Today is Wednesday. On a Wednesday nearly two thousand years ago, the disciples of Jesus were preparing for Passover, not knowing that Jesus, "Lamb of God," was about to become the true Passover Lamb.
Twenty-some years ago, someone rocked my preconceptions about Good Friday, asserting that Jesus actually died on Thursday. Today is your turn to be challenged. (If you wish to bypass the relevant details of the Jewish calendar, skip down to the red letters.)
" 'The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the fifteenth day of the same month. You will eat bread made without yeast for seven days. On the first day of this feast you will have a holy meeting, and you must not do any work. For seven days you will bring an offering made by fire to the Lord. There will be a holy meeting on the seventh day, and on that day you must not do any regular work.' "
~ Leviticus 23:6-8 (NCV)
Although our society changes the calendar date at midnight, the Jewish day begins a few hours earlier at sundown. Our month is aligned with the sun, according to the Gregorian calendar. The Jewish month is aligned with the moon, beginning on the day when the new moon is visible at dusk. (A lunar month is 29.6 days long, so the Jewish calendar month is either 29 or 30 days long, and a "leap month" is added when necessary.) The first month of the year, Abib (Exodus 12:2 & 13:4; also called Nisan, Esther 3:7), began with the first new moon of spring. Important to note is that the New Moon is among numerous biblical feast days celebrated as a Sabbath, in addition to the regular Sabbath on the seventh day of the week.
During the week of Jesus' last days, the tenth of the Abib was on a Sunday, when each Passover Lamb was selected and brought to the household, in accordance with Exodus 12:3-5. (Sunday was also the day when Jesus was brought to Jerusalem.)
The fourteenth of the month—Passover—was on a Thursday, which began at dusk at the end of the day on Wednesday. The fifteenth of the month was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6, above), which occurred on a Friday and was an additional Sabbath. Saturday was also the regular Sabbath. As commonly occurred, that Passover included back-to-back Sabbaths, so no work could be done for two days straight.
Why does any of this matter?
But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
~ Matthew 12:39-40 (NKJV)
Our traditions observe the Last Supper at the end of the day on Thursday and our Lord's crucifixion on (Good) Friday. But all four Gospels attest that the resurrection occurred on the first day of the week, Sunday. No matter how you count the days and nights, Jesus could only fulfill His own prophecy by being killed on Thursday—His tomb undisturbed for three nights (not two) because of a "double" Sabbath.
Thus Wednesday was the day of Jesus and His disciples preparing for Passover, and Scripture describes only that activity on this day.
When this was first explained to me, I resisted the notion that Good Friday could be any other day of the week. It seemed blasphemy. Christian tradition held me tight. Then Jesus—the Word of God—started challenging just about every area of my life, including things held dear. And I learned to let God's Word and Spirit trump my preconceptions.
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
~ Romans 14:5-6 (NKJV)
I still observe Jesus' death on Good Friday with fellow Christians. I love celebrating a Maundy Thursday meal when I get the opportunity. I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. The day is honestly no big deal. What's important to me is the life of my Lord Jesus, not the day of the week.
More important yet is that I have hope because I have faith in Jesus. Because there is no hope at all in this world apart from believing that Jesus means what He says, and trusting Him to fulfill His every Word.
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved. Dependence on God, Hope, Word of God
Showing posts with label Dependence on God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dependence on God. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Mercy of Drought
"You can always count on Americans to do the right thing—
after they've tried everything else."
~ Winston Churchill
Do we still live up to these words? Did we ever, truly?
: : :
"When I shut up heaven and there is no rain …"
~ 2 Chronicles 7:13 (NKJV)
In the Bible, numerous times, drought is mentioned as a specific signal of God's displeasure with wickedness. (See Leviticus 26:18-20; Deuteronomy 28:23-24; Jeremiah 14; Haggai 1:11) His intent in withholding rain, always, was that when His people became desperate during resulting famine, they would repent and return to Him.
And so, this last Sunday during prayer time, when my third and fourth grade Sunday School children listed an overnight sprinkle among the things to give thanks for, we also asked for more. We asked God, in His mercy, to send our parched land rain. And we also asked that if He's using drought to get the attention of people, would He please move them to turn toward Him.
"God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth';
Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength."
~ Job 37:5-6 (NKJV)
Tuesday brought record heat to our area, bleaching brittle grass impossibly pale. That evening, as we exited the air-conditioned house of friends, we discovered the outdoor temperature had plunged. I wrongly guessed it to be no more than seventy. Eighty degrees never felt as cool and refreshing. I raised face and arms toward Heaven and declared, "Rain on us, Lord!" Another voice mentioned the torrential spring flooding and chimed in, "But not too much!"
Later, in my heart, over and over, my spirit whispered to God. Reign over us, Lord. Please change the spelling and preposition of my prayer.
The heavens whispered back intermittent sprinkles that night and Wednesday. Then yesterday, a gentle and generous rain fell almost continuously. My soul was moved by its tenderness upon fragile earth, keenly aware of God's compassion for the frailty of His creation.
Today the skies are blue. I tremble to consider the might of God and the love of God, wondering if enough people will keep their faces turned toward the Creator.
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."
~ John 5:14 (NKJV)
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.
after they've tried everything else."
~ Winston Churchill
Do we still live up to these words? Did we ever, truly?
: : :
"When I shut up heaven and there is no rain …"
~ 2 Chronicles 7:13 (NKJV)
In the Bible, numerous times, drought is mentioned as a specific signal of God's displeasure with wickedness. (See Leviticus 26:18-20; Deuteronomy 28:23-24; Jeremiah 14; Haggai 1:11) His intent in withholding rain, always, was that when His people became desperate during resulting famine, they would repent and return to Him.
And so, this last Sunday during prayer time, when my third and fourth grade Sunday School children listed an overnight sprinkle among the things to give thanks for, we also asked for more. We asked God, in His mercy, to send our parched land rain. And we also asked that if He's using drought to get the attention of people, would He please move them to turn toward Him.
"God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth';
Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength."
~ Job 37:5-6 (NKJV)
Tuesday brought record heat to our area, bleaching brittle grass impossibly pale. That evening, as we exited the air-conditioned house of friends, we discovered the outdoor temperature had plunged. I wrongly guessed it to be no more than seventy. Eighty degrees never felt as cool and refreshing. I raised face and arms toward Heaven and declared, "Rain on us, Lord!" Another voice mentioned the torrential spring flooding and chimed in, "But not too much!"
Later, in my heart, over and over, my spirit whispered to God. Reign over us, Lord. Please change the spelling and preposition of my prayer.
The heavens whispered back intermittent sprinkles that night and Wednesday. Then yesterday, a gentle and generous rain fell almost continuously. My soul was moved by its tenderness upon fragile earth, keenly aware of God's compassion for the frailty of His creation.
Today the skies are blue. I tremble to consider the might of God and the love of God, wondering if enough people will keep their faces turned toward the Creator.
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."
~ John 5:14 (NKJV)
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.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Memory Loss: The REAL Bad
In a land long ago and far away of another life, I wore a badge, carried a gun, and clad my feet in boots of thick black leather. The badge left a permanent thin blue line in the blood, the gun weighed heavily upon an indelible bruise, and the spit shine atop the boots belied the soil embedded in the tire tread.
Though my feet roasted all summer and were more cold than comfortable in winter, I refused to trade in over-the-calf protection and thick soles for the black sneakers or Thinsulate favored by some officers. No footwear could make the rare foot chase my strength, while everyday police work regularly took me into dark field and indoor debris which required more attention to arena than topography.
Thought of walking in rough terrain came to mind on a recent day, when I donned boots to crush the budding wasps nests I knocked down along our eaves. A couple of hours later I found myself driving across the bad side of town on an unexpected errand of assistance. When I stepped into the kind of building more familiar in the time I pledged “to serve and to protect,” I thanked God that I happened to be wearing thick soles.
"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God … when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses … "
~ Deuteronomy 8:11-12 (ESV)
Nestled in my comfortable nest of nearly grown babies and online co-workers, I sometimes forget the land where squatters and dopers inhabit charred shells of abandoned mansions, where overgrown city parks conceal dead bodies and two-footed predators.
I sometimes forget the severity and proximity of spiritual famine.
In the Bible, famine regularly followed the forgetfulness of prosperity. When Jesus noted how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, He stated the obvious. History has proven, time and time again, that wealth induces memory loss. The more we are insulated from need, the more we are inclined to forget our Provider until the day destitution overtakes us.
Give me neither poverty nor riches
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
~ Proverbs 30:8-9 (NKJV)
Where lie your riches? What is your food? Whether financial, intellectual, emotional, healthful, influential, or relational, they hold the potential to pilfer your attention and reliance from God.
Drawing a blank on names and faces, failing to remember why you walked downstairs, and realizing that an important deadline has passed on are annoying forms of memory loss. They pale beside the memory loss that forgets to depend on God for everything from the next meal
Every step we take is in a world of rough terrain—not the topography of danger to body, but the arena of comfort which insulates us from hunger for God.
Infinite, almighty God, we desperately need You. Please open our eyes to spiritual destitution, whether within us or surrounding us. Let us not forget You, for even a moment.
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.
Though my feet roasted all summer and were more cold than comfortable in winter, I refused to trade in over-the-calf protection and thick soles for the black sneakers or Thinsulate favored by some officers. No footwear could make the rare foot chase my strength, while everyday police work regularly took me into dark field and indoor debris which required more attention to arena than topography.
Thought of walking in rough terrain came to mind on a recent day, when I donned boots to crush the budding wasps nests I knocked down along our eaves. A couple of hours later I found myself driving across the bad side of town on an unexpected errand of assistance. When I stepped into the kind of building more familiar in the time I pledged “to serve and to protect,” I thanked God that I happened to be wearing thick soles.
"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God … when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses … "
~ Deuteronomy 8:11-12 (ESV)
Nestled in my comfortable nest of nearly grown babies and online co-workers, I sometimes forget the land where squatters and dopers inhabit charred shells of abandoned mansions, where overgrown city parks conceal dead bodies and two-footed predators.
I sometimes forget the severity and proximity of spiritual famine.
In the Bible, famine regularly followed the forgetfulness of prosperity. When Jesus noted how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, He stated the obvious. History has proven, time and time again, that wealth induces memory loss. The more we are insulated from need, the more we are inclined to forget our Provider until the day destitution overtakes us.
Give me neither poverty nor riches
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
~ Proverbs 30:8-9 (NKJV)
Where lie your riches? What is your food? Whether financial, intellectual, emotional, healthful, influential, or relational, they hold the potential to pilfer your attention and reliance from God.
Drawing a blank on names and faces, failing to remember why you walked downstairs, and realizing that an important deadline has passed on are annoying forms of memory loss. They pale beside the memory loss that forgets to depend on God for everything from the next meal
Every step we take is in a world of rough terrain—not the topography of danger to body, but the arena of comfort which insulates us from hunger for God.
Infinite, almighty God, we desperately need You. Please open our eyes to spiritual destitution, whether within us or surrounding us. Let us not forget You, for even a moment.
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.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Season of Drought
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
~ Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
~ Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)
The heartbreaking photos of devastation in Texas due to a season of drought are a poignant reminder of the planet's dependence on water.
Nestled between the Great Lakes, I may never know drought here in Michigan. Yet my well could run dry. Our water supply could easily become (or be) contaminated. It's a long walk for water if I ever have to actually draw it out of a lake or river. I cannot afford to take my water supply for granted.
The Bible shows that God has always used drought to call people to remember dependence on Him for sustenance. Some people might call drought judgment. I see it as mercy. The more dependent we become on the Lord for the water needed by both our bodies and by our souls, the closer we will draw to Him, and the more we will experience life.
The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."
~ John 4:15 (NKJV)
The woman at the well wished to avoid thirst and the need to draw. But Jesus says instead, to her and each one of us, "Thirst! Yes, thirst, that I you may come to Me and drink. Come! Yes, come here and draw—draw closer to Me."
God forbid that we should not thirst!
El Shaddai, God Almighty, You are giver of all life. We are utterly dependent on You. Please let each of us recognize where there we experience a season of drought in our lives, that we might come and receive living water from You.
: : :
This post is part of the "One Word at a Time" blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's one-word theme: Season
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A Promise from Jesus
"Come to Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
~ Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)
all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
~ Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)
What is before you that seems like just too much, whether a task or a circumstance or a person?
Bring it to Jesus—not in only a moment's prayer of, "Help, Lord!" and not just today. Spend enough time with Jesus that you become yoked to Him in this matter, and feel Him shouldering the burden you carry.
"... and you will find rest for your souls ..."
This is His promise.
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.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Security
September 11, 2001, 9:03:04 a.m.
Flight 175 Strikes the South Tower
Flight 175 Strikes the South Tower
Photo credit: Spencer Platt / Getty ImagesImage source: life.com
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
~ Psalms 127:1 (NKJV)
Walls of defense which humans erect, whether visible or invisible, are no more than illusion. Security is found in only the Lord.
© 2010 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday Freelance: S.A.D.D.
"Don't despair. Only the mediocre person is always at his best."~ W. Somerset Maugham
Friday Freelance: S.A.D.D.
It's January in Michigan. The longitude on the Eastern time zone's western edge brings dawn around 8 a.m. Latitude near the 45th parallel means absurdly few hours of meaningful daylight. Center the two between three Great Lakes, and oppressive cloud cover robs the land of sunlight. Supposedly mild temperatures hover around freezing, but they conspire with the damp and darkness to preserve the snow and S.A.D.D. (Seasonal Affective Depression Disorder).
S.A.D.D. has not dogged me since the early 90's, just after I moved to Michigan. But I'm encountering a surprising number of people with it this year, and it seems to be contagious. If I'm honest, my problem is not a lack of sunshine but of Sonshine. When I was in my groove, prayer closet time was a prominent priority, I was energized for a long day after minimal sleep, and had time to accomplish all the things God put on my heart. Low levels of sunshine were easily dismissed.
I've been operating on reserve strength while prayer closet time has been slowly shrinking, my energy has been diminishing, my sleep has been increasing. I'm left with fewer, frustrated hours to try to accomplish the same as before. Add to that January in Michigan and unprecedented personal challenges, and I've got the formula for a full blown case of S.A.D.D.
But only if I let it take hold.
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
~ Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
~ Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
My typical outlook is not just "cup-half-full," but "my cup runneth over." I like long and frequent visits to the stream of Living Waters, letting it fill me and flow through me to others. I'd like to think of myself as liquid Colorado sunshine bottled up in a pint-sized vessel of Holy Spirit, spilling out all over the drab Michigan landscape.
My heart holds a yearning ache for the day I stand in full Sonshine. It is countered by the desire to arrive on that day with arms full of tribute to present before my King. I labor neither from sense of duty, nor to prove myself, nor even for promised reward. Duty pales next to love, my status is secure in the blood of Jesus Christ, and the only reward I seek is to kneel before the feet that were pierced for me and be permitted to kiss them.
I labor as a debtor to grace. Gratitude to my Lord gives me full rest but no leisure. The day will soon enough arrive when eternity stretches before me—without the opportunity I have now.
Here, now, I can do for my Lord on the earth what He will no longer need in Heaven. I can spill out love and life and Light in the dark world that will one day pass from existence.
When a tickle in my throat hints of an impending cold, I attack the germs mercilessly, because I don't have time to get sick. By the grace of God, I've not had a cold in two or three winters.
Lately, I've felt the tickle of S.A.D.D. trying to take hold. Life is too short to spend it weakened by such an affliction. I've started forfeiting some time visiting Facebook, blogs, and Twitter for prayer closet time, until those germs are put down, and I again have more hours in my day.
By the grace of God, I'll not succumb to S.A.D.D.
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.
Image from ihatecommuting.wordpress.com
#encouragement
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
False Sense of Security
"A false sense of security is the only kind there is."~ Michael Meade
False Sense of Security
Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
~ Psalms 123:4 (NKJV)
"But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.' "
~ Luke 16:25 (NKJV)
A recurrent lament in the Psalms is that while the righteous suffer, the unrighteous are at ease. Their prosperity and success seems, well, just not right. True enough that Jesus said in this world we'd have tribulation and trial. But in the face of their ease, must our trials be so ... trying?
Many of those who do not fear God have a cavalier journey through this world. They permit themselves a bit of disquiet (if that) at suffering and infirmity, perhaps spout off glib solutions like population control and euthanasia, and carry on a life at ease. If they harbor nagging doubts about their final destination, they nonetheless live each day as one step closer to a triumphant end where they plan to sing, "I did it 'My Way'."
Those who respect the Lord do not live at ease. We are disturbed by the unrighteousness which brings misery and are often scorned for standing against it. We sacrifice ourselves to make the world a better place but might as well try to hold back the tide. We are continually tempted to use this world's methods of "success." We strive all our lives to understand His Way, then kick ourselves for failing to live up to it.
People of this world are correct to say, "A false sense of security is the only kind there is."
Children of God endure because our security lies in no man or institution of this world, but in the Prince of Peace—King of the kingdom to come—Who reigns even now in our lives.
We may not live at ease. We have something better. We may live at peace.
Father in Heaven, our lives are in Your hands. Please increase our faith in Your Way. Please direct our every step. When we look at this world, please quiet our hearts with the peace which passes understanding.
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.
#discipleship
Photo from upi.com
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tears in Your Bottle
"A friend sees the first tear,
catches the second,
and stops the third."
~ Justice R.A.E.
(Today's post is part of the
Blog Carnival hosted
by Peter Pollock on "Grief")
Tears in Your Bottle
The LORD is gracious
and full of compassion.
~ Psalms 111:4 (NKJV)
The LORD is good to those
who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope
and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD...
Though He causes grief,
Yet He will show compassion ...
~ Lamentations 3:25-26;32 (NKJV)
You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them.
~ Psalms 56:8 (CEV)
For several days I've considered that grief goes beyond sorrow as the ocean exceeds a pond. And I've pondered these two things: what causes grief, and what grief feels like.
My mind takes the first thought and analyzes that grief is caused by things such as unrealized expectations, loss, and rejection. My reasoning goes on to offer answers like trusting in God's will, giving thanks for what has been before it was lost, and forgiveness.
My heart does not care about where grief comes from or how it shall depart, for my heart does not think grief. My heart feels grief more profoundly than my mind shall ever begin to comprehend it.
When grief calls, its fingertips first stroke my heart stealthily, gliding along the surface until it finds an opening. Grief then slips through vacant cavities, probing for a resting place. When grief at last settles in, the embrace of its tentacles becomes firm—not so as to choke me, but to prevent my escape as it begins its work.
Grief now begins to draw life from me, feeding upon my spirit to nourish itself, depositing death in life's stead. Loss of spirit and life rob me of hunger, of movement, of my very breath. I lie faint as my years multiply, in weariness of the aged.
Having sufficiently weakened me, grief now tightens its grip to choke from me my spirit's last ebb. Shall I passively succumb?
The Lord Jesus knew profound grief. He created goodness, bestowed grace, and put on flesh to pour out Himself for His beloved people. He was then scorned, injured and rejected by those to whom He'd given His best. The final blow came in being forsaken by His Father.
Did scourges and nails take His life any more than grief? Our Lord shed His first drops of blood at the hands of neither Roman guards nor minions of Jewish elders, but in Gethsemane. He did not passively succumb to death, but actively entrusted His spirit to His Father.
This must likewise be my choice when grief holds me in its clutches. I must actively commit my spirit to my Father in Heaven. If I am a prisoner to grief, I must entrust my captive heart to the One powerful enough to set it free—to the One Who has promised to wipe away my every tear, for He collects every one.
And He calls each one who is His, "Friend."
Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
~ John 14:27 (NKJV)
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.
Artwork titled COLLECT MY TEARS IN THY BOTTLE; Artist: Sandra Perini
From amariahart.com
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Follow Your Heart, Part I
"Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
~ Norman Vincent Peale
Follow Your Heart, Part I
#loveoneanother
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
No one disputes that our human nature resists returning good for evil. When we are angry, injured, or our sense of justice is violated, our inclination is to see the offender suffer in like manner.
Jesus knows we may not feel like doing what is contrary to human nature. But if we go ahead and pray for, do good to, and give love and blessing out to scoundrels—simply because we love the Lord—we discover a distinctly unnatural ability to follow through.
When we unite our hearts to His Spirit, the rest of us cannot help but follow.
Lord Jesus, give us such confidence in Your instructions that no matter our own heart, we readily follow Yours.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo courtesy GettyImages.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
THE ANSWER
This Tuesday thru Thursday, focus will be on three key principles of the Christian life.
"Faith is to believe what you do not yet see;
the reward for this faith is to see what you believe."
~ Augustine
THE ANSWER
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
~ Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Would you like an answer to whatever challenge you're facing right now?
Indulge me for a moment as I first explain my parenting philosophy. I taught my infants to completely depend on me for their survival. I was a continual presence as I nursed them, heeded their every call, attended to their every need. The task their father and I face for the rest of their lives is not to make them independent, but to transfer their dependence upon our nurture, provision, and protection to God. It is absolutely necessary for their continued survival.
The secret to solving any problem is complete dependence on God. It is expressed in the simple prayer, "What do I do next?"
I discovered this prayer following the most difficult day of my life, which spiritually exhausted me, physically fatigued me to the point of collapse, and left me mentally and emotionally bankrupt. I had an infant recovering from surgery, a small child with stomach flu, a house-remodeling project in a stage which both required critical attention and left me without much house—and a husband who needed to go to work.
"Overwhelmed" doesn't begin to describe my feelings. My mind was capable of no more than to ask, "Lord, what do I do next?"
Nurse the baby.
Done. "Lord, what do I do next?"
Fix dinner.
Done. "Lord, what do I do next?"
Give the baby his medicine.
I swallow with dread. I must pin down his infant body with my knees to force the medicine in with my hands while he fights against the pain I'm inflicting.
I'll give you strength.
Take a breath. Okay, Lord. Done.
For a few days, this was how I survived. And I learned that no matter where a person is in life, no matter what a person faces, no matter how a person feels, there's only one Answer needed.
The next step.
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
"This is the way, walk in it,"
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.
~ Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV)
God doesn't always whisper. Sometimes He simply brings The Answer to mind without words, by directing attention to what's needed. Sometimes within conscience, there is certainty of what must be done.
The Lord will give The Answer to anyone—no matter where they are with God at the moment—anyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart that is ready to listen and act.
Our part is to give Him our attention, trust Him without argument, and heed Him without hesitation.
"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
To one without faith, no explanation is possible."
~ Thomas Aquinas
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.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
You Need God
"Everyone has at least one secret
that would make you cry if you knew it."
~ John Warnock
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
~ Mark 10:15 (NIV)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
~ Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
The mature adult faces life and takes it on with confidence in his or her capability.
The grown-up who faces life with the heart of a child looks about with bewilderment, fully aware of his or her utter incapability to take on life alone. Only in this place does one say, "I drop my sword and look up."
Dependence on Jesus for salvation, for capabilty, and for life itself is the only way to enter the kingdom of God. We do not enter His kingdom when our days in this world are left behind, but when we leave behind dependence upon this world.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Exhibit H: Covenant
"Pessimism is a luxury that a Jew can never allow himself."
~ Golda Meir
~ Golda Meir
Blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins."
~ Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV)
"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins."
~ Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV)
The LORD will scatter you among the peoples ...
He will not forsake you nor destroy you,
nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.
~ Deuteronomy 4:27,31 (NKJV)
~ Deuteronomy 4:27,31 (NKJV)
Paul concludes his case for Christ with an eighth exhibit—God's covenant with Israel. Israel stands as proof that God's Word and promises are reliable. The Lord cut off Israel in Paul's era. But Paul foresaw what is being fulfilled in our era: YHWH's restoration of Israel in fulfillment of His everlasting covenant with her.
Israel's survival alone is miraculous testimony to God's covenant. But on May 14, 1948, Israel's sovereignty was reestablished after 2600 years, testifying that she is indeed the Lord's chosen people. God is at work for full restoration as He has promised. The time for Israel to know and put faith in her Messiah is near.
Paul said that Israel's blindness to the identity of Jesus will endure until the fullness of Gentiles has come in. I believe God gives prophecy of future evens with enough specifics that we cannot dispute it after the fact, and enough ambiguity that we are forced to rely on Him as events await fulfillment.
No one has complete knowledge of how and when each end time event will unfold. Yet Jesus said we would recognize the signs of end times (Mark 13:27-29).
As God shows that His covenant with Israel is everlasting, we see the reliability of His covenant with Christ's followers—and a sign that the days of the Gentiles draw to a close.
Sovereign Lord, all Your Word is true and reliable. You have done great things for Israel and for those of us who are Christ's, and have promised to do so much more! Work mightily in our hearts and make Your bride ready for her Bridegroom.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Exhibit G: Conquerors
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
~ Romans 8:35,37 (NKJV)
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
~ John 14:12-13 (NKJV)
Paul now brings forth testimony greater than Christ's—what Christ Himself calls "greater works."
When Jesus Christ walked the earth, He could be but one place at one time. But once He puts His Spirit in us, each CHRIST-ian is a little Christ—speaking His words which testify of the Father, showing His love, even working His miracles.
Meanwhile, back at the throne, Jesus is pulling for us with His Father. He is our Advocate for all we "ask in His name"—all that is consistent with Who He is, which glorifies the Father.
We are now conquerors, who glorify the Father with the victories He gives us. We overcome sin, despair, hatred. We stand down tribulation, distress, persecution. We do not fear famine, nakedness, peril, or sword. We do so in every corner of the globe, all compelling evidence of God—of God with us.
Do we always prevail? No. We are still being perfected, day by day, moment by moment. But we keep on asking for what Jesus wants, grounded in our love for Him. We ask for greater faith, greater hope, greater love. We become increasingly dependent on Him. And in such prayer:
WE
ARE
CONQUERORS!
Father in Heaven, we come before Your throne with Your Son's blessing. We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, and rely on Your Spirit to help in our weaknesses, to make intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered, according to Your will—all for Your glory.
"A faithful prayer in the hands of love
is the most powerful force on earth."
~ Doug Spurling
is the most powerful force on earth."
~ Doug Spurling
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
YHWH Yireh / YHWH Will See to It
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
YHWH Yireh / YHWH Will See to It
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay YIR-eh"
Also: Jehovah-Jireh / The LORD Will Provide)
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place YHWH Will See to It. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the YHWH it will be seen."
~ Genesis 22:13-14 (author)
"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
~ Luke 12:30-32 (NKJV)
This is among the names of God most familiar in Christiandom. With all due respect to far more educated scholars, few of them adequately translate it to do it justice. It is commonly known as Jehovah-Jireh, and translated, "The LORD Will Provide."
It's not terribly significant to me whether someone translates YHWH / YHVH as Jehovah, Yahweh, or LORD. (I'm a nut for accuracy over tradition, so I go with YHWH.) But to translate Yireh as "will provide" is just too small for me to accept.
Yireh attaches a prefix to the word raah, which means "to see." The context means "will see to it" or "will look after it."
To sum this up as merely "provide" narrows the scope of what the Lord did. Yes, He provided a ram for Abraham, so that he might sacrifice it instead of his son Isaac. But Abraham's vision and faith was far lager than the provision of a ram. In Hebrews 11:17-19 we learn:
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.
To provide is to simply supply or give (Hebrew kul or nathan) and be done. To see to something or look after it begins before the need exists and continues to be involved.
Yes, we need to trust the Lord to provide for all our needs, of body, heart, mind, and soul. But Jesus calls us to live in such dependence on God that we have no worries or anxiousness or fear. (In fact, the instruction Jesus gave more than any other one is some form of "Fear Not.") He assures us that our loving Father in heaven wants us to seek only the Kingdom of God—to dwell in His presence—and not even think about what we need Him to provide.
More on this tomorrow as we look at the name, "Father."
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
YHWH Yireh / YHWH Will See to It
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay YIR-eh"
Also: Jehovah-Jireh / The LORD Will Provide)
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place YHWH Will See to It. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the YHWH it will be seen."
~ Genesis 22:13-14 (author)
"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
~ Luke 12:30-32 (NKJV)
This is among the names of God most familiar in Christiandom. With all due respect to far more educated scholars, few of them adequately translate it to do it justice. It is commonly known as Jehovah-Jireh, and translated, "The LORD Will Provide."
It's not terribly significant to me whether someone translates YHWH / YHVH as Jehovah, Yahweh, or LORD. (I'm a nut for accuracy over tradition, so I go with YHWH.) But to translate Yireh as "will provide" is just too small for me to accept.
Yireh attaches a prefix to the word raah, which means "to see." The context means "will see to it" or "will look after it."
To sum this up as merely "provide" narrows the scope of what the Lord did. Yes, He provided a ram for Abraham, so that he might sacrifice it instead of his son Isaac. But Abraham's vision and faith was far lager than the provision of a ram. In Hebrews 11:17-19 we learn:
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.
To provide is to simply supply or give (Hebrew kul or nathan) and be done. To see to something or look after it begins before the need exists and continues to be involved.
Yes, we need to trust the Lord to provide for all our needs, of body, heart, mind, and soul. But Jesus calls us to live in such dependence on God that we have no worries or anxiousness or fear. (In fact, the instruction Jesus gave more than any other one is some form of "Fear Not.") He assures us that our loving Father in heaven wants us to seek only the Kingdom of God—to dwell in His presence—and not even think about what we need Him to provide.
More on this tomorrow as we look at the name, "Father."
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
YHWH Roeh-iy / YHWH My Shepherd
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
YHWH Roeh-iy / YHWH My Shepherd
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay r-OH-ee")
YHWH Roeh-iy / YHWH My Shepherd
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay r-OH-ee")
A Psalm of David.
YHWH is my shepherd—
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul ...
~ Psalms 23:1-3 (author)
YHWH is my shepherd—
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul ...
~ Psalms 23:1-3 (author)
Behold, the Lord GOD [Adonai YHWH] ...
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
~ Isaiah 40:10-11 (NKJV)
"The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."
~ John 10:11-14 (NKJV)
Is any passage in all of Scripture more beloved than the 23rd Psalm?
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
~ Isaiah 40:10-11 (NKJV)
"The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."
~ John 10:11-14 (NKJV)
Is any passage in all of Scripture more beloved than the 23rd Psalm?
The words carry the gentle and comforting voice of the shepherd David, who well understood the utter helplessness of sheep.
It seems every other creature has some form of natural defense, whether by fight or flight. Not so for sheep. Their only defense is their shepherd, who watches for danger and guards his flock even at the cost of his life.
It seems every other creature has some instinct for survival. Sheep must be guided to good pasture and water and restrained from danger. They'll readily follow each other over a cliff or drown themselves without a shepherd to look out for them. The only intelligence sheep demonstrate is the ability to distinguish the voice of their own shepherd from all others.
And from what I've heard, no other creature so thoroughly evokes affection. I observed such affection in a relative who grew up among sheep and asked what made sheep so lovable. No answer could be articulated except, "If you ever held a lamb you'd understand."
We have a God who inexplicably loves us with tender affection. He looks out for us and guides us and offers to see to our protection. Like any good shepherd, our Shepherd knows His sheep well because His eyes never leave us.
We have a God who inexplicably loves us with tender affection. He looks out for us and guides us and offers to see to our protection. Like any good shepherd, our Shepherd knows His sheep well because His eyes never leave us.
The Hebrew verb for "to shepherd" is raah (רעה), and is related to the verb raah (ראה) which means "to see." Interestingly enough, the former verb, used for shepherding, can also mean "to closely associate with, to be a companion or friend."
David's psalm begins with the personal name of God, YHWH. Rather than refer to YHWH as *a* shepherd, or even *the* shepherd, David calls YHWH "*my* Shepherd," for He knows his Shepherd's voice.
Though human eyes cannot look upon our Shepherd, we can feel His Own affectionate eyes upon us. We can recognize His voice. And in being given the high privilege of calling Him Friend, may we hold Him as close as we might a friend who is never far from sight in our hearts.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
David's psalm begins with the personal name of God, YHWH. Rather than refer to YHWH as *a* shepherd, or even *the* shepherd, David calls YHWH "*my* Shepherd," for He knows his Shepherd's voice.
Though human eyes cannot look upon our Shepherd, we can feel His Own affectionate eyes upon us. We can recognize His voice. And in being given the high privilege of calling Him Friend, may we hold Him as close as we might a friend who is never far from sight in our hearts.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Dependence on God
"Give us day by day our daily bread. "
~ Luke 11:3 (NKJV)
Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? ... Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." ... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities ... in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV)
Give Us Day by Day
I can buy grain in bulk and store it for years. To obtain the grace that can't be purchased, I need to ask for Bread of life each day, mindful of my dependence on God.
Our Daily Bread
For my body—the dwelling place of God on earth—I ask God's provision of healthy food and clean water, hard work and full rest. I ask God's grace to take in no more and no more less than builds up my body with strength. I ask God's grace to accept my weaknesses, which manifest His strength.
For my heart and mind I need protection to take in no more and no less than edifies me, to meditate only on whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, reputable, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
For my soul I need God's leading through detours, to eat adequately of the Bread of Life (read the Bible), and remember to drink enough Living Waters (strength of the Spirit received in prayer), so that I produce spiritual fruit:
sacrificial love (as Abraham)
strength of joy amid suffering (as Paul & Silas)
perfect peace in the face of trial (as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego)
patient longsuffering through even years of waiting (as David and John)
active kindness (as Ruth)
obedient goodness in the face of evil ("as Noah, Daniel & Job")
faithfulness in the face of doubt (as Caleb & Joshua)
meek gentleness in the face of pride and anger (as Abigail)
temperate self-control to overcome all kinds of lust for immediate gratification (as Joseph and Joseph)
Our Father—our Provider and Protector—give us day by day our daily bread.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 11:3 (NKJV)
Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? ... Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." ... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities ... in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV)
Give Us Day by Day
I can buy grain in bulk and store it for years. To obtain the grace that can't be purchased, I need to ask for Bread of life each day, mindful of my dependence on God.
Our Daily Bread
For my body—the dwelling place of God on earth—I ask God's provision of healthy food and clean water, hard work and full rest. I ask God's grace to take in no more and no more less than builds up my body with strength. I ask God's grace to accept my weaknesses, which manifest His strength.
For my heart and mind I need protection to take in no more and no less than edifies me, to meditate only on whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, reputable, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
For my soul I need God's leading through detours, to eat adequately of the Bread of Life (read the Bible), and remember to drink enough Living Waters (strength of the Spirit received in prayer), so that I produce spiritual fruit:
sacrificial love (as Abraham)
strength of joy amid suffering (as Paul & Silas)
perfect peace in the face of trial (as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego)
patient longsuffering through even years of waiting (as David and John)
active kindness (as Ruth)
obedient goodness in the face of evil ("as Noah, Daniel & Job")
faithfulness in the face of doubt (as Caleb & Joshua)
meek gentleness in the face of pride and anger (as Abigail)
temperate self-control to overcome all kinds of lust for immediate gratification (as Joseph and Joseph)
Our Father—our Provider and Protector—give us day by day our daily bread.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Anywhere, Any Time
And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ... Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." Likewise the soldiers asked him ...
~ Luke 3:3,12-14 (NKJV)
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)
I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere ... any time, I am content ... I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
~ Philippians 4:11-13 (GNB)
Talk about a diverse audience! It seems everyone came to hear John the Baptist, and many took his words to heart asking, "What shall we do?" He gave them all instructions to live godly lives, exactly where they were. Not even tax collectors were told to look for another job.
I'm too often guilty of, "God, if You'd send me there, I could better serve You." God may send His servants somewhere else, but He intends to use them wherever they are. More important than circumstances is an attitude which says, "Okay Lord, anywhere, any time."
It's not enough to just submit our wills. If we want strength, we need to be satisfied. Content. Even happy. Anywhere, any time, our contentment is found in God, not what we do for Him. Anywhere, any time, we have strength for our circumstances because Christ is enough.
Sovereign Lord, You know our impatient hearts. You know how hard it is to be content where we are, and not say "if only." You are in control. Your will is perfect. Please help us know when to stay and when to go. Please give us contentment and strength in all places and times.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 3:3,12-14 (NKJV)
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)
I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere ... any time, I am content ... I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
~ Philippians 4:11-13 (GNB)
Talk about a diverse audience! It seems everyone came to hear John the Baptist, and many took his words to heart asking, "What shall we do?" He gave them all instructions to live godly lives, exactly where they were. Not even tax collectors were told to look for another job.
I'm too often guilty of, "God, if You'd send me there, I could better serve You." God may send His servants somewhere else, but He intends to use them wherever they are. More important than circumstances is an attitude which says, "Okay Lord, anywhere, any time."
It's not enough to just submit our wills. If we want strength, we need to be satisfied. Content. Even happy. Anywhere, any time, our contentment is found in God, not what we do for Him. Anywhere, any time, we have strength for our circumstances because Christ is enough.
Sovereign Lord, You know our impatient hearts. You know how hard it is to be content where we are, and not say "if only." You are in control. Your will is perfect. Please help us know when to stay and when to go. Please give us contentment and strength in all places and times.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
He Will Hear
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God,
and he will hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord....
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
~ Psalms 77:1-2,13-14 (ESV)
So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
~ Acts 3:5 (NKJV)
I wish I wrote these posts at first light while the house sleeps. They are typically composed in evening hours as five children, the phone, my beloved, and perhaps bedtime all vie for my attention. Four-year-old Daniel has learned to say "Look at me, Mom" before he speaks.
Our omnipresent God has no difficulty giving His full attention to each one of us, all at the same time. Every day is "the day of my trouble." If we cry out to God He will hear us. There is no matter too great for Him to work wonders with. Miracles are His business.
There is also no matter so trivial it is a bother to Him. His full attention is always upon each of us. There is no moment of the day when we lose His interest. He doesn't have something more pressing to go attend to. We face no situation He expects us to handle on our own.
He will hear because He is near.
Precious Abba our Father, how much You love Your children. How good You are to keep us in Your presence. Please make us mindful of You, as eager to speak to You as You are to hear. Please draw us to give You our attention, expecting to receive what You are anxious to give.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
and he will hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord....
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
~ Psalms 77:1-2,13-14 (ESV)
So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
~ Acts 3:5 (NKJV)
I wish I wrote these posts at first light while the house sleeps. They are typically composed in evening hours as five children, the phone, my beloved, and perhaps bedtime all vie for my attention. Four-year-old Daniel has learned to say "Look at me, Mom" before he speaks.
Our omnipresent God has no difficulty giving His full attention to each one of us, all at the same time. Every day is "the day of my trouble." If we cry out to God He will hear us. There is no matter too great for Him to work wonders with. Miracles are His business.
There is also no matter so trivial it is a bother to Him. His full attention is always upon each of us. There is no moment of the day when we lose His interest. He doesn't have something more pressing to go attend to. We face no situation He expects us to handle on our own.
He will hear because He is near.
Precious Abba our Father, how much You love Your children. How good You are to keep us in Your presence. Please make us mindful of You, as eager to speak to You as You are to hear. Please draw us to give You our attention, expecting to receive what You are anxious to give.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Those Who Sail With You
"... indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you."
~ Acts 27:24 (NKJV)
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you."
~ 1 Samuel 12:23 (NKJV)
God's Holy Spirit carries us in our weakness. Although we do not know what to pray for according to our needs, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.... If God is for us, what can work against us? This God—who did not even keep back his own Son, but delivered Him to death on our behalf—will He not freely give us along with His Son every other good thing?
~ Romans 8:26,31-32 (author's paraphrase)
Consider those who "sail with you." Some are close family members. Some are members of Christ's family within your circle of life. Some are neighbors, those people who travel the path with you, perhaps cross your path—or maybe cross you.
Why has God brought them into your life? Do they minister to you? Do you minister to them? Are some anonymous faces or are they all precious souls made in the Creator's image? Whatever else their relationship to you, do you carry a burden of prayer for those who sail with you?
Many days I sorrow that I am not able to adequately minister to those who sail with me. (Tuesday was a particularly difficult one.) I am glad for days when God reminds me that He is God and I am not. I am inadequate to supply what only He can. But in His Spirit I am adequate to pray.
Father God, I deeply love the many who sail with me. Their griefs are too much for me to bear, too much for them to bear. Please cause us to fall upon You and allow You to carry us. Please use our burdens to draw us to prayer. Please teach us to pray in groanings when words fail us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Acts 27:24 (NKJV)
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you."
~ 1 Samuel 12:23 (NKJV)
God's Holy Spirit carries us in our weakness. Although we do not know what to pray for according to our needs, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.... If God is for us, what can work against us? This God—who did not even keep back his own Son, but delivered Him to death on our behalf—will He not freely give us along with His Son every other good thing?
~ Romans 8:26,31-32 (author's paraphrase)
Consider those who "sail with you." Some are close family members. Some are members of Christ's family within your circle of life. Some are neighbors, those people who travel the path with you, perhaps cross your path—or maybe cross you.
Why has God brought them into your life? Do they minister to you? Do you minister to them? Are some anonymous faces or are they all precious souls made in the Creator's image? Whatever else their relationship to you, do you carry a burden of prayer for those who sail with you?
Many days I sorrow that I am not able to adequately minister to those who sail with me. (Tuesday was a particularly difficult one.) I am glad for days when God reminds me that He is God and I am not. I am inadequate to supply what only He can. But in His Spirit I am adequate to pray.
Father God, I deeply love the many who sail with me. Their griefs are too much for me to bear, too much for them to bear. Please cause us to fall upon You and allow You to carry us. Please use our burdens to draw us to prayer. Please teach us to pray in groanings when words fail us.
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