Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease [exodus].
~ 2 Peter 1:15 (NKJV)
If there's any bigger invitation for ADD than opening a dictionary, it's gotta be opening my Bible and Bible dictionary. (That's especially easy if I use e-Sword, a phenomenal and free download, which requires I simply scroll across words to view the original Hebrew and Greek and obtain a quick Strong's definition.)
So as I was "Feeding Wanderlust" the other day, I stumbled upon the Greek word exodos, which Peter uses to speak of his approaching death (above). Jesus, Moses and Elijah used the same word in the discussion of Jesus' death back at His transfiguration (Luke 9:30-31), so Peter gets a little ADD himself and visits that incident as he weaves a parting message.
His brief (around 1500 words) epistle is a powerful apologetic for the reliability of God's Word, a dire warning against falling victim to false teachers, and a surprisingly contemporary description of end times.
But I digress. Back to the exodus each of us faces.
I dare not attempt to compose a more eloquent message than the commentary of Albert Barnes (1798–1870) concerning Peter's words. I present it here for your pleasure and contemplation.
"After my decease" – my "exodus," my journey out; my departure; my exit from life. This is not the usual word to denote death, but is rather a word denoting that he was going on a journey out of this world. He did not expect to cease to be, but he expected to go on his travels to a distant abode. This idea runs through all this beautiful description of the feelings of Peter as he contemplated death. Hence he speaks of taking down the "tabernacle" or "tent," the temporary abode of the soul, that his spirit might be removed to another place (2 Peter 1:13); and, hence, he speaks of an “exodus” from the present life - a journey to another world. This is the true notion of death; and if so, two things follow from it:
(1) we should make preparation for it, as we do for a journey, and the more in proportion to the distance that we are to travel, and the time that we are to be absent; and,
(2) when the preparation is made, we should not be unwilling to enter on the journey, as we are not now when we are prepared to leave our homes to visit some remote part of our own country, or a distant land …
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Man of Sorrows, Part III
Land of the Shadow of Death
A Psalm of David.
(1) The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
(2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
(3) He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
(4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(5) Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for ever.
~ Psalm 23 (KJV)
In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus fulfills Psalm 23 as prophecy.
The Good Shepherd directs the crowd to sit down in the green pastures of plentiful grass—having already brought rest and restoration and righteousness with His words—and then prepares a plentiful table before them.
This writer notes that Psalm 23 begins in the third person, shifts to the second person for the two verses which speak of the Lord's protection and provision, and then returns to the third person in conclusion.
One might almost imagine Jesus speaking those two middle verses as He partakes of a meal provided by His Father while He sits among His enemies, during His walk here in the land of the shadow of death.
"Christ's miracles drew many after him that were not effectually drawn to him."
~ Matthew Henry, commentary on John 6:2 (emphasis in original)
The crowd Jesus feeds is not entirely friendly. People have sought out Jesus because of the miracles He does (John 6:2), and not necessarily to give Him their ears. After eating their fill, some intend to take Him by force and make Him King. (verse 15). We see the next day that they do not believe in Him (v. 30), but would appropriate His power to continue receiving food from Him (v. 34).
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life ...
We take our every step in the land of the shadow of death, surrounded by enemies, for the devil and his minions prowl about seeking to devour us. We shall have no fear, for the Man of Sorrows has tread upon the same sod.
We take our every breath seated with the Good Shepherd, a table set before us offering abundance of spiritual food—of overflowing goodness and mercy—even here in the shadow of death.
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.
(1) The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
(2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
(3) He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
(4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(5) Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
for ever.
~ Psalm 23 (KJV)
In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus fulfills Psalm 23 as prophecy.
The Good Shepherd directs the crowd to sit down in the green pastures of plentiful grass—having already brought rest and restoration and righteousness with His words—and then prepares a plentiful table before them.
This writer notes that Psalm 23 begins in the third person, shifts to the second person for the two verses which speak of the Lord's protection and provision, and then returns to the third person in conclusion.
One might almost imagine Jesus speaking those two middle verses as He partakes of a meal provided by His Father while He sits among His enemies, during His walk here in the land of the shadow of death.
"Christ's miracles drew many after him that were not effectually drawn to him."
~ Matthew Henry, commentary on John 6:2 (emphasis in original)
The crowd Jesus feeds is not entirely friendly. People have sought out Jesus because of the miracles He does (John 6:2), and not necessarily to give Him their ears. After eating their fill, some intend to take Him by force and make Him King. (verse 15). We see the next day that they do not believe in Him (v. 30), but would appropriate His power to continue receiving food from Him (v. 34).
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life ...
We take our every step in the land of the shadow of death, surrounded by enemies, for the devil and his minions prowl about seeking to devour us. We shall have no fear, for the Man of Sorrows has tread upon the same sod.
We take our every breath seated with the Good Shepherd, a table set before us offering abundance of spiritual food—of overflowing goodness and mercy—even here in the shadow of death.
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, May 6, 2011
Question of the Week:
Where Do We Go After Death?
Photo credit: Oscar Burriel
How can we have eternal life and die? (I know some believe that when they die they go into the ground until Christ's return.)
~ Anonymous
This is an excerpt from the answer posted at Bullets & Butterflies.
Innumerable people have reported credible experiences of dying and leaving their bodies, briefly glimpsing the spiritual world, and then being revived. Among the common elements many people describe is visiting a place of inexplicable beauty and profound peace, where they meet angels and / or loved ones who have already died.
A few people report a place not of beauty and loved ones, but of great torment. Jesus likewise describes such a place when He tells of Lazarus and the rich man. (Unlike other stories Jesus told, this account in Luke 16:19-31 is not called a parable, and appears to be an actual event.)
For the condemned soul, the Bible mentions the following places of torment in spiritual realms ...
: : :
What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.
Next week: Pursue this world or the next?
© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Question of the Week:
Who are the 'Dead in Christ'?
"Don't be afraid that your life will end;
be afraid that it will never begin."
be afraid that it will never begin."
~ Unknown
Artist of unnamed work: David Morin
Who is 'the dead in Christ'? How can we have eternal life and die, period? (I know some believe that when they die they go into the ground until Christ's return.)
~ Anonymous
These questions refer to the following Scripture concerning the rapture of Christians, from the post "Left Behind":
And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
~ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)
Although Christians whose bodies have died are called "dead in Christ," Jesus said that when we are spiritually "born again" by faith—before the death of our physical bodies—we receive eternal life:
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life ..."
~ John 3:36 (NKJV)
: : :
The remainder of my answer appears at Bullets & Butterflies.
Next week: What happens to the soul after the body dies?
What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.
© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, August 9, 2010
First Death or Second Death?
"Death is not the enemy.Living in constant fear of it is."
~ Norman Cousins
First Death or Second Death?
"These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: '... Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life... He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.' "
~ Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)
It's said that no one escapes death and taxes. It might appear that the crowd which is raptured escapes the former. But death is a requirement of every Christian disciple.
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)
Each of us must choose either the first death, of flesh, or the second, eternal death. The first is the willingness to live for the Lord Who purchased us, lay down one's life every day, and remain faithful to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at any cost in a world which hates Him—and therefore hates us to the extent that we reflect Him.
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
~ John 15:18,20 (NKJV)
We want to be liked. We want the world to see us with favor and receive our message. It is vital to remember that when those in whom God is at work for salvation see Jesus in us, they will find it pleasant. Those who have no use for God will find us repulsive unless we hide our faith.
Jesus speaks to those who accept the first death and reminds them, "Do not fear." He reminds us that He died first and is now alive, as we shall be. He promises:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)
: : :
Lord Jesus, Who suffered the worst physical death—Who sacrificed more to live for us than we shall ever sacrifice to live for You—please give us Your perspective of death and life. Please empower us to make You first and last in our lives, and in both our daily and final deaths.
I love hearing from you. Questions welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image Source: chinaview.wordpress.com
WARNING: Image link contains graphic images of extreme torture.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Keys of Hades and Death
"The proof of how real Jesus knew hell to beis that He came to earth to save us from it."
Peter Marshall
Keys of Hades and Death
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
~ Revelation 1:17-18 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~ John 14:6 (NKJV)
Thoughts on Jesus and His possession of the Keys of Hades and Death.
It seems interesting that in the same place Jesus tells His beloved apostle "do not be afraid," Jesus also reminds John that He holds the keys of Hades and Death. It might be compared to the judge in a human court declaring, "I hold the keys to the prison." To one being held in jail who has just been judged innocent, this is good news and relieves fear. To one who was walking free and has just been judged guilty, this is very bad news and induces fear.
Jesus taught that the devil is the father of lies and that He Himself is truth. He says He is the only way to the Father and life, holding the keys of Hades and Death. Therefore truth trumps lies, life trumps death, and Jesus trumps the devil. If this seems too obvious to be worthy of note, consider how often we evade truth with a lie, fear death while we possess life, or allow the devil's words to counter the Lord's.
The Person Who holds the keys of Hades and Death admits He was once subjected to Death, and Scripture indicates He visited Hades. Thus our Lord gained those keys by facing those enemies and wresting away their power. He can rightfully declare, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) If we need not fear Death, what lesser power on earth should be able to intimidate us?
Lord Jesus Christ, Author of peace, let us ever remember that You hold the keys to the power we might most fear. As we face the massive numbers of deaths in Haiti, as we face the deaths of loved ones, keep us mindful that which side of the door we stand on makes all the difference between joy and sorrow.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#Biblestudy
Image from religion-cults.com
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Hell on Earth
"The tradgedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives."~ Albert Einstein
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips
And from a deceitful tongue...
My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
~ Psalms 120:2,6 (NKJV)
The LORD hates ... a lying tongue ...
~ Proverbs 6:16-17 (NKJV)
And in their mouth was found no deceit ...
~ Revelation 14:5 (NKJV)
Yesterday's conclusion of Psalm 119 extolled Truth. Psalm 120's author prays for freedom from lies. Truth sets us free to live as children of the Kingdom of Heaven. Deceit makes us vulnerable to the power of hell on Earth.
Oft heard are statements such as, "Truth is relative and this works for me ... it's a half-truth / just a white lie ... it's not the kind of lie that sends you to hell."
The habitual convenience of compromised truth is a foundation of sand waiting to collapse.
A "half truth" is still a lie. A white lie cracks open the door to the prince of darkness, who himself masquerades as an angel of light. Truth is the first line of defense against him.
The devil is father of lies and lies are his language. He hates peace and has an agenda to steal, kill and destroy. Lies need not send us to hell, for they maintain the strongholds of hell on Earth.
The tradgedy of lies is their touch of death upon God's child while he lives.
Father of life and Spirit of Truth, cleanse us from all the devil's deceit and death. Give us hunger and thirst for righteousness.
#powerofwords
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from thestar.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
While I Have My Being
Note: Be looking for thoughts on praise and suffering as we work our way through Psalms 101-125 til about Christmas.
While I Have My Being
You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
You hide Your face, they are troubled;
You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust...
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him ...
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
~ Psalms 104:28-29;33,35 (NKJV)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)
A speaker recently challenged our audience to write down five aspirations. If you've been hanging around me or my blog at all, you know that my inner Don Quixote is quite given over to the Impossible Dream. I nonetheless hesitated, because I also like to let God lead in the dance through this life.
But we were encouraged to dream big. So I thought about some joys I'd like to be mine. Secret stuff, you know.
Want to hear one? (Won't be a secret after today, I guess.)
With my dying breath, I want to bless the Lord.
Because the Lord has blessed me in ways far beyond my highest imagination, I share the psalmist's resolution: "I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." Every breath He gives me is opportunity for praise—whether I walk through land that is plentiful, where streams of abundance flow (been there); or whether I'm found in the desert place, walking in wilderness (done that).
So I want to die the way I'm living. The manner of death is irrelevant. (Except for dying in my sleep. I don't get my wish if I die in my sleep, so I hope to exclude that one.)
If you think me silly, I really don't mind you laughing. Whether or not I attain this particular quest, I plan to have the last laugh.
Lord, You've indeed blessed me, exceedingly, abundantly, in the knowledge of You. I bless Your name today. I'll bless Your name while I have my being. If I have found favor in Your sight, I ask You to grant my desire to bless Your name with my final breath.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from dannorcott.co.uk
"Think not of death as the extinguishing of life,
but rather the snuffing out of a candle because dawn has come."
~ Anonymous
but rather the snuffing out of a candle because dawn has come."
~ Anonymous
While I Have My Being
You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
You hide Your face, they are troubled;
You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust...
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him ...
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
~ Psalms 104:28-29;33,35 (NKJV)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)
A speaker recently challenged our audience to write down five aspirations. If you've been hanging around me or my blog at all, you know that my inner Don Quixote is quite given over to the Impossible Dream. I nonetheless hesitated, because I also like to let God lead in the dance through this life.
But we were encouraged to dream big. So I thought about some joys I'd like to be mine. Secret stuff, you know.
Want to hear one? (Won't be a secret after today, I guess.)
With my dying breath, I want to bless the Lord.
Because the Lord has blessed me in ways far beyond my highest imagination, I share the psalmist's resolution: "I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." Every breath He gives me is opportunity for praise—whether I walk through land that is plentiful, where streams of abundance flow (been there); or whether I'm found in the desert place, walking in wilderness (done that).
So I want to die the way I'm living. The manner of death is irrelevant. (Except for dying in my sleep. I don't get my wish if I die in my sleep, so I hope to exclude that one.)
If you think me silly, I really don't mind you laughing. Whether or not I attain this particular quest, I plan to have the last laugh.
Lord, You've indeed blessed me, exceedingly, abundantly, in the knowledge of You. I bless Your name today. I'll bless Your name while I have my being. If I have found favor in Your sight, I ask You to grant my desire to bless Your name with my final breath.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from dannorcott.co.uk
Sunday, November 1, 2009
One Hour of Eternity
"One hour of eternity,
one moment with the Lord,
will make us utterly forget a lifetime of desolations."
~ Horatio Bonar
one moment with the Lord,
will make us utterly forget a lifetime of desolations."
~ Horatio Bonar
One Hour of Eternity
I shall not die, but live,
And declare the works of YAH.
YAH has chastened me severely,
But He has not given me over to death.
~ Psalms 118:17-18 (author)
"But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made... Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt."
~ Matthew 18:25,27 (NKJV)
Has any one of us really contemplated an eternity of death?
Think of the very worst pain of body, brokenness of heart, confusion of mind, and anguish of soul. Combine them all, then imagine enduring them while utterly alone, with no end of time in sight. This only begins to hint at a future apart from God.
We and our children were marked to be sold into death for our debt of sin. Our Master had compassion on us and made us heirs of life.
We still live in a world where we experience the consequences—the chastening—for sin. But we are not given over to death. No matter what suffering we endure here, it is less than the penalty which was our due.
And YHWH passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,
"YWHH! YHWH is God compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
maintaining love to thousands,
and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin."
Exodus 34:6-7 (author)
Should it not be our highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion to declare the works of YAH?
Oh YAH, how great a debt from which You have released us who are Christ's! We shall not die but live because of Your great compassion and love. Whatever may befall us, please let us never fail to praise Your name.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to
Photo from tundratabloid.blogspot.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
Beloved, Part II
[Jesus] said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
~ John 21:17 (NKJV)
A Psalm of David The Servant of the LORD,
Who Spoke to the LORD The Words of This Song ...
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
~ Psalms 18:1 (NKJV)
Thoughts on what it means to say "I love you," with thanks to Shark Bait, who today hosts a guest blog rerun of mine by the same title. (Be sure to visit Shark Bait, my precious friend of a FISH—Faithful In Serving Him.)
l l l l l
Can we say the words, "I love you" too often? Should they be like fine china, brought out only for special occasions when they will be most appreciated? Or is it possible to make them meaningful each time because they are never a substitute for showing love? Actions speak louder than words, but words backed by actions speak loudest.
Jesus restored Peter by compelling of him the words "I love you" as many times as Peter had denied him.
My husband and I celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary today. As I search for meaning in this seemingly random number, it occurs to me that 18 is the number at which a person is considered an adult, when the world looks for credible maturity. I think my marriage grown-up. I hear my "I love you" as mature. But do I truly display maturity as a wife to him and to those around me? Or do I merely think I've learned much when in fact I'm just beginning to learn?
I've been reflecting the last few days on the words of Michael Hyatt on marriage, from his not-to-be-missed message "What Keeps You Going When You Want to Quit?" of July 31st. It occurs to me that while some people approach marriage with the attitude of "divorce is not an option," more difficult than not quitting on marriage legally is not quitting on a marriage emotionally—not reaching the point where it is an effort to say "I love you."
The most passionate and most prolific author of praise, King David, began the psalm written at his life's end with the words, "I will love You." He evidently did not see death as the end of love, but believed it a place from which to commit to eternal love.
I love You, O Lord, my Strength and my Song. I have loved You more and more each day that I've been privileged to know You. I neither tire of saying the words nor of looking for ways to live them. There is never a day You've not shown Your love for me. Show me how to live those words so that they are meaningful every time I say them to You, every time I say them to my husband, and every time I say them to the many people I love.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 21:17 (NKJV)
A Psalm of David The Servant of the LORD,
Who Spoke to the LORD The Words of This Song ...
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
~ Psalms 18:1 (NKJV)
Thoughts on what it means to say "I love you," with thanks to Shark Bait, who today hosts a guest blog rerun of mine by the same title. (Be sure to visit Shark Bait, my precious friend of a FISH—Faithful In Serving Him.)
l l l l l
Can we say the words, "I love you" too often? Should they be like fine china, brought out only for special occasions when they will be most appreciated? Or is it possible to make them meaningful each time because they are never a substitute for showing love? Actions speak louder than words, but words backed by actions speak loudest.
Jesus restored Peter by compelling of him the words "I love you" as many times as Peter had denied him.
My husband and I celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary today. As I search for meaning in this seemingly random number, it occurs to me that 18 is the number at which a person is considered an adult, when the world looks for credible maturity. I think my marriage grown-up. I hear my "I love you" as mature. But do I truly display maturity as a wife to him and to those around me? Or do I merely think I've learned much when in fact I'm just beginning to learn?
I've been reflecting the last few days on the words of Michael Hyatt on marriage, from his not-to-be-missed message "What Keeps You Going When You Want to Quit?" of July 31st. It occurs to me that while some people approach marriage with the attitude of "divorce is not an option," more difficult than not quitting on marriage legally is not quitting on a marriage emotionally—not reaching the point where it is an effort to say "I love you."
The most passionate and most prolific author of praise, King David, began the psalm written at his life's end with the words, "I will love You." He evidently did not see death as the end of love, but believed it a place from which to commit to eternal love.
I love You, O Lord, my Strength and my Song. I have loved You more and more each day that I've been privileged to know You. I neither tire of saying the words nor of looking for ways to live them. There is never a day You've not shown Your love for me. Show me how to live those words so that they are meaningful every time I say them to You, every time I say them to my husband, and every time I say them to the many people I love.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Life and Death
"Therefore thus says the LORD: 'You have not obeyed Me in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother and every one to his neighbor. Behold, I proclaim liberty to you,' says the LORD 'to the sword, to pestilence, and to famine! And I will deliver you to trouble among all the kingdoms of the earth.' "
~ Jeremiah 34:17 (NKJV)
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."
~ Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
~ Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
At it's core, disobedience doubts God. He sets before us life and death. He says we will be blessed if we obey. Faith believes God is all-loving, all-wise, and all-knowing—and obeys. If we disobey, believing we'll otherwise miss out on some gain, we declare the Lord less than God and a liar.
Obedience is neither a means to earn salvation nor prove righteous. Salvation through the blood of Jesus cannot be purchased with works. And once clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, there is no greater righteousness to be obtained by works.
For the Christian, obedience is both an expression of faith and a choice to receive life. Disobedience must result in some form of death, for sowing seeds of death simply cannot bear the fruit of life. The wages of sin is death. We cannot reap something other than what we've sown.
Even so, praise be to God that because His Son's blood covers us, we receive blessing and grace in the face of our sin!
Good Father in heaven, You surely wish to bless us and are wise. You ask nothing of us which will cause us harm or deny us what is truly good. Please give us discerning hearts to understand Your ways. Please give us strong hearts to pursue fullness of life.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Jeremiah 34:17 (NKJV)
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."
~ Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
~ Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
At it's core, disobedience doubts God. He sets before us life and death. He says we will be blessed if we obey. Faith believes God is all-loving, all-wise, and all-knowing—and obeys. If we disobey, believing we'll otherwise miss out on some gain, we declare the Lord less than God and a liar.
Obedience is neither a means to earn salvation nor prove righteous. Salvation through the blood of Jesus cannot be purchased with works. And once clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, there is no greater righteousness to be obtained by works.
For the Christian, obedience is both an expression of faith and a choice to receive life. Disobedience must result in some form of death, for sowing seeds of death simply cannot bear the fruit of life. The wages of sin is death. We cannot reap something other than what we've sown.
Even so, praise be to God that because His Son's blood covers us, we receive blessing and grace in the face of our sin!
Good Father in heaven, You surely wish to bless us and are wise. You ask nothing of us which will cause us harm or deny us what is truly good. Please give us discerning hearts to understand Your ways. Please give us strong hearts to pursue fullness of life.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
In Him We Live
"He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."
~ Luke 20:38 (NKJV)
"In Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' "
~ Acts 17:28 (NKJV)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
I wonder some days if I should take death more seriously, if only for the sake of others.
My problem (if it's a problem) is I take to heart the words that I no longer live. Self tries to rise up a thousand times a day, but Self no longer lives. In autumn 1988 I came alive to Christ. He now lives in me. I see death as the natural means by which we fully enter the kingdom into which we've been born again.
I've given birth five times, three times at home. (Once was by accident, and it was no big deal after that.) Something about giving birth in the comfortable environment of home with a nice fire going makes it seem completely natural for a baby to transition into arms from womb's confinement. Death is likewise the natural point at which we're no longer confined by earth and reach the arms of God.
Everyone who is in Christ is already living eternal life. In Him we died. In Him we live. Death can no longer touch us.
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. You increasingly fill us with Your life and we love You for it. Please fill us with Your Spirit ever more fully while we walk the earth, so that we will do what You did when You were here. Please let all of us see death with the perspective You desire us to have.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 20:38 (NKJV)
"In Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' "
~ Acts 17:28 (NKJV)
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
I wonder some days if I should take death more seriously, if only for the sake of others.
My problem (if it's a problem) is I take to heart the words that I no longer live. Self tries to rise up a thousand times a day, but Self no longer lives. In autumn 1988 I came alive to Christ. He now lives in me. I see death as the natural means by which we fully enter the kingdom into which we've been born again.
I've given birth five times, three times at home. (Once was by accident, and it was no big deal after that.) Something about giving birth in the comfortable environment of home with a nice fire going makes it seem completely natural for a baby to transition into arms from womb's confinement. Death is likewise the natural point at which we're no longer confined by earth and reach the arms of God.
Everyone who is in Christ is already living eternal life. In Him we died. In Him we live. Death can no longer touch us.
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. You increasingly fill us with Your life and we love You for it. Please fill us with Your Spirit ever more fully while we walk the earth, so that we will do what You did when You were here. Please let all of us see death with the perspective You desire us to have.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Behold Your Enemies
A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High....
I will triumph in the works of Your hands....
You, LORD, are on high forevermore.
For behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish....
My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies.
~ Psalms 92:1-11 (NKJV)
If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.... And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead ... in Christ all shall be made alive.... He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:14-26 (NKJV)
"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?" ...
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (NKJV)
Because of the resurrection, everything Christ said and did—especially His death—is vindicated. We have confidence in His every Word.
Because of the resurrection, Christ lives. We serve a living God.
Because of the resurrection, we are victorious over Death, the greatest enemy. We shall not fear lesser enemies. We shall fear only He who is greater, Death's Conqueror.
Behold your enemies: Death, Sin, Flesh, World, Satan. All are defeated in the new life that is ours in the resurrection. Today, and every day, is our celebration of victory.
The Lord is on high forevermore!
Lord Jesus Christ, You are God and Ruler of all! You are Death's Conqueror! You are our King! We behold Your enemies who are our enemies, and we behold them defeated. Please move us to yield to Your Spirit and live in that victory. Please conform us to the life of Your Word.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High....
I will triumph in the works of Your hands....
You, LORD, are on high forevermore.
For behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish....
My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies.
~ Psalms 92:1-11 (NKJV)
If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.... And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead ... in Christ all shall be made alive.... He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:14-26 (NKJV)
"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?" ...
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (NKJV)
Because of the resurrection, everything Christ said and did—especially His death—is vindicated. We have confidence in His every Word.
Because of the resurrection, Christ lives. We serve a living God.
Because of the resurrection, we are victorious over Death, the greatest enemy. We shall not fear lesser enemies. We shall fear only He who is greater, Death's Conqueror.
Behold your enemies: Death, Sin, Flesh, World, Satan. All are defeated in the new life that is ours in the resurrection. Today, and every day, is our celebration of victory.
The Lord is on high forevermore!
Lord Jesus Christ, You are God and Ruler of all! You are Death's Conqueror! You are our King! We behold Your enemies who are our enemies, and we behold them defeated. Please move us to yield to Your Spirit and live in that victory. Please conform us to the life of Your Word.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Most Dangerous
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
~ Acts 14:19-20 (NKJV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
Hostile forces stoned Paul to apparent death, then cast him aside as refuse, believing him silenced. The life in Paul was the life of Christ, which can be neither killed nor silenced. After being stoned, Paul went about his business undeterred.
John Eldredge writes, "The most dangerous man on earth is the man who has reckoned with his own death. All men die; few men ever really live." The person who completely crucifies Self is reconciled to death and lives without fear. Is anyone more dangerous?
Would your life change if you discovered you have a terminal illness? It shouldn't, because you already have a terminal illness called mortality. You know not the number of your days on earth. Forfeit them all now. To die is gain, both on the day God lends your final breath, and today.
Live for Self no more, but only for Christ. To do so is to be one who really lives.
Dear God, our lives are contained in You alone. However often Self is crucified, it shows its will to live. Please give all of us the strength to surrender our lives to you so completely that Christ fully lives within us. Let His life in us make us the most dangerous people to draw breath.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 14:19-20 (NKJV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
Hostile forces stoned Paul to apparent death, then cast him aside as refuse, believing him silenced. The life in Paul was the life of Christ, which can be neither killed nor silenced. After being stoned, Paul went about his business undeterred.
John Eldredge writes, "The most dangerous man on earth is the man who has reckoned with his own death. All men die; few men ever really live." The person who completely crucifies Self is reconciled to death and lives without fear. Is anyone more dangerous?
Would your life change if you discovered you have a terminal illness? It shouldn't, because you already have a terminal illness called mortality. You know not the number of your days on earth. Forfeit them all now. To die is gain, both on the day God lends your final breath, and today.
Live for Self no more, but only for Christ. To do so is to be one who really lives.
Dear God, our lives are contained in You alone. However often Self is crucified, it shows its will to live. Please give all of us the strength to surrender our lives to you so completely that Christ fully lives within us. Let His life in us make us the most dangerous people to draw breath.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Hot Pursuit
Then [Moses] said to [YHWH], "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us?" So the LORD said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name." And [Moses] said, "Please, show me Your glory." (Exodus 33:15-18 NKJV)
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV)
A Psalm of David ...
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness [chesed] is better than life,
My lips shall praise You....
My soul follows close behind You [follows hard after You];
Your right hand upholds me.
(Psalms 63:1-2,8 NKJV, amplified)
It seems every story worth telling—whether the subtle romance of "Sense and Sensibility," the carnage-packed action of "Saving Private Ryan," or the silliness of "Emperor's New Groove"—has three elements: discovering an essential aspiration, relentlessly pursuing the objective, death in the pursuit.
That death may be loss of life, loss of ego, or loss of something which made one come alive and is now forfeited. If one turns back in selfless sacrifice, the tragedy is bittersweet. If one turns back for lack of courage, the tragedy is only tragic. But something inevitably dies.
Faith is a story of death, whatever the course of the pursuit, whatever the ending. To discover God is to discover life's only true essential. To relentlessly pursue Him is to face death. To turn back—whether for a moment, a season, or a lifetime—is life's greatest tragedy. We do not truly live until we know for what we are willing to die.
Oh God, You are my God. You have captured my attention and compelled my pursuit. Your grace is better than life itself. Please uphold me by Your hand, that I do nothing less than follow hard after You, as if glued to you, and do not turn back for even a moment, whatever must die in the chase.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV)
A Psalm of David ...
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness [chesed] is better than life,
My lips shall praise You....
My soul follows close behind You [follows hard after You];
Your right hand upholds me.
(Psalms 63:1-2,8 NKJV, amplified)
It seems every story worth telling—whether the subtle romance of "Sense and Sensibility," the carnage-packed action of "Saving Private Ryan," or the silliness of "Emperor's New Groove"—has three elements: discovering an essential aspiration, relentlessly pursuing the objective, death in the pursuit.
That death may be loss of life, loss of ego, or loss of something which made one come alive and is now forfeited. If one turns back in selfless sacrifice, the tragedy is bittersweet. If one turns back for lack of courage, the tragedy is only tragic. But something inevitably dies.
Faith is a story of death, whatever the course of the pursuit, whatever the ending. To discover God is to discover life's only true essential. To relentlessly pursue Him is to face death. To turn back—whether for a moment, a season, or a lifetime—is life's greatest tragedy. We do not truly live until we know for what we are willing to die.
Oh God, You are my God. You have captured my attention and compelled my pursuit. Your grace is better than life itself. Please uphold me by Your hand, that I do nothing less than follow hard after You, as if glued to you, and do not turn back for even a moment, whatever must die in the chase.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Last Day
"LORD, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am.
Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my age is as nothing before You;
Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.
(Psalms 39:4-5 NKJV)
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will ..." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15 NIV)
Have you ever wondered what you would want your last day to look like? Would you simply eat, drink and be merry? What last actions would stamp your life—what last words would be remembered? What final gift would you prepare to present as you stand before God?
This is the secret of life, to live each day as if it counted for eternity. To brush aside all that is petty, to enjoy the simple, to speak each word with love, to keep every relationship pure. If each day is lived with excellence, excellence will mark the last day.
Ancient of Days, thank You for the brief precious days You lend us. Teach us to number each one as a treasure. Give us the ability to return each one to You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am.
Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my age is as nothing before You;
Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.
(Psalms 39:4-5 NKJV)
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will ..." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15 NIV)
Have you ever wondered what you would want your last day to look like? Would you simply eat, drink and be merry? What last actions would stamp your life—what last words would be remembered? What final gift would you prepare to present as you stand before God?
This is the secret of life, to live each day as if it counted for eternity. To brush aside all that is petty, to enjoy the simple, to speak each word with love, to keep every relationship pure. If each day is lived with excellence, excellence will mark the last day.
Ancient of Days, thank You for the brief precious days You lend us. Teach us to number each one as a treasure. Give us the ability to return each one to You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Friday, August 15, 2008
Choose Life
There is no soundness in my flesh
Because of Your anger,
Nor any health in my bones
Because of my sin.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
My wounds are foul and festering
Because of my foolishness.
(Psalms 38:3-5 NKJV)
"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NKJV)
Sin brings death. The process of dying always accompanies sin, whether to a relationship, lack of health in our bodies, anguish in our souls. Life comes from God, and sin compromises unity with God and life.
Even those who are given eternal life through the blood of Jesus Christ fall prey to the consequences of sinful thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. We choose life when we choose to turn away from sin.
Oh Lord-Our-Righteousness, in You alone is our righteousness. In You alone is life and health of soul and body. Empower us to resist sin when temptation knocks. Draw us to cling to You and life.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Because of Your anger,
Nor any health in my bones
Because of my sin.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
My wounds are foul and festering
Because of my foolishness.
(Psalms 38:3-5 NKJV)
"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NKJV)
Sin brings death. The process of dying always accompanies sin, whether to a relationship, lack of health in our bodies, anguish in our souls. Life comes from God, and sin compromises unity with God and life.
Even those who are given eternal life through the blood of Jesus Christ fall prey to the consequences of sinful thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. We choose life when we choose to turn away from sin.
Oh Lord-Our-Righteousness, in You alone is our righteousness. In You alone is life and health of soul and body. Empower us to resist sin when temptation knocks. Draw us to cling to You and life.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Monday, August 4, 2008
No Fear of the Dark
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:1,14 NKJV)
[Jesus] said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
(John 8:10-12 NKJV)
If we think we have no fear of the dark, let it come over us in a place of danger. Even the light of a candle comforts such fear—how much more so if sunlight enters?
There are many ways for darkness and danger to threaten us. If we have already chosen to walk with Jesus, the Light of the world, the darkness becomes light as soon as we enter it with Him. In any dark situation, nothing can be addressed before Son-light is brought in. The first order of business is always to seek Jesus. He brings the light of life to even those places where we fear something is about to die.
Lord Jesus, darkness and death and evil must flee from Your light and life and love. Let us always go toward the Light. Let us never fear. Teach us to wait patiently for You when all seems lost.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Enemy Death
If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! … The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. … The sting of death is sin … but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:26,56-57 NKJV)
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26 NKJV)
If Christ is not risen … if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead.
(1 Corinthians 15:14,19-20 NKJV)
Perhaps the only reliable statistic is that 10 out of 10 people die. Everyone faces the enemy Death, because everyone sins, and the wages—the payment—for sin is Death.
The God whose name is “I AM” is the only power to trump Death. Those who believe in Jesus live in Him and evade death's sting of sin. The choice to live each day, each moment in Christ is a choice to have true life now, and keep it for eternity. For us, the enemy Death is already defeated.
Lord YHWH, the great I AM, in You is all life. You are greater than all our enemies. The life You give fulfills our deepest needs. Please help us to choose Your life in all we do.
"Whoever be our people here, God's people or the devil's, death will gather our souls to them." — C.H. Spurgeon
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Death’s Sting
Resurrection Sunday, 2008
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable... So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" ... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:17,19,54-55,57 NKJV)
What does anyone fear more than death? Jesus Himself, Almighty God made flesh, pleaded with His Father to take away the cup of death, that He might not taste its bitterness. Then in the supreme example of obedience, He said "not My will, but Yours be done." The Lord Jesus Christ drank the bitter cup of death that I might be spared its poison. The only death I will ever taste is the daily death of self, freely laying down my will as my beloved Master did. It is in this death that I know His life. It is in His life that I am set free from both fear of death and all lesser fears. It is in freedom from fear that my faith knows victory each day!
All thanks be to You, Abba God!
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable... So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" ... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:17,19,54-55,57 NKJV)
What does anyone fear more than death? Jesus Himself, Almighty God made flesh, pleaded with His Father to take away the cup of death, that He might not taste its bitterness. Then in the supreme example of obedience, He said "not My will, but Yours be done." The Lord Jesus Christ drank the bitter cup of death that I might be spared its poison. The only death I will ever taste is the daily death of self, freely laying down my will as my beloved Master did. It is in this death that I know His life. It is in His life that I am set free from both fear of death and all lesser fears. It is in freedom from fear that my faith knows victory each day!
All thanks be to You, Abba God!
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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