What is the Holy Spirit

What does "filled with the Spirit" mean?

How do I get the Holy Spirit?

Just who is the Holy Spirit?

The words for "spirit" in both Old Testament Hebrew (rûach) and New Testament Greek (pneúma) mean "breath" (or sometimes "wind"). So a description of the Holy Spirit (or "Holy Ghost") begins by calling Him the "Breath of God." God's breath contains and conveys the very life and light and Person of God.

But God's Spirit is more than part of God's Person; the Holy Spirit is also His own Person, with His own unique personality, separate from God the Father or God the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is also called the "Spirit of Wisdom" (Isaiah 11:2, Ephesians 1:17-18), and He appears to be one and the same with God's Wisdom as personified in the book of Proverbs (compare Genesis 1:2 and Proverbs 8:25-31). And God's Wisdom is absolutely distinct from the "wisdom" generally recognized by the world (1 Corinthians 1:20-21 & 3:19).

"I, wisdom, dwell with prudence …
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, I have strength."
~ Proverbs 8:12,14 (NKJV)

When God expresses Himself, His purposes, and His glory (light), it might be compared to a movie. God the Father is Producer and Author. Jesus is onscreen as the visible and vocal representation of all the Father wishes to make known. The Holy Spirit might be likened to the director and those hundreds of behind-the-scenes roles—roles seen only in the credits, but without whom nothing significant would be accomplished.

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. / … / And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
~ Genesis 1:2 / 2:7 (NKJV)

The Spirit of God was known and recognized before the time of Jesus. (He is mentioned in the Old Testament about a hundred times, including the phrase "Holy Spirit" three times—Psalm 51:11, Isaiah 63:10-11.) Introduced in the second verse of the Bible, the breath (Spirit) of God imparts physical life to humans in a manner that sets us apart from animals (Isaiah 31:3). God's Spirit goes on to interact with humans on God's behalf throughout the Old Testament, often coming "upon" a person, occasionally being "in" a person, and in at least two instances the Holy Spirit "filled" people (Joshua and the tabernacle artisans).

The change found in the New Testament is that instead of His Holy Spirit being given by God to selective people or on specific occasions, God now gives the Holy Spirit to all people who have put faith in Jesus and made Him the Lord of their lives. (See "What is Born Again.") While the most visible and extraordinary display of the Holy Spirit was on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Jesus also gave His Spirit to His disciples in person:

So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
~ John 20:21-22 (NKJV)

When the New Testament mentions the Holy Spirit (about 250 times), it speaks of Him in terms such as wind (John 3:8, Acts 2:1-2), water (John 4:13-14 & 7:37-39), or fire (Luke 3:16, Acts 2:3). In nature, these elements have no specific shape, but take on the shape of the place they fill, each one moving as if with a life of its own. So it is with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is also called an anointing (as with oil—Matthew 25:3-4, 1 John 2:20), because He must be given from above, not called down from below. Whether He brings inspiration (like air), cleansing and revival (like water), purging (like fire), or healing (like oil), the Holy Spirit brings God's breath and life into the places given to Him.

"Being filled with the Spirit is not us getting more of God, but God getting more of us."
~ Dean Stewart

If we continue to use the above movie analogy (albeit imperfectly), then the role of the Holy Spirit has not changed. Jesus has exited the scene. His people have entered the stage, and we are now the expression of God, His glory (light), and His purposes. The Holy Spirit still directs, counsels, clothes, equips, and empowers us—from the inside, unseen except in the spiritual fruit we produce.

A final important note: the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are very distinct. The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) is evidence of His saving presence in a believer's life, and is distinct from the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11), each of which is given to individuals differently—no specific gift being proof of salvation.

Proverbs 8
(4) "To you, O men, I call …
(6) Listen, for I will speak of excellent things …
(12) "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence …
(14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, I have strength.…
(22) "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way …
(30) I was beside Him as a master craftsman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
(31) Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
And my delight was with the sons of men.
(35) … whoever finds me finds life,
And obtains favor from the LORD;
(36) But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;
All those who hate me love death."

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

From Wine to Whip

When [Jesus] had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables.
from John 2:14-17 (NKJV)

Jesus' debut miracle of wine manifested His glory. We next see Jesus performing His first cleansing of God's temple—the place for His glory to dwell.

Jesus will return in three years on a donkey's foal and repeat the cleansing. This time He is riding a whip. He has just been baptized with water. In three years He will be baptized with fire.

Jesus' invitation to share His covenant cup of wine and fellowship includes a mandate for cleansing. Baptism comes in both water and fire.

It all comes back to having a purified temple for God's glory to dwell.

Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Saying Good-bye to Turn Home

This will be my last post for a while. A season has come to take time from blogging to turn my heart home, in more than one way.

I'll turn my heart home as our family finishes planning and hosting a graduation open house for my oldest daughter. She is a pride and joy and deserves my best attention.

My husband John is my home. Our marriage has survived a turbulent couple of years. A new door has opened for our relationship. I'll turn my heart home as John and I reconnect in vital ways.

My heart will turn for home when I visit family this summer. The day has not yet arrived when I've resided more years in Michigan than the 27 I had in Colorado. I understand that whether my address is Michigan or Colorado, my citizenship is of Heaven, and that's my real home. But my people and our mountains? They'll never stop being home.

The blogsphere is one of my homes, where I connect with like minds. I've hesitated to pause blogging, because this haven builds up my own spirit at least as much as I intend for it to build yours. But I'm pained by the inability to read your blogs more often. I will genuinely have my heart turned toward home if less writing means more time to actually visit you at your places.

I make no promises or plans right now for a return date on posts. I'd expect to be gone for at least a month, but not past summer's end. I may be inclined to share a worship song on weekends here and there. Comments on existing posts will receive replies.

You can plan on this: sooner or later, I'll have my heart turned toward home here at Building His Body, with plenty to share about the Lord—for Whom we provide a home.

Thus says the LORD:
"Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,"
Says the LORD.
"But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word."
~ Isaiah 66:1-2 (NKJV)

: : :

This post is part of a blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's theme: HOME.

Your comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are most appreciated. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Question of the Week: What is The Christ?

Some of the [Christmas] words have been worn out. Can you put “glory,” “joy,” “Messiah / Christ,” etc. in today’s vernacular?
~ Don Kimrey

A wonderful Q&A theme for the Advent season is to revisit biblical definitions of these words. We'll insert the quintessential Christmas word “peace” for "etc.," and spread the answer out over four posts:

December 3: Glory
December 10: Joy / Rejoice
December 17: Peace
December 24: Messiah / Christ

: : :

"Annunciation" by Henry Ossawa Tanner
Image source: canvasreplicas.com

The Greek word "christ" and Hebrew word "messiah" both mean "anointed one."

The biblical word "anoint" refers to the pouring oil on a person. Olive oil was used as fuel for light. It was also poured on people as a cosmetic, to give skin and face the shine of health. Various herbs and spices in oil were used for food enhancement, for perfume, and for healing.

Anointing with oil was also a ritual, signifying that a person was set apart to serve God as His king, priest, or prophet, and often empowered by the Lord’s Holy Spirit. Persons were occasionally called "anointed" without ritual pouring of oil, when God appointed them for a special purpose.

Thus "anointed" also indicates the Holy Spirit and His power being poured out upon a person.

Long before the birth of Jesus, God promised He would send His Christ—THE Anointed One, God Himself in human flesh—to fill the three roles of King, Priest, Prophet. The great significance of Jesus’ mother Mary being a virgin is that Jesus' biological Father is God. The Holy Spirit did not simply empower Jesus as a Man, but impregnated His mother with a Person already divine:

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin ... "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS... The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God..." Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."
~ Luke 1:26,31,35,38 (NKJV; also see Matthew 1:18-23)

By consenting for the Holy Spirit to come upon her, Mary accepted God's Word and thereby received His seed—"seed" meaning both offspring and God's Word. Jesus grew within her until the day she birthed Him and He became manifest to others.

This wonder celebrated at Christmas—Almighty God dwelling upon the earth by His Spirit having union with a human to reproduce the life of His Son—is an everyday miracle. Because the Lord's Anointed One came as conquering King to defeat death, came as Priest to offer Himself as sacrifice for sin, and came as Prophet with God's Word for us (His seed), we receive the same invitation that Mary did.

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
~ Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

We can accept God's Word and humbly offer ourselves as servants to God, yield to the power of Most High God entering our human flesh, and then reproduce the life of Jesus so that God might be manifest to the world.

Christians are not merely Christ-followers. We are Christ-bearers and anointed ones, set apart to God and empowered by His poured out Holy Spirit, so that we might burn as the light of Christ, shine with spiritual health, heal and be healed, and be the perfume of Christ.

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.
~ 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NKJV)

: : :

This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies. To see 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

© 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Filled with the Spirit

"Though every believer has the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Spirit does not have every believer."
~ A.W. Tozer

Filled with the Spirit
#discipleship

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Take the rod ... Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock."
~ Numbers 20:7-8 (NKJV)

All our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 (NKJV)

I use commentaries sparingly, to avoid reliance upon them. But sometimes a commentary nicely affirms or clarifies what I've discerned. On this passage from Numbers 20, I share the following from William MacDonald:

Once before ... the Lord told Moses to strike the rock... The rock smitten in Exodus 17 was a type of Christ, stricken at Calvary. But Christ was only to be struck once. After His death, the Holy Spirit would be given, of which the water is a type.

The Old Testament records two occasions of water given from a rock through Moses, and the New Testament also records two occasions of the Holy Spirit being given. When Jesus appeared to His disciples on the evening of His resurrection—just after being "stricken at Calvary"—He greeted them, then immediately breathed upon them and they received His Holy Spirit (John 20:22). On the day of Pentecost, after His disciples spent ten days speaking to the Lord in prayer, a mighty wind rushed upon His disciples and filled them with the Holy Spirit in power.

To belong to Christ because of His shed blood is to become an heir of eternal life and be sealed with His Holy Spirit. (Think of how much residual air remains in the lungs after exhaling.) But to be a follower of Jesus and abide in relationship with Him—through the Bible, prayer, and His people—results in being filled with the Holy Spirit. (Think of anywhere between drawing a normal breath, and breathing as deeply as possible.)

There is a vast difference between having enough of the Holy Spirit to obediently remain in a hidden upper room praying, and being so full of the Holy Spirit that the world cannot help but take notice and be turned on its head.

Lord Jesus our Rock, You alone provide infallible support and power. Thank You for the assurance of salvation and the certainty of Your Word. Thank You for the eternal life given by the breath of Your Spirit. Please draw us to abide in You and be filled with Your Holy Spirit.

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.
Commentary text quoted from **Believer's Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, © 1995 William MacDonald
Photo from radiantlight.co.uk.

Qanna / Jealous

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

Qanna / Jealous
(pronounced: "kahn-NAH")

... you shall worship no other god, for YHWH, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God ...
~ Exodus 34:14 (author)

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
~ Deuteronomy 4:24 (NKJV)

I've made it a point to write a fresh post here each day. Today will be a rerun, (the first I recall), one which speaks to the jealousy of any husband, and the jealousy God has for us as our Husband.

.•*¨¯¨*•.,¸¸,.•´`•.,¸¸,.•*¨¯¨*•.

Jealousy

"Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying,
'Thus says the LORD:
"I remember ... the love of your betrothal ...
What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols,
And have become idolaters? ...
For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
... You lay down, playing the harlot." ' "
~ Jeremiah 2:2,5,13,20 (NKJV)

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
~ James 4:4-5 (NKJV)

The Bible uses an vivid image to portray idolatry: adultery.

Does anything else in human experience ignite wrath like finding a spouse in bed with someone else? Human jealousy needs no explanation.

The Lord views idolatry with the same jealousy. We see ourselves as far too sophisticated to bow before a piece of metal, wood or stone. We forget that seeking satisfaction from the world is the New Testament’s definition of idolatry, and is also called adultery.

The Lord offers abundant living waters. To show preference for offerings from the dry and broken cistern of this world rightly ignites the jealousy of the Spirit who dwells within us.

Beloved Bridegroom, You paid a great price to make available to us the Living Waters of Your Spirit. You satisfy as nothing else. Please give us discernment between the godless, the goodly and the godly. Please woo our hearts to seek Your face, and to woo You with our own love.

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

Ishi / Husband

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

Ishi / Husband
(prounounced: "eesh-ee")


"You will call Me 'My Husband,'
And no longer call Me 'My Master.' "
~ Hosea 2:16 (NKJV)

For your Maker is your husband,
The LORD of hosts is His name.
Isaiah 54:5 (NKJV)

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved [His bride] the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish... This is a great mystery ...
~ Ephesians 5:25-27,32 (NKJV)

Most Christians are aware that the church is called the bride of Christ, and He is called the Bridegroom. The relationship Paul calls a mystery is first observed in the Old Testament, where God speaks of Himself as a Husband to His people.

In doing so, the Lord intimates Himself as more than Creator, Master, Lord. He holds out a relationship more precious and meaningful than every other human relationship. If I might be so bold to make the suggestion, I believe the great love the Creator puts between a man and his wife moves us so powerfully simply because its purpose is to magnify the love and relationship the Lord offers those who are His.

Our response? Here's a place to start. A wife in love with her husband seeks to please him. She’ll learn to cook his favorite foods. She’ll dress and style herself in the manner he likes to look at. She’ll learn what pleases him and not only offer it as part of her love for him, but she'll conform herself to being what He favors. She becomes uniquely his.

God tells us what He finds desirable. As any Bridegroom, Christ wants a glorious bride. His Word tells us, "Be holy, for I AM holy" (1 Peter 1:16). And because we're unable to do it for ourselves, Christ puts His Spirit in us to prepare us for the day we meet Him. The Holy Spirit acts as a divine valet, washing us and teaching us and conforming us into the bride Christ waits to return for.

Yesterday's post described "holy" as set apart from all that is ordinary. Over at the blog What I Learned Today, Billy Coffey rightly said one of the devil's greatest lies is "that we are all ordinary." Peter not only reminds us to be holy, but goes on to counter the devil's lie with this:
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, 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 King James translates "special people" as "peculiar people." The Greek peripoiesis combines peri (around, for oneself) with poieo (to make or do), and the combination describes something uniquely acquired, with which to surround oneself.

As a man acquires a wife.

By dwelling inside of us, God surrounds Himself with us. As He makes us holy, we are set apart with him, not from Him, both unique and uniquely His.

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

Unforgivable Sin

"Our backslidings are many,
We have sinned against You.
O the Hope of Israel, his Savior in time of trouble,
Why should You be like a stranger in the land,
And like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? ...
Yet You, O LORD, are in our midst,
And we are called by Your name;
Do not leave us!"
~ Jeremiah 14:7-9 (NKJV)

"He who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation."
~ Mark 3:29 (NKJV)

It was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations.
~ Luke 24:46-47 (NKJV)

While visiting family in Colorado we are blessed to stay in my sister's house. Though she gives us the run of the place as if we owned it, we are only visitors. Our home is in Michigan.

Various places in the Bible refer to the Holy Spirit resting upon a person, as a visitor. Other places refer to the Holy Spirit dwelling within a person as Owner.

I don't claim to have perfect understanding, but may I suggest the following explanation for the Unforgivable Sin?

When the Holy Spirit shows up for a visit, He brings with Him the conviction of sin, and the message of forgiveness and repentance. If He is then refused as a liar (blasphemed), and denied possession as Owner, He will eventually leave us. And we cannot enter eternal life without Him.

The opposite response is to be possessed by the Spirit and give Him run of the place.

Father, how great Your love for us! You grant remission of sin, and replace penalty of death with life. You continue to cleanse us of all impurity, which brings us suffering. Please fill us with desire to yield to Your Spirit's possession.

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

On a Personal Note: How can I express my thanks to all of you who prayed for my meeting with my brother John yesterday? God's answer was that we not meet. John mysteriously failed to show up at a favorite haunt. I am trusting the Lord's plan in "whatever."

Jealousy

"Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying,
'Thus says the LORD:
"I remember you,
The kindness of your youth,
The love of your betrothal ...
What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols,
And have become idolaters? ...
For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
...You lay down, playing the harlot." ' "
~ Jeremiah 2:2,5,13,20 (NKJV)

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
~ James 4:4-5 (NKJV)

The Bible uses an vivid image to portray idolatry: adultery.

Does anything else in human experience ignite wrath like finding a spouse in bed with someone else? Human jealousy needs no explanation.

The Lord views idolatry with the same jealousy. We see ourselves as far too sophisticated to bow before a piece of metal, wood or stone. We forget that seeking satisfaction from the world is the New Testament’s definition of idolatry, and is also called adultery.

The Lord offers abundant living waters. To show preference for offerings from the dry and broken cistern of this world rightly ignites the jealousy of the Spirit who dwells within us.

Beloved Bridegroom, You paid a great price to make available the living waters of Your Spirit. You satisfy as nothing else. Please give us discernment between the godless, the goodly and the godly. Please powerfully woo our hearts so we'll both seek Your face and woo You with our own love.

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

Let the Earth be Moved!

The LORD reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
~ Psalms 99:1 (NKJV)

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
~ Luke 3:4-6 (KJV)

We think of the earth as rock solid. God's Word says He established it upon the waters. We think of the earth as permanent. God's Word says the earth shall pass away. We think of the earth as fixed in its orbit. God's Word says, "Let the earth be moved!"

We are made of the same terra firma we walk upon. Our will and selfish lusts can be as unyielding as rock. And the human heart is the soil which needs to be broken up over sin, softened with the Spirit of living waters, and sowed with the seed of God's Word to bear fruit.

The Lord's kingdom on earth is coming soon. Both earth and heavens will be shaken, valleys will be filled, mountains laid low. God levels the very earth to make the way smooth before His coming. If we desire His Spirit to inhabit us more fully, our will must crumble before His.

Our Lord and King, You have shown us favor beyond measure to purchase us with Your blood. You deserve to reign in our hearts without being challenged by our flesh made of earth. Whatever we will that is less than Your will, please shake us and level us and move us to yield.

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

Gates of Zion

The LORD loves the gates of Zion
More than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken of you,
O city of God! Selah
~ Psalms 87:2-3 (NKJV)

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
~ Psalms 24:7 (NKJV)

Thus says YHWH: "Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest? ...
Into this [place] I will look:
Into one who is poor and of a broken spirit,
Who trembles at My word."
~ Isaiah 66:1-2 (author)

There are various interpretations about the exact meaning of the name Jerusalem. I'm inclined to go with "headwaters of peace." Jerusalem represents Christ's bride, and her ultimate destiny is as the source of waters of complete peace where the Prince of Peace makes His throne.

The gates of Zion are as the gates of the human heart. Our King of Glory waits for us to fling open every door within and surrender to His full possession, that He may enter in as Lord. Though His throne is in heaven, the place He most desires to dwell is a humble heart filled with love.

King of Glory, Your majestic throne in heaven is holy and surpasses every place of earth. How is it that You desire to dwell within us? Please move us to yield to Your Spirit, who makes us holy and fills us with love for You, that You would find Yourself at home in our hearts.

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

Dwelling Place of God

Thus says YHWH:
"Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest? ...
To this one will I gaze upon and regard with favor:
To the lowly, of a contrite spirit,
Who is trembling at My word."
~ Isaiah 66:1-2 (author)

... you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. ~ Ephesians 2:22 (NKJV)

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God."
~ Revelation 21:2-3 (NKJV)

One of the most earnest endeavors any man undertakes is to build himself a house. He overlooks no detail to customize and prepare the dwelling place in which he will take his rest.

The jewel of Solomon's kingdom was a grand and glorious temple. God's glory came to dwell in it—but only to signify the ultimate dwelling place of God: His people. We partially fulfill that destiny in this era of the Holy Spirit's kingdom, for we are the temple of God's Spirit.

In the imminent kingdom of Jesus, the present spiritual reality will achieve fulfillment with physical reality. The Lord's people will finally be made one, as a beautifully adorned bride—His jewel—and she will be the blissful dwelling place of God.

Lord Jesus, please give Your people eyes for only You. Plesae wash us with Your Word and make us ready for Your arrival. Please unite our hearts with each other and make us one with each other, that we might be one with You.
Father, please send us our Beloved Bridegroom soon.

O my love, you are as beautiful as Tirzah,
Lovely as Jerusalem ...
Turn your eyes away from me,
For they have overcome me.
Song of Solomon 6:4-5 (NKJV)

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

Friday Freelance: FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

2008's winter solstice occurs at 7:04 a.m. EST this Sunday, December 21, when the North Pole is at its furthest point of tilt away from the sun.

If you prefer poetic over scientific ...

At dawn this Lord's day, light will increase and darkness will retreat as days grow longer and nights become shorter.

Numerous pagan religions celebrate the date when darkness climaxes in the Northern Hemisphere. It is noteworthy that while pagans celebrate darkness, Jewish and Christian holidays both celebrate light.

Sunday evening marks the beginning of the Festival of Lights. Jews celebrate Hanukkah (or Chanukah, also called the Feast of Dedication in John 10:22) on the 25th of Kislev (about four days before a December new moon), which this year occurs in Israel within a scant couple of hours of the solstice—an extremely rare concurrence.

Hanukkah commemorates when the Jews in 165 BC successfully rebelled against the Greek empire for its prohibition to practice Judaism and desecration of the Jerusalem temple. When ancient Jews rededicated the cleansed temple, they had one day's oil for the temple lamp, but the lamp miraculously burned for eight days until they obtained more oil.

On Wednesday evening, across the globe life and business as usual will screech to a halt while Christians and non-Christians alike commemorate the birth of Christ. Jesus' birth date is unknown, but was not likely a winter month, when shepherds didn't sleep in open fields. Many think Jesus was born at the Feast of Sukkoth, or Booths, in early autumn. A December date for the Christmas holiday is the Roman church's alternative to (or consolidation with) pagan celebration of the solstice.

Regardless of any argument against Christmas for inaccurate date or pagan correlation, God's gift of Jesus is certainly cause for celebration of light. Matthew highlights Jesus' appearance as fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy: "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Matthew 4:16 NIV) When the apostle John in his Gospel describes God becoming flesh to dwell with us, he speaks of Jesus as "the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world." (John 1:9 NKJV) And Jesus says of Himself, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12 NKJV)

The time when darkness reigns is well suited to celebrating both Jesus coming as Light, and the temple light which once burned miraculously in Jerusalem. Hanukkah and Christmas will even be celebrated together on December 25th, 2016—a treat (or for some, conflict) happening about three times a century.

These two celebrations also converge every year, every day. Jesus tells us we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Victorious over the oppressive enemy through bloodshed, we are now the temples of His Holy Spirit, the place where God's presence and light dwell, miraculously illuminating a very dark world.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

A Hard Thing

Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized [immersed] you with water, but He will baptize [immerse] you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:6-8 NKJV, amplified)

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." So he said, "You have asked a hard thing." (2 Kings 2:9-10 NKJV)

"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required ... I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ... Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division." (Luke 12:48-49,51 NKJV)

The Christian life is a big, wonderful praise party—in heaven. In this world, we have praise parties punctuated by tribulation, trials, trouble, temptation. In Jesus, we also have peace, and the promise that we will not be tried beyond our ability.

Of course, with increased ability we can also expect increased tribulation, trials, trouble, temptation. An anointing of the Spirit brings the fire's touch; an immersion with the Spirit brings us to the furnace of refinement for purity. Yet however searing the heat, we can be confident that in Christ, it is never beyond our ability to stand.

The Holy Spirit is the seal of eternal life—and a hard thing. The more we yield to the Spirit, the more fully He fills us, and the more He asks of us. And the more He fills us yet again. The valleys wouldn't be so deep if the mountain tops weren't so high.

Lord Jesus, thank You for not leaving us orphans. Thank You for promising to never forsake us—as You were forsaken for our sin. Thank You for promising that we can do all things through You and Your strength. Enable us to yield to and receive Your Spirit ever more fully.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Earthen Vessels

God ... has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed ... always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:6-8,10 NKJV)

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.... Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:30,36 NKJV)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NKJV)

God used clay of the earth to form Adam, an earthen vessel to hold His breath of life. The same clay forms lamps to hold oil and produce light. When God anoints earthen vessels with the oil of His Spirit, the ignited oil produces light.

Gethsemane means "oil press." The Mount of Olives garden was likely the place where weights pressed flesh of olives to extract oil for light and anointing. In Gethsemane Jesus yielded His flesh—His will—to be crushed in death. That price purchased us for the Holy Spirit's anointing.

We too are pressed. "Hard-pressed." But we are not crushed, for Jesus was crushed on our behalf. To carry the dying of the Lord Jesus in our earthen vessels is to carry His glorious light and life. The Gethsemane we each face is a place to lay down will without losing heart. Its light affliction lasts but a moment. The weight of glory is eternal.

Lord Jesus, we do not comprehend the full weight placed upon You in Gethsemane. Thank You for bearing a crushing load we will never know. Thank You that we do not face death's separation from the Father. Thank You for the anointing of Your own precious Spirit, Your seal upon us until Your return.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Copies of the True

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "... You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of meeting and wash them with water. You shall ... clothe them with tunics. You shall anoint them ... that they may minister to Me as priests; for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations."
(Exodus 40:1,12-15 NKJV)

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24 NKJV)

"Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen ... However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands." (Acts 7:44,48 NKJV)

The tabernacle Moses erected—according to the pattern of the tabernacle in heaven—had an altar of sacrifice, a laver of water, altar of showbread, seven-branch lamp, altar of incense, and ark containing the words of the covenant. That tabernacle no longer exists, nor does the temple which followed it.

Yet the everlasting priesthood has not ceased. Christ's people are His royal priests, who offer living sacrifice of our lives, dip ourselves in living Water, share bread of fellowship with One who calls us "friend," are lights of the world who reflect the true Light, offer incense of sweet-smelling prayer, and possess in our souls—our innermost, sacred place—the precious Word of life.

We, now, are both priests and copies of the true tabernacle in heaven: cleansed with blood, anointed with the Holy Spirit, clothed in garments of righteousness—dwelling place of Almighty God.

Lord God Almighty, no matter how many times we hear of it, how can we not be astounded that You make us Your dwelling place on earth? How can we not tremble at Your presence? How can we ever know pride? May we show ourselves fully set apart to You—holy as You are.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Habitation of God

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song ...
I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously:
The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
[Yah] is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation:
He is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation [praise Him];
My father's God, and I will exalt him.
(Exodus 15:1-2 KJV)

But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
(Psalms 22:3 NKJV)

For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV)

Among the varied names of the Lord are "My Love" (Isaiah 5:1), "Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6), "Lover" (Song of Solomon), "Husband" (Hosea 2:16), "Bridegroom" (John 3:29). Such intimate terms of endearment are far more than metaphors. In them lies a very literal description of His relationship with His people.

The Holy Spirit doesn't hold hands with us, but dwells within us. Amid our praises God finds his place of habitation, residence, rest, throne, glory, beauty.

The church will someday fully know her place as the bride of Christ. Until then, our pleasure, passion and privilege is fulfilled in our praise of Yah.

Hallelu-Yah! You are worthy of our most boastful, showy, even foolishly clamorous raves. We unabashedly give such praise to worldly performers and athletes. Put in us the ability to rejoice in You as fully, and know Your habitation in us.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Now I See

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. ... Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see." (John 9:13,15 NIV)

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22 NKJV)

Jesus chose to heal the man blind since birth by the same means with which He created man—He took dirt and put the power of life in it with His mouth.

By breathing on us with His Holy Spirit, Jesus likewise puts life into what is no more than dirt. Whether we come from the gutter of visible immorality, or the pedestal of self-righteous religion, we are little more than breathing dirt before we are truly born again.

Jesus has breathed upon me a second time. I was a dead man walking, but now I live. I once was blind, but now I see.

My Lord, how is it that You my King should die to redeem a wretch like me? Your love and grace are amazing indeed. You have blessed me beyond measure with fullness of life. Please let me see You more clearly, love You more dearly, follow You more nearly, each day.

Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Immersed in the Spirit

John also gave testimony by stating ... "He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'The One on whom you see the Spirit coming down, and remaining, He it is who baptizes [immerses] in the Holy Spirit.' This I have seen, and I have become a witness that He is the Son of God." (John 1:32-34 WNT)

Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." So he said, "You have asked a hard thing."
(2 Kings 2:9-10 NKJV)

"It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [Counselor] will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." (John 16:7-8 NKJV)

When the Holy Spirit comes to those who are Christ’s, it is not to rest with us. It is so we may be immersed in the Spirit, that He might live within us in fullness.

When He comes, we want the "Woo-hoo!" experience. His ministry as Helper, Counselor, Comforter is a hard thing, for rejoicing comes via conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment. If His ministry makes us uncomfortable, our nature is to resist Him.

If we wish to be filled with—immersed in—the Spirit, let us quickly yield to all He brings. Let us obey Him immediately, joyfully, thoroughly.

Father in Heaven, You give Your Spirit without measure. You are good and generous and merciful. Please draw our hearts to overcome ourselves and yield to Your Spirit. Please own and fill us.

Comments are invited! Post here, or e-mail via profile page.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Living Sacrifice

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
My ears You have opened. ...
Then I said, "Behold, I come ...
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart."
(Psalms 40:6-8 NKJV)

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean... I will give you a new heart ... I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:25-27 NKJV)

At the Old Testament temple, an offering often endured—while a sacrifice always died. The New Testament temple is the Christian’s body, shared by both God's Spirit and human Self, where Self is offered as a living sacrifice that will endure forever. The only thing that dies for a living sacrifice is our will—our right to dominion over Self.

Dying doesn’t always hurt. If Self rises up and must be slaughtered, it will involve pain. But as faith grows, Self more easily delights in God’s will as a privilege rather than duty, and readily lies down to die peacefully—perhaps even painlessly.

Good Father, Your will is perfect and a delight—whatever its cost—for all things we are and have came from You and belong to You. Fill us with Your Spirit and with Your life and with joy in Your will.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy