Ain't Dead Yet

Please allow me to preface this post with an apology to readers for my unaccounted absence. By God's grace, I'm up and running again.

: : :

Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium … stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However … he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And … [Paul and Barnabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
~ Acts 14:19-22 (NKJV)

Is Paul a madman or a masochist? What provokes a man to return so soon to the same place where he was stoned? And wouldn't his physical condition—so badly pounded that he was believed dead—demand that he rest and recover?

These are the kinds of questions I've been asking myself lately. I've felt clobbered by life during recent seasons and am working to regain my footing. I cringe to think of how my frailty might show up in the posts here (besides reduced quantity). I repeatedly ask myself if it would be better for me to rest and return in a more calm season of life.

But like Paul, I am driven by a Force that defies reason. If I publish this blog in my own strength—in any season—it cannot be fruitful.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
~ John 15:5 (NKJV; emphasis mine)

To be perfectly candid, I don't look at the spiritual fruit in my life at the moment and see the markings of a bumper crop. I don't even feel like exuding love, joy, peace, longsuffering / patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control just now. What's more, an inner voice says I don't want to put on a false face and fake them.

But.

I need to rebuke that voice. I don't have to feel such emotions to genuinely produce them. It's a whole lot easier that way, to be sure. Yet true spiritual fruit is the produce of the Holy Spirit living in me, not my emotions.

Warm fuzzy feelings may help propel my love, but the Source of the love flowing through me is Another. Joy is the blossom which crowns grateful contentment on the inside, not exhilaration expressed in response to circumstance. Peace is not strength of health, empty calendar & full checkbook, and serene relationships, but the shalom of God which brings wholeness of mind and heart, body and soul.

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.
~ Philippians 1:22 (NIV)

Suffice to say, I ain't dead yet. And if I continue to draw breath, then I shall, by the grace of God and with Paul as my example, continue to work toward "strengthening the souls of the disciples."

"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
~ William Penn

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Strength of Gentleness

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness;
nothing is so gentle as real strength."
~ Ralph W. Sockman

The Strength of Gentleness

"Gentleness" is the translation of the Greek word praótēs. I thought its definition so lovely and sufficient a description of the Holy Spirit's fruit that I offer it here for the blog carnival hosted by Bridget Chumbley. (Be sure to visit her site for more on gentleness.)

praótēs (fem. noun from práos, meek): Meekness, mildness, forbearance. Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God's dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him... Meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of men. It is not the result of weakness ... According to Aristotle, praótēs is that virtue [which] stands between two extremes: uncontrolled and unjustified anger; and not becoming angry at all no matter what [evil] takes place around you.*

* Definition from The Complete Word Study Dictionary, General Editor: Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D., © 1992 By AMG International, Inc.
Image source: michaelyon-online.com

Anointed and Empowered

"Nearly all men can stand adversity,
but if you want to test a man's character,
give him power."
- Abraham Lincoln

Anointed and Empowered

Isaiah 61 prophesies of the Messiah and describes the ministry for which His Father anointed and empowered Him.

If you'll read it carefully, I do not think you'll find anything here that does not describe the ministry for which we are also anointed and empowered with the Spirit of the Lord.

Father in Heaven, thank You for the anointing with Your Spirit. Thank You for the power entrusted to us. Please quicken our own spirits and strengthen our souls to understand and to do all You will through us.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image from oneyearbibleblog.com

Extravagant Gift

"Truly great

friends are

hard to find,
difficult to leave,

and impossible

to forget."
~ G. Randolf

Today holds a small surprise. (No, this isn't news of a book contract.)

If you didn't already know it, I've dabbled in writing biblical fiction, and have a novel represented by publishing agent Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary.

For those of you who read my blog but are unfamiliar with publishing, I'll introduce Rachelle as one of the most highly esteemed names in CBA (Christian Booksellers Association). I was privileged to make her acquaintance as she'd just begun writing her now famous blog, Rants and Ramblings. It's an honor to have her as an agent.

It's a greater honor to call her friend. Rachelle is astute and witty and works herself to exhaustion in her love for the art of writing. She's also compassionate, sensitive, and loyal. Truthfully, as much as I'd like a book contract, her friendship means far more to me.

Rachelle is God's extravagant gift to me.

Today, I guest post for my friend Rachelle Gardner. Please click on the words below to follow me to her blog.

Good Investment Return

"Try not to become a man of success
but rather to become a man of value."
~ Albert Einstein

Good Investment Return
#discipleship

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
Why should the Gentiles say,
"So where is their God?"
~ Psalms 115:1-2 (NKJV)

"But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant ... you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest."
~ Matthew 25:26-27 (NKJV)

"You are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)

Ever hear just a portion of a sermon and that's really all you need? I recently caught part of a message which asked the rhetorical question, "What do you expect when you make an investment?" Obviously, we want a good return.

The Lord does not simply hope for, but expects a good return on the time, treasure and talents He's invested in us. The parable of the talents stresses that the Lord considers the servant who gives no return to His master not merely lazy but also wicked.

For what return does the Lord look? The Word of God planted as seed and watered by the Spirit should produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patient longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Yet all of these qualities are not to build up a good name for ourselves, but so that whatever name we have exalts our sole Investor—our soul Investor.

It is not good Christians the world must see, but a good God.

Lord, I pray today especially for those of us who use social media to speak through the internet. Please make us ever mindful that we represent You, Who has entrusted to us access to the world. May our words make manifest to the world Your mercy and truth and glory.

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 eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com

Friday Freelance: FRUITFUL

"March toward the sound of the guns."
~ Military Adage

Friday Freelance: FRUITFUL
#loveoneanother

The last week has been especially intense. My personal life has hummed along at the typical "hang on by your fingernails" pace—no more or less stressful than usual. But each blog post wrung me out, and numerous invitations to connect with others have pulled me in many directions.

I'm always afraid to make it known when life feels intense, because I don't want anyone to hesitate sharing what's going on with them. Yes, I also get overwhelmed enough at times to cry "Help!" It doesn't happen often, and the Lord is ever faithful to send just the right person, as long I'm staying in touch with Him. (If I've been a little out of touch with my God, and I get to that overwhelmed point, He lets me flail around a bit until I turn to Him.)

Being an intense person (Type AA, workaholic, etc.), I thrive on intense. My blood pressure likely stays low because I see most challenges as opportunities (excepting unruly children—gotta work on that). Life in this world is a spiritual battle, I'm a warrior, and warriors don't train to hang out in the barracks. Warriors belong in the thick of things. Unless I'm at that rare place of feeling truly overwhelmed, I live to run toward where the battle rages hottest.

The difference between this world's wars and spiritual war is that the former always wreaks destruction and death, but the latter brings life and light if we but fight in the strength of the Holy Spirit. He first equips us for battle, and then empowers us. The mission: produce spiritual fruit.

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you
and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit,
and that your fruit should remain,
that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
~ John 15:16 (NKJV)

A most fundamental principal of survival is reproduction. After breathing and eating, the urge to reproduce is prominent. Danger is no deterrent. How many species have males which battle for access to the females? How many females will fight to the death to protect their young? The Creator's first command was, "Be fruitful and multiply," and He programmed creation to comply.

I daresay this model echoes the yearning of divinity. The Holy Spirit's compelling drive is to prolifically reproduce the life of Christ in us. Like bull elk clashing antlers against each other, it is the purpose of spiritual warfare.

Comments for yesterday's post ("Identity"), about what marks a Christian, mentioned the characteristic I had foremost in mind: fruitfulness, manifest in love. Galatians 6:22-23 mentions nine components of spiritual fruit, but ultimately, they all come down to love.

Consider the words of Dwight L. Moody:

The fruit of the Spirit begins with love ... [and the] other eight can be put in terms of love.
Joy is love exulting.
Peace is love in repose.
Long-suffering [patience] is love on trial.
Gentleness [kindness] in love in society.
Goodness is love in action.
Faith is love on the battlefield.
Meekness [gentleness] is love at school.
Temperance [self-control] is love in training.
So it is love all the way.

Did you note the last part of the above verse from John 15? Jesus gives a reason to be fruitful: "... that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

This is worth fighting for, without constraint, however intense the battle, whatever wounds sustained.

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 news.bbc.co.uk

Friday Freelance: FALL

"I have seen the heavy load God has given
To the children of men with which to humble them:

He has made everything beautiful in His time;

He has also set eternity in their mortal hearts."
~ King Solomon

Friday Freelance: FALL
#perspective

Any other month of the year, Colorado beats Michigan hands down. Give me sunny over cloudy, mountains over water, and active over sedate.

But not in October. Michigan was made for the season of apple orchards and cider mills, when wood stove fires and flannel sheets appear inside, boots and sweaters outside. And leaves? Michigan has trees the way Colorado has mountains. I scarcely notice the uncomfortable chill in the warmth of autumn color.

Here the Lord lets loose with gold as pure as a refiner's and oranges so florescent they glow. There isn't a shade of red missing, everything between stop-you-in-your-tracks fiery vermilion to deep purple. Throw in a rare day of sunshine with sky of blue flanked by earth of brown and green, and there isn't a color of the rainbow missing from the divine pallette.

Fall is my favorite season—but not for its glory. Now is the time of completion. The new life of spring brings hope after barren winter. After the grimy toil of summer, autumn is hope realized. Small seeds have produced fruit in abundance, and this is therefore the season of giving thanks.

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)

My heart has been heavy all week for my precious friend Jennifer, an Iowa farmer's wife. They've had some difficulties this year, and have yet to reap a harvest. She recently wrote about their hope in God through all of it: "Why We Don't Give Up." She and her husband have inspired me to see this particular autumn in a different light.

Twenty-one years ago this month I told the Lord He could have my life and I'd serve Him. With His strength and leading, I've been sowing, watering, and working the land by putting His Word in my heart, praying without ceasing, and digging up the weeds of sin in my life.

It has seemed summer would never end. I've longed to see fruit in the areas of my life which have commanded my attention. I've fought off weariness, toiling exhaustively. The point came when I, like Jennifer's husband, said simply, "God is in control ... God's got it." I let go.

Without me noticing, I entered a season of harvest. Seeds nearly forgotten now bear fruit. The humble things, from which I expected least, are what is producing most. I scarcely notice the uncomfortable challenges in the warmth of bright color. You see, the Lord has surprised me with glorious and varied hues of praise He's put in my life (next Friday's post).

This season might last another fifty minutes or another fifty years, before autumn also ends and a time of rest comes. If I'd like to continue reaping fruit, I must likewise continue to be faithful in those things which brought me here. And I may yet see fruit where I've sown but not reaped.

Having entered it, I am content to have my life remain in the season of fall.

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 http://www.jensartblog.com/

Friday Freelance: FRIEND Part III

"All's well that ends well.
And if it isn't ending well, it isn't the end."
~Max Lucado, from his book Fearless

Friday Freelance: FRIEND Part III

Those of you who caught Parts I & II know of the recent visit by my friend Gwen Stewart and I to Colorado for the ACFW Writers Conference, and our side trip to the Rocky Mountains—complete with Gwen's abject fear of heights and our drive along terrifying cliffs.

I'd planned to blog only of that escapade and its spiritual lesson, but moments before I posted Part II, I was compelled to add these closing words:

FOOTNOTE: Lest it appear that I paint myself a hero and Gwen a weakling, I shall this Friday tell you of the chasm from which Gwen deftly rescued me.

Here goes.

Gwen calls me intrepid. I had to look up "intrepid," which literally means "not alarmed," and is defined as "characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance."

I like the word "fearless." Speed and heights thrill me. I fondly recall days spent skydiving, rappeling, and doing technical climbs on sheer faces of granite. Emergencies mean someone needs to take action, and if not me then who? I've dashed into a home engulfed in flames protected by only a wet handkerchief over my nose. The one emergency I faced where I honestly thought I was going to die was one I nonetheless ran toward.

I'm just telling you all this so you'll understand that I don't lightly toss around the word fearless.

Two Thursdays ago, Gwen and I spent the morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. We safely negotiated a switchback which presented potential danger and gave me no pause. A bit later I stood at 12,000 above sea level cliff overlooking a 4,000' high chasm which sent Gwen retreating to our vehicle.

Then Thursday night we were safely back down to only one mile above sea level in Denver. We sat in a banquet room filled with some 600 publishing professionals and aspiring authors. Gwen and I were separated by seating arrangements as we listened to the speakers.

I felt out of place. I'm at ease with people from all walks of life, including those dedicated to writing. Yet I found myself overwhelmingly intimidated by a situation thoroughly beyond my ability. I cannot face the portals of publication and simply fight fearlessly or work hard or stand them down. Those gateways are opened or closed by the hand of God. And He's had me standing upon the same threshold for seventeen months.

Which is entirely His right. He bought me and owns me. I'll go wherever or do whatever He wants. No problem.

I guess. Sort of.

But if I'm honest, I'm horribly afraid of at least one thing.

I'm terrified by the idea of being unfruitful.

While I was avoiding eye-contact with my fear, I listened to ACFW President Cynthia Ruchti speak. Then she said something along the lines of, "This was billed as a fragrance-free conference. But throughout this room is the fragrance of all of you pouring out yourselves in offering for our Lord."

Whatever else causes trepidation in others yet brings intrepid out of me, I was immediately terrified by the vast chasm of wasted effort. Overcome by the need to step away from it's edge, I quietly exited the banquet hall and found an isolated corner in which to recover.

I know well that some areas of my life are quite fruitful. I just hate that any hours should be squandered when life is so short and time is incredibly precious. I fear any of my labor being for naught. I can allow how long the journey takes, as long as I see fruitful progress. Lacking that, I feel utterly impotent and diminished.

I returned to my table, still bewildered that I should be there. At the end of the session, I found precious Gwen at my side, her eyes asking what was wrong. She listened to me rant. She held me in her love with her gaze. The chasm became tolerable with a friend at my side to negotiate it with me.

Throughout the conference, I enjoyed the love and fellowship of many friends with no knowledge of my fear. But another dear friend also understood my trepidation without me speaking of it—my agent Rachelle Gardner. She also came alongside me, sensitive to the needs of her client and genuinely caring about the heart of a friend. The fact that she understood so much that went unsaid is testimony to her own tender and gracious spirit.

Gwen emerged from the mountains with new courage to face the journey before her because a friend eased her through terror. She returned the favor to me at the edge of my own fearful precipice. The Lord sent a second angel of His love to confirm His will that I stay the path.

With such friends, I stand ready for the journey the Lord has ordained. I remember that a true sacrifice means one lavishly pours out all for the Lord without thought of waste.

I resolve to prove intrepid.

A postscript (added 10 hours after original post): My intent was to end this piece with the message of how much every single one of us needs every other one of us. It got lost in all else being said. Those words must not remain unspoken: Every one of you is needed.

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.

Exhibit C: Circumcision

What is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way!
~ Romans 3:1-2 (NKJV)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared ... "Behold, My covenant is with you ... I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants ... and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you... And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant."
~ Genesis 17:1,4,6-7,11,14 (NKJV)

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ ...
~ Colossians 2:11 (NKJV)

In establishing his case for Christ, Paul next puts forth the covenant of circumcision.

The act testifies to the existence of God because it is too unreasonable for men to come up with on their own. Whatever other manner a man might mark himself as set apart to God, taking a knife to his most vital piece of anatomy could only be done if he believed in Someone much bigger than himself.

Before Abraham put his son Isaac on the altar to demonstrate faith, he'd first shown his faith in God's covenant by accepting circumcision. God had promised a son, and Abraham did have a son of flesh, before circumcision, by Hagar. God is in part saying strip off the flesh where you reproduce, and watch how fruitful I will make you. In your faith you will reproduce not what is of the flesh, but a miracle which can only be of Me.

And so, the Christian must also be circumcised. Not by cutting the body with a knife, but by doing what can only be done by faith in Someone much bigger than ourselves, and act too unreasonable to come up with on our own. We mark ourselves set apart to God by cutting off the will of our own flesh, and accepting in its place His will. The one who believes in Christ no longer puts faith in being fulfilled and fruitful in the strength of human flesh, but will now fulfill desire and be fruitful in the strength of God's Spirit.

Love is number one on the list which describes the fruit of the Spirit.

How important is it to reproduce God's fruit by His Spirit? It is what marks us as His! Jesus said in Luke 6:43-45 that we prove ourselves believers by our spiritual fruit. And in John 13:35 Jesus says that we'd be known as His disciples by our love for one another.

Whatever brief pain may be involved to cut off our flesh in that which seems most vital to us, we receive far more from the Lord in return.

Lord YHWH, it seems unreasonable to exist as a living sacrifice. Too often we make it look painful. Please enable us to cut off the unnecessary flesh in our lives—and to recognize what You give in return—so that the fruit of love, joy, peace, and all else Your Spirit reproduces, will shine forth in testimony to You.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Are You Willing?

"Where the heart is willing it will find a thousand ways.

Where it is unwilling it will find a thousand excuses."

~ Dayak Proverb

Taking a break after the Names of God series.
Plans to be back tomorrow with a post.
~ Anne

Belong to Christ

"The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings."
~ Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NKJV)

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
~ Galatians 5:24 (ESV)

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
~ Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)

To belong to Christ includes blessings unknown to those who do not confess Him as Lord: salvation from sin’s penalty of eternal death; relationship with God as Father; becoming a place where the Holy Spirit (and therefore the presence of God) resides.

But we share the curses of those who are not His. To belong to Christ does not immediately remove us from this world, nor exclude us from its suffering. To belong to Christ does not immediately set us free from mortal flesh and its sinful nature.

The more closely we identify with this world, the more we will experience the despair of suffering. The more we give in to the sinful and self-seeking desires of flesh, the more we will experience the temporal penalties of sin.

The more closely we identify with the Kingdom of God, the more we will know love, joy and peace in the face of suffering. The more we yield to the Spirit of God within us and crucify the desires of flesh, the more we will reap the fruit of everlasting life rather than the fruit of corruption from the seeds of our doings.

Father, how good You are to give us the armor we need to face the enemy when he attacks. How good You are to supply all we need to face a world of suffering and the temptations of flesh. Please teach us to depend on You and follow You—to sow seeds of life.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Be Still

“Sit [tarry] in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”
~ Luke 24:49 (MKJV)

"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ... Then they returned to Jerusalem ... These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.
~ Acts 1:8,12,14 (NKJV)

"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
~ Psalms 46:10 (ESV)

I value efficient use of time. If forced to wait (through kids’ piano lessons, etc.), I bring work with me. Life is short and I intend to cram as much as possible into my years.

I’m beginning to understand the folly in this. “Efficiency” is not on the Fruit of the Spirit list. How many simple pleasures and conversations and opportunities to express love am I missing?

Once Jesus returned to heaven, His disciples might have been tempted to run, or preach, or do anything rather than simply sit. Yet they obeyed Jesus’ direction to be still, waiting and praying for ten days. Had they gone out on their own, they’d have accomplished nothing. Once clothed with power from on high, they were ready to take Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth for Christ.

How much more might the Lord accomplish through us if we spend less time doing and take more time to be still?

Lord, You know our impatient and immature hearts. In a society constantly on the run, we struggle to be still for long enough to hear You. Please open our eyes to the value of being still not only in those times set aside for You, but also during available moments our hectic days.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Unrighteous Mammon

"And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home... Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?"
~ Luke 16:9,11 (NKJV)

All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own ... "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." ... Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:23-24,26,31 (NKJV)

Life on earth is a test of heaven's citizens. Will I choose to look at God with my heart when the world fills my eyes? Will I listen to the Spirit or Self to find satisfaction? Do I serve God or Mammon, god of materialism, when entrusted with the unrighteous mammon of this foreign land?

I long for heaven's purity when Creator and created ones are united without such distractions.

Last night we worshiped the Lord in Spirit and Truth with abandon. People of my church used music of this world and our flesh and even the devil (one actor's dubious distinction) as we danced and ran and clapped and spoke our parts. In just a few moments I'll again be at church, to sing with my mouth of flesh, pray and listen amid the devil's distractions, and offer unrighteous mammon of this world in the plate.

The Lord entrusts me with unrighteous mammon to be used by flesh in a world of sin. By His Spirit I find a way to use it for the glory of God and make friends for Him with whom I'll live in an everlasting home upon the final failure of my flesh.

Lord, God of the angel-armies, who is mighty like You, O Yah? From every angle we see Your faithfulness. All You create is good—so very good. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who sanctifies all He touches and creates a new heart in Your people of flesh, that we might have the privilege to worship and love and serve You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Having Children

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."
~ Luke 14:26 (NKJV)

And it was not Adam who was deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and broke God's law. But a woman will be saved [preserved whole] through having children, if she perseveres in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.
~ 1 Timothy 2:15 (GNB, amplified by author)

"Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me."
~ Matthew 18:3-5 (NKJV)

I thought today's post would be about great love for God willing to push aside even something as good as children—as if with hatred—for the sake of the divine. Then I read Letting Be, by my friend Billy Coffey, about the importance of allowing ourselves to live life by doing a little more nothing.

Every truth has offsetting truth, to give truth wholeness and balance. I might use God as an excuse to give my spouse and children less than they deserve, because "I love God so much." Truly, my love for God must far exceed love of family. But especially as a woman, I should remember that after Eve sinned, she was preserved whole for the sake of having children.

Feminists are surely screaming. Even Christian women may be wincing. And God does not direct or even allow every woman to have children. But shame on me if I use "serving God" as excuse to neglect motherhood. My friend Denise is just one beautiful example of love for family balanced with love for God. There is more than one way to be fruitful for the kingdom.

Being wife and mother (daughter too) is my first work and ministry. I do well to remember it.

Heavenly Father, I am incredibly blessed to be a wife and mother. Thank You for all the love in my life because of my family. Please help me keep balance—to put You first, family second, and only then service to neighbor. Lord help me learn how to sit still and do nothing just a little bit more.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Fruit of the Word

[Jesus] cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?" And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables ... Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."
~ Luke 8:8-11 (NKJV)

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit."
~ John 15:7-8 (NKJV)

In my Bible I have the following sermon notes on the parable of the seed and soil of Luke chapter 8. I apologize that I don't have the name of the pastor to whom they should be credited.

There are four requirements for growing fruit in a believer's life:

1. Seed (the Word of God, Luke 8:11) planted deeply in good soil of a heart softened by water of the Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27) to establish strong roots;
   
2. Eliminate weeds and thorns (worries, riches, pleasures of this world) which compromise strong plants (Luke 8:14);
   
3. Cut off (prune) whatever bears little or no fruit (John 15:2);
   
4. Allow time for maturity (James 1:4).
   

There are four kinds of spiritual fruit:

1. Repentance of sin (Matthew 3:8);
   
2. The Spirit's fruit of love, joy, peace, patient longsuffering, kindness, goodness (God-ness, holiness), faithfulness, gentle meekness, temperate self-control (Galatians 5:22-23);
   
3. New shoots (used by God to bring spiritual growth in the lives of others, 1 Corinthians 3:6);
   
4. Service to others (Mark 10:43).
   

Living Word of God, thank You for entering our souls through Your precious Spirit. Please give us desire to produce fruit for You, enable us to cooperate with Your work to make us fruitful, and encourage us with the privilege of seeing that fruit.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Greater Works

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken ... And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
~ Luke 5:8-11 (NKJV)

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
~ John 14:12 (NKJV)

Simon Peter thought fishing and the power of God he saw in Jesus didn't belong together. (Had he been more religious Peter might have offered to build a big fishing business and finance the ministry.) But Jesus intended to use the power of God to accomplish greater works of fishing than Peter might have ever envisioned.

God puts in each human soul the gifts and passions which may find a degree of satisfaction in worldly pursuits. If religious, we'll try to use our gifts in God's service. If we are acknowledge our worthlessness and walk away from everything but Him, He is poised to empower us in ways we cannot begin to grasp.

I'm embarrassed at some of the ways I've tried to anticipate how the Lord could use me or my talents. Our God is utterly unpredictable and thoroughly capable. We need only walk with Him, and He will lead us to do "greater works" with everything He's put in us.

Almighty Creator, how fearfully and wonderfully You have made us! Loving Father, how much You long to satisfy our souls! Please draw us into greater dependence on You, so that with Jesus now our Advocate, You might use us to do greater works than even Jesus did—to magnify Your name, not ours.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Anywhere, Any Time

And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ... Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." Likewise the soldiers asked him ...
~ Luke 3:3,12-14 (NKJV)

Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)

I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere ... any time, I am content ... I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
~ Philippians 4:11-13 (GNB)

Talk about a diverse audience! It seems everyone came to hear John the Baptist, and many took his words to heart asking, "What shall we do?" He gave them all instructions to live godly lives, exactly where they were. Not even tax collectors were told to look for another job.

I'm too often guilty of, "God, if You'd send me there, I could better serve You." God may send His servants somewhere else, but He intends to use them wherever they are. More important than circumstances is an attitude which says, "Okay Lord, anywhere, any time."

It's not enough to just submit our wills. If we want strength, we need to be satisfied. Content. Even happy. Anywhere, any time, our contentment is found in God, not what we do for Him. Anywhere, any time, we have strength for our circumstances because Christ is enough.

Sovereign Lord, You know our impatient hearts. You know how hard it is to be content where we are, and not say "if only." You are in control. Your will is perfect. Please help us know when to stay and when to go. Please give us contentment and strength in all places and times.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Heaven's Court

God presides over heaven’s court;
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
"How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?"
~ Psalm 82:1-2 (NLT)

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it ... the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
~ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.
~ 1 Peter 1:17 (NKJV)

Judges are expected to impartially decide what is right and lawful. The judiciary determines if the work of legislative and executive government stands. A Supreme Court decision is as close to God's judgment as can be obtained on earth. Legal injustice is an ultimate frustration.

The same Hebrew word used for God is sometimes used for judges: Elohim. In heaven's court, there is only one Judge, to whom every human judge will answer. Though we often lament the earth's injustice, we need only be patient for the Judge of all the earth to render final judgment.

We do well to remember that our works shall also be judged before heaven's court. Though we need not fear of condemnation if we are in Christ, we should fear lost reward if we do nothing for Him in return, but squander His many gifts to us.

Our Father, we call upon You for Your mercy as we stand before You. We are unprofitable servants, and however much we may do, we have done what was our duty to do. Please motivate us to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ with all that is precious and enduring.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

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

Ministering to All Kinds

The Spirit of the Lord YHWH is upon me,
Because YHWH has anointed me.
He has sent me to proclaim good news to the lowly,
To heal those with broken hearts,
To declare liberty to the captives
And release from darkness to those in bondage.
~ Isaiah 61:1 (author)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and ministering to all kinds of sickness and all kinds of infirmities among the people.
~ Matthew 4:23 (author)

But you are a ... a royal priesthood ... His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

The word Matthew uses for Jesus healing, or ministering to, all kinds of sickness and infirmity is therapeuo. Strong defines it as literally "to wait upon menially," and Zodhiates defines it as "to serve as therapon [servant, attendant, minister, physician]."

Jesus said He came as servant. He served and ministered to the most lowly—touching lepers and unclean women, dining freely with despised tax agents and blatant sinners. He rebuffed critics by pointing out that the sick, not healthy, need ministers of healing.

"Christ" means "anointed." A Christian is both anointed by God's Spirit, and a disciple of Christ who ministers as would Christ, our King and Priest. Likewise, we are royalty who are to be ministering to all kinds—the lowly, brokenhearted, captives, diseased, unclean, and despised, whether unsaved sinner or saint. We minister good news and healing, liberty and light.

Lord Jesus, how privileged we are to share Your ministry! We are surrounded by both brethren and neighbors who need Your light and love. Please help our hearts to hear Your Spirit's direction. Please empower our words and increase our love that we may give of ourselves all You ask.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy