This post is third in the Psalm 127 series "Live Like a King."
~ ~ ~
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
~ Psalm 127:1 (NKJV)
King Solomon knew peace and security as intimately as his father David knew war and homelessness. David surely wished to assure himself that his son's destiny would be different than his own, and likely took a census near the end of his life in order to assess military strength as the measure of security.
Coming from David, that census must have stung God. More than anyone, David understood that his ultimate security lay not in any might at his disposal, but in the name of YHWH (1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 20:7).
Throughout Israel's history, this truth played out repeatedly: to turn away from the name of YHWH was to turn away from His protection; to call upon the name of YHWH was to call down His protection in every way. Israel's days of sovereignty opened with dramatic deliverance from Pharaoh at the Red Sea. They drew to a close shortly after King Hezekiah's miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem, when Hezekiah called upon YHWH and 185,000 Assyrian soldiers mysteriously died overnight.
Of everything else the name of YHWH (Jehovah, Yahweh, "LORD") represents, it especially embodies deliverance from our ever present God.
The same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
~ Romans 10:12-13 (NKJV; also see Psalm 91)
In every story, every book, every physical act of the Old Testament lies a spiritual principle taught in the New Testament. The physical protection given to Moses, David and Solomon, Hezekiah, and countless other OT champions came through their willingness to call upon the Lord. As children of the New Covenant, we wage war in spiritual realms. Empowered by the Holy Spirit—God Himself living within us!—we possess spiritual might greater than the whole of America's military strength or any other king's army in history.
We tend to look for physical security first, and may think we have much to fear. Violent crime, economic upheaval, and hostile nations threaten physical security. New diseases and drug-resistant bacteria, environmental deterioration, and sedentary lifestyles menace health. Gross moral decay and spiritual apathy manifest the peril of living in the last days.
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
~ Franklin Roosevelt
If we put spiritual security first, we need not fear the above threats, we need not fear death, and we need not fear even fear itself. In contrast to FDR's words, Jesus says our ultimate security is found in fearing only God:
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
~ Matthew 10:28 (NKJV)
Most High God, Your wings are broad and secure. Please awaken us to Your presence.
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 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Fear of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fear of God. Show all posts
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Come, Follow, Go – Part IV
Unsafe God
"Is He safe? Of course He's not safe!
But He's good."
~ C.S. Lewis
God is thoroughly predictable. His love, grace, mercy, and absolute goodness do not waver.
God is thoroughly unpredictable. He directed Abraham to sacrifice Isaac; He subjected His own Son to unthinkable abuse and death; He gave His people Israel over to spiritual blindness for a season, facilitating salvation of the Gentile world.
Our Lord promises not safety, but rather an increasing measure of spiritual life in every unsafe "come," "follow," "go." Amid our ignorance of how far today's call to martyrdom may go, it is not wise to run ahead of or attempt to anticipate an unsafe God.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." This [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
~ John 21:18-19 (NKJV)
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome.
Reply via comments at BuildingHisBody.com,
or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy
But He's good."
~ C.S. Lewis
God is thoroughly predictable. His love, grace, mercy, and absolute goodness do not waver.
God is thoroughly unpredictable. He directed Abraham to sacrifice Isaac; He subjected His own Son to unthinkable abuse and death; He gave His people Israel over to spiritual blindness for a season, facilitating salvation of the Gentile world.
Our Lord promises not safety, but rather an increasing measure of spiritual life in every unsafe "come," "follow," "go." Amid our ignorance of how far today's call to martyrdom may go, it is not wise to run ahead of or attempt to anticipate an unsafe God.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." This [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
~ John 21:18-19 (NKJV)
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome.
Reply via comments at BuildingHisBody.com,
or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Don't Use Words You Don't Know
On September 12, 2001, America reeled from blows by terrorists the previous day. Among the efforts of our leaders to speak words of encouragement was a floor statement by Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle which said this:
"I know that there is only the smallest measure of inspiration that can be taken from this devastation. But there is a passage in the Bible, from Isaiah, that I think speaks to all of us at times like this:
'The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone;
the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.' "
'The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone;
the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.' "
Mr. Daschle most certainly did not recognize the context of the passage. Isaiah is prophesying that when the Lord allows an enemy attack to destroy because He wishes to humble His people, the wrong response is a defiant resolve to rebuild. The verse looks like this when put in context:
The Lord has sent a message against Jacob; it will fall on Israel.
All the people will know it
Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria
who say with pride and arrogance of heart,
"The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone;
the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars."
~ Isaiah 9:8-10 (NIV)
This example is not cited for ridicule or criticism. I've no doubt that on some occasion, I myself have taken Scripture out of context in the effort to use it for good, and failed to apply it as the Lord intended.
Seeing Isaiah's words again, in context, simply seems like a good time to remind ourselves to be careful of how we use God's Word.
Lord, I thank You for allowing me the honor and privilege to host this blog. Please move me to always handle Your sacred Word with fear and trembling, mindful of its power. Please give us all hearts to thoroughly search out what You are saying when we read the Bible.
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.
image source: steeljawscribe.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
Question of the Week:
Worldly Fear or Godly Fear?
by Anne Lang Bundy
What is the difference between worldly fear and godly fear?
~ Russell Holloway, Blog Host
from the post Love is greater than fear
The short answer might be that worldly fear is motivated by self-protective pride and lust (a wide variety of self-indulgences), while godly fear is motivated by godly love. The Bible says that even Jesus experienced godly fear:
... in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
~ Hebrews 5:7-8 (NKJV)
If my love for another is self-centered, I recognize their potential to hurt me and am likely to limit myself to "safe" expressions of love which cater to the other person and still protect myself.
When my love is other-centered, I see the potential of my weaknesses to do injury to the one I love and have genuine fear of doing so. I am willing, if necessary, to both experience and cause pain if I am assured that doing so gives my loved one what is truly needed. The other-centered love—agape love—which accompanies godly fear values the relationship built up by reciprocal love and seeks to receive it. But agape love is stronger than my desire to experience temporal comfort or pleasure.
Godly fear only begins with the self-protective recognition that my heavenly Father's necessary discipline involves the training and correction which can be painful, and therefore attempts behavior to avoid discipline. (What athlete expects to excel without disciplined training that involves pain and correction?)
Godly fear holds a love for God that understands the injury to Him my sin has caused. Godly fear calls to mind the sufferings of Jesus on my behalf and has a heart which desires to cause Him no more pain.
For all that is in the world—
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life
—is not of the Father but is of the world.
~ 1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
The worldly fear which does not come from God also involves love—disproportionate love for self above love for God and others. Pride wishes self to be built up rather than use the power of God to edify others and exalt God. Lust for personal and temporal gratification does not possess the sound mind which sees the broader perspective of what provides lasting and unified peace among self, God, and others.
You may recall the verse about God offering not worldly fear, but rather power, love and a sound mind. The next verse explains what's also included:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.
~ 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NKJV)
: : :
This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies. To see ongoing dialogue in comments posted there click here.
What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.
© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: science.howstuffworks
What is the difference between worldly fear and godly fear?
~ Russell Holloway, Blog Host
from the post Love is greater than fear
The short answer might be that worldly fear is motivated by self-protective pride and lust (a wide variety of self-indulgences), while godly fear is motivated by godly love. The Bible says that even Jesus experienced godly fear:
... in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
~ Hebrews 5:7-8 (NKJV)
If my love for another is self-centered, I recognize their potential to hurt me and am likely to limit myself to "safe" expressions of love which cater to the other person and still protect myself.
When my love is other-centered, I see the potential of my weaknesses to do injury to the one I love and have genuine fear of doing so. I am willing, if necessary, to both experience and cause pain if I am assured that doing so gives my loved one what is truly needed. The other-centered love—agape love—which accompanies godly fear values the relationship built up by reciprocal love and seeks to receive it. But agape love is stronger than my desire to experience temporal comfort or pleasure.
Godly fear only begins with the self-protective recognition that my heavenly Father's necessary discipline involves the training and correction which can be painful, and therefore attempts behavior to avoid discipline. (What athlete expects to excel without disciplined training that involves pain and correction?)
Godly fear holds a love for God that understands the injury to Him my sin has caused. Godly fear calls to mind the sufferings of Jesus on my behalf and has a heart which desires to cause Him no more pain.
For all that is in the world—
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life
—is not of the Father but is of the world.
~ 1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
The worldly fear which does not come from God also involves love—disproportionate love for self above love for God and others. Pride wishes self to be built up rather than use the power of God to edify others and exalt God. Lust for personal and temporal gratification does not possess the sound mind which sees the broader perspective of what provides lasting and unified peace among self, God, and others.
You may recall the verse about God offering not worldly fear, but rather power, love and a sound mind. The next verse explains what's also included:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.
~ 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NKJV)
: : :
This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies. To see ongoing dialogue in comments posted there click here.
What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.
© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Audacity in the Face of God
[Note: It's been a year since I did daily posts. I sense the time has come to do so again. See my blog sidebar for the planned schedule. ~ Anne]
~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?"
He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
~ Genesis 4:9 (NKJV)
And Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear! ... I shall be hidden from Your face ..."
~ Genesis 4:13-14 (NKJV)
When I read this passage, I am astonished that Cain could stand in the face of God, blatantly lie, and show such flippant audacity.
Then I am forced to ask myself how often the Holy Spirit confronts me plainly, and I feign uncertainty that I hear His voice, or I have the audacity to not heed His promptings at once.
And it is more than I can bear to wonder what blessings I forfeit as a consequence.
Lord, please keep us mindful to respond to Your Spirit's voice as if we could see Your face.
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.
~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?"
He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
~ Genesis 4:9 (NKJV)
And Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear! ... I shall be hidden from Your face ..."
~ Genesis 4:13-14 (NKJV)
When I read this passage, I am astonished that Cain could stand in the face of God, blatantly lie, and show such flippant audacity.
Then I am forced to ask myself how often the Holy Spirit confronts me plainly, and I feign uncertainty that I hear His voice, or I have the audacity to not heed His promptings at once.
And it is more than I can bear to wonder what blessings I forfeit as a consequence.
Lord, please keep us mindful to respond to Your Spirit's voice as if we could see Your face.
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.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Fear Not Surrender
When I saw [the Son of Man],
I fell at his feet as though dead.
But he laid his right hand on me, saying,
"Fear not ..."
~ Revelation 1:17 (ESV)
I fell at his feet as though dead.
But he laid his right hand on me, saying,
"Fear not ..."
~ Revelation 1:17 (ESV)
Fear Not Surrender
"And it shall be, in that day," Says the LORD, "That you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call Me 'My Master,'
~ Hosea 2:16 (NKJV)
Whether ancient or foreign, some cultures do not ask a woman's consent to marriage—betrothals involve agreement between bridegroom and bride's father. Yet honorable men have nonetheless given a woman the option to accept or reject a husband. (One example is Rebekah.)
Once wedded, some men might approach a bride with the attitude, "I now receive what is mine." An honorable man will approach the virgin gently, bidding her to surrender and fear not.
Fear of the Lord is not an outdated Old Testament concept, but is also urged in the New Testament. His church's reverent fear is received by a Bridegroom Who says, "Fear Not."
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
~ 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
More than any other imperative, the Bible records Jesus directing us "Do not fear," "Do not worry," "Do not be anxious." We approach God with fear knowing that He will still it.
We surrender not as an enemy who has been vanquished, but as a bride who is beloved.
Lord Jesus, please help each of us to see which areas of our lives hold fear of surrender to You. Please speak gently to us, and enable us to give You all.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image from album "Face Down" by Matt Redman, mattredman.com
Thursday, January 14, 2010
In Awe
"Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelu Yah'—will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine."
~ Mercy Me*
In Awe
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and those who pierced Him... "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "He who is and He who was and He who is to come, The Almighty." ... And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead. But He put His right hand on me, saying, "Do not fear ..."
~ Revelation 1:7-8,17 (EMTV)
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
~ 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)
awe: noun> a feeling of great respect mixed with fear; fearful veneration or respect
awesome: adj> inspiring awe; slang remarkable, outstanding
We picture Jesus as the Baby in the manger. The beloved Rabbi healing the sick and raising the dead. The gentle Shepherd welcoming children. The loving Savior pierced on the cross.
Jesus Christ is foremost the divine Son of God.
Lest we think "fear of the Lord" is only an Old Testament concept for those not yet cleansed by the blood of Christ or filled with His Spirit, consider the example of two prominent apostles.
Here is Peter, the foremost apostle of the early church, who once beheld with fear the transfigured Jesus. He writes to followers and instructs us to "fear God."
Here is John, the apostle whom Jesus loved, beholding his Lord. He is in awe, fallen on his face in abject fear of Lord God Almighty in all His glory.
The slang exclamation of "awesome" has come to mean "cool," "outstanding," or perhaps "wow!" Our awesome God is all these lesser things. But if Jesus Christ inspired terror in Peter and John, His closest earthly friends, might we consider that our own response to Him would include being in awe—fearful, righteous awe?
Might we consider the privilege of entering His presence at all?
Lord Jesus, how is it that You, our awesome and almighty God, should love us so powerfully and show us such immense grace? Please increase our fear that we might heed You. Please perfect our love in anticipation of the day when perfect love drives out all fear.
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.
#knowingGod
Image from album "Face Down" by Matt Redman, mattredman.com
*Lyrics of "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me © 1999 Simpleville Music
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
El Gadol Gibbor / Great and Mighty God
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
El Gadol Gibbor / Great and Mighty God
(prounounced: "ale gah-DOLE ghib-BORE")
El Gadol Yare / Great and Terrifying God
Jeremiah speaks to the Great and Mighty God as the Lord asks Jeremiah to do what seems ludicrously impossible. To paraphrase Jeremiah's response might sound like, "Ah Lord YHWH! I know You can do anything, and You've proven it with things like those plagues in Egypt and the whole Red Sea incident and making Israel a nation. I know Your great counsel and wisdom are not to be questioned. Lord, I really am having a hard time understanding how or why You're going to pull off this one. But I'll heed what You tell me to do."
El Gadol Gibbor / Great and Mighty God
(prounounced: "ale gah-DOLE ghib-BORE")
El Gadol Yare / Great and Terrifying God
"Ah, Lord YHWH!
Behold, You have created the heavens and the earth
By Your great power and outstretched arm.
There is nothing too wonderful or miraculous for You to do! ...
Great and Mighty God, whose name is YHWH of Hosts,
You are great in counsel and mighty in deed."
~ Jeremiah 32:17-19 (author, amplified)
Behold, You have created the heavens and the earth
By Your great power and outstretched arm.
There is nothing too wonderful or miraculous for You to do! ...
Great and Mighty God, whose name is YHWH of Hosts,
You are great in counsel and mighty in deed."
~ Jeremiah 32:17-19 (author, amplified)
"You shall not be terrified of them, for YHWH your God, the Great and Terrifying God, is among you."
~ Deuteronomy 7:21 (author)
~ Deuteronomy 7:21 (author)
Jeremiah speaks to the Great and Mighty God as the Lord asks Jeremiah to do what seems ludicrously impossible. To paraphrase Jeremiah's response might sound like, "Ah Lord YHWH! I know You can do anything, and You've proven it with things like those plagues in Egypt and the whole Red Sea incident and making Israel a nation. I know Your great counsel and wisdom are not to be questioned. Lord, I really am having a hard time understanding how or why You're going to pull off this one. But I'll heed what You tell me to do."
The Lord replies that He needs Jeremiah to testify to the people with not only the prophet's words but His actions, exactly because the Lord is going to do what seems impossible. And then the Great and Mighty God says some of the most precious words in the Old Testament: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
Jeremiah has been granted a high privilege. When he calls out to the Great and Mighty God he will receive an answer and miracles which Jeremiah cannot even think of.
The context of the story is one when God will also show Himself the Terrifying God. Or, as the King James renders it, "Terrible God." God is about to pour out destruction on Jerusalem worse than even the Holocaust. He gives more than adequate warning and protection for the faithful who heed Him. Those who scoff at the Lord will indeed experience what a Terrifying God He is to anyone who flagrantly and persistently opposes Him.
We approach the days when all inhabitants of the earth will again face the Lord, as either the Terrifying God Who unleashes the wrath He's patiently held back against defiance, or as the Great and Mighty God for Whom no miracle is impossible—for Whom no matter is too small to make it wonderful.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
El Elohey Yisrael / Mighty God of Israel
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
El Elohey Yisrael / Mighty God of Israel
(pronounced: "ale el-oh-HAY yis-rah-ALE")
Then Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac ... I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant ... Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him ..."
~ Genesis 32:9-11 (NKJV)
Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not overcome him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you prevail as a prince with God and with men and endure."
~ Genesis 32:24-28 (author)
Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan ... And he bought the parcel of land ... Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.
~ Genesis 33:18-20 (NKJV)
If you're in a hurry, come back to this post later. The full story behind this name is nearly as long and complicated as the life of the man Israel, better known as Jacob.
Twenty years before Jacob uses the name "Mighty God of Israel," he'd fled his homeland to escape his murderous brother Esau. YHWH then appeared to Jacob and promised to multiply his descendants and bring him back home. The encounter with God terrified Jacob, who vowed that if YHWH fulfills this promise, YHWH shall be his God (Genesis 28:10-22).
Already in his seventies, growing up in the company of his grandfather and father Abraham and Isaac, now hearing God speak to him personally, it seems Jacob ought to be ready to choose YHWH among the pantheon of gods available to worship. Yet it will take another twenty years, four wives and eleven sons before God brings Jacob to such a place.
Jacob is now in his nineties. He again flees, this time to his homeland from his father-in-law Laban, this time with an abundance of family and wealth, this time at God's direction. Laban overtakes the company to confront Jacob, who evidences a measure of faith in his reply, “Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” (Genesis 31:42)
The title "Fear of Isaac" is noteworthy. As a youth Isaac lay bound on an altar under his father Abraham's knife, a sacrifice to God. Whatever else Isaac conveyed to his son Jacob, it was evidently fear of such a terrifying God. This is the God to Whom Jacob now desperately turns, acknowledges as the Source of all the undeserved mercy and truth he's known, and begs for deliverance.
The same God is about to confront Jacob face to face.
God manifests Himself as the Angel of YHWH. Jacob wrestles with Him throughout the night. He persists even when his hip is displaced, even when the mighty Being insists Jacob release Him. Jacob endures, refusing to turn away from the pain and struggle, unwilling to release God (now that he's got a hold on Him) until he receives a blessing. The blessing is a new name: Israel, or literally, "prevails as a prince of God."
Jacob goes on to not only be delivered from Esau, but to be blessed by his brother. The lives of his descendants are preserved, and he receives the land YHWH promised him.
Jacob is finally ready to commit himself. He builds an altar and uses this name to worship: El Elohey Yisrael (Mighty God of Israel). In doing so, Jacob testifies to the power of this God Whom he has encountered so personally, declares Him as his own God, and accepts the blessing of a new name.
Have you heard for many years of this terrifying God Who allows suffering, seemingly without cause or explanation? Has He spoken to you? Have you wrestled with Him? If so, now that the two of you have had a hold on each other, have you acknowledged His greater might and fully submitted yourself to it? Have you declared Him to be your God and accepted that you are His prince or princess?
If so, you may call upon Him as "Mighty God of ____________ [your name here]."
(And when you find yourself again wrestling with Him, do you endure until you prevail and are blessed?)
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
El Elohey Yisrael / Mighty God of Israel
(pronounced: "ale el-oh-HAY yis-rah-ALE")
Then Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac ... I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant ... Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him ..."
~ Genesis 32:9-11 (NKJV)
Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not overcome him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you prevail as a prince with God and with men and endure."
~ Genesis 32:24-28 (author)
Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan ... And he bought the parcel of land ... Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.
~ Genesis 33:18-20 (NKJV)
If you're in a hurry, come back to this post later. The full story behind this name is nearly as long and complicated as the life of the man Israel, better known as Jacob.
Twenty years before Jacob uses the name "Mighty God of Israel," he'd fled his homeland to escape his murderous brother Esau. YHWH then appeared to Jacob and promised to multiply his descendants and bring him back home. The encounter with God terrified Jacob, who vowed that if YHWH fulfills this promise, YHWH shall be his God (Genesis 28:10-22).
Already in his seventies, growing up in the company of his grandfather and father Abraham and Isaac, now hearing God speak to him personally, it seems Jacob ought to be ready to choose YHWH among the pantheon of gods available to worship. Yet it will take another twenty years, four wives and eleven sons before God brings Jacob to such a place.
Jacob is now in his nineties. He again flees, this time to his homeland from his father-in-law Laban, this time with an abundance of family and wealth, this time at God's direction. Laban overtakes the company to confront Jacob, who evidences a measure of faith in his reply, “Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” (Genesis 31:42)
The title "Fear of Isaac" is noteworthy. As a youth Isaac lay bound on an altar under his father Abraham's knife, a sacrifice to God. Whatever else Isaac conveyed to his son Jacob, it was evidently fear of such a terrifying God. This is the God to Whom Jacob now desperately turns, acknowledges as the Source of all the undeserved mercy and truth he's known, and begs for deliverance.
The same God is about to confront Jacob face to face.
God manifests Himself as the Angel of YHWH. Jacob wrestles with Him throughout the night. He persists even when his hip is displaced, even when the mighty Being insists Jacob release Him. Jacob endures, refusing to turn away from the pain and struggle, unwilling to release God (now that he's got a hold on Him) until he receives a blessing. The blessing is a new name: Israel, or literally, "prevails as a prince of God."
Jacob goes on to not only be delivered from Esau, but to be blessed by his brother. The lives of his descendants are preserved, and he receives the land YHWH promised him.
Jacob is finally ready to commit himself. He builds an altar and uses this name to worship: El Elohey Yisrael (Mighty God of Israel). In doing so, Jacob testifies to the power of this God Whom he has encountered so personally, declares Him as his own God, and accepts the blessing of a new name.
Have you heard for many years of this terrifying God Who allows suffering, seemingly without cause or explanation? Has He spoken to you? Have you wrestled with Him? If so, now that the two of you have had a hold on each other, have you acknowledged His greater might and fully submitted yourself to it? Have you declared Him to be your God and accepted that you are His prince or princess?
If so, you may call upon Him as "Mighty God of ____________ [your name here]."
(And when you find yourself again wrestling with Him, do you endure until you prevail and are blessed?)
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Behold Your Enemies
A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High....
I will triumph in the works of Your hands....
You, LORD, are on high forevermore.
For behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish....
My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies.
~ Psalms 92:1-11 (NKJV)
If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.... And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead ... in Christ all shall be made alive.... He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:14-26 (NKJV)
"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?" ...
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (NKJV)
Because of the resurrection, everything Christ said and did—especially His death—is vindicated. We have confidence in His every Word.
Because of the resurrection, Christ lives. We serve a living God.
Because of the resurrection, we are victorious over Death, the greatest enemy. We shall not fear lesser enemies. We shall fear only He who is greater, Death's Conqueror.
Behold your enemies: Death, Sin, Flesh, World, Satan. All are defeated in the new life that is ours in the resurrection. Today, and every day, is our celebration of victory.
The Lord is on high forevermore!
Lord Jesus Christ, You are God and Ruler of all! You are Death's Conqueror! You are our King! We behold Your enemies who are our enemies, and we behold them defeated. Please move us to yield to Your Spirit and live in that victory. Please conform us to the life of Your Word.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High....
I will triumph in the works of Your hands....
You, LORD, are on high forevermore.
For behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish....
My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies.
~ Psalms 92:1-11 (NKJV)
If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.... And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead ... in Christ all shall be made alive.... He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:14-26 (NKJV)
"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?" ...
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (NKJV)
Because of the resurrection, everything Christ said and did—especially His death—is vindicated. We have confidence in His every Word.
Because of the resurrection, Christ lives. We serve a living God.
Because of the resurrection, we are victorious over Death, the greatest enemy. We shall not fear lesser enemies. We shall fear only He who is greater, Death's Conqueror.
Behold your enemies: Death, Sin, Flesh, World, Satan. All are defeated in the new life that is ours in the resurrection. Today, and every day, is our celebration of victory.
The Lord is on high forevermore!
Lord Jesus Christ, You are God and Ruler of all! You are Death's Conqueror! You are our King! We behold Your enemies who are our enemies, and we behold them defeated. Please move us to yield to Your Spirit and live in that victory. Please conform us to the life of Your Word.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Those Who Come Near
Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, and ... they shouted and fell on their faces.... Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron ... offered [wayward] fire before the LORD.... So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them ... And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke, saying:
'By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.' "
~ Leviticus 9:23-10:3 (NKJV)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.... To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
~ James 4:8,10,17 (NKJV)
We who know the amazing grace of God have a tendency to become too comfortable with Him. Assured that no sin is too great to receive forgiveness through the blood of Jesus, those who come near to the Lord's throne of grace may forget to fear Him.
Not only does the person still condemned by sin face the wrath of God, but the child of God also faces His loving discipline. If anyone dares to commit sin asserting God does not care, it would be better to stand afar off than presume to draw near and throw sin in God's face.
When I witness someone who understands the cost of God's forgiveness, and who demands to sin in willful defiance of God's Word, my soul cannot help but be deeply troubled.
Almighty and Gracious Father, we are blessed who know the grace of Your great forgiveness. Please let us keep fear in our hearts for Your holiness, and never count the blood of our salvation so cheap that we choose sin. Thank You for the love which does not allow Your children to languish in sin.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
'By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.' "
~ Leviticus 9:23-10:3 (NKJV)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.... To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
~ James 4:8,10,17 (NKJV)
We who know the amazing grace of God have a tendency to become too comfortable with Him. Assured that no sin is too great to receive forgiveness through the blood of Jesus, those who come near to the Lord's throne of grace may forget to fear Him.
Not only does the person still condemned by sin face the wrath of God, but the child of God also faces His loving discipline. If anyone dares to commit sin asserting God does not care, it would be better to stand afar off than presume to draw near and throw sin in God's face.
When I witness someone who understands the cost of God's forgiveness, and who demands to sin in willful defiance of God's Word, my soul cannot help but be deeply troubled.
Almighty and Gracious Father, we are blessed who know the grace of Your great forgiveness. Please let us keep fear in our hearts for Your holiness, and never count the blood of our salvation so cheap that we choose sin. Thank You for the love which does not allow Your children to languish in sin.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Being Built Up
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
~ Acts 9:31 (ESV)
By the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
~ Proverbs 16:6 (ESV)
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
~ Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)
A goal of every church is being built up in both strength and numbers. The early church was successful with "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit." Could something so simple be more effectively employed in 2009?
To walk in the fear of the Lord is to appreciate God's zeal for holiness and man's sin-filledness, and know that it will require me to either lay myself bare before Him so He may purge my sin, or wait for a loving Father's good but possibly-painful discipline.
To walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit is to deny the pride, selfishness and lust of the flesh. Flesh is my natural inclinations (dignity, survival, hunger) turned gratuitously inward rather than submitted to the Creator's use to strengthen me, edify others, and exalt my God.
Simple doesn't mean easy. Being built up as individuals and as churches requires far more than once a week attendance of a feel-good worship service.
Heavenly Father, You offer our souls so much more than the satisfaction of a thriving church congregation. You make us like You, in love and holiness. Let our being built up be because we are filled with Your Spirit, following close behind You, walking in fear and fellowship.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 9:31 (ESV)
By the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
~ Proverbs 16:6 (ESV)
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
~ Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)
A goal of every church is being built up in both strength and numbers. The early church was successful with "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit." Could something so simple be more effectively employed in 2009?
To walk in the fear of the Lord is to appreciate God's zeal for holiness and man's sin-filledness, and know that it will require me to either lay myself bare before Him so He may purge my sin, or wait for a loving Father's good but possibly-painful discipline.
To walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit is to deny the pride, selfishness and lust of the flesh. Flesh is my natural inclinations (dignity, survival, hunger) turned gratuitously inward rather than submitted to the Creator's use to strengthen me, edify others, and exalt my God.
Simple doesn't mean easy. Being built up as individuals and as churches requires far more than once a week attendance of a feel-good worship service.
Heavenly Father, You offer our souls so much more than the satisfaction of a thriving church congregation. You make us like You, in love and holiness. Let our being built up be because we are filled with Your Spirit, following close behind You, walking in fear and fellowship.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
There is No Other
"I, even I, am the LORD,
And besides Me there is no savior...
And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand;
I work, and who will reverse it?...
I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King...
But you have not called upon Me ...
Do not fear, nor be afraid ...
Is there a God besides Me?
Indeed there is no other Rock."
Isaiah 43:11,13,15,22; 44:8 (NKJV)
Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said: "Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it." ~ Job 40:1-2 (NKJV)
But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, 'This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,' and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. ~ Nehemiah 9:17-19 (ESV)
In Isaiah 44:8, the Hebrew word for God is Eloah (thought to be the singular of the plural noun Elohim). It appears in Scripture only a few times, in poetry and prophecy, and is used four times by God Himself. Its context is usually passages which emphasize fear of God for His ability to deliver—or His ability to bring down.
God here reminds His people that there is no other to save but Him, and there is no other to save from Him. It's no good to call 911, or the doctor or the plumber or anyone before calling upon Eloah. Any of those people may be His instruments to save from trouble, but they cannot reverse God's work if He is behind what we see as trouble.
Nehemiah 9:17 is another of the few instances using Eloah. It is a humble call upon God carrying the reminder that even when He needs to rebuke us, He shows great mercy and grace.
Eloah, You are our Creator. You are our only God, our only Savior, our only King. There is no other God besides You. Please forgive us when we rely upon others for deliverance. Please help us be discerning when You would use others to help us. Please remind us to call upon You first.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
And besides Me there is no savior...
And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand;
I work, and who will reverse it?...
I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King...
But you have not called upon Me ...
Do not fear, nor be afraid ...
Is there a God besides Me?
Indeed there is no other Rock."
Isaiah 43:11,13,15,22; 44:8 (NKJV)
Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said: "Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it." ~ Job 40:1-2 (NKJV)
But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, 'This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,' and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. ~ Nehemiah 9:17-19 (ESV)
In Isaiah 44:8, the Hebrew word for God is Eloah (thought to be the singular of the plural noun Elohim). It appears in Scripture only a few times, in poetry and prophecy, and is used four times by God Himself. Its context is usually passages which emphasize fear of God for His ability to deliver—or His ability to bring down.
God here reminds His people that there is no other to save but Him, and there is no other to save from Him. It's no good to call 911, or the doctor or the plumber or anyone before calling upon Eloah. Any of those people may be His instruments to save from trouble, but they cannot reverse God's work if He is behind what we see as trouble.
Nehemiah 9:17 is another of the few instances using Eloah. It is a humble call upon God carrying the reminder that even when He needs to rebuke us, He shows great mercy and grace.
Eloah, You are our Creator. You are our only God, our only Savior, our only King. There is no other God besides You. Please forgive us when we rely upon others for deliverance. Please help us be discerning when You would use others to help us. Please remind us to call upon You first.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Awesome God
And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts
Called for weeping and for mourning ...
But instead, joy and gladness ...
"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"
Then it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts,
"Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you,
Even to your death," says the Lord GOD of hosts.
Isaiah 22:12-14 (NKJV)
"Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men ... either in this age or in the age to come." ~ Matthew 12:31-32 (NKJV)
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? ... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ~ Hebrews 10:29,31 (NKJV)
Those holding power expect to be taken seriously. When a man is face to face with a judge who has found him guilty of murder and is about to pronounce sentence, it will not help to crack open a beer and pretzels in the courtroom and say, "if I'm going down, I'll go down partying."
The amazing grace and mercy of God are not without limit. The Lord did not appreciate ancient Israel flouting imminent punishment. Jesus clearly demonstrated the power and authority of God Himself and warned of no forgiveness for those who snubbed God's Spirit as satanic.
Before he was promoted to heaven, Rich Mullins sang thus of our Awesome God:
"When He rolls up His sleeves He ain't just 'puttin' on the Ritz' ...
There's thunder in his footsteps and lightning in His fists ...
And the Lord wasn't jokin' when He kicked 'em out of Eden,
It wasn't for no reason that He shed His blood,
His return is very soon and so you'd better be believin' that
Our God is an Awesome God."
Jesus arrived on earth as a humble babe just over two thousand years ago. His next arrival will be in power.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
AWESOME GOD by Rich Mullins, from the album Winds of Heaven...Stuff of Earth / © 1988 BMG Songs, Inc. (ASCAP)
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Called for weeping and for mourning ...
But instead, joy and gladness ...
"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"
Then it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts,
"Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you,
Even to your death," says the Lord GOD of hosts.
Isaiah 22:12-14 (NKJV)
"Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men ... either in this age or in the age to come." ~ Matthew 12:31-32 (NKJV)
Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? ... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ~ Hebrews 10:29,31 (NKJV)
Those holding power expect to be taken seriously. When a man is face to face with a judge who has found him guilty of murder and is about to pronounce sentence, it will not help to crack open a beer and pretzels in the courtroom and say, "if I'm going down, I'll go down partying."
The amazing grace and mercy of God are not without limit. The Lord did not appreciate ancient Israel flouting imminent punishment. Jesus clearly demonstrated the power and authority of God Himself and warned of no forgiveness for those who snubbed God's Spirit as satanic.
Before he was promoted to heaven, Rich Mullins sang thus of our Awesome God:
"When He rolls up His sleeves He ain't just 'puttin' on the Ritz' ...
There's thunder in his footsteps and lightning in His fists ...
And the Lord wasn't jokin' when He kicked 'em out of Eden,
It wasn't for no reason that He shed His blood,
His return is very soon and so you'd better be believin' that
Our God is an Awesome God."
Jesus arrived on earth as a humble babe just over two thousand years ago. His next arrival will be in power.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
AWESOME GOD by Rich Mullins, from the album Winds of Heaven...Stuff of Earth / © 1988 BMG Songs, Inc. (ASCAP)
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, December 20, 2008
What Have You Done?
The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying,
"Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass,
And as I have purposed, so it shall stand...
For the LORD of hosts has purposed,
And who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
And who will turn it back?"
Isaiah 14:24,27 (NKJV)
"All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will ...
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' "
Daniel 4:35 (NKJV)
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? ...
Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Job 38:1-4; 40:2 (NKJV)
Job was described as a man who "was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil." When his integrity was put to the test, Job faltered in this: Job contended with God, asking Him to give an accounting for why Job suffered.
God is ... God. He created everything. He owns everything. He defines the rules, determines the circumstances, dictates the final outcome. He owes no man an account of why He does what He does. Of all the questions we might ask Him, "What have You done?" isn't one.
Our Creator graciously allows us to know Him, to speak to Him, to seek His wisdom. He allows us to cry out to Him in anguish with our deepest hurts, fears, even anger. Such privilege should always remember that although our Abba may hold us close, the throne is His alone.
Almighty God, Most High King, Your judgments are unsearchable and Your ways are past finding out. The depth of the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge are beyond our appreciation. Please forgive us if we whine. Please increase our faith and help us trust in You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
"Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass,
And as I have purposed, so it shall stand...
For the LORD of hosts has purposed,
And who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
And who will turn it back?"
Isaiah 14:24,27 (NKJV)
"All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will ...
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' "
Daniel 4:35 (NKJV)
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? ...
Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Job 38:1-4; 40:2 (NKJV)
Job was described as a man who "was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil." When his integrity was put to the test, Job faltered in this: Job contended with God, asking Him to give an accounting for why Job suffered.
God is ... God. He created everything. He owns everything. He defines the rules, determines the circumstances, dictates the final outcome. He owes no man an account of why He does what He does. Of all the questions we might ask Him, "What have You done?" isn't one.
Our Creator graciously allows us to know Him, to speak to Him, to seek His wisdom. He allows us to cry out to Him in anguish with our deepest hurts, fears, even anger. Such privilege should always remember that although our Abba may hold us close, the throne is His alone.
Almighty God, Most High King, Your judgments are unsearchable and Your ways are past finding out. The depth of the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge are beyond our appreciation. Please forgive us if we whine. Please increase our faith and help us trust in You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Fear of the Lord
The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.
Isaiah 8:12-13 (NKJV)
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge...
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil...
By humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 14:26; 22:4; 19:23 (NKJV)
The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome [terrifying] One.
Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail...
O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous,
And see the mind and heart ...
I have pleaded my cause before You.
Jeremiah 20:11-12 (NKJV, amplified)
My husband is a police officer—a civil warrior. As confident as our children are of his love for them, they fear his anger, for it brings unpleasant consequences to their wrong behavior. Criminals run from him in fear, but those seeking his protection call him to run to their side.
The Lord of Hosts—Commander of the powerful hosts of angelic warriors—is to be feared by His children. Our nature is to please ourselves rather than Him, and then reap the consequences of such folly. Fear of His loving discipline encourages us to humbly trust His way is best and to walk in it, and to thereby grow in confidence, satisfaction, riches and honor and life.
To walk in His way is to abide with Him. With the mighty, terrifying God of the universe at our side, we need fear NOTHING else. Neither physical nor spiritual enemy can touch us apart from His will to work all things for good.
Father in Heaven, You are mighty, awesome and terrifying. Your perfect and complete goodness—Your holiness—is without limit. Thank You for calling us to Your side. Your Word says that perfect love casts out fear. Please perfect Your children in both fear and love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.
Isaiah 8:12-13 (NKJV)
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge...
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil...
By humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 14:26; 22:4; 19:23 (NKJV)
The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome [terrifying] One.
Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail...
O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous,
And see the mind and heart ...
I have pleaded my cause before You.
Jeremiah 20:11-12 (NKJV, amplified)
My husband is a police officer—a civil warrior. As confident as our children are of his love for them, they fear his anger, for it brings unpleasant consequences to their wrong behavior. Criminals run from him in fear, but those seeking his protection call him to run to their side.
The Lord of Hosts—Commander of the powerful hosts of angelic warriors—is to be feared by His children. Our nature is to please ourselves rather than Him, and then reap the consequences of such folly. Fear of His loving discipline encourages us to humbly trust His way is best and to walk in it, and to thereby grow in confidence, satisfaction, riches and honor and life.
To walk in His way is to abide with Him. With the mighty, terrifying God of the universe at our side, we need fear NOTHING else. Neither physical nor spiritual enemy can touch us apart from His will to work all things for good.
Father in Heaven, You are mighty, awesome and terrifying. Your perfect and complete goodness—Your holiness—is without limit. Thank You for calling us to Your side. Your Word says that perfect love casts out fear. Please perfect Your children in both fear and love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Friday, December 12, 2008
Sinful Nation
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth!
For the LORD has spoken:
"I have nourished and brought up children,
And they have rebelled against Me...
Alas, sinful nation,
A people laden with iniquity,
A brood of evildoers,
Children who are corrupters!
They have forsaken the LORD...
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword."
Isaiah 1:2,4,19-20 NKJV
"If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD ... it shall be, that just as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing" (Deuteronomy 28:58,63 NKJV)
And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:47-48 NKJV)
Throughout history, God's people have repeated a cycle with certainty. God blesses. People are enamored with blessings, forget the Blessor, and fall into depravity. God warns to repent and is not heeded. God withholds blessing and His people suffer. God's people repent and cry out to God for mercy. God blesses.
A sinful nation should not be surprised if it lacks provision of resources or protection from enemies. Warfare and economic distress are clear warning to repent, individually and collectively. They usually result in mere whining until things are desperate and people finally seek God earnestly.
God does not change. New Testament grace grants eternal life but does not nullify Old Testament principles of blessing or curse in the face of obedience or sin.
And we who have received the Word of God's will are held to a higher standard.
Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, Your goodness and holiness shall stand and not falter in the face of our sin. Please do not let the suffering of our nation be in vain, but turn hearts to repent, especially in these last hours. Please give Your people the will and strength to stand firm.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
For the LORD has spoken:
"I have nourished and brought up children,
And they have rebelled against Me...
Alas, sinful nation,
A people laden with iniquity,
A brood of evildoers,
Children who are corrupters!
They have forsaken the LORD...
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword."
Isaiah 1:2,4,19-20 NKJV
"If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD ... it shall be, that just as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing" (Deuteronomy 28:58,63 NKJV)
And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:47-48 NKJV)
Throughout history, God's people have repeated a cycle with certainty. God blesses. People are enamored with blessings, forget the Blessor, and fall into depravity. God warns to repent and is not heeded. God withholds blessing and His people suffer. God's people repent and cry out to God for mercy. God blesses.
A sinful nation should not be surprised if it lacks provision of resources or protection from enemies. Warfare and economic distress are clear warning to repent, individually and collectively. They usually result in mere whining until things are desperate and people finally seek God earnestly.
God does not change. New Testament grace grants eternal life but does not nullify Old Testament principles of blessing or curse in the face of obedience or sin.
And we who have received the Word of God's will are held to a higher standard.
Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, Your goodness and holiness shall stand and not falter in the face of our sin. Please do not let the suffering of our nation be in vain, but turn hearts to repent, especially in these last hours. Please give Your people the will and strength to stand firm.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Worship His Majesty
For [YHWH] Most High is awesome [terrifying];
He is a great King over all the earth. ...
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.
(Psalms 47:2,6-7 NKJV)
I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. And one called to another and said:
"Holy, holy, holy is [YHWH] of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!"
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
And I said: "Woe is me!
For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips,
and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
for my eyes have seen the King, [YHWH] of hosts!"
(Isaiah 6:1-5 ESV)
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty ...
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.
(1 Chronicles 29:11 NKJV)
In an era which considers it acceptable to appear before the president in flip flops, do we comprehend the incredible honor to stand in the presence of the Almighty King, have Him receive us with favor, and "worship His majesty"?
"Our God is an Awesome God" refers to the Hebrew word yare, which literally means "terrifying," and is often translated "terrible." "Worship" is how we translate shachah, meaning "to prostrate oneself before a king." The exhortation of Psalm 46 to praise (zamar) calls us to "laud with songs and instruments."
Let us praise our King with understanding! Let us truly "Worship His Majesty."
Holy, Holy, Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! Only You are Holy—"there is none beside Thee." Thank You for giving us access to Your presence to praise Your good name. Thank You for Your favor. Please make us worthy to worship You.
Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
He is a great King over all the earth. ...
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.
(Psalms 47:2,6-7 NKJV)
I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. And one called to another and said:
"Holy, holy, holy is [YHWH] of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!"
And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
And I said: "Woe is me!
For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips,
and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
for my eyes have seen the King, [YHWH] of hosts!"
(Isaiah 6:1-5 ESV)
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty ...
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.
(1 Chronicles 29:11 NKJV)
In an era which considers it acceptable to appear before the president in flip flops, do we comprehend the incredible honor to stand in the presence of the Almighty King, have Him receive us with favor, and "worship His majesty"?
"Our God is an Awesome God" refers to the Hebrew word yare, which literally means "terrifying," and is often translated "terrible." "Worship" is how we translate shachah, meaning "to prostrate oneself before a king." The exhortation of Psalm 46 to praise (zamar) calls us to "laud with songs and instruments."
Let us praise our King with understanding! Let us truly "Worship His Majesty."
Holy, Holy, Holy are You, Lord God Almighty! Only You are Holy—"there is none beside Thee." Thank You for giving us access to Your presence to praise Your good name. Thank You for Your favor. Please make us worthy to worship You.
Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Fear of the Lord
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (Psalm 33:18-19 NKJV)
Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand … 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 fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV)
The love He pours out upon us can give us reason to forget our fear of the Lord. Yet the same God named “Good Shepherd” is also named “Mighty Terrifying One.” The same Father who covers us with His wings in protection chastens His children.
Perfect love casts out fear. Our love is not yet perfected, and it is good to cling to our fear of the Lord even in the midst of our love and praise, looking forward to the day love is perfected.
Lord YHWH, Your might and righteousness are good and inspire our awe. Your love and tenderness comfort as much as Your gentle discipline. Teach us love You as perfectly as heart, soul, mind and strength are able.
"He's not safe, but he's good." — C.S. Lewis
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The God Named Fear
"Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed." (Genesis 31:42 NKJV)
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! (James 2:19 NKJV)
After lying on the altar of sacrifice, Isaac knew to fear God and evidently conveyed that fear to his son Jacob. Jacob did not declare his fathers’ God to be his God until he had his own personal encounter with YHWH.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, and a fertile place for faith to sprout up. And after fear becomes faith and faith becomes perfected love, perfect love casts out fear.
Holy and Almighty God, You are awesome and terrifying, marvelous in all Your ways. Please do not let us fail to fear You until our love for you has been perfected.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! (James 2:19 NKJV)
After lying on the altar of sacrifice, Isaac knew to fear God and evidently conveyed that fear to his son Jacob. Jacob did not declare his fathers’ God to be his God until he had his own personal encounter with YHWH.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, and a fertile place for faith to sprout up. And after fear becomes faith and faith becomes perfected love, perfect love casts out fear.
Holy and Almighty God, You are awesome and terrifying, marvelous in all Your ways. Please do not let us fail to fear You until our love for you has been perfected.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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