Answers for Religious Persecution

From the last post, "Religious Persecution," (which looked particularly at "in-house" persecution):

Persecution for displaying faith in Christ can be public or private. It may be physical, verbal or emotional abuse. It may be as serious as being killed, as simple as demeaning looks and snide remarks, as intimidating as threats to those we love. It comes from stranger and loved ones alike—and even from misguided Christians with whom we share faith.

Though it's the longest post I've ever offered, what I present here as a five-part answer to persecution only begins to address the suffering a person might endure for choosing to follow Christ. I nonetheless submit it with a prayer that God will use these words to strengthen—to "build up"—every one of His precious people being persecuted; to encourage anyone facing suffering of any kind.

~ ~ ~

1. Choose Jesus

"But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
~ Luke 10:42 (NKJV)

To choose Jesus is always to choose the good part. Whatever temptation there may be to "smooth things over" and simply quench faith, the better blessing will be found in Jesus every time. To choose Jesus is to follow both His example and His Spirit's guidance in each situation. Following Christ sometimes means holding our ground, and sometimes means yielding a right.

If persecution arrives as spousal abuse (physical, verbal, or emotional), it's especially painful to be mistreated by the person we love most, from whom love is most expected, with whom God unites us body and soul. It can be particularly difficult to discern when to stand up and when to stand down. If we cling first to Him, we can walk with God through even this.

However and whenever we are confronted face to face with immediate affliction, true faith remains fixed on the unseen (Hebrews 11:1) and the eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) through the moment at hand.

2. Seek Relief from God

Give us help from trouble,
For the help of man is useless.
~ Psalms 60:11 (NKJV)

Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
~ Psalms 146:3 (NKJV)

If physical violence is present or threatened, or if persecution violates civil rights, relief is sometimes sought through the courts, police, or other government agencies. Temporal relief is occasionally found, but government too often stands on the side of persecution.

Ideally, the church would never contribute to religious persecution, and would provide a measure of relief through all of life's trials by coming alongside its suffering members in support. But our churches are as imperfect as the humans who fill them, every Christian a work in progress. Whether or not church community lives up to the exhortation, "Bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), reality is that "each one shall bear his own load" (Galatians 6:5).

In cases of maltreatment from a spouse, our local church might provide immediate encouragement and advice (including biblical information on separation and divorce), perhaps some short-term counseling, and maybe even appropriate confrontation. Maybe. More often, spousal abuse may be seen as marital conflict that's too private (or too messy) for involvement of the church, particularly without the cooperation of the spouse, or in the absence of adultery or civil law violation.

Especially in the USA, we seem to expect quick relief from trouble, via everything from pharmaceuticals to FEMA. Persecution defies remedy through assistance from others. True relief is available from only one Source. The Lord is sovereign over all the suffering He allows in our lives until it has accomplished His intent for it. God alone is able to deliver, whether He sends human assistance, calls His people to come alongside us as support, or works a heart change in a persecutor.

3. Ask for God's Sustenance

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
~ Isaiah 43:2-3 (NKJV)

Though God may not grant our request for relief from persecution, we can rely upon Him to sustain us through persecution. While we can count on God's strength to sustain us through any and all suffering, we can especially expect it when we suffer on His account.

Withdrawal is a common reaction to intense pain. We can become weary in prayer when the Lord does not grant, in our timing, requested relief from persecution. But may we never withdraw from prayer! We absolutely need divine strength to stand in the face of persecution. Whether or not He provides relief, He is ever faithful to provide strength in the needed hour if we will but ask.

We are never alone in persecution. The Lord promises to be with us. This is not merely a standing-next-to "with." Through His Holy Spirit, God lives inside of us. And being on the inside, He feels and experiences and goes through everything we go through, as fully as we do. When God says, "I will be with you," He and His sustenance are with us more completely than our finite minds comprehend.

4. Allow the Master to Own the Debt

For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:22 (NKJV)

Persecution hurts. And the more we have invested in the life of persecutor, the more persecution for faith hurts. The pain of persecution can be accompanied by the pain of anger, or the pain of anger grown stale—bitterness. Full forgiveness is difficult, especially when we continue to face persecutor on a regular or even daily basis.

God owns persecutor and persecuted alike. When we willingly give ourselves to the Lord, we are blessed to know Him as a good and loving Master.

No slave owns himself or anything he holds. All belongs to the master. In the case of a debt, anything owed to the slave is actually owed to the slave's master.

In the case of offense or injury from persecution, our Master owns the debt. We can freely forgive persecutor without being burdened by the debt owed for his sin.

(For more on this thought, see "Forgiveness.")

5. Remember: Witnesses, Jesus, Joy

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Look unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross—despising its shame—and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, lest you become weary and lose heart.
~ Hebrews 12:1-3

• Whether or not actively persecuted for faith, every Christian is on trial, to prove the genuineness of faith in Jesus, every day. Our lives are lived out before human and heavenly witnesses alike (both the good and the evil), our words and actions testimony to the power of God. (For more on trial / temptation / testing, see "Deliver Us From Evil.")

• Endurance can be passive. But persecution begs active perseverance, like running a race—or violently fighting a war (Matthew 11:12). And perseverance requires focus. A runner sets his sights on the finish line. Our focus is on Jesus, seated at the right hand of God's throne, who holds His arms out to us, spurring us onward.

• With our fixed eyes on Jesus, we can push through this life's afflictions. We can be renewed in the past joy of the salvation He's given (Psalm 51:12); we can express joy that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus in the present (Acts 5:41); we can have joy in complete assurance of the future reward awaiting us.

" 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' "
~ Matthew 25:23 (NKJV)

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

Religious Persecution

Especially in America—a land settled centuries ago by pilgrims fleeing religious persecution, where freedom of religion and speech are held dear—we tend to think of religious persecution as something occurring far away or long ago. If you are among my readers who lives abroad, or if you are familiar with Voice of the Martyrs, you are likely aware that suffering for faith is still prevalent.

The devil has neither disappeared nor slowed with age, and he is personified contempt for God and truth. God's Word warns of our enemy's increasing activity in these last days, and of the many ways we can expect religious persecution to appear near at hand—nearer than we ever thought possible.

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.… and 'a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.' " ~ Matthew 10:34,36 (NKJV)

I've been asked what words I might have for a local woman being abused by her husband for her newfound Christian faith. Another woman with growing faith attempted suicide after her well-educated father made a case against the Bible, persuading her that faith in Jesus for help with her problems was foolishly misplaced. From my own family members, I've repeatedly received ridicule, profanity and contempt because I cling to Christ.

…'a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.'

Shamefully, the household of Christ is not immune to the devil's lies, and too often allows itself to be his agent of religious persecution. Denominational differences in particular are fertile ground for abuse.

I know of a family that began attending church. The wife and children didn't read the Bible much, because they had difficulty understanding the King James translation. When a friend gave them Bibles written in their native English tongue, they began reading with enthusiasm. But the husband and father threw the new Bibles away, telling his family they would read King James or nothing at all, threatening punishment if they defied him behind his back.

I know a man raised in a denominational church, who found faith as an young adult in an non-denominational church. On Sundays he comes home from church and is asked by his father and family what he learned from the sermon he heard, and is then ridiculed on every point made from the Bible that doesn't line up with their denominational bias.

I know of a group on Facebook called "You know you're a [denomination name] when …" Though I don't identify myself as anything but "Christian," I didn't give much thought to their adding me to the group since its denomination's traditions are grounded in the Bible. I began receiving notifications of their frequent postings, some of them intended to be amusing. When a quite serious and particularly divisive post came to my attention, I added a comment exhorting biblical unity and love in Christ. Other members of the group zeroed in for attack, giving me the most sound verbal thrashing I can ever recall receiving. When another member supported me, they also attacked her. (Since I'm not on Facebook much, I couldn't figure out fast enough how to exit the conversation and the group.)

"Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me." ~ John 15:20-21 (NKJV)

Persecution for displaying faith in Christ can be public or private. It may be physical, verbal or emotional abuse. It may be as serious as being killed, as simple as demeaning looks and snide remarks, as intimidating as threats to those we love. It comes from stranger and loved ones alike—and even from misguided Christians with whom we share faith.

If you are a Christian, this affects you. No Christian stands alone or suffers alone. Every Christian's strengths and gifts benefit the entire body of Christian believers. And when any individual member is weakened by suffering or attack, the entire body is weakened.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body … there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it … ~ 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 25-26 (NKJV)

Remember that first example, of a woman abused by her husband for her newfound faith? When I was asked what words of encouragement might be passed to her, I regret that I found myself unequal to a response, being overwhelmed by my own suffering at the time. The question has haunted me ever since.

How God's Word has encouraged me and what I would share with those undergoing any form of persecution for faith in Jesus Christ will be the subject of the next post.

Lord Jesus, make us worthy of whatever persecution we may face. Enable us to rejoice that You make us worthy. Strengthen us to stand for Your name and Your Father's name, whatever the cost.

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.

Call from Jesus

Every Christian has heard the call from Jesus. His call comes not just once, but is heard each time the Lord asks us for a deeper commitment.

I. "Follow Me"

The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." (John 1:43, NKJV)

Followers of Jesus might be likened to the followers we collect on blogs and Twitter. Jesus crosses our path and captures our attention, asking us to follow and listen to what He shares. He is interesting and comforting and challenging to hear. Some followers hang on His every word. Other followers accept Jesus' words only until deemed inconvenient or offensive, at which point they either fade from His scene or un-follow Him outright.

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (From John 6:60-66, NKJV)

II. "Be My Disciple"

"It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master." (Matthew 10:25, NKJV)

If the follower tags along long enough, and decides that the challenge of following Jesus is a small price for His life-giving words, a new call from Jesus is heard: "Be like Me; be My disciple." The way to be like Jesus is to be yoked with Him (Matthew 11:28-30), increasingly know Him, and rely on His strength to sustain us in what will prove to be a difficult journey.

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own.… Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' " (John 15:18-20, NKJV)

III. "Go"

He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. (Luke 6:13, NKJV)

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power … (Mark 6:7, NKJV)

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. (Luke 10:1, NKJV)

Once disciples have been adequately prepared, Jesus sends them ahead of Himself as His ambassadors (Greek apostolos, meaning "sent"). As is true of government ambassadors, Jesus' sent ones are diplomatic messengers, teachers, or ministers representing the interests of Another rather than of themselves. Occasionally referred to as an "apostle," Jesus' ambassadors may be employed in full time ministry or minister at their own expense. While they may carry the authority of a pastor or elder—(and such authority is always as leader and example, not as lord or ruler [1 Peter 5:3])—most of the ambassadors sent by Jesus to others hold no status or title whatsoever. Some are sent far and wide, but many are sent no farther than their own backyards; all are sent in fulfillment of the great commission:

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations …" (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)

IV. "Come"

"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34, NKJV)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV)

The final call of Jesus is evocative of His first call, "Come, follow Me." If we follow Jesus long enough, we follow Him into death. Yes, every single Christian is daily called to be a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1), "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2.20). But there is yet another "come after Me" in the call to martyrdom.

Though martyrdom is occasionally prominent and heroic, private persecution is more commonplace. Any Christian may face a day when, in His perfect will and timing, Jesus issues the call to come after Him and suffer in testimony to faith. The only witnesses may be tormentor and angels. Death may be of status, employment, or relationship rather than of life.

In answering the call to glorify God through whatever death accompanies persecution, we not only receive cause to rejoice that we are "counted worthy to suffer to suffer for the name of Jesus" (Acts 5:41), but also come to know a fellowship with Jesus found only in suffering (Philippians 3:10).

"When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

No matter our present place in life, no matter the call from Jesus, we need not fear. We are promised that Jesus only calls us to do what He also enables (2 Corinthians 3:5). We have confidence that the call to suffer is faced not in our own power but with divine power (Mark 13:11-13).

We have confidence that we are never alone.

"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

(The four point outline of this post was presented by a guest preacher whom I heard several years ago. I apologize to him and to you that I failed to note his name. Exposition on the outline is mine.)

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
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Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Killing the Inconvenient People

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.
~ John 11:53 (NKJV)

There were a handful of occasions when Jesus outraged people, and they spontaneously rose up in the effort to kill Him (second degree murder). Then the day arrived when Jesus became so inconvenient for the Pharisees and Jewish leaders that they plotted His death (first degree murder).

Murder is always a matter of degrees.

Jesus explained that lust is adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Likewise, hatred is the seeds of murder in the heart (Matthew 5:21-22).

Murder always begins with hatred of a person found to be inconvenient.

There are those people who perpetually annoy us. The arrogant know-it-alls and the repeated screw-ups and the awkward social-inepts. The one-step-aheads, who stand between us and an ambition.

And then there are the people who really are out to get us.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
~ 2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)

At what point to do we look at another individual and decide that our lives would be better if they were dead? We may not think in those terms. Perhaps we dream of either (s)he or me quitting a job so that our paths will no longer cross. Or we hear they're absent due to sickness and wonder how long a break we'll get. Or the day comes when they're no longer in church, and in our relief to see them gone, we have no sorrow over what becomes of them.

We wish only that they might become dead to us.

Such are the seeds of hatred, bearing fruit in curt speech, a cold shoulder, or an inward smile at misfortune.

Each of which chips away at a person's well being, a tiny dagger of murder.

"... I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you... If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."
~ Luke 6:27-32 (NKJV)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of love and grace You gave us. Please enable us to see people as You do, and to be Your ministers of love to every neighbor, even the inconvenient and hateful ones. We do it only by Your power in us.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
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Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Untaken

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not take it.
~ John 1:5

The darkness did not take the Light—did not comprehend, lay hold of, seize, obtain, grasp, understand, overtake, or overcome Jesus. Various Bible translations use different words to translate the Greek katalambanō, a verb which literally means "to take."

Because a dark world does not take Jesus, it will not take us if we are attached to Him. Though we aspire to be bearers of glad tidings, the world may think us curiosities or weak fools; it may find us odious and persecute us.

The smaller we become in the presence of Light, the less we need shrink back from Darkness.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
~ 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome.
Reply via comments at BuildingHisBody.com,
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Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Vindication

Image: Biography of Cassie Bernall,
killed at Columbine High School immediately after
she answered "yes" when asked if she believed in God

"If you stand true to Jesus Christ you will find
that the world will react against you with a butt,
not with a caress, annoyed and antagonistic."
~ Oswald Chambers

Vindication

"And I will give power to my two witnesses ... they will prophesy ... fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies ... These have power to shut heaven ... and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire."
~ Revelation 11:3-6 (NKJV)

Imagine what faithfulness these two witnesses must have demonstrated, that God turns over the keys to His power. They have so closely aligned their will with God’s will that He allows them to kill whomever threatens them, and to destroy the earth according to their own desire.

What is the final challenge to such great faithfulness and power? The two fight the beast of the bottomless pit, they are overcome and killed, and they are denied the dignity of burial so that their many enemies may hold grandiose celebration around their decomposing bodies.

When we are faithful, we may anticipate that God will trust us with power to testify on His behalf—and perhaps allow us to suffer for His name’s sake. We could conceivably endure public humiliation or death.

Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
~ Revelation 11:11-12 (NKJV)

The vindication of the two faithful witness will be public resurrection and ascension into Heaven, before the eyes of all who hate them.

If being a Christian causes us to experience any disrespect—however small or great—we can likewise anticipate a day of vindication and reward from our God.

The Lord forgets only our sins, not our gifts of faith and love.

Lord, please teach us to be faithful, that we might be found worthy of Your use. Please strengthen us to not shrink back from any form of ridicule or maltreatment, if it is for the sake of Your great name.

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: sheppro.com

Dare Mighty Things

"Far better is it to dare mighty things,
to win glorious triumphs,
even though checkered by failure,
than to take rank with those poor spirits
who neither enjoy much nor suffer much,
because they live in the gray twilight
that knows neither victory nor defeat."
~ Theodore Roosevelt

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth."
~ Revelation 3:15-16 (WEB)

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it ... So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."
~ Luke 14:28,33 (NKJV)

Jesus says He prefers even a cold person to lukewarm. Among the various thoughts for the meaning of "cold" are hostile and unsaved, angry and arguing, sinful and in need of discipline, broken and distant. Whichever His meaning, Jesus can evidently work with dynamic coldness, while His reaction to lukewarm is vomit it out. (The King James says "spew," the NIV "spit.")

What brings the person who was once hot or cold to become lukewarm? Just sitting, without movement or risk. Vibrant Christianity carries the risk of disdain, outright rejection, loss of favors, poverty, persecution, even death. And personal sacrifice is a daily cost.

To risk or sacrifice nothing might mean no cost, but it also means no gain—and no value. Those things which cost us the most time, drive, and sacrifice are the things we come to value most. We are anything but lukewarm about them.

Lord Jesus, You paid the greatest price of all history to leave glory and purchase us. You are worth any cost, whatever the pain or sacrifice. In moments of hesitation, please embolden us to dare mighty things. Please let us see the spiritual cost of turning away.

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: terrystauffer.com

First Death or Second Death?

"Death is not the enemy.
Living in constant fear of it is."
~ Norman Cousins

First Death or Second Death?

"These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: '... Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life... He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.' "
~ Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)

It's said that no one escapes death and taxes. It might appear that the crowd which is raptured escapes the former. But death is a requirement of every Christian disciple.

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)

Each of us must choose either the first death, of flesh, or the second, eternal death. The first is the willingness to live for the Lord Who purchased us, lay down one's life every day, and remain faithful to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at any cost in a world which hates Him—and therefore hates us to the extent that we reflect Him.

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
~ John 15:18,20 (NKJV)

We want to be liked. We want the world to see us with favor and receive our message. It is vital to remember that when those in whom God is at work for salvation see Jesus in us, they will find it pleasant. Those who have no use for God will find us repulsive unless we hide our faith.

Jesus speaks to those who accept the first death and reminds them, "Do not fear." He reminds us that He died first and is now alive, as we shall be. He promises:

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)

: : :

Lord Jesus, Who suffered the worst physical death—Who sacrificed more to live for us than we shall ever sacrifice to live for You—please give us Your perspective of death and life. Please empower us to make You first and last in our lives, and in both our daily and final deaths.

I love hearing from you. Questions welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image Source: chinaview.wordpress.com
WARNING: Image link contains graphic images of extreme torture.

Fragrance of Christ

"Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom ..."
~ John Henry Hopkins Jr,
from the 1857 hymn "We Three Kings"

Fragrance of Christ

"To the messenger of the church in Smyrna, write ..."
~ Revelation 2:8 (ISV)

This church bore the identity "Smyrna," a name meaning "myrrh"—the precious oil called one of "the best fruits of the land" of Israel, and a valuable oil which herbalists employ today. Myrrh was a perfume of royalty (King Solomon and Queen Esther). Myrrh is the base of the holy anointing oil used on the priests and throughout the temple—a unique perfume blend forbidden for any other persons or use.

Myrrh is the scent of God Himself, mentioned in a passage which also speaks to His desire of feminine beauty:

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom...
All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia ...
Listen, O daughter,
Consider and incline your ear;
Forget your own people also, and your father's house;
So the King will greatly desire your beauty ...
Psalms 45:6,8,10-11 (NKJV)

Christ's church is given a feminine identity as His bride. We are the royal priesthood of which Old Testamant priests and kings were forerunners. We are anointed with His fragrance:

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 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 2:14-16 (NKJV)

The fragrance of myrrh is called both "bitter" and "warm, rich, spicy balsamic." I find it quite pleasant, while others do not care for it.

People who use Christianity to attain financial gain, personal esteem, or to manipulate others do not bear the fragrance of Christ, and are rightly considered odious.

But make no mistake. Those Christians who put off the world and work to forget its enticements—who would bear the fragrance of Christ—will also be considered odious to those who don't care for Christ. We may expect to be persecuted for such an aroma.

More on that in Monday's post, which will look at the way Jesus spoke to the church of Smyrna.

Lord Jesus, anoint us freely with Your Spirit. Make Your fragrance of holiness sweet to us. Please allow us to bear it, and any persecution which may come with such a precious scent.

I love hearing from you. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: earthlyaromatherapy.com

Forgotten Not, Part II

"Tattoo: an expensive and painful way to guarantee

the police can make a positive identification."

~ @Daffynitions

Forgotten Not, Part II

A Psalm of David.
How long, O LORD?
Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
~ Psalms 13:1 (NKJV)

"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
~ Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV)

David's cry to the Lord is one readily understood. Which one of us has not been in a place of waiting on God with the thought, "How long, O Lord?" Though the mind knows God does not forget us, the heart sobs, "how long will You hide?"

Isaiah depicts a tender picture, of a woman and nursing babe. The Lord says even if a mother puts a baby from her mind—perhaps while he sleeps and she is about other things—we are forgotten not. He puts us where we are ever before Him, where He cannot forget us even momentarily, on His hands. We are not merely held there, we are permanently inscribed, as a tattoo might be.

Or as scars might be engraved with nails.

The wounds of Jesus were still evident in His resurrection body. Since our resurrection bodies are restored, they will be surely healed of the traumas inflicted. Martyrs burned and mutilated for their testimony will again be whole. Yet I think perhaps they may still bear scars of wounds willingly accepted in their love for God—just as Jesus kept upon His hands the graven reminder of His love for us, though they identified Him as a crucified criminal.

A tattoo is a means of permantent and positive identification for a person's cause on earth, considered beautiful by its owner. I cannot think that our scars would be anything less than beauty marks in Heaven.

From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
~ Galatians 6:17 (NKJV)

Lord Jesus, we bear many kinds of wounds and scars for righteousness, if not upon our bodies then upon our hearts. Please keep us mindful of Your willful action to engrave us upon Your hands. Please make us willing to suffer without resentment.

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.
#suffering
Image source: flickr.com

Elyon / Most High

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

Elyon / Most High
(pronounced: "el -YONE")


He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty...
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid ...
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you ...
~ Psalms 91:1,4-5,9-10 (NKJV)

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem ...! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
~ Matthew 23:37 (NKJV)

Various anecdotes tell of a man who walks through the site of a recent fire and finds the remains of a charred bird, still fixed in a position with partially outstretched wings. The curious man prods the remains with his foot, and live baby birds scamper out. The mother had instinctively gathered her own under her wings to protect them, even at the cost of her life.

This is the foremost image of the Most High—a refuge of protection hovering over His people to cover them with "His feathers." Under His wings is a place of security not unlike His arms [see yesterday's post] for those who choose to abide with Him. Numerous Psalms praise the Most High for His defense from other nations, from His elevated position, looking down upon all nations of the earth.

The Most High is above all authorities, of earth and of heaven. This name is used in several contexts where either the audience or those spoken of are non-Israelites, who worship other gods. Even polytheists recognize a supreme God above all others. He is called God Most High.

Several other passages speak of the Most High in the context of various acts related to creation. To create, the Creator stood Most High, outside and above His creation.

Just before the beloved John 3:16 passage, Jesus describes the ultimate place of elevation for God Most High with the words: "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:13-15 NKJV)

In these final days of running to and fro—if you've a moment more to tarry—meditate on this last definitive description of the Most High, Who shall carry us through the earth's last dark hours.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 46 (NKJV)

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

Hated by All

"And Jerusalem will dwell safely.
And this is the name by which she will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
~ Jeremiah 33:16 (NKJV)

"A King shall reign and prosper,
And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth...
Now this is His name by which He will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
~ Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NKJV)

"And you will be hated by all for My name's sake."
~ Luke 21:17 (NKJV)

While in Best Buy, shopping an iPod to use as a pocket Bible, I used their internet to insure compatibility between the device and my favorite Bible program, E-Sword. I googled to get the desired hit, but clicking the link received only an error message, "Filtered for content, corporate level: RELIGION." An employee explained, "We protect kids from stuff they don't need to see." (It was enough to buy my iPod elsewhere.)

Corporate America evidently bows to the notion that religion is as threatening as pornography. Hostility toward religion in the USA has been around even before the masses extolled John Lennon when he serenely sang, "Imagine there's no heaven, and no religion too." As animosity becomes increasingly widespread, it is important to establish fidelity before an hour of testing.

In Jeremiah 23, the Lord establishes His name, YHWH our Righteousness. (YHWH Tsidke-nu). In Jeremiah 33, He puts the same name upon Jerusalem. As when a man puts his name on a woman to make her his, God calls Himself her Husband, and her fidelity is zealously expected.

Christians likewise bear the name of Christ, and with it, the promise to be hated by all. In whatever surprising place it springs upon us, may such hatred inspire our own zeal for Him.

Lord Jesus Christ, we long for Your coming as King, to reign and prosper, to execute judgment and righteousness in the earth as YHWH Our Righteousness. How privileged we are to bear Your name. Remind us that we are also privileged when we are considered worthy to suffer for Your name's sake.

"Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven."

Luke 6:22-23 NKJV

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

WHATEVER, Part II

"Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But be sure of this: if you kill me, you and the people of this city will be guilty of killing an innocent man, because it is the LORD who sent me."
~ Jeremiah 26:14-15 (GNB)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it ... But even if he does not ... we will not serve your gods."
~ Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
~ Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)

The Lord is Lord, and whatever He says is good to do. Submission to Him isn't difficult (in theory), if one acknowledges the perfection of His love, His wisdom, and His desire to bless via everything.

The next level of surrender stretches faith beyond human reason. Can faith allow that whatever another, definitely not perfect person does is also within God's control and part of His will? Does faith believe that the Lord will accomplish His purposes when others fail me, use me, hurt me, hate me, betray me, reject me, abandon me?

Jeremiah and the three youths in Babylon were unconcerned by the death threats of murderous kings. God's servants readily surrendered themselves to whatever these evil leaders might do to them. Their faith was great enough to know that the Lord yet controlled their destiny.

Is present era leadership evil? However the Lord leads our specific response, behind it must be the attitude which says God is still earth's sovereign ruler, and we can face whatever.

Most High King, under the shadow of Your wings is complete refuge. Our lives are in Your hands, to do with them whatever You desire. Please give us peace and faith in Your love. Please strengthen our hearts to accept whatever You allow in our lives, even through evil men.

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

Keep a Cool Head

At that time a great persecution arose against the church ... As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
~ Acts 8:1,3-4 (NKJV)

The rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed...
He who sits in the heavens shall laugh.
~ Psalms 2:2-4 (NKJV)

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.
~ 1 Peter 5:8-9 (MSG)

My sense of humor is warped enough to find humor in Saul's hostility toward Christianity, which advanced the Gospel into new regions as a precursor to him becoming its greatest evangelist.

The Lord laughs at efforts to thwart His purposes. Jonah simmering in the dark for three days as fish vomit before likewise succumbing to a successful preaching ministry is hilariously God, whose sovereign plan is hindered by neither human nor demon.

Despite certain defeat, the devil still foolishly attempts to frustrate God's plans. Across the globe, Christians suffer intense persecution. The Lord uses it to weed out wannabes and set His people on fire. And what waters God's Word more effectively than the blood of the martyrs?

Twisted humor is a hallmark of warriors—a means by which to keep a cool head for deadly battle.

Sovereign Lord, thank You for calling us to be citizens of the winning kingdom, subjects of the Most High King. Please give our brothers and sisters in chains (BASIC) strength and endurance in the face of persecution. Please make us fervent in faith despite lack of persecution.

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

You Will Be Hated

Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen ... disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
~ Acts 6:9-10 (NKJV)

"But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit... You will be hated by all for My name's sake."
~ Mark 13:11-13 (NKJV)

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
~ 2 Timothy 2:23 (NKJV)

Human nature is to fear Darkness. God's nature is to push it back with Light. If you are Christ's, you are His vessel of Light dwelling amid Darkness. You will be hated by Darkness because it is weakened by Light in you. It will resist, dispute, or arrest you wherever it has opportunity.

Throughout the world, Christians are actively persecuted. Persecution in our nation is not yet as severe as elsewhere. But when the beast soon arises, it will be "granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them ... [with] authority ... over every tribe, tongue, and nation."

We need not worry beforehand. The Lord will give the wisdom and the Spirit in the hour needed. Even now, He is preparing us with small tests. We must learn when to avoid a foolish dispute, and when to contend for the faith.

Do not shrink back from the tests which make you strong.

Lord Jesus, You are the pure and holy Light of the World. You did not shrink back when Darkness reviled You, persecuted You, and killed You. You have utterly overcome Darkness in its every manifestation. Please give us courage to face Darkness when we encounter it.

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

Against the Lord

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
... He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless...
"To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One.
Isaiah 40:21,23,25 (NKJV)

The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD, and against his Messiah ...
He who sits in the heavens will laugh.
The Lord will have them in derision.
Psalms 2:2,4 (HNV)

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God. ~ Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV)

A massive shift of power is about to take place in our nation. In many Christian circles are rumblings of fear, or anticipation for the beginning of the end. It is perceived that the new governing authorities do not fear God, and will boldly act against the Lord and His people in drastic times.

God alone knows the future and the timing of the end. His Word says authorities are appointed by Him, so whether or not they are against the Lord, they will fulfill His purposes. They have no power to frustrate Him, and efforts to do so elicit His laughter and ridicule.

My pastor once taught that we should obey the authorities unless they command what God clearly forbids, or forbid what God clearly commands. Even in uncertain times, we need not have trepidation if we remember the chain of command.

Almighty King, You alone rule the earth. No power great or small may contend with You. Please give us hearts of faith when doubt knocks. Please keep our eyes on You and on Your will. Please guide us in all our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions in all circumstances.

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

The Children Have Light

"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven."
(Mark 13:24-27 NKJV)

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night... You, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. (1 Thessalonians 5:2,4-5 NKJV)

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt." So ... there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt ... But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
(Exodus 10:21-23 NKJV)

Thoughts on light, darkness, and the Lord's return.

Christmas reminds us that the beauty of light is most evident amid darkness.

We don't usually think of light being necessary to life. Yet without light, photosynthesis ceases, botanical life collapses, and the rest of physical life will fall. Spiritual life is likewise dependent on Light. The Light of truth in Scripture must permeate our lives to sustain spiritual life.

The date of the Lord's return remains shrouded in darkness. God gives His children all the illumination we need, and wisely chose to withhold a detail that might make us complacent.

More Christians have been martyred in the last century than in the previous two millenia. As Christ's return draws near, we have no way of knowing we will never be among them. The day of a test isn't the time to wish we'd prepared for it.

No matter how much darkness surrounds the children of God, we need not fear it, for it cannot dispel the Light within us.

Oh great Light of the world, in You is no darkness at all. You alone possess the Light which gives eternal life. When You are close, we need not stumble. Lord, when darkness creeps into the corners of our lives, please help us seek You out, and fill us with the peace of Your light.

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

Who Knows How Long

We do not see our signs;
There is no longer any prophet;
Nor is there any among us who knows how long.
O God, how long will the adversary reproach? ...
Remember this, that the enemy has reproached, O LORD,
And that a foolish people has blasphemed Your name.
Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast! ...
God is my King from of old,
Working salvation in the midst of the earth.
(Psalms 74:9-10,18-19,12 NKJV)

"And you will be hated by all for My name's sake... These are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled... Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." (Luke 21:17,22,28 NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty...
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler...
"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him."
(Psalms 91:1,4,14-15 NKJV)

Many Christians express anxiety about eroding freedom and morality. Indeed, the fabric of our nation's strength lies in the power of Judeo-Christian faith which gave rise to a document named The Constitution. Increasingly, the Constitution is a piece of paper to be flushed away with its stench of faith, or burned like a flag stained red with blood which bought liberty.

Is this the beginning of the end? God alone is He who knows how long til the end, and if the USA's demise means the collapse of all religious liberty which will mark ascent to power of the beast. But when the end does come, will it look much different from the current state of affairs?

Whether foreboding clouds on the horizon dispel or gather into a storm, they cannot overshadow those who dwell in the shadow of the Almighty, who set their love upon Him, who know and call upon His name—whom He is with "in trouble" and promises to answer, deliver and honor.

Oh God, my King from of old, no ruler of this world can stand against You. Your truth is our shield. Let our loving confidence be set upon You alone. Surely deliverance always comes by bloodshed. Please give us courage to not count our blood precious in the days of Your final deliverance.

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

Overcome Evil with Good

The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
So that men will say,
"Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the earth."
(Psalms 58:10-11 NKJV)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21 NKJV)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV)

Wicked men live on the earth. It seems unfair when they get away with evil. If we or others suffer unrighteously, our inclination is to set things right. Government has authority to administer justice. Where government fails, justice lies not in the hands of the public but in the hands of God.

All wrong must be repaid with blessing, and we are certain to overcome evil with good. If evil is vanquished by good, victory is immediate. If evil persists in the face of good, it lays up for itself the unmitigated vengeance of God Himself in the time and place of His choosing.

The only way good loses is to forfeit, repay evil with evil, and share a penalty which should have belonged to evil alone.

Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe and Eternity, You alone know the beginning and the end. You alone mete out perfect justice. Thank You for not inflicting it upon us, but showing us mercy and grace. Please help us wait upon You to set right all that is wrong in the world.

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

Love Your Enemies

Lord, who is like You, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him? Fierce witnesses rise up … they reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick … my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother. (Psalm 35:10-14 NKJV)

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. … If you love those who love you … if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." (Luke 6:27-28,32-33,35 NKJV)

"Love your enemies" is more than a nice mantra for Christians. It is more than academic. It is a test of whether we are truly "sons of the Most High," who is kind to the evil as He patiently waits for them to repent.

David’s love and prayer for his enemy was as if for a friend or brother. His enemies caused him great suffering. Jesus enemies did far worse and He gave His life for them. Surely we can show love to those who torture us with mere annoyance.

Oh Father, Your Son’s goodness and love and prayers for us who were once Your enemies has transformed us into Your servants, friends, children. Please make us like Him. Please make us like You.

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