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.

No Shame

This post is seventh and final in the Psalm 127 series "Live Like a King."

~ ~ ~

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:56 (NKJV)

With sin comes death and shame.

God said of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, "In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Worse than the slow physical death which began on that day they tasted sin, Adam and Eve experienced an immediate spiritual death and its accompanying spiritual barrenness. Fig leaves became a pitiful substitute for the clothing of righteousness.

So like the barren tree which also attempted to cover itself with fig leaves (Matthew 21:19), mortals came under God's curse. The labor to bring forth fruit from earth and womb are trivial next to our struggle for the soul's spiritual fruit. And as if the consummate penalty—God's face being hidden from us—were not sufficient, we also have an accuser who day and night recounts the details of our sins (Revelation 12:10), making a case for our condemnation before God.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
~ Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

The Ten Commandments were kept inside the Ark of the [Old] Covenant, beneath the mercy seat of God, covered with atonement blood and glory of YHWH—all of it merely representative of the true mercy seat in Heaven's court, where the law which condemns is covered with the atonement blood of Jesus Christ's New Covenant.

Now.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
~ Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)

The accuser —(both "satan" [from the Hebrew śâṭân] and "devil" [from the Greek diabolos] mean "accuser")—must make his case based on the law. Once we are adopted as children of our Father in Heaven, we become subject to His paternal discipline for our sinful words, actions, thoughts, and feelings, but we are no longer subjects to the law, its demands, or its penalties (Matthew 17:25-26).

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
~ Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

During every mortal's sojourn in this world under curse, a case is now being built: our lives compile evidence and give testimony in a case for condemnation under law, or a case for faith under the blood of Jesus.

Our spiritual fruit is evidence of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:22-23). Our word of testimony to the blood of Jesus overcomes testimony of the accuser. (Revelation 12:11) Our spiritual clothing, clean and bright, is our righteous acts (Revelation 19:8).

They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
~ Psalm 127:5 (NKJV)

Though we experience the consequences of sin during our sojourn, we who are Christ's can live like royalty, secure in the knowledge that we stand in the gates of God, accused by our enemy's words and yet bearing no shame.

Right now.

Thank You, Lord. Thank You for covering our shame with royal garments of righteousness. Please give us courage to cooperate with all that You work on the inside.

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

Can the Holy Spirit and a Demon Live Together?

Now this [Caiaphas] did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied ...
~ John 11:51 (NKJV)

A recent comment asked, "Can born again Christians be possessed by demons/evil spirits?"

The above verse shows the Holy Spirit using a person who resists Him. Caiaphas did prophesy, but he was also an evil man who sent Jesus to Pilate for crucifixion.

To answer the above question, an important distinction should be made about whether the Holy Spirit or demonic spirit fills or inhabits a person, or is "with" or "upon" a person.

King Saul is a striking Old Testament example of having the Holy Spirit and then an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). But it appears that the evil spirit did not dominate Saul until the Holy Spirit left him, and it nowhere says that the Holy Spirit was ever within him. The Old Testament tells of several instances when the Holy Spirit was upon a person or with a person, but only once says the Holy Spirit was actually within a person (Exodus 31:2-3).

In New Testament times, after Jesus died for sins, those who put faith in Him—who are "born again" of the Holy Spirit—become the temple within which the Holy Spirit resides. It is unthinkable that the Holy Spirit would share residence and live together with a demonic spirit. When Jesus was accused of driving out demons by the power of the devil, He pointed out the absurdity of Evil working against itself to cooperate with Good. Rather, the evil spirit, or "strong man," is driven out before being plundered of its human spoil:

"But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house."
~ Matthew 12:28-29 (NKJV)

We know from numerous Bible passages that even after the Holy Spirit inhabits us, evil spirits still try to access us.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me ...
~ 2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)

[Other references to the devil's presence include 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:11; Ephesians 4:26-27; James 4:7).]

There is no reason to fear the devil or his minions residing in the same person as the Holy Spirit. But they can still wreak plenty of trouble if they get a foot in the door. The Bible teaches us how to become strong in the Holy Spirit so that doesn't happen when demons come knocking.

Lord Jesus, our adversary the devil is strong. But you are good and wise and almighty. You have already defeated him. Please remind us of our spiritual armor. Please alert us to our enemy's schemes even as we ask You to thwart them. Please let us fear no one but God.

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

Stranger Danger

“Whoever be our people here, God’s people or the devil’s, death will gather our souls to them.”
~ Thomas Boston

Since hearing that all animals but sheep have some form of natural defense (whether fight, flight, or might), I've tried to find either another utterly defenseless animal, or some defense possessed by sheep.

Sheep are arguably the most stupid of all animals, unable to survive without a shepherd's care. I suspect that the Creator made them so for the sole purpose of comparison to humans in our oblivious, careless, follow-the-flock-over-the-cliff nature.

I finally stumbled upon what appears to be the sole defense sheep have: they understand stranger danger.

"And the sheep follow [their shepherd], for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
~ John 10:4-5 (NKJV)

Caution of strangers is the first defense against their influence or impact. But once they're around long enough, they're no longer strangers, and that defense is lost.

The more time spent with the Good Shepherd—the more recognizable His voice—the greater the inclination to follow Him instead of strangers, and the greater our security.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
~ John 10:27-28 (NKJV)

Lord, You know well how stupid and careless we can be when wrapped up in our interests. Please call us to listen for Your voice, and draw our attention to Your interests. Please help us make choices which keep the enemy unfamiliar. Please keep us alert to his stranger danger.

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

The Test of Suffering

The Question of the Week on Bullets and Butterflies last Saturday was "Why Suffering?" The answer will be expanded on this week's posts here.

"A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time
— pills or stairs."
~ Joan Welsh

The Test of Suffering

Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?"
So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
~ Job 1:8-11 (NKJV)

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
~ Job 1:20-21 (NKJV)

It is not only Job, but every one of us who is tested by suffering.

Job came through Round One clean. He was tested. He worshiped. He blessed the LORD rather than cursed Him.

Round Two attacked Job with greater suffering. Still he did not curse the LORD—but he also no longer blessed the LORD. He failed to fall down in worship, but rose up in pride and dared to question God. He said that given the opportunity, he would ask Almighty God to explain his suffering.

Job called God into account.

God's answer? The Almighty's discourse goes on for four chapters of Scripture. It begins thus:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind [tornado], and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding."
(Job 38:1-4 NKJV)

Job now responds with humility. He acknowledges his pride with repentance. (And God returns blessing to Job which exceeds the test.)

So it is with each of us. The gap between what we think we are and what we really are is revealed in the test of suffering.

When disaster such as a mighty earthquake or Hurricane Katrina strikes, would we be found among the looters, those who go AWOL, those who search out a hiding place to look out for number one? Or would we be found among those who sacrifice their place in line to one less fortunate, drive themselves tirelessly to help others, cling to hope as we pull living victims from the rubble four weeks later?

If the suffering of indignity, annoyance, or discomfort strikes on any ordinary day of our lives, will we respond with love and patience? Will we strike back with irritation and complaining?

Such is the test of suffering.

Father God, we are not worthy of Your blessings. We are vile when we question You and think we are in a place to call You into account for the suffering on the earth. Please help us rethink pain as Your agent of testing. Please help us see clearly who we really are.

Wednesday: The Discipline of Suffering

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: injuryboard.com

Hell on Earth

"The tradgedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives."
~ Albert Einstein

Hell on Earth

Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips
And from a deceitful tongue...
My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
~ Psalms 120:2,6 (NKJV)

The LORD hates ... a lying tongue ...
~ Proverbs 6:16-17 (NKJV)

And in their mouth was found no deceit ...
~ Revelation 14:5 (NKJV)

Yesterday's conclusion of Psalm 119 extolled Truth. Psalm 120's author prays for freedom from lies. Truth sets us free to live as children of the Kingdom of Heaven. Deceit makes us vulnerable to the power of hell on Earth.

Oft heard are statements such as, "Truth is relative and this works for me ... it's a half-truth / just a white lie ... it's not the kind of lie that sends you to hell."

The habitual convenience of compromised truth is a foundation of sand waiting to collapse.

A "half truth" is still a lie. A white lie cracks open the door to the prince of darkness, who himself masquerades as an angel of light. Truth is the first line of defense against him.

The devil is father of lies and lies are his language. He hates peace and has an agenda to steal, kill and destroy. Lies need not send us to hell, for they maintain the strongholds of hell on Earth.

The tradgedy of lies is their touch of death upon God's child while he lives.

Father of life and Spirit of Truth, cleanse us from all the devil's deceit and death. Give us hunger and thirst for righteousness.

#powerofwords
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from thestar.com

YHWH Sabaoth / YHWH of Hosts

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

YHWH Sabaoth / YHWH of Hosts (also: Lord Almighty)
pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay tsa-va-OTH"

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you... Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."
~ 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NKJV)

Sabaoth literally means "armies." It can refer to human armies, but as a name of God it refers specifically to the armies of warrior angels.

The effeminate male, female, and cherub-like images most common in our culture characterize angels as gentle and even harmless beings. The Bible depicts angels as mighty messengers and fierce warriors of the highest order, as well as unusual beast-like creatures, none of them feminine. Their formidable appearance may be deduced from the first words they typically speak: "Do not be afraid."

YHWH Sabaoth names the Lord as Commander of both good and evil angelic beings, all of whom must obey Him. Satan himself was subject to the Lord when he sought to torment Job. When David battled Goliath, he did not claim victory with a sling and stone, but testified to using as his weapon "the name of LORD [YHWH] of hosts." In defeating the giant with whom King Saul declined to do battle, David obtained in the spiritual realms the throne of Israel he would wait perhaps twenty years to sit upon. Likewise Jesus defeated the devil at the cross, but still waits for the earthly throne which is already His.

The spiritual realms are also the place of our warfare. It is no accident that although YHWH Sabaoth is a name with military connotations, it is used exclusively by prophets or those who prophesied. Old Testament prophets glimpsed the spiritual warfare spoken of more clearly in the New Testament. The beloved prophet who composed no less than half the Psalms, King David, was also the Bible's mightiest warrior.

The battle we wage against the devil belongs to YHWH Sabaoth—who goes before us in battle, directs us to effectively wage spiritual warfare, and guarantees us final victory.

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD
Words and music by Jamie Owens-Collins

In heavenly armour we'll enter the land

The battle belongs to the Lord

No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand

The battle belongs to the Lord

The power of darkness comes in like a flood

The battle belongs to the Lord

He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood

The battle belongs to the Lord

When your enemy presses in hard do not fear

The battle belongs to the Lord

Take courage my friend, your redemption is near

The battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honor

Power and strength to the Lord

We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord

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

Free Indeed

"Furthermore, tell the people, 'This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; he will escape with his life.' "
~ Jeremiah 21:8-9 (NIV)

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
~ John 8:32,36 (NKJV)

When the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem, the people asked Jeremiah for a word of deliverance from the LORD. Jeremiah's unhappy message was that the Babylonians acted as the Lord's instrument of punishment, and deliverance could be found only by surrendering to the enemy, not remaining within the city.

The people preferred to hear a lie which said they could stay in the bondage of the besieged city and live. They disregarded the fact that to know the truth of surrender held the only way to life.

The devil no longer has power over those who belong to Christ. If we feel captive ("in bondage") to anything, we likely believe some lie of the enemy. To know the truth is to be free indeed.

Truth abounds in God's Word, and through the Holy Spirit by abiding in prayer. Freedom and life are found in surrender to Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank You for shedding the blood which bought our freedom. Thank You for daily revealing truth to us. Please reveal to us all lies of the enemy which deceive us and tell us we are yet captive. Please make us free indeed.

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

Deliver Us From Evil

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil.
~ Matthew 6:13 (LITV)

All kinds of trials come your way ... know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure... If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, "This temptation comes from God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires.
~ James 1:2-3,13-14 (GNB)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
~ Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV)

Do Not Lead Us Into Temptation
The words translated tempt, trial and test in the New Testament all come from the same Greek root word, peira, which means to pierce—by which one determines what's on the inside. When the devil tempts us, God allows it in order to test, or try us, and thereby refine (purify) us. When testing comes with which the devil means to tempt us, we pray for our Father to lead us not into it, but around it or through it, and beyond it, making us more holy in the process.

The Greek word for evil, poneros, could refer to "the evil," or "the evil one." I pray it both ways.

But Deliver Us From the Evil [one]
We look to the Holy Spirit as a divine Valet who presents our armor with which to defeat the enemy:
We are girded, held together, with truth, which sets us free from all the enemy's power;
We are clothed with righteous acts;
We have secure footing because we prepare ourselves with the Gospel, a solid rock on which to stand;
We ask for ever increasing faith, by which we are shielded from the enemy's lies and doubt;
Our head covering is the Lordship of Jesus Christ, which is our mark of salvation, ownership, and spiritual authority;
We are trained to wield the Sword of the Spirit, our offensive weapon of God's Word with which we've prepared;
We remain watchful in prayer, which is our continual dependence upon God's power to wage war.

Deliver Us From All Evil
We need deliverance from past evil—our sins, our inheritance of sin, and sins committed against us; from present evil—the pride and lusts of Self, divisions with other believers, unity with the world; from future evil—kept from it, that we may not cause pain to others, ourselves, or our Owner.

YHWH of Hosts, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, and from all evil.

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

On Our Side

"Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side."
~ Luke 9:49-50 (NKJV)

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist... He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him.
~ 2 John 1:7-10 (NKJV)

Whenever possible, I try to write these posts first thing in the morning, after time devoted to the Lord and before time devoted to life and family. Once five children are awake, the day will be peppered (hopefully lightly) with contentions over my time and whatever else they don't like to share.

Contentions most often arise over conflicting perceptions. "He hit me" vs. "I bumped into him." "He's supposed to" vs. "Mom said." The ever popular, "It's not fair." (Masculine pronouns include all five of my darlings.) I try to respond with principles like "treat others the way you want to be treated" and "is this important enough* to argue about?" and "please—love each other!"

Our Father surely grows weary with all the ways we His children complain about family members on our side. Conflicting perceptions distract us from the real enemy. We have real demons to cast out. The spirit of the antichrist roams the earth to deceive saints and unsaved alike.

Our strength against the enemy is in our unity in Christ.

Our Father in heaven, oh what manner of love You've poured out upon us that we should be called the children of God! Please help us see our blood ties in Christ in moments when we are offended. Please alert us to that for which we should contend. Unite Your children in strength.

* Often expressed as, "Do you really want me to get involved in this since you're more wrong than him?"

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

The Accuser

"It is not the custom ... to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him."
~ Acts 25:16 (NKJV)

"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge ... "
~ Matthew 5:25 (NKJV)

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world "... the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night ... And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony ..."
~ Revelation 12:9-11 (NKJV)

Satan's name means "the accuser." David, Daniel and Jesus are prominent among righteous men wrongly charged by minions of the accuser. The voice from heaven in Revelation testifies that the accuser likewise slanders us "day and night."

Some charges contain some truth. If our adversary brings a charge of which we're guilty, the quickest relief comes in quickly confessing sin to God, who sees both our actions and hearts. The whole truth is that the blood of the Lamb cleanses our sin and leaves us without condemnation.

It's been said the devil speaks condemnation for sin and the Holy Spirit speaks conviction—conviction which leads to repentance and restoration. Once we've done these, the accuser has no grounds to charge us. If he tries, the word of our testimony overcomes his lies.

Father in heaven, many and great are our sins. The sacrifice of Your Son is infinitely greater. Thank you for the blood of Your Lamb. Thank You that no sin is too great for Your forgiveness. Please lead us by Your Spirit to bring every sin to You and to put it fully behind us.

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

Charm is Deceitful

For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18 NKJV)

... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:17-18 NKJV)

Sinister-looking demons do not "lurk under every bush." They brazenly stride alongside us, disguised as angels of light whose smooth words entice us with delectable morsels. How tempting is a gargoyle shrieking out an offer of putrid fodder?

Most Bible students count only six pieces of armor cataloged by Ephesians 6:13-18. While prayer receives no seventh metaphor (as do truth, righteousness, preparation, faith, salvation, God's Word), it is no less vital to victory in spiritual warfare. The well-armed and well-trained warrior is of little use if he is not alert.

Deception overtakes us when we drift from truth. Being watchful in prayer keeps us alert to the voice of the Commander of the LORD's army, and to dependence on His guidance.

Lord Jesus, You are glorious, and if not for the distractions of this world and our flesh, how could we ever take our eyes from You? You have not made the battle easy, but You place victory within our reach. Keep us mindful of You our Captain, who has already won the war.

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

Weapons of Our Warfare

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV)

Then [the Lord Jesus] said to them, "... he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Luke 22:36 NKJV)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:11-12,17 NKJV)

Whatever else the modern day warrior carries (either civil police officer or military soldier), he is equipped with insignia and weapon. Whether bearing badge and gun, or national emblem and rifle, he is identified by his authority and the deadly force to back it up.

Each believer faces war with a very real enemy and his hierarchy of demons, who have no regard for unarmed status. We may choose pacifism and refuse to engage in earth's wars, but spiritual war will engage us in battle whether or not we bear the weapons provided us.

Our authority is the seal of the Holy Spirit obtained with Christ's blood. Our sole offensive weapon is the sword of God's Word—the same weapon wielded by Jesus when He faced the devil as a Man. It is our weapon as we battle to bring every thought into captivity, to the obedience of the Word made flesh.

Lord Jesus, thank You for high price You paid for the weapons of our warfare. Please do not allow the enemy to disarm us before attack. Holy Spirit, please draw us to pick up Your sword, practice with Your sword, and battle mightily with Your sword, the Word of God.

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

Forgive Anything

Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NKJV)

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness ... looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble. (Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV)

"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26 NKJV)

No one wants to be taken advantage of—preyed upon, played for a fool, used—least of all by the devil. To withhold forgiveness is to open a door for the devil to take advantage of us.

Worse, failing to forgive the debts and trespasses of others holds us captive to the consequences of our own sin, whether temporary or eternal ones.

Whatever the cost to forgive anything, the cost to not forgive is much higher. However difficult, it is possible, and necessary. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Lord God, You are our Deliverer, who sets us free from death. Grant to us the full life and freedom found in Your forgiveness. Please open our eyes to where we have failed to forgive. Please give us the strength to release debts which belong to You our Master alone. Set us in pursuit of peace.

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

Many Gods

We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6 NKJV)

"For the sin of divination [witchcraft] is rebellion; insolence [self-will] is both iniquity and idolatry." (1 Samuel 15:23 LITV)

Who would commit idolatry? The idea of worshiping an idol of wood, stone or metal is disgusting. Yet God equates idolatry with patsar—to persistently press or peck against His authority with self-will. He equates rebellion to the same alliance with the devil used for occultic practices, which elevate demons as gods. And there is no denying that we have idols, for that is exactly what we call the famous and pretty faces even God’s people may gaze upon and emulate.

YHWH of Hosts, Lord of Heaven and Earth, You alone are our God. You alone are worthy to receive our adoration and give us counsel by Your Word, Your Spirit, Your people. To You alone may we give ourselves.

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