Among countless analogies in the vast myriad of relationship books that I've read, a few stay with me. One of them—(and if you recognize the source, please refresh my memory)—likens relationships to a bank account. In this comparison, all the goodness and love shown to another person is like a deposit toward the relationship, while negative words and actions are a withdrawal. As I recall, the goal is to keep the account well in the black, never permitting the account balance to fall into a dangerous condition of being overdrawn.
Perhaps my years in banking and banking school give me a dim view of this concept. While I certainly appreciate the fact that positive needs to outweigh negative (in both banking and relationships), I also know that a checking account is technically called a DDA, or "demand deposit account." Unlike an investment certificate or bond with a maturity date, a bank account holds deposits for safekeeping, but must relinquish them immediately upon "demand."
If anything forebodes certain injury to a relationship, it is making a demand for that to which one feels entitled.
" 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.' "
~ Matthew 25:27 (NKJV)
Perhaps relationship is better likened to an investment in business or stocks than a demand deposit account. Investment expects a return, but has no guarantee of it. Rather than arbitrarily deposit money, one must thoughtfully consider where money is placed, maintain diversity of investment, and watch closely for when a change in strategy is indicated. Money simply deposited in an account gives its owner an expectation to receive back only what's given, and perhaps some nominal interest. But with investment, the expectation is to receive a much greater return than the capital; the dream is to reap a windfall.
With investment, however, one also runs the risk of losing everything. Bankruptcy has a way of taking away even more than the capital. The stock market crash of 1929 precipitated The Great Depression. Relationship crash also tends to bring on great depression.
We spend years and decades and entire lifetimes pouring love and prayers, positive words and deeds, our very selves into close relationships. And we have every expectation of a good return—every dream of eternal harmony. Whether that relationship is marriage or parent-child, family or friendship, we each have special people in our lives who have received our thoughtful investment of time and energy, diversity in loving words and actions, and close watch through life's changes.
When we invest in relationships this way, we usually do reap a healthy return.
But sometimes, bankruptcy strikes. The relationship crashes, and we see everything lost. We may be able to pinpoint where we've been negligent, assuming our initial investment would cover it. Or we may perform a careful examination and remain stunned that our steady attention failed to overcome unavoidable mistakes by imperfect people. The signs of relationship crash may have been steadily growing, or a single disaster can wreak havoc.
However relationship crash comes, depression follows because of the perception that all is lost.
"Gather together the remaining broken pieces, in order that nothing might be lost."
~ John 6:12
As I've said before, Jesus is a capitalist. He speaks often of money, and clearly demonstrates that God will obtain a return on His many investments in us, one way or another. He allows nothing to be wasted, not even the broken pieces.
The broken pieces of our lives are sometimes related to losses of health and wealth. But relationship crash shatters us as nothing else, bringing on the notion that our investment has been a failure—maybe even the notion that we have been a failure.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
~ Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)
Relationships of this world and this time may prove temporal, despite our best efforts to take them into eternity with us.
But.
We are not investing in the temporal and the seen. We are investing in the eternal and the unseen, laying up treasure in Heaven. We remain unaware, for now, of what return will be paid on our investment—for us, for our children, for every seen and unseen witness to our testimony.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
~ Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
The case for love will not be lost—cannot be lost. The case for love is God's case, proven by us through His power.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
~ Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
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.
Showing posts with label Eternal Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eternal Life. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Saturday, December 5, 2009
How Old?
"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams."
~ John Barrymore
~ John Barrymore
How Old?
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
~ Psalms 90:12 (NKJV)
I rarely mention when it's my birthday. I'll make an exception this year, especially since it falls on a casual Saturday when not so many people stop by here.
I tend to forget how old I am, and figure it by subtracting 1962 from the current year. With a December birthday, the number is a year high most of the year, so I simply say, "I'll be xx this year."
For whatever reason, the subject of my age came up frequently in 2009. I must have spoken of being 47 too many times, because by autumn, I believed I was turning 48.
So for nearly a year I’ve been 46 while mentioning 47 and then 48. When I figured out I'm younger than I thought, a friend suggested that I still have a year of 46 coming to me.
All of which is irrelevant as far as I’m concerned. Eternal life began for me at age 25, when death became inconsequential and aging ceased to matter.
In Jesus Christ, I'll be forever young.
Lord, I thank You for the life You've given me that I might glorify You. To Your grace I'm a debtor forever, wherever and whenever You plant me. Thank You for all my loved ones. Please enable me to bless them with every contact.
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 uwstopia.nl
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
~ Psalms 90:12 (NKJV)
I rarely mention when it's my birthday. I'll make an exception this year, especially since it falls on a casual Saturday when not so many people stop by here.
I tend to forget how old I am, and figure it by subtracting 1962 from the current year. With a December birthday, the number is a year high most of the year, so I simply say, "I'll be xx this year."
For whatever reason, the subject of my age came up frequently in 2009. I must have spoken of being 47 too many times, because by autumn, I believed I was turning 48.
So for nearly a year I’ve been 46 while mentioning 47 and then 48. When I figured out I'm younger than I thought, a friend suggested that I still have a year of 46 coming to me.
All of which is irrelevant as far as I’m concerned. Eternal life began for me at age 25, when death became inconsequential and aging ceased to matter.
In Jesus Christ, I'll be forever young.
Lord, I thank You for the life You've given me that I might glorify You. To Your grace I'm a debtor forever, wherever and whenever You plant me. Thank You for all my loved ones. Please enable me to bless them with every contact.
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 uwstopia.nl
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
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Heaven's Strength of Joy
"Joy is the serious business of heaven."
~ C.S. Lewis
~ C.S. Lewis
"... Thy kingdom come ..."
~ Matthew 6:10
"This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
~ Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
Now when [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)
My dear friend Gwen Stewart recently wrote a piece on Heaven to explore what we expect it to be like. (Click the link to see all the responses.)
Whatever else we imagine Heaven to be, we know without a doubt that the business of Heaven is Joy. It is other things such as Peace and Love and the Presence of God. And all those things come down to Joy.
If we have been born again into the God's Kingdom of Heaven ...
If eternal life is not something we wait for but something we have ...
If the kingdom of God is something not searched out but found within ...
... shouldn't we be employed in Heaven's business of Joy?
The Power to manifest Joy resides within the heart where Jesus is enthroned. In yielding to His Joy we have strength.
Lord Jesus, You taught us to pray for Your Father’s kingdom to come. We long for Your kingdom on earth when You return some future hour. Please shine through us so that Your spiritual kingdom is visible in us for this present hour.
[Note: if sorrow clouds your joy, I invite you to stop by Shortybear's Place, the blog of another dear friend. Denise has many afflictions. Her joy shines brighter than perhaps anyone else you'll ever encounter. Her strength in Jesus is abundant.]
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, August 12, 2009
According to Grace, Not Works
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." ... Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace ...
~ Romans 4:2-3,16 (NKJV)
"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
~ Galatians 2:21 (NKJV)
Many creative depictions have attempted to define what it means to receive eternal life in heaven according to grace, not works. With thanks to my friend Amy Deardon, who hosted this on her blog earlier this week, I offer this video.
(Apologies to my dial-up friends. The clip is 3 minutes if you can wait for it to load.)
~ Romans 4:2-3,16 (NKJV)
"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
~ Galatians 2:21 (NKJV)
Many creative depictions have attempted to define what it means to receive eternal life in heaven according to grace, not works. With thanks to my friend Amy Deardon, who hosted this on her blog earlier this week, I offer this video.
(Apologies to my dial-up friends. The clip is 3 minutes if you can wait for it to load.)
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.
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Shedding of Blood
"When the days of her purification are fulfilled ... she shall bring to the priest a lamb of the first year as a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering ... Then he shall offer it before the LORD, and make atonement for her. And she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who has borne a male or a female."
~ Leviticus 12:6-7 (NKJV)
"And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.... Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man. As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."
~ Genesis 9:5-7 (NIV)
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
~ Hebrews 9:22 (ESV)
When God pronounced sin's consequences to Adam and Eve, woman's destiny became much toil in pregnancy and great pain in giving birth—and the desire for her husband that would ensure pregnancy. The process would involve bloodshed, both before and after pregnancy.
The Lord demands an accounting for the shedding of blood. His law required a woman (not her husband) to make atonement for the bloodshed of childbirth. God also commanded mankind to be fruitful and multiply, which requires childbirth. A catch-22 if ever there was one.
Before thinking "unfair," consider the process of being "born again." Before we receive spiritual life, our sins require an atonement [Hebrew kaphar, a covering which changes the nature of the thing covered]. For this God required the shedding of blood, and that blood was shed by His Son.
Most Holy God, You are good to make our lives and blood precious in Your sight. Please let us likewise see all human life as precious, valued no matter its circumstances. Please let us value most highly the blood of Your Son, by which we have forgiveness and eternal life.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Leviticus 12:6-7 (NKJV)
"And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.... Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man. As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it."
~ Genesis 9:5-7 (NIV)
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
~ Hebrews 9:22 (ESV)
When God pronounced sin's consequences to Adam and Eve, woman's destiny became much toil in pregnancy and great pain in giving birth—and the desire for her husband that would ensure pregnancy. The process would involve bloodshed, both before and after pregnancy.
The Lord demands an accounting for the shedding of blood. His law required a woman (not her husband) to make atonement for the bloodshed of childbirth. God also commanded mankind to be fruitful and multiply, which requires childbirth. A catch-22 if ever there was one.
Before thinking "unfair," consider the process of being "born again." Before we receive spiritual life, our sins require an atonement [Hebrew kaphar, a covering which changes the nature of the thing covered]. For this God required the shedding of blood, and that blood was shed by His Son.
Most Holy God, You are good to make our lives and blood precious in Your sight. Please let us likewise see all human life as precious, valued no matter its circumstances. Please let us value most highly the blood of Your Son, by which we have forgiveness and eternal life.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Everlasting Kindness
Awake, awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem,
You who have drunk at the hand of the LORD
The cup of His fury ...
These two things have come to you ...
Desolation and destruction, famine and sword ...
The rebuke of your God.
Isaiah 51:17-20 (NKJV)
"For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,"
Says the LORD, your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:7-8 (NKJV)
In Isaiah 51 God rebuked Jerusalem by the prophet for the last time. In Isaiah 52-53 lay prophecies of atonement through Messiah. Now all has changed. The rest of Isaiah's prophecy contains condemnation only for other nations. To His people God will speak only everlasting kindness.
Such is the effect of Calvary. We measure time BC and AD. Even the politically correct who use BCE and CE are compelled to speak of all history in terms of whether it occurred before or after the time of Jesus Christ.
All my history is likewise defined as before I trusted Jesus—a time of turmoil and distress, when peace eluded me regardless of where I sought it—or when I surrendered myself to Him, was born again into everlasting life, and began to grow in the knowledge of everlasting kindness.
Such is the power of the cross.
Wonderful, merciful Savior, precious Redeemer and Friend, You make me whole. You are, indeed, all I need. This life's greatest blessing is nothing compared to the indescribable privilege of knowing You and Your everlasting kindness. Let me never neglect so great a salvation.
"When you believe He's all you need, that will be your defining moment." ~ Newsong *
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
*(Defining Moment © 2000 Sony-ATV Songs / Lowery Music / BMI / WB Music Corp.)
You who have drunk at the hand of the LORD
The cup of His fury ...
These two things have come to you ...
Desolation and destruction, famine and sword ...
The rebuke of your God.
Isaiah 51:17-20 (NKJV)
"For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,"
Says the LORD, your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:7-8 (NKJV)
In Isaiah 51 God rebuked Jerusalem by the prophet for the last time. In Isaiah 52-53 lay prophecies of atonement through Messiah. Now all has changed. The rest of Isaiah's prophecy contains condemnation only for other nations. To His people God will speak only everlasting kindness.
Such is the effect of Calvary. We measure time BC and AD. Even the politically correct who use BCE and CE are compelled to speak of all history in terms of whether it occurred before or after the time of Jesus Christ.
All my history is likewise defined as before I trusted Jesus—a time of turmoil and distress, when peace eluded me regardless of where I sought it—or when I surrendered myself to Him, was born again into everlasting life, and began to grow in the knowledge of everlasting kindness.
Such is the power of the cross.
Wonderful, merciful Savior, precious Redeemer and Friend, You make me whole. You are, indeed, all I need. This life's greatest blessing is nothing compared to the indescribable privilege of knowing You and Your everlasting kindness. Let me never neglect so great a salvation.
"When you believe He's all you need, that will be your defining moment." ~ Newsong *
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
*(Defining Moment © 2000 Sony-ATV Songs / Lowery Music / BMI / WB Music Corp.)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Rose Blossoms in the Desert
The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose ...
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing...
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:1,5-6,10 (NKJV)
For the creation was subjected to futility ... creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ~ Romans 8:20-21 (NKJV)
Then [the other criminal] said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." ~ Luke 23:42-43 (NKJV)
God created only good. Sin entered the world, and with it the death and suffering and sorrow to which our bodies are in bondage. The physical creation waits for the liberation it will receive when the Lord restores perfection.
But the spiritual is already liberated from bondage. Anyone in Christ is already a new creation, a child of God living in glorious liberty and eternal life. The ransomed drink of the Holy Spirit's living waters in the desert of this world. The kingdom is now within us.
The dying thief asked to join Jesus in His Kingdom, and that day he entered Paradise by faith. In the day we join ourselves to Jesus, we enter His spiritual Paradise, living as rose blossoms in the desert. Our eyes and ears are opened, our tongues and limbs are loosed to praise.
The kingdom is yet at war. Will you today fight hard the battle the soul wages to live in the spirit's liberty rather than the body's bondage?
Holy One, thank You for the blood of our King, that we might live in His kingdom, the fragrance of Your life now ours. Please lead us to streams of waters in the desert of death all around us. Please be continually opening our eyes and ears, and loosing our limbs and tongues. Please arm us for the battle.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing...
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:1,5-6,10 (NKJV)
For the creation was subjected to futility ... creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ~ Romans 8:20-21 (NKJV)
Then [the other criminal] said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." ~ Luke 23:42-43 (NKJV)
God created only good. Sin entered the world, and with it the death and suffering and sorrow to which our bodies are in bondage. The physical creation waits for the liberation it will receive when the Lord restores perfection.
But the spiritual is already liberated from bondage. Anyone in Christ is already a new creation, a child of God living in glorious liberty and eternal life. The ransomed drink of the Holy Spirit's living waters in the desert of this world. The kingdom is now within us.
The dying thief asked to join Jesus in His Kingdom, and that day he entered Paradise by faith. In the day we join ourselves to Jesus, we enter His spiritual Paradise, living as rose blossoms in the desert. Our eyes and ears are opened, our tongues and limbs are loosed to praise.
The kingdom is yet at war. Will you today fight hard the battle the soul wages to live in the spirit's liberty rather than the body's bondage?
Holy One, thank You for the blood of our King, that we might live in His kingdom, the fragrance of Your life now ours. Please lead us to streams of waters in the desert of death all around us. Please be continually opening our eyes and ears, and loosing our limbs and tongues. Please arm us for the battle.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
To Die is Gain
And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mark 5:18-19 NKJV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:21-24 NKJV)
Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints.
(Psalms 116:15 NKJV)
The man healed of his demons desired to remain with Jesus, who had set him free. Paul likewise earnestly desired to depart and be with Christ. Both remained behind as messengers of the Gospel, willingly, for Paul said to live is Christ. He counted his existence as no more and no less than the manifestation of the Lord Jesus.
This man beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, who labored "in weariness and toil," with sleeplessness, hunger and thirst, had good reason to desire death. He knew to die is gain—the receiving of his reward, and the commendation, "well done, good and faithful servant." Yet his great love for others commissioned him to a life of suffering which he did not resist.
In heaven, we will know the glorious presence of Christ. On earth, we have the privilege to be the presence of Christ. It is a worthy reason to wait patiently for the day we look upon Him.
Lord Jesus, how heaven can beckon when You draw us close! One of these days, surrounded by Your glory, when we finally see the hands which took our nails, and touch the face of You who made us, what will our hearts feel? Give us strong hearts, to make Your presence known until that day.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:21-24 NKJV)
Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints.
(Psalms 116:15 NKJV)
The man healed of his demons desired to remain with Jesus, who had set him free. Paul likewise earnestly desired to depart and be with Christ. Both remained behind as messengers of the Gospel, willingly, for Paul said to live is Christ. He counted his existence as no more and no less than the manifestation of the Lord Jesus.
This man beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, who labored "in weariness and toil," with sleeplessness, hunger and thirst, had good reason to desire death. He knew to die is gain—the receiving of his reward, and the commendation, "well done, good and faithful servant." Yet his great love for others commissioned him to a life of suffering which he did not resist.
In heaven, we will know the glorious presence of Christ. On earth, we have the privilege to be the presence of Christ. It is a worthy reason to wait patiently for the day we look upon Him.
Lord Jesus, how heaven can beckon when You draw us close! One of these days, surrounded by Your glory, when we finally see the hands which took our nails, and touch the face of You who made us, what will our hearts feel? Give us strong hearts, to make Your presence known until that day.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Monday, November 24, 2008
Seed of God
And [Jesus] said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how."
(Mark 4:26-27 NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
(Isaiah 55:11 NKJV)
Whether the seed of a tomato or the seed of a man, the unassuming appearance of a seed belies the incomprehensible volume of information wrapped in its DNA. The humble seed holds the very miracle of life. It need only be planted in the right place to sprout and grow, seemingly unassisted, with uncanny precision, marvelously mysterious.
The seed of Jesus' parable is the Word of God. Like any seed, the Word's ability to produce new life defies explanation. Scientists' microscopic images of cell-reproduction make that process more understandable. Likewise, Bible expositors may trace the growth of spiritual life, but life itself is held in the Word.
Bibles are so familiar that even we who count them dear fail to behold them with awe each time we open them. Yet the unassuming seed of God's word carries potential reaching into eternity.
My Lord, how I love Your Word! It is more nourishing than bread, sweeter than honey, more precious than gold. It is Wisdom personified. It is the Water to wash me clean. It is the sharp Sword to defeat enemies of my soul. It is kisses from the Lover of my soul. Thank You for Your wonder-filled Word.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
(Mark 4:26-27 NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
(Isaiah 55:11 NKJV)
Whether the seed of a tomato or the seed of a man, the unassuming appearance of a seed belies the incomprehensible volume of information wrapped in its DNA. The humble seed holds the very miracle of life. It need only be planted in the right place to sprout and grow, seemingly unassisted, with uncanny precision, marvelously mysterious.
The seed of Jesus' parable is the Word of God. Like any seed, the Word's ability to produce new life defies explanation. Scientists' microscopic images of cell-reproduction make that process more understandable. Likewise, Bible expositors may trace the growth of spiritual life, but life itself is held in the Word.
Bibles are so familiar that even we who count them dear fail to behold them with awe each time we open them. Yet the unassuming seed of God's word carries potential reaching into eternity.
My Lord, how I love Your Word! It is more nourishing than bread, sweeter than honey, more precious than gold. It is Wisdom personified. It is the Water to wash me clean. It is the sharp Sword to defeat enemies of my soul. It is kisses from the Lover of my soul. Thank You for Your wonder-filled Word.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Now I See
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. ... Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see." (John 9:13,15 NIV)
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7 KJV)
So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22 NKJV)
Jesus chose to heal the man blind since birth by the same means with which He created man—He took dirt and put the power of life in it with His mouth.
By breathing on us with His Holy Spirit, Jesus likewise puts life into what is no more than dirt. Whether we come from the gutter of visible immorality, or the pedestal of self-righteous religion, we are little more than breathing dirt before we are truly born again.
Jesus has breathed upon me a second time. I was a dead man walking, but now I live. I once was blind, but now I see.
My Lord, how is it that You my King should die to redeem a wretch like me? Your love and grace are amazing indeed. You have blessed me beyond measure with fullness of life. Please let me see You more clearly, love You more dearly, follow You more nearly, each day.
Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7 KJV)
So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22 NKJV)
Jesus chose to heal the man blind since birth by the same means with which He created man—He took dirt and put the power of life in it with His mouth.
By breathing on us with His Holy Spirit, Jesus likewise puts life into what is no more than dirt. Whether we come from the gutter of visible immorality, or the pedestal of self-righteous religion, we are little more than breathing dirt before we are truly born again.
Jesus has breathed upon me a second time. I was a dead man walking, but now I live. I once was blind, but now I see.
My Lord, how is it that You my King should die to redeem a wretch like me? Your love and grace are amazing indeed. You have blessed me beyond measure with fullness of life. Please let me see You more clearly, love You more dearly, follow You more nearly, each day.
Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, September 4, 2008
You Are What You Eat
Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life. ... For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. ... He who feeds on Me will live because of Me." (John 6:53-57 NKJV)
And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
(John 6:35 NKJV)
"Any animal or bird that may be eaten ... pour out its blood and cover it with dust; for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood.' "
(Leviticus 17:13-14 NKJV)
The Israelite preparation of meat included taking the time to thoroughly cleanse it of the blood—of the animal’s life. Contrast Jesus—the Word made flesh—who tells us to feed on His flesh with the blood in it, that His life would become ours.
It would be easier to simply eat a wafer of bread and drink the fruit of the vine in sharing the communion of the Lord’s Table, and leave it at that. To feed on the flesh of the Word is to take time to thoroughly digest it, and to believe in it immediately, while it is fresh, with the life in it.
We are made in the image of God so that we will be like God. To feed on Jesus, the Word of God, is to fulfill the adage, "You are what you eat."
Lord Jesus, You alone are life. Your Spirit breathes in us. Your flesh of God's Word feeds us. Your blood both cleanses of the sin that kills and sustains Your life in our flesh. Please enable us to receive You in every way You give Yourself for us.
Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
(John 6:35 NKJV)
"Any animal or bird that may be eaten ... pour out its blood and cover it with dust; for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood.' "
(Leviticus 17:13-14 NKJV)
The Israelite preparation of meat included taking the time to thoroughly cleanse it of the blood—of the animal’s life. Contrast Jesus—the Word made flesh—who tells us to feed on His flesh with the blood in it, that His life would become ours.
It would be easier to simply eat a wafer of bread and drink the fruit of the vine in sharing the communion of the Lord’s Table, and leave it at that. To feed on the flesh of the Word is to take time to thoroughly digest it, and to believe in it immediately, while it is fresh, with the life in it.
We are made in the image of God so that we will be like God. To feed on Jesus, the Word of God, is to fulfill the adage, "You are what you eat."
Lord Jesus, You alone are life. Your Spirit breathes in us. Your flesh of God's Word feeds us. Your blood both cleanses of the sin that kills and sustains Your life in our flesh. Please enable us to receive You in every way You give Yourself for us.
Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 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
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Willingly a Slave
"There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. ... Buy us and our land for bread ... that we may live and not die." Then Joseph said to the people, "Indeed I have bought you and your land ... here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh." ... So they said, "You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants."
(Genesis 47:18-19; 23-25 NKJV)
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:13-15 NKJV)
When the people of Egypt saw they would die, they willingly sold themselves to the one who could give them life. Joseph generously allowed them to remain on the land, and keep eighty percent of the produce. It seemed a small matter to become slaves.
How much more generously has our God purchased us to save our lives and provide for our every need? And though He owns us as bondservants—slaves for life—He graciously calls us His friends as we participate in His plans.
Lord, we are servants unworthy to even know Your wonderful plans, let alone be a part of them. You show us great favor. Put in our hearts understanding and strength to perform all You desire of us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
(Genesis 47:18-19; 23-25 NKJV)
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:13-15 NKJV)
When the people of Egypt saw they would die, they willingly sold themselves to the one who could give them life. Joseph generously allowed them to remain on the land, and keep eighty percent of the produce. It seemed a small matter to become slaves.
How much more generously has our God purchased us to save our lives and provide for our every need? And though He owns us as bondservants—slaves for life—He graciously calls us His friends as we participate in His plans.
Lord, we are servants unworthy to even know Your wonderful plans, let alone be a part of them. You show us great favor. Put in our hearts understanding and strength to perform all You desire of us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Monday, April 14, 2008
A Live God
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. (1 Corinthians 15:17-19 NKJV)
However many times it is said that Christianity is a relationship rather than a religion, countless people would reduce it to a set of standards and rules to govern our lives. Because Christ is risen His death is vindicated and my death is already behind me. Because my Lord Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand as mankind’s Mediator I have access to Heaven’s Most Holy Place. Because He is alive He shares His eternal life with me. We have fellowship. I have life, strength, hope. All I am is because He lives.
How I love You, my Lord! How very real Your life is to me! No matter what happens to me, I am not pitiable, for Your blood runs through mine.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
However many times it is said that Christianity is a relationship rather than a religion, countless people would reduce it to a set of standards and rules to govern our lives. Because Christ is risen His death is vindicated and my death is already behind me. Because my Lord Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand as mankind’s Mediator I have access to Heaven’s Most Holy Place. Because He is alive He shares His eternal life with me. We have fellowship. I have life, strength, hope. All I am is because He lives.
How I love You, my Lord! How very real Your life is to me! No matter what happens to me, I am not pitiable, for Your blood runs through mine.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
United with Christ
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5 NKJV)
There is no greater bliss than true unity. The physical union we will one day experience with Christ is spiritual union for now - union through His Holy Spirit in his life and resurrection. We do not wait for heaven to receive eternal life - we will one day enter heaven because we already have eternal life. The way by which I share Christ’s eternal life is union with His death and resurrection. His cross is now empty and stands before me that I myself may daily be placed upon it, dying to my will and living for His.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
There is no greater bliss than true unity. The physical union we will one day experience with Christ is spiritual union for now - union through His Holy Spirit in his life and resurrection. We do not wait for heaven to receive eternal life - we will one day enter heaven because we already have eternal life. The way by which I share Christ’s eternal life is union with His death and resurrection. His cross is now empty and stands before me that I myself may daily be placed upon it, dying to my will and living for His.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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