Why God Really Sent Jesus

At some point this Christmas season, you're likely to be reminded that Jesus was born for Crucifixion.

While we shouldn't avoid the messy yet necessary message of the cross, we also cannot point so emphatically at the cross that we lose the full circle truth of why God really sent Jesus. Obtaining our salvation wasn't the end that Jesus was born to achieve, but only the means to a far greater end.

God desires relationship with us.

Self-centered, prideful, fearful human nature frustrates relationship. We often have difficulty coming to the cross, either believing salvation from sin is unnecessary because we're good enough, or we think our sin too great to make us worthy of saving. Once we bring our sin to the cross and receive God's forgiveness and salvation, we tend to gravitate toward a new set of extremes—legalism or license. Whether or not we achieve a measure of balance there, we may become so enamored with Christianity that we drift away from abiding with the Christ:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
~ Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

These words are spoken to people who are already part of the church—not to the unsaved nonbelievers, but to the lukewarm believers who've forgotten to keep on inviting Jesus into their lives for relationship. The Great Commission isn't to simply get people to the cross. Our Master asks His disciples—those who have walked with Him, who have shared His death and His life—to bring others into the same relationship.

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love... These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
~ Jesus, John 15:7,9 (NKJV)

God did not merely step into flesh so that He might one day be crucified. God actually became a Man. He lived with us as One of us. He suffered and wept with us, ate and laughed and had fellowship with us. He even died—with us and for us—so that we might experience His resurrection and live with Him, every single day of our lives.

God didn't save us from our sin for only our own sake, nor for only His sake. He saved us for each other, that He might have intimate, loving, "exceeding joy" relationship with us.

Our Father, please don't let us settle for too little of You. Please use Your Spirit and Your Word and Your people to fulfill in each of us Your purpose of relationship with us, that our "joy may be full," every single day of the year. Please grant us the pleasure and privilege of bringing You joy.

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
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Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

God's Need

"Be persuaded, timid soul,
that He has loved you too much to cease loving you."
~ François de la Fenelon

Then Jesus said, "A man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So the father divided his property between them..."
~ Luke 15:11-12 (ISV)

Though this beloved parable has its application for evangelism, it also mirrors two kinds of Christians. The older son is evidently quite capable, has access to his father’s wealth, and does many righteous works. He sees himself as an asset to his father. But he calls his obedience "slavery" or "bondage" (Greek douleuō). His heart has long been distant from his father.

The younger son knows his father’s goodness. His brother’s achievement is painfully obvious. How can he measure up? The feeling of unworthiness surely started long before he first slept with prostitutes and then later with pigs. He is finally forced to confront his inability, destitution bred by squandered wealth, and many wicked deeds.

Both sons measure themselves by capability, resources, and works. Both believe their father uses the same standard. Neither lived a life of closeness to his father, though the father obviously desired it all along.

"So he got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him affectionately."
~ Luke 15:20 (ISV)

I’ve visited the place of both sons. There was a time when I had learned so many amazing things about God and His gifts to me that I thought I'd become an asset to God and could start coasting. When later confronted by how deeply-entrenched my sin is, I regarded myself as unfit to do or give anything worthwhile to God, and therefore unworthy to draw too closely to Him.

The Lord doesn’t regard us as assets or liabilities. He looks past what we have and sees who we are. Having been transfused with His Son’s blood, we've become our Father’s daughters and sons.

We can offer God nothing with our capability, resources, or works. He has sufficient might to create the universe, owns everything in it, and already did His greatest work at Calvary.

But we do have one thing outside the Lord's control and dominion. And He needs it.

Because God is Love, He needs relationship—He needs our freely given love.

God names Himself Father rather than Master. He asks us for relationship rather than service. Even if we encounter His occasional discipline or displeasure, mutual love prevails over all.

If ever at a loss for how to express love for God, a good place to start is giving Him thanks.

: : :

Note: This Thursday, for Thanksgiving, I’ll share with both saved and unsaved women at the local county jail a similar message about feelings of unworthiness and how to draw closer to God by giving Him thanks. I’d be most grateful if you’d take just a moment right now and ask the Lord to use my words in their lives.

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: southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com

First Love

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
~Aristotle

First Love

"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary..."
~ Revelation 2:2-3 (NKJV)

Those Ephesians had quite the résumé. What church—what individual—would not love to hear the above commendation from the Lord Himself?

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love."
~ Revelation 2:2-4 (NKJV)

Here are words I've previously used to describe first love:

First love is consuming. It takes over all thought, feeling, word, action.

First love is driven. It will go around or through and beyond any obstacle.

First love is empowering. There is nothing it will not do for its object.

First love is not extinguished by time, but [cooled] by the indifference of familiarity and the distraction of intrusion.

I do not think we are as likely to lose first love as we are to be fickle and transfer it to another object easily identified by certain questions.

If adversity strikes, where does my concern immediately turn?

If I'm feeling down, where do I first turn for solace?

If I were to lose everything, what would be the one thing I ask God to spare?

Life holds many things to rightly value—and every one of them holds potential to steal first love from the Lord, including Christian service.

The Lord doesn't ask us to build up a spiritual résumé of what we do for Him. He asks us for relationship, then invites us to do with Him.

Lord Jesus, help us to remember first love, and to pour it out lavishly upon You.

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 from healthewoman.org

Husband

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
~Aristotle

Husband

These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you ... have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love."
~ Revelation 2:1-4 (NKJV)

Rejoice with the wife of your youth.
As a loving deer and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
And always be enraptured with her love.
~ Proverbs 5:18-19 (NKJV)

"And it shall be, in that day,"
Says the LORD,
"That you will call Me 'My Husband,'
And no longer call Me 'My Master,'
Hosea 2:16 (NKJV)

Song of Solomon is not the only place in the Bible that describes romantic love with striking language, nor is marriage mere allegory of the relationship between God and His people. Over and over, throughout Old and New Testaments, marriage and romantic love model the relationship we are to have with our Lord—our "Husband."

Jesus walks among the lampstands—His churches—and we see ourselves through His eyes. The first church mentioned, Ephesus, is like the older brother of the prodigal son, like Martha critical of Mary: doing all the right things, but missing entirely what the Lord most desires: our attentive love. And our Husband is not satisfied with the tired, stick-out-what's-been-started love, but asks for the first love a man has for the wife of his youth, and she for him.

I didn't anticipate doing Revelation when I wrote "First Love" on January 3rd. That piece posted on a Sunday, when blog traffic is light, so I'll repeat here some of what was said there:

First love is consuming. It takes over all thought, feeling, word, action.

First love is driven. It will go around or through and beyond any obstacle.

First love is empowering. There is nothing it will not do for its object.

First love is not extinguished by time, but by the indifference of familiarity and the distraction of intrusion.

If love is one soul inhabiting two bodies, then His Holy Spirit is surely put in us to unite the soul of His church to the soul of our divine Husband.

Lord Jesus, help us to remember first love, and to pour it out lavishly upon You.

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

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs ...
the payment is pure love."
~ Mildred B. Vermont

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
~ Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Yesterday's post ("Give and Take") spoke of the difference between extending unrequited love, and returning love in relationship. This song makes the point with more eloquence.



How much do I owe you? said the husband to his wife
For standing beside me through the hard years of my life
Shall I bring you diamonds, shall I buy you furs
Say the word and it's yours

And his wife said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the riches of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

How much do I owe you? to the mother said the son
For all that you have taught me in the days that I was young
Shall I bring expensive blankets to cast upon your bed
And a pillow for to rest your weary head

And the mother said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the comforts of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

How much do I owe You? said the man to his Lord
For giving me this day and every day that's gone before
Shall I build a temple shall I make a sacrifice
Tell me Lord and I will pay the price

And the Lord said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the treasures of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

Lyrics of "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love" by Paul Overstreet
© 1987 Capitol Records

Agony of Separation

"We will remember not the words of our enemies,
but the silence of our friends."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let me sing for my beloved my love song ...
What more was there to do for my vineyard,
that I have not done in it? ...
For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel ...
They have lyre and harp,
tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts,
but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD,
or see the work of his hands.
~ Isaiah 5:1,4,7,12 (ESV)

My love for family always catches me by surprise with how deeply separation hurts.

The agony of separation from my estranged brother John remains a cause of ready tears. Of all the hurts and fears I've known in life, worst has been the pain in longing for family and fear of separation.

God longs for fellowship with us. He speaks love to us in the light and shadow of dawn and dusk, in the melody of birdsong and cricket chirps, in the voice of thunder and rain. He blesses us with material abundance and eternal treasure. He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to make time for Him to meet us in places of highest joy and deepest sorrow and everywhere in between.

All He asks in return is our love.

It's easiest to meet the Lord on the Sunday mornings set apart to Him. It's as necessary to our souls in every other hour of the week. In our failure to make time for fellowship with our Maker, both He and we surely experience agony of separation no less than any other grief.

Father in Heaven, Beloved Bridegroom, Precious Paraclete, in the three of You is the fulfillment of our every longing. Please ease the sorrow of separation from those we love, but not so much that we forget to long for fellowship with You. Please enable us to love You ever better.

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.

What Advantage?

What advantage then has the Jew ...? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles [logion] of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar.
~ Romans 3:1-4 (NKJV)

In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
~ John 1:1,14 (NKJV)

When Paul poses a rhetorical question to ask what advantage there was to being Jewish, he did not first mention things such as covenants, or the Promised Land, or the lineage of David related to the monarchy of God's earthly kingdom. Paul speaks foremost of God's Word.

God's Word was entrusted to the Jews both in the Old Testament Scriptures, and in the person of Jesus Christ—the Word (Greek logos) Who is both God and God become Man. The Word of God is revelation of the plan, promises, and most importantly, the Person of God.

This is also the advantage of the Christian who believes the Bible is not merely a historical or philosophical book of some importance. It is not simply the "Owner's Manual for Life." It is not given to elevate man by the knowledge it imparts. The Bible is God's very Word—His logos—intelligent and eloquent revelation and reasoning from God Himself. It is certainly much more, but if it is anything less, then our religion of forgiveness and charity and selflessness is rightfully seen as on par with other religions.

What advantage then has the Christian? Much in every way! What sets Christianity apart is that to us is entrusted the Word of God in the Old and New Testament Scriptures—and in the relationship with Jesus Christ available to all who confess Him Lord by their testimony, and who believe in their hearts (and not with only head knowledge) that He is raised from the dead, a living God (Romans 10:9).

Living Word, You woo our hearts with your eloquence and beauty. You are all that is good and perfect and wise. You pull back heaven's curtain and reveal to mankind the Person of God, and we'd be blessed to know Him alone if nothing else. Thank You for all else You are to us. Thank You for being the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Who endured the cross on our behalf.

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

YHWH Your God, YHWH Our God

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

YHWH Elohe-ka / YHWH Your God
YHWH Elohe-nu / YHWH Our God

"I am YHWH your God,
Who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
Out of the house of bondage.
You shall have no other gods before Me."
~ Exodus 20:2-3 (author)

For all people walk each in the name of his god,
But we will walk in the name of the LORD our God
Forever and ever.
~ Micah 4:5 (NKJV)

The Lord prefaces His presentation of the Ten Commandments with a clear statement of ownership. I am YHWH. I purchased you out of your bondage to those who serve other gods, and you are now Mine. I am your God.

No doubt many people might take a dim view of a God Who sets people free, then turns around and imposes a bunch of rules on them. Shouldn't freedom mean freedom from such restrictions? They would assert that He either isn't a good God or doesn't love them if He's going to set them free but then make their lives so miserable. They might even contend that no one else should have a right to tell them what to do, even if He is God.

Such is the modern view of religion. It's not too far off the mark. Religion is about obeying God as a duty. It's about a bunch of standards to which we'll never quite measure up. It's about law, judgment, and condemnation. It imposes a burden upon people they are unable to bear.

The answer to religion and its law is not lawlessness, which also imposes unbearable burden. The answer is relationship. Relationship is bound up in the name YHWH your God.

YHWH says "I am yours." As the God of His people, He sees to their every need. He receives their prayers. He disciplines so that they might experience ever greater blessing. He protects and preserves His people.

The ownership is mutual. God purchases those who are His. He gives them Himself in return. Because YHWH has declared, "I am your God," we have the privilege to call Him by the name Elohe-nu: Our God.

For believers in Jesus Christ, YHWH Our God even comes to live inside of us. Neither bound by law nor given to lawlessness, we walk in the liberty and power to live in the Spirit of the law, which gives life.

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

Adonai, Adon / Lord

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

Adonai, Adon / Lord
(pronounced: "ahd-oh-NAIY," "ah-DONE")

I saw the Lord [Adonai] sitting on a throne,
high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple...
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
~ Isaiah 6:1,8 (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord [Adon] of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:
~ Psalms 136:3 (NKJV)

My old pastor taught that complete obedience is immediate, thorough, and cheerful. I've found that immediate is compelled by fear, thorough is enabled by understanding, and cheerful—singing-as-you-go cheerful—is motivated by love.

Proverbs 9:10 instructs "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." It is a good thing to fear God, and immediately heed His commandments for fear of the discipline which disobedience may invite. Here is the beginning of wisdom.

As one matures, one comes to know what lies behind the commandment. One gains understanding that the commandment is not intended to restrict freedom, but to teach a child the proper use of liberty. Therein the mature son or daughter is set free from the letter of the law and enjoys the blessings of thorough obedience to the spirit of the law.

But the highest motivation for obedience is love. 1 John 4:18 reveals: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. The one who fears has not been made complete in love." The more we know and understand our Lord, the more we trust Him, and the greater our ability to fulfill the greatest commandment to love Him with all heart, soul, mind and strength. The more complete and perfected our love, the less we will operate out of fear. We will do His will because it is our delight. We will hear His call and eagerly respond, "Here am I! Send me!"

This is the essence of the difference between God being God and God being beloved Lord and Master. Adon is a word for lord (master, ruler, sovereign) which may apply to any human lord, and is often used for God when combined with other titles or names. Adonai is the word for Lord used only for divinity. Though usually translated "the Lord" (or occasionally "Sovereign"), its literal meaning in Hebrew is "my Lord." It conveys a relationship of willing servant, not servitude.

After the Ten Commandments were given, the very next passage describes such a relationship:
"If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing... But if the servant plainly says, 'I love my master [adon] ... I will not go out free,' then his master shall bring him to the judges ... and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever." (Exodus 21:2,5-6 NKJV)

In such love of the Lord we find not only freedom from fear, but joy in obedience.


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

YHWH Roeh-iy / YHWH My Shepherd

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

YHWH Roeh-iy / YHWH My Shepherd
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay r-OH-ee")

A Psalm of David.
YHWH is my shepherd—
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul ...
~ Psalms 23:1-3 (author)

Behold, the Lord GOD [Adonai YHWH] ...
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
~ Isaiah 40:10-11 (NKJV)

"The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."
~ John 10:11-14 (NKJV)

Is any passage in all of Scripture more beloved than the 23rd Psalm?

The words carry the gentle and comforting voice of the shepherd David, who well understood the utter helplessness of sheep.

It seems every other creature has some form of natural defense, whether by fight or flight. Not so for sheep. Their only defense is their shepherd, who watches for danger and guards his flock even at the cost of his life.

It seems every other creature has some instinct for survival. Sheep must be guided to good pasture and water and restrained from danger. They'll readily follow each other over a cliff or drown themselves without a shepherd to look out for them. The only intelligence sheep demonstrate is the ability to distinguish the voice of their own shepherd from all others.

And from what I've heard, no other creature so thoroughly evokes affection. I observed such affection in a relative who grew up among sheep and asked what made sheep so lovable. No answer could be articulated except, "If you ever held a lamb you'd understand."

We have a God who inexplicably loves us with tender affection. He looks out for us and guides us and offers to see to our protection. Like any good shepherd, our Shepherd knows His sheep well because His eyes never leave us.

The Hebrew verb for "to shepherd" is raah (רעה), and is related to the verb raah (ראה) which means "to see." Interestingly enough, the former verb, used for shepherding, can also mean "to closely associate with, to be a companion or friend."

David's psalm begins with the personal name of God, YHWH. Rather than refer to YHWH as *a* shepherd, or even *the* shepherd, David calls YHWH "*my* Shepherd," for He knows his Shepherd's voice.

Though human eyes cannot look upon our Shepherd, we can feel His Own affectionate eyes upon us. We can recognize His voice. And in being given the high privilege of calling Him Friend, may we hold Him as close as we might a friend who is never far from sight in our hearts.

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

YHWH Shalom / YHWH is Peace

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

YHWH Shalom / YHWH is Peace
(Pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay shah-LOME")

Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face." Then the LORD said to him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die." So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace.
~ Judges 6:22-24 (NKJV)

"The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
~ Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)

If ever a word lost something in the translation, it is the Hebrew word "shalom."

We translate it into English as simply "peace" because we have no other word that comes close to capturing the essence of shalom, which goes far beyond peace.

Shalom is full peace of heart, soul, mind and body. It is health and wholeness and completion of the person.

To have shalom with others is not simply absence of conflict. It is to have reciprocal tranquility and safety. It is to have friendship.

To have shalom with the Lord of the universe is to stand in His presence—no longer the wandering prodigal, but a beloved child, whom He quiets with His love and over whom He rejoices with singing.

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way."

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV)

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

Know the Lord

"But this is the covenant that I will make ... I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," says the LORD.
~ Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NKJV)

"I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice,
In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the LORD."
~ Hosea 2:19-20 (NKJV)

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own... My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."
~ John 10:14,27 (NKJV)

It is reported that the best shepherds know their sheep well enough to identify the name of each one in the dark by their feel and voice. When several flocks share a sheep pen, the shepherd calls out his own sheep, and only those sheep who know his voice will respond to his call. Pet owners likely appreciate such tender intimacy.

The Lord not only calls Himself "Shepherd," but boldly describes His intimacy with His people on a whole other level. He beckons throughout Scripture, "Know the Lord." Both the Hebrew yada and the Greek ginosko (an intensive word form) mean "to know," and define the physical intimacy between man and wife.

It doesn't get any more intimate than this.

The use of "to know" in such a context is not mere metaphor. To know the Lord is to surrender ourselves to Him. It is to come to a place of knowledge from which there is no going back. It is to feel His Spirit's presence within us and know joy in the experience. It is to receive the seed of His Word and bear Him fruit.

Know the Lord.

Beloved Bridegroom, how humbled we are by the bride price of blood You paid to obtain us as Your own. How majestic are the sweet whispers of Your Spirit to us. What a wonderful God You are to not only create us so fearfully, not only save us so mercifully, but to allow us to know You so intimately.

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

Hear Him Speak

"Brother Saul, recover your sight... The God of our forefathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the righteous One and hear Him speak."
~ Acts 22:13-14 (WNT)

"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
~ Matthew 11:27 (NKJV)

Are you able to sing the words "I once was blind but now I see" because you have seen the Person of Jesus? Do you hear Him speak? Do you know His presence? Have you come to experience His love as something you cannot live without?

The devil and the world would have us believe that God is no more than a vague and impersonal spiritual force. The Lord says He passionately loves you and highly values you. The value of your love—freely given—is so high to Him that He refuses to take it as rightfully His.

Christianity is not about good religion. It is about a very personal and intimate God and His incredible [as in "beyond credibility"] love for you. If you don't believe it's for you, or have not yet experienced it, get to a quiet place and humbly ask Him what the two of you need to get straight. Then wait until you hear Him speak.

Of all His blessings, God's greatest gift to us is Himself.

Oh Lord our God, Your amazing love is beyond the comprehension of our finite minds. Please reveal Yourself and Your love to us. Please show us how to love You in return. You are worthy of our highest love and honor, with all we have.

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

All Things Are Lawful

"Therefore my judgment is that we don't trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God, but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from [meat of] strangled [animals], and from blood."
~ Acts 15:19-20 (HNV)

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any... Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
~ 1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:9 (NKJV)

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
~ Romans 13:8 (NIV)

Twenty-three years ago I heard and accepted the Gospel's message of salvation, but received no message of repentance from sin. I expected to have happiness once I had neither the curse of death hanging over my head nor the need to worry about sin. I was utterly miserable.

After three years I began to walk with the Lord. I sensed that life in Christ ought to be free of sin, and struggled to understand how to distinguish right from wrong in a world of gray. Living by the law later reassured me, until the religion of legalism produced its own pride-filled misery.

The New Testament teaches a law of liberty and love. All things are lawful for me, yet love for God compels me to honor Him, and love of neighbor means my liberty will not cause injury or offense.

Pure Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship of unconditional love with God and man.

Gracious Father, You are worthy of our highest love. Obedience to Your commandments is not burdensome, but a happy debt of love. No one is a greater wretch than we have been. Everyone worthy of Your love is worthy of ours. Help us to love one another as You have loved us.

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

Justified

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [Jesus] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses."
~ Acts 13:38-39 (NKJV)

But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
~ Galatians 3:23-25 (NKJV)

Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
~ Psalms 119:165 (NKJV)

The Law of Moses is fairly exhaustive, and impossible to keep. Anyone who believes he is justified by keeping the law must admit his failure and resulting guilt. Being justified comes by faith when one stops serving the law and chooses to serve Jesus Christ.

But before a Christian casts aside the law as useless to attain justification—no longer a master to whom one must submit—it is worth considering how very valuable the law is. Any tutor able to accomplish so much is worthy to retain as a counselor.

For the one cleansed by the blood of Christ, the law no longer exists to be served but to serve. It is no longer master but friend. We are under none of it, and free to enjoy all of it.

Father God, we are foolish people unworthy of Your good and precious law. We seem to either live by the law or leave the law, but rarely love Your law. Please enable Your people to look upon Your law as a beloved tutor which brings us to Christ, and then helps us to know Him.

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

My Friend

"But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend...
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'
Fear not, you worm Jacob."
Isaiah 41:13,18-19 (NKJV)

Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." ~ Romans 4:16-17 (NIV)

"You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends." ~ John 15:14-15 (NCV)

Who but God would call us both "My friend" and "you worm" in the same discourse? Though spoken through Isaiah to Abraham's descendants Israel, the words may readily be applied to the people of faith called "Abraham's offspring" by Paul and "friends" by Jesus.

Faith is the evidence which proves every Word spoken by unseen God, whether audibly to Abraham or as recorded by Scripture. Faith accepts Jesus as crucified Savior and Living Lord. Faith gratefully does whatever He asks.

Gratitude also remembers the heritage of being a worm—sinful, condemned wretches without hope except for our Creator's amazing grace and abundant mercy. We are royally clothed riff-raff, imposters before His throne until He recognizes the blood of His Son which covers us, extends His scepter, and declares, "My Friend."

My Lord and my God, how is it that You should want me as friend? How is it that You should cover me with Your Son's blood and see me without condemnation? Please let the same heart which hears you lovingly whisper "friend" also discern Your good will and leap to do it.

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

The Lord Waits

Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' " ~ Matthew 23:37-39 (NKJV)

... what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God ...?
2 Peter 3:11-12 (NKJV)

Though I've for the most part "learned in whatever state I am to be content," I never stop waiting for things to change. I am entirely content sitting eight feet from the fire in my wood stove, but I also wait for the bite of frigid winter to give way for spring's gentle warmth.

It fascinates me to think that the Lord waits for us before He acts, for this hints at the power mankind has to move the hand of God. Prayer is perhaps the most apparent example of our influence with the Almighty, but there are clearly many other ways we affect Him.

Such is the nature of a relationship. We carefully watch and evaluate and respond to each other. We self-consciously wait for the responses to ourselves. In our relationship with God, we are painfully aware of waiting upon Him. How amazing that the Lord waits upon us as well!

Everlasting God, even time waits for no man—how is it that You should be so patient with puny mortals? Please move in our hearts, that we will readily respond to you. Please call us to times of prayer to express our love, to hear You speak, to repent, to share our hearts, and to move Your hand.

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

Spirit and Truth

God looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
(Psalms 53:2 NKJV)

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth [Greek pneuma and aletheia: breath and reality pertaining to an appearance]." (John 4:23-24 NKJV amplified)

"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT)

relationship > noun 1 : the way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected 2 : the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave towards each other (Oxford Dictionary)

Each Christian is adopted as a child of God, and obtains privilege of relationship unique to sons and daughters. We begin as babes, then grow in strength and maturity. Our relationship with our Father grows from seeking His hand to seeking His face and hearing His voice.

Any relationship takes a big step forward when we pass "what can you do for me?" and reach "what can I be for you?" We probably begin by guessing what that is. As the relationship deepens, we begin to understand and respond to what another really seeks in us.

God's desires relationship with us that seeks to know and understand Him as He truly is. He seeks worshipers of fully committed hearts, who live the reality of the appearance we present.

God wants us close enough to feel our breath upon Him, and to respond to His breath upon us.

Lord, Your love is amazing. It is incredible that You love us as You do, and desire the inadequate love we offer. Thank You for Your patience with us, Your inexhaustible pursuit of us. Please give us the ability to respond to You as You wish—as You deserve—in spirit and truth.

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

Despised God

A Psalm of David When Nathan the Prophet Went to Him,
After He Had Gone in to Bathsheba....
My sin is always before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight ...
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me....
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
(Psalms 51:1,10-11,17 NKJV)

Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: '... you have despised Me ..." (2 Samuel 12:10 NKJV)

Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord ... So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. (Luke 22:60-63 NKJV)

Which hurt the Lord more, the words and blows of His captors or Peter's denial? How did Peter feel when he denied Jesus and then felt the eyes of Jesus upon him? How did David feel when the Lord said, "You have despised Me"?

The musician who drove away King Saul's evil spirit with the music of the Holy Spirit knew well the consequences of despising God: "The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul." (1 Samuel 16:14 NKJV) When confronted with his sin, David did not attempt to avoid its penalty by justifying himself as Saul did, but immediately repented and sought reconciliation with God.

Both Peter and David understood their breach of relationship with the Lord. Both wept bitterly for their sin. Whatever else its consequences or who is injured by it, sin not only expresses contempt against God, it breaks down precious fellowship with the One who loves us most.

Oh God, you are my God. Please forgive the many ways I fail You. Please let me not shrink back from fully acknowledging my sin, nor from experiencing the pain of the damage to our relationship. Please fill me with Your Spirit and make me love You more—enough to choose You over every alternative.

"Sin would have fewer takers if the consequences were immediate." — Unknown

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

Whom Do You Seek?

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you. ... The LORD [YHWH], the God of your fathers ... has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations."
(Exodus 3:14-15 ESV)

Jesus ... went out and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus said to them, "I AM." And Judas, the one betraying Him, was standing with them. Therefore when He said to them, "I AM," they stepped back and fell to the ground.
(John 18:4-6 EMTV)

"Thus says [YHWH] ... ([YHWH] is His name): 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' " (Jeremiah 33:2-3 NKJV)

Have you met God in the burning bush yet? Or are you still playing religion, attempting to lay hold of Him on your terms and falling down?

Whom do you seek? The god of morality and conduct? The universal power behind supernatural sequence and blessing? A divine despot placated by rituals and scripted prayers? Or the personal Creator, who shows Himself to those who call to Him with a child's trust and hear His voice?

The Great I AM doesn't stand on the street corner offering Himself to whomever passes by. He draws us to turn aside to holy ground—barefoot and vulnerable—and diligently search Him out. He makes Himself known in places like burning bushes that aren't consumed, where we would have never thought to find Him.

Lord God, You are holy, glorious and beautiful. We do not need to see Your glory in pillar of cloud and fire or hear Your voice thunder from Mt. Sinai to know Your presence. Please draw us to seek You, and let us hear Your voice so we may find You, each and every day.

"You will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." – Jeremiah 29:12-13, NKJV

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy