the face of Someone Who loved us so,
He's the perfect Man, He's the Lord's Own Son,
He's the Lamb of God, He's the only One,
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can make the Love between us flow
Blue is the color of a heart so cold
that will not bend when the story's told,
of the Love of God for a sinful race,
of the Blood that flowed down Jesus' face
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can keep our hearts from growing cold
Gold is the color of the morning sun
that shines so freely on everyone,
it's the sun above that keeps us warm,
it's the Son of Love that calms the storm
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can turn our mornings into gold
Brown is the color of the autumn leaves,
when the winter comes to the barren trees,
there is birth, there is death, there is a plan
and there's just one God and there's just one Man
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can make our sins as white as snow
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can turn our mornings into gold,
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can keep our hearts from growing cold,
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can make the Love between us flow
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"The Coloring Song" by Petra, from the album Never Say Die
©1981 Star Song Records
~ John 15:12 (NKJV)
Reconciliation was and is the work of God. In every way, the Lord Jesus worked to bring reconciliation between God and mankind, among people. The difficulties in our life which God allows draw us to His throne in prayer, and compel us to work together for resolution and unity.
True unity is of another, unseen world. We learn it from the things of this world which are seen. We see birth and death that we might understand a bigger circle which unifies.
We see colors, that we might better understand the God Who is all colors of light—Who visited the earth as Son of Man and allowed us to glimpse purest love.
The Coloring Song
Red is the color of the blood that flowed
down the face of Someone Who loved us so,
He's the perfect Man, He's the Lord's Own Son,
He's the Lamb of God, He's the only One,
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can make the Love between us flow
Blue is the color of a heart so cold
that will not bend when the story's told,
of the Love of God for a sinful race,
of the Blood that flowed down Jesus' face
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can keep our hearts from growing cold
Gold is the color of the morning sun
that shines so freely on everyone,
it's the sun above that keeps us warm,
it's the Son of Love that calms the storm
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can turn our mornings into gold
Brown is the color of the autumn leaves,
when the winter comes to the barren trees,
there is birth, there is death, there is a plan
and there's just one God and there's just one Man
that can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can make our sins as white as snow
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can turn our mornings into gold,
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can keep our hearts from growing cold,
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
that can make the Love between us flow
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"The Coloring Song" by Petra, from the album Never Say Die
©1981 Star Song Records
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Refiner's Fire
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.
~ 1 Peter 1:6-8 (NKJV)
These brief hours on the earth aren't about me, and not even about now.
It's all about Him, the glory we can give Him now, and the glory shared with Him for our eternity together.
He's irresistibly drawn to the holiness in us which is like His own, and He makes us increasingly like Himself. The more we are like Him, the more we know Him, the more we love Him.
Here am I, Lord.
Have Your way with me.
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Music and Lyrics of Refiner's Fire by Brian Doerksen Copyright 2004 Integrity Media, Inc.
~ 1 Peter 1:6-8 (NKJV)
These brief hours on the earth aren't about me, and not even about now.
It's all about Him, the glory we can give Him now, and the glory shared with Him for our eternity together.
He's irresistibly drawn to the holiness in us which is like His own, and He makes us increasingly like Himself. The more we are like Him, the more we know Him, the more we love Him.
Here am I, Lord.
Have Your way with me.
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Music and Lyrics of Refiner's Fire by Brian Doerksen Copyright 2004 Integrity Media, Inc.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Hiding Place
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
~ Psalms 32:7 (NKJV)
Music reminds us that we were created for another place.
When we do not feel at home on the earth, we find the Lord to be our Hiding Place.
"You are My Hiding Place" by Selah, © 2004 Curb Records
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah
~ Psalms 32:7 (NKJV)
Music reminds us that we were created for another place.
When we do not feel at home on the earth, we find the Lord to be our Hiding Place.
"You are My Hiding Place" by Selah, © 2004 Curb Records
Sunday, May 2, 2010
My Praise
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises...
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands;
Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD.
~ Psalms 98:4,7-8 (NKJV)
The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying:
" 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!'
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
~ Luke 19:37-40 (NKJV)
My Praise
Well before dawn can be perceived on the eastern horizon, a cacophony of birdsong begins to rise heavenward to greet the light, the melody of rain its accompaniment.
Such song of praise to a loving Creator likewise compels my praise, which is wholly inadequate, and something more of an aching sigh.
These words come close to the sound of that sigh.
Lord, I wish I could praise You with adequate words
But You leave me speechless
And I so long to sing You the song You deserve
But it would be endless
I long to move Your heart
To bring You something new
To tell how great You are
Till my praise to You
Is like an ocean breeze blowing on Your face
Like a summer sun with its warm embrace
Like a gentle rain plays a symphony
That's what I want my praise to be
Like a fragrant rose in the early spring
Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings
Whatever, Lord, You may need from me
That's what I want my praise to be
To You
Everything I could give, You already possess
Lord, I'm so unworthy,
I'm just one of the millions to stand and confess
And yet still You hear me
Your heart is open wide
You long for what I bring
I pray somehow You'll find this simple offering
Is like an ocean breeze blowing on Your face
Like a summer sun with its warm embrace
Like a gentle rain plays a symphony
That's what I want my praise to be
Like a fragrant rose in the early spring
Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings
Whatever, Lord, You may need from me
That's what I want my praise to be
To You
Oh I want my praise to be
Like the breeze, the sun, the spring
Oh I want my praise to be
Like the eagle spreads its wings
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#praise
"My Praise" by Phillips Craig and Dean lyrics © 2003 Sparrow Records
Saturday, April 24, 2010
How Great Thou Art
I can hardly wait for Heaven, when I can sing with all my strength in a way I am unskilled to worship with on the earth.
(And thanks to Bud Ezekiel, who features many praise songs on his blog, by whom I was introduced to this fantastic rendition of a timeless hymn.)
NOTE (added Sunday evening, 9pm): My apologies that this video is a format which does not display properly in Blogger. If you'd like to watch this in the wide screen format, please click this YouTube link: How Great Thou Art
Oh Lord my God, How very great You are.
(And thanks to Bud Ezekiel, who features many praise songs on his blog, by whom I was introduced to this fantastic rendition of a timeless hymn.)
NOTE (added Sunday evening, 9pm): My apologies that this video is a format which does not display properly in Blogger. If you'd like to watch this in the wide screen format, please click this YouTube link: How Great Thou Art
Oh Lord my God, How very great You are.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Faithfulness, in Forty Words
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
~ Lamentations 3:21-23 (NKJV)
Faithfulness, in Forty Words
Faithfulness is character's choice, not a feeling.
Faithfulness is slogging through slough until one sloughs off the slough.
Faithfulness is clinging to the Lord—amid comfort, amid affliction—because He first proves Himself faithful in the face of our infidelity.
If forty words wasn't enough, you'll find more great words at the blog carnival hosted today by Bridget Chumbley on Faithfulness.
And here is God my Father's faithfulness, painted in song.
Great is Thy Faithfulness *
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast bee Thou forever will be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#encouragement
* Lyrics, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas O. Chisholm, © 1923
Therefore I have hope.
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
~ Lamentations 3:21-23 (NKJV)
Faithfulness, in Forty Words
Faithfulness is character's choice, not a feeling.
Faithfulness is slogging through slough until one sloughs off the slough.
Faithfulness is clinging to the Lord—amid comfort, amid affliction—because He first proves Himself faithful in the face of our infidelity.
If forty words wasn't enough, you'll find more great words at the blog carnival hosted today by Bridget Chumbley on Faithfulness.
And here is God my Father's faithfulness, painted in song.
Great is Thy Faithfulness *
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast bee Thou forever will be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#encouragement
* Lyrics, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas O. Chisholm, © 1923
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Long Distance Love
"I don't want to go without Your touch
without Your love filling me like an ocean ..."
~ Avalon, from "I Don't Want to Go" (Full lyrics below)
Long Distance Love
And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so. Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, 'May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.' "
~ 1 Samuel 20:41-42 (NKJV)
I read a piece yesterday by Billy Coffey, titled "Love Still Holds On," about a long distance romance in the life of his work acquaintance.
It called sharply to mind how my own marriage began. In the days before unlimited minutes, John and I ran up monthly phone bills which ran over $200 in '89 dollars. We spent enough on airline tickets that we might have received stock rather than frequent flier miles. I'd become certain within weeks of meeting him that this was the man I'd one day marry, so the differences of miles and time zones were trivial deterrents to long distance love.
When I moved to Michigan in 1990, lovesickness obscured thoughts of what it meant to leave behind family. Within a short time I came to appreciate the bonds with my siblings in a way I might have never otherwise understood. We do not simply share the DNA of common parents, but the souls of common experience. We know one another in ways even spouses will not. Long distance love became multiplied exponentially in my life with the births of our own children—who can seem more like siblings than cousins.
Facebook has been a Godsend. After nearly two decades mostly away from family members, I'm again a part of their daily lives, their laughs and foibles, their joys and sorrows and wit. A face on the computer screen can never be the same as kissing their cheeks and hugging their necks, but it has closed the gap of time zones and miles with the cost of mere minutes.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
~ Psalms 34:17-18 (NKJV)
This month I've published pieces on suffering and how Christians should treat homosexuals, on the heels of my own stifling pain and months of intense stress. I've learned things in the last year that could fill a book, a number of which have appeared on the pages here. Of all the things suffering has taught me, one stands out.
Relationship with our God is anything but long distance love.
I'd known that. His Spirit lives in me as an abiding presence I never cease to feel. His whispers assure me of His proximity. I wrote an entire novel with a thread running through it that the Lord is near.
But the inability to see my Father's face, kiss my Savior's scarred feet, or touch their Spirit's embrace made my Lord seem like a God too far. It can bring on separation anxiety to rival any infant's with its mother. It can make me long for Heaven with a pain that death cannot possibly match with its own grip, but only release with its interruption of my tears.
I've lately come to know how very near my God is, and that He is very closest when our hearts are broken and we offer them to Him.
My Lord and my God, Your love is higher, wider, longer and deeper than the deepest pain we might know. Thank You for giving us a taste of Your love now, as assurance and hope of the love we shall know.
You changed my world
When You came to me
You drove a passion
In my soul down deep
Lord, to follow You in everything
I don't want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there
'Cause I know that me without You is a lie
And I don't want to walk that road
Be a million miles from home
'Cause my heart needs to be where You are
So I don't want to go
So come whatever
I'll stick with You
I'll walk, You'll lead me
Call me crazy or a fool
For forever I promise you that...
I don't want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there
'Cause I know that me without You is a lie
And I don't want to walk that road
Be a million miles from home
'Cause my heart needs to be where You are
So I don't want to go
Without Your touch
Without Your love
Filling me like an ocean
For Your grace is enough
Enough for me
To never want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there
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.
#suffering
Lyrics "I Don't Want to Go" by Avalon, © 2001 Dried Rose Music / New Spring Puslishing
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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
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
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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
"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
Monday, October 12, 2009
Predestination and Free Will
"Now I have a peace
I've never known before
I find myself complete
My heart is spoken for."
~ MercyMe*
Predestination and Free Will
#biblestudy
"Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine."
~ Numbers 8:14 (NKJV)
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
~ 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure ... for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
~ 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV)
"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day."
~ John 6:44 (NKJV)
As the Lord's ever-interesting timing would have it, I write this post while also having a stimulating email discussion with Sarah M. Salter about predestination.
I absolutely believe in predestination. I also absolutely believe God gives us the free-will to refuse the destiny He has offered us.
Here in Numbers, the Lord selected the Levites as His Own, to serve Him. Examples of unfaithful Levites abound. Those who refused their destiny perished because of it.
We did not come to Christ unless the Father chose to draw us. It is our place to accept His offer in faith, and make our call and election sure—or not.
I did include more Scriptures than usual today, and allow them to speak for themselves rather than say more. I invite discussion in the comments.
Father in Heaven, thank You for selecting those You've made Your Son's. Thank You for the ability to accept the gift You offer. If any reading these words have failed to do so, please lead and enable them to be certain with you that their calling has been made sure. Please send Your Spirit to enlighten our understanding and enable our diligence.
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.
* Lyrics of "Spoken For" © 2002 Simpleville Music
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