Across the Threshold

Artwork, "Into the Most Holy Place" by Rebecca Brogan

The humble heart might be content to be a doorkeeper who waits upon the threshold of God's house (Tuesday's post). And yet such humble hearts—who recognize their desperate need for our Lord and call upon Him—are invited across the threshold.

Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies having been washed with pure water.
~ Hebrews 10:19-22 (MKJV)

Two thousand years ago, Gentiles had limited temple access, permitted in only the outermost court. A ritually clean Jewish woman could enter the next court, and her husband the innermost court. Priests alone entered the temple itself.

For those of us redeemed with the blood of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords carries us across the threshold, passing beyond His courts and through His sanctuary. He has ripped down the veil that once set Him apart from His people and receives us in His inner chamber, the Most Holy Place.

Why then, when our access to the very presence of God was purchased at such high price, do we either hesitate to do so or find other places of greater interest?

What might prevent you from drawing near?

Lord, I confess that I allow myself to become too busy and too distracted. Please forgive me. Please put in us all a heart of repentance for all that offends You, and impress us the great honor of being drawn close to You, in Your most holy and intimate place.

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

The Case for Christ

"The Son of God became a man
to enable men to become the sons of God."
~ C.S. Lewis

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
"For who has known the mind of the LORD?
Or who has become His counselor?"
"Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?"
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
~ Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV)

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NKJV)

Many worthy scholars have summarized Romans a number of ways. I aspire not to compete with them, but to complement them. Here then is a review of Romans 1-11, in the context of indisputable evidence which makes the Case for Christ (with links to posts which examine each one):

CREATION manifests invisible attributes of God and His existence
CONSCIENCE testifies of right and wrong, and its Author
CIRCUMCISION testifies of God because no man would invent it
COMMANDMENT from God confirms things inherently known
CHRIST CRUCIFIED supplies our greatest need: no condemnation
COUNSELOR reproduces the miracle of God dwelling in human flesh
CONQUERORS becomes our new identity, evident in power
COVENANT of God is proven everlasting by Israel's survival

Having concluded his case, Paul is compelled to praise God. His psalm of Romans 11:33-36 exalts "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God" and His "unsearchable judgments."

All power in the heavens the earth and every hidden place is OF God—there is no other source.

All power affecting our lives and circumstances is there only THROUGH His permission.

All power we are allowed to exercise in thought, feeling, word and action is TO His glory—or His reproach.

Sola de gloria! For His glory alone!

Lord, how is it that You reveal to puny humans Your wisdom and knowledge, Your plans and purposes? Please so work in our hearts that we count it our highest privilege, our greatest pleasure, and our deepest passion to glorify You.

[Note: A portion of the above summary originated with the Answers in Genesis ministry, but I have expanded upon it and made it my own.]

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

He Came to Seek

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich... And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."
~ Luke 19:1-2,5 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
~ Luke 19:9-10 (ESV)

"If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?"
~ Matthew 18:12 (NKJV)

For nearly a day I've been mulling over the circuitous route to Jerusalem Jesus took from Galilee through both Samaria and Jericho. The stop at Jericho was well out of His way, and required both a deep descent into the Jordan Valley and a return steep uphill climb to Jerusalem.

Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem took a detour through the mountains to look for lost sheep. Two were blind beggars. One was a wealthy tax collector. Though He journeyed to the cross, and had so very much of His own pain to face, The Son of Man came to seek out those last few lost sheep before He died.

Did you come straight to Jesus? Or did you travel a long and circuitous route before Jesus found you? I was seeking for so long that I rejoiced to finally stumble upon Him. All the while, He was seeking me.

I knew this already. But I smile at God's many ways to remind me of it.

Good Shepherd, some days I think I'm still wandering. We walk such a very long and circuitous route through life. How much better the journey is at Your side! Before You again return to Jerusalem, Lord, please keep calling to those last few lost sheep. Please use us to find them.

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

Seek Me and Find Me

Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging... And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
~ Luke 18:35,38 (NKJV)

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."
~ Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven."
~ Matthew 16:15-17 (NIV)

Other than the day entire crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with palm branches, the only people Scripture records calling upon Jesus as "Son of David" (the title of the Messiah) are blind men and a Gentile woman. Men such as the Pharisees were expected to see but did not recognize Him at all.

My practice when I read the Bible is to ask God to show me something new. No matter how many times I read God's Word, I continually discover something which seems so obvious that I'm absolutely amazed I didn't already catch it.

Until the day the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, we are blind to any truth God does not please to reveal. But to those willing to search for Him with all our heart, God promises, "Seek Me and find Me."

I continually pray for readers to be drawn to this blog to find truth and be edified by it. More than that, I pray you are draw to God's Word to search out truth for yourselves.

Lord named Truth, El Emeth, You prove Your love for us by making Yourself known to each of us personally. Your Holy Spirit is our first and most perfect Teacher. Your Word is more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. Draw us to Your Word frequently and passionately.

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

A Still Small Voice

"Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!"
~ Psalms 81:13 (NKJV)

And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
~ 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV)

"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)

Surely one of the most pleasant activities between close friends is a shared meal. There are plenty of other ways to have a wonderful time with a loved one. But is anything more intimate than to sit face to face, dine together, and give one another your undivided attention?

Who more than the Lord deserves our undivided attention? In the midst of busy days it can be so hard to hear His voice. How important it is to sit quietly first thing in the morning, and at other times, and listen for a still small voice and hear one's Maker share His thoughts.

He has so much to tell us—most of all of His great love. He waits patiently at the door for us to push everything else aside and give Him our attention.

My Lord, how precious are Your thoughts! How great is the measure of them and of Your love for us. Please help us awaken early, alert and ready to listen to You. Please help us push aside all thoughts that would intrude upon us as we listen for Your still small voice.

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

Look to the Lord

In that day a man will look to his Maker,
And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.
He will not look to the altars, The work of his hands;
He will not respect what his fingers have made,
Nor the wooden images nor the incense altars.
Isaiah 17:7-8 (NKJV)

Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
Until He has mercy on us.
Psalms 123:1-2 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." ~ John 6:67-68 (NKJV)

Isaiah envisions a time of devastation when people would turn their eyes from idols fashioned by the hand of man, and finally look to the Lord. The psalmist commits to look to the Lord and wait for mercy. Once you click off this screen, my prayer is that you will likewise look to the Lord.

These messages are intended to be inspirational, thought-provoking, and challenging. They are also fashioned by a fallible human author. Any power and truth in them comes from the Word of God upon which they are based, and from the Holy Spirit who inspires and enables me, not from me.

Thank you for reading my blog, and for the wonderful comments and e-mails which encourage me to persist with this challenging commitment. But please also dig into the Word and seek the Holy Spirit for yourself. If you don't have the time, better to skip my posts and look to the Lord alone for words of life.

Living Word of God, thank You for becoming flesh and living among us. Thank You for making Yourself and the Father known to us. Thank You for filling us with Your holy and powerful Spirit. Please draw us to look to You as readily as we look upon everything else which surrounds us.

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

Before Daylight

And [Jesus] said to [His disciples], "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
(Mark 6:31 NKJV)

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, [Jesus] went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (Mark 1:35 NKJV)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
(Psalms 23:1-3 NKJV)

We workaholics are a tenacious lot. A precious brother in the Lord once suffered a nervous breakdown, but wouldn't quit. When I gently asked why, he asserted, "Because I was taught that it's better to burn out for the Lord than to rust out for the Lord."

Neither is the Lord's will. To destroy life or body of another or myself violates the command, "You shall not murder." I confess it is possible I stand condemned by my words where my body is concerned. But by God's grace and daily renewal, my soul is filled with life ready to be poured out to others.

The dark quiet of early morning before daylight is the best place to meet the Lord, receiving from Him the supply of grace and mercy, faith and love that I wish to flow from me in strength. It is a place of being led in righteousness, of still waters, and of restored soul.

Good Shepherd, You know our every need. You give us only what is good, and lead only where You intend to bless. Make our hearts tender toward Yourself. Awaken us with eager hearts while it is yet early enough to hear You, before the day's noise competes for our attention.

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

Satisfaction

A Psalm of David When He Was in the Wilderness of Judah.
O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.
I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
(Psalms 63:1-5 NKJV)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
(Psalms 100:4 NKJV)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG)

David's road to the throne was paved with homeless hunger—and that was merely where his problems began. While a refugee, he succumbed at times to fear, deceit, and anger. Yet the man after God's own heart always turned back to praise God in the midst of his circumstances.

David's ability to do so lay in his motive to see the power and glory of God. Having tasted the Lord's lovingkindness, he judged it better than a satisfying life. Circumstances might loom large, but they could only obscure sight of a larger God in the absence of thanksgiving and praise.

Urgent demands and heavy trials easily overwhelm us. Like David, we are anointed with God's Spirit, yet may succumb at times to fear, deceit, and anger. What sets us apart as Christ's is the resolve to turn back and look for satisfaction in God. He is found in the midst of praise, prayer and thanks.

Oh God, You are my God. Call us to seek You in the quiet morning, before life presses in. Call us to seek You in the loud, busy workday, and hear which way You direct. Call us to seek You when trials threaten to defeat us, and know Your presence. Cause us to bless You at all times, Your praise ever upon joyful lips.

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

Hot Pursuit

Then [Moses] said to [YHWH], "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us?" So the LORD said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name." And [Moses] said, "Please, show me Your glory." (Exodus 33:15-18 NKJV)

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV)

A Psalm of David ...
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness [chesed] is better than life,
My lips shall praise You....
My soul follows close behind You [follows hard after You];
Your right hand upholds me.
(Psalms 63:1-2,8 NKJV, amplified)

It seems every story worth telling—whether the subtle romance of "Sense and Sensibility," the carnage-packed action of "Saving Private Ryan," or the silliness of "Emperor's New Groove"—has three elements: discovering an essential aspiration, relentlessly pursuing the objective, death in the pursuit.

That death may be loss of life, loss of ego, or loss of something which made one come alive and is now forfeited. If one turns back in selfless sacrifice, the tragedy is bittersweet. If one turns back for lack of courage, the tragedy is only tragic. But something inevitably dies.

Faith is a story of death, whatever the course of the pursuit, whatever the ending. To discover God is to discover life's only true essential. To relentlessly pursue Him is to face death. To turn back—whether for a moment, a season, or a lifetime—is life's greatest tragedy. We do not truly live until we know for what we are willing to die.

Oh God, You are my God. You have captured my attention and compelled my pursuit. Your grace is better than life itself. Please uphold me by Your hand, that I do nothing less than follow hard after You, as if glued to you, and do not turn back for even a moment, whatever must die in the chase.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail 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

You Can Do Nothing

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." ... And that night they caught nothing... Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. (John 21:3,9 NKJV)

[Peter] said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep... Follow Me."
(John 21:17, 19 NKJV)

"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5 NKJV)

When Jesus was no longer a visible presence with Peter and his comrades, the sight of the sea called to the fishermen. Yet there could be no going back to what they once were. The "strength" of frail flesh once seemed sufficient, but proved that without Jesus, "You can do nothing."

Once we've experienced the might of God, what once satisfied will never again prove adequate. We may return to visit the familiar—perhaps even abide there—when we fail to sense that God is near, when the afterglow of His presence fades. But we must turn away from every inclination to independence and follow Christ to do anything.

Jesus knows what we think we need. He has already prepared to satisfy us once we draw near to Him.

Lord, You hold in Your hand every good thing for me. How can I forget my utter inadequacy apart from You? Please remind me not pull my hand out of Yours and go my own way for even a moment. Apart from You I can do nothing. Apart from You I am nothing.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Knowledge of the Truth

"But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life."
(John 5:38-40 NKJV)

"Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me ...' " (Matthew 7:22-23 NKJV)

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves ... having a form of godliness but denying its power ... always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-2,5,7 NKJV)

It is possible to have zeal for God, but not according to true knowledge. (Romans 10:2) It is possible to be puffed up in knowledge without being built up in love. (1 Corinthians 8:1) It is possible to possess thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, yet completely miss knowing the Son of God, lack His Word abiding within, and fail to have life.

To come to the knowledge of the truth is to love Jesus who is named Truth. Knowledge is intimate and exposes the deepest part of Self to Him who is both Lord of life and the Lord of my life. Knowledge of Jesus is willing to come to Him and allow His Word to abide within at the cost of all else.

Lord Jesus, Word of God made flesh, please send Your Spirit to soften our hearts that You may plant the seed of your Word deeply within us, that Your Word might abide in us and we in You, that we might possess knowledge of Truth and life.

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

Exceeding Joy

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.
(Psalms 43:3-4 NKJV)

Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:44-46 NKJV)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27 NKJV)

Far too often, inner turmoil drives us in relentless and fruitless search for peace—peace through another’s counsel, in withdrawal from life, or in our favorite comfort food / addiction (obsession) / idol ("what would – do?"). How often do we stumble around looking for an answer in needless darkness simply because we didn’t first look for the Light?

The Light always brings us to the Father. If we seek Jesus, the Light of the World, we will find Him and we will see the Father. And in the presence of God—beyond the altar of painful sacrifice—is exceeding joy.

Father, in You is light, life, and love. You are the fullness of goodness, peace, and wisdom. When life on earth is difficult and anxious, please remind us to seek the peace of Your presence where darkness flees.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

The Face of God

As the deer pants after the channels of water, so my soul pants after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and see the face of God? (Psalms 42:1-2 LITV)

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:21-24 NKJV)

He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. ... He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
(1 John 2:10; 4:20 NKJV)

If one loves and thirsts after the living God with all heart, soul, mind and strength, how could one not earnestly yearn to see the face of God?

A small child’s delight is to look into a parent’s face. Mature love also delights in working alongside the Father without seeing his face. We are to both be as little children, and stretch to reach the stature of Christ, who literally fed upon work of His Father (John 4:34).

The Father’s first work is to love. Love of God compels love of brother and sister, in whose face the image of God may be seen, while we wait patiently for the day of our reward—the reward of seeing our Creator’s face.

Lord Jesus, surely You longed for our Father’s face while You walked the earth. Sustain us in our longing. Nourish us with the Father’s work of love.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Finding the Unseen

And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Genesis 5:22-24 NIV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ... By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death ... for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:1,5-6 NKJV)

Faith ceases when we see God, and Hope ceases all is fulfilled. For now, Hope makes us wait for the unfulfilled, Faith assures us of the unseen. It is not faith to believe in what we see. (Thus even demons believe of God, "and tremble.") Little wonder God is pleased to be loved when we do not see Him, and are easily distracted by all we do see. Little wonder He rewards those who look beyond the distractions and diligently seek Him.

Almighty God, You’ve rewarded us far beyond we deserve. Your intense love for us in our pitiful condition is amazing. Please show us how to love You while unseen, and entice us to diligently seek You and discover more of Your goodness.

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

Hidden Treasure

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44 NKJV)
"Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." (Matthew 13:52 NKJV)

The Bible contains some 31,173 verses. Few believe each one holds hidden treasure. Far too many have found in them only the curses of religion that fail us. Yet the entirety of God’s Word contains hidden treasure. Even the curses reveal the blessings. "Things new and old" are both part of the full picture of the Person of YHWH—Father, Son and Spirit.

To those in search of religion (whether more of it or a more satisfying version of it), the Word disappoints. God Himself is the Treasure waiting to be joyfully discovered.

Word made Flesh, thank You for making God visible. Please heal those hurt by religion. Please let me never use Your Word for injury.

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

Where is God?

"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 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 11:25-27 NKJV)

My favorite study topics are Bible related—its culture, its history, its land. I love the insights I gain by understanding the Bible’s setting. Yet insights of education cannot be compared to the revelations of the Holy Spirit when I simply read the Bible itself as an earnest child, seeking and finding God because I search for Him with all my heart. Like an affectionate daddy playing hide-and-seek with a beloved child, my Abba in heaven wants to be sought, wants to be found.

Lord of heaven and earth, I truly love you as my precious Abba. Thank You for restoring my heart to that of a child if I puff up with knowledge. Please keep me mindful of my ignorance.

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

Doing Good

The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one. (Psalm 14:2-3 NKJV)

Many children of men seek to do good, and they try many ways. But until one seeks God and becomes His through Christ’s Blood, not one does good. Through Christ’s blood, I am a child of God. I likewise seek to do good. But until I seek His face, my effort is limited to my own power, and it will fall short. “Only One is good.” If I would do good, it must have the power of God’s anointing upon it. I must daily seek Him and find Him because I search for Him with all my heart.

Oh Lord, my heart readily seeks the good which distracts me from God. I am a too easily distracted sheep. Please let me hear Your voice. Please draw me to seek Your face.

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

Treasure Hunt

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. . . When You said, "Seek My face," My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek." (Psalm 27:4,8 NKJV)

The Bible is a treasure hunt of the highest order. In it the mysteries of the universe are made known. The past, present and future are all laid out by the divine Author Who has ordained every second and every speck of dust. The greatest of all mysteries, the treasure above all riches, the most excellent of all truths is found in the face of the Lord. Sometimes He is right there, staring at me where I cannot miss Him. Sometimes He plays hide-and-seek, delighting me when I stumble upon Him. He is everywhere. He is wonderful.

Lord, Heaven’s surest pleasure is Your presence, and the ability to touch the hands that have touched me, to see the face that has beheld me all this time. Thank You for making Yourself known in Your Word.

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