Seventy years ago today, a foreign country attacked our homeland and decisively engaged the U.S. in World War II—no longer permitting us to watch "them vs. them" from a distance. When war became "us vs. them" (no pun intended), one of the measures our nation took was incarcerating U.S. citizens of Japanese descent, lest we be infiltrated by our enemy.
War brings us to redefine whom we call good and whom we call evil, in order to separate ourselves from the "them" we must battle.
So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.
~ Exodus 14:20 (NKJV)
The Lord YHWH would soon call and train His people to cooperate with Him in waging war against the various enemies of YHWH and His people. But in this passage, He chooses to instead segregate the Israelites from the Egyptians, while YHWH wages a battle reserved to Himself. At the Red Sea, YHWH delivers His people in parting the waters to permit escape, and seals that escape in the returning waters which destroy their enemies.
The Red Sea incident is the Lord's vivid picture of spiritual deliverance and destruction accomplished some 1475 years later at Calvary, a battle God reserves to Himself. In Jesus' blood sacrifice and death, He destroys mankind's greatest enemy of Death, sealing our escape penalty for sin.
Having been delivered from our greatest enemy, we are now called and trained to cooperate with the Lord in waging war against the various powers that would cause us harm. Our enmity is not with people, but with sin and its influence. Just as the Israelites of old were instructed to be ruthless in destroying their surrounding enemies, in order to escape the infiltration and influence of other nations, we are to be ruthless in fighting against sin's strongholds in our lives, to escape the infiltration and power of sin.
The Bible defines our war not in the sometimes nebulous terms of good & evil, but instead uses definitions such as Spirit & flesh (or sinful nature [NIV]), truth and lies, light and darkness. Because of the kind of influence they both have, the Bible also calls us to have separate kinds of relationships with people of light than with people of Darkness:
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
[and]
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."
~ 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NIV)
The above passage is usually applied to marriage. While marriage is the most important relationship to apply this principle, it is not the only one. The context of these verses is recognizing that we have become a completely new person, and should no longer rely upon the world's definitions for segregation.
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
~ 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NIV)
In being reconciled to God and His Light of life, we also recognize that while we keep company with people of Darkness, we need to remain separate from close relationship with them—even as we, who are God's light, minister His reconciliation to them (the very next verse):
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV)
Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label The World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The World. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hour of Eternity's Winter
We lived without care—
Our lives fast, our fun full.
Even when heat scorched
Though drought consumed life
We thought it should always be so
In that summer of our lives.
We knew not the nature of seeds sown
Nor saw the fruit bending boughs low.
Sin grew ripe and dropped heavily
Bedding down in children of dust.
Its abundance fermented and grew putrid
We staggered and fell in drunken stupor.
Laid low and lying in filth
Your Spirit blew upon us.
You covered us in crimson
And invited us to taste Your death.
Our sins blanketed and made white
We now dwell in eternity's winter.
Howling winds of barren world
Batter and bend, sculpt and suppress.
In our cove of quiet shelter
We hear Your voice whisper.
Seed buried and secure
Waits for touch of Son.
Herald's call shall sound forth
Dry bones shall awaken
Body of splendor shall rise
Touch shall stretch to embrace
Seed and soil become one
Birthing perfection of life
Sowing and harvest shall cease
In season of endless Paradise.
Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be ...
So also is the resurrection of the dead.
The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.
It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:36-37,42-43 (NKJV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This post is part of a blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock.
You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying
about today's theme: Winter
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: marycaytonministries.com
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Location, Location, Location
The theme for today’s blog carnival (hosted by Bridget Chumbley) is "Healing." To see what others are saying, visit her site
"One Word at a Time."
"One Word at a Time."
"But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings."
~ Malachi 4:2 (NKJV)
Location, Location, Location
"Babylon the great ... has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! ..." And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."
~ Revelation 18:2,4 (NKJV)
The ongoing look at Revelation here has come to the place where ultimate suffering, sickness and death are poured out upon Earth's inhabitants because of sin.
Like the right house being a matter of the right city, neighborhood, and land, the Bible describes healing from suffering, sickness and death as a matter of the right location, location, location.
LOCATION IN RELATION TO THE WORLD
The more closely we align ourselves with the ways of the world, the more of the world's sicknesses we suffer. The more closely we align ourselves with the ways of God, the fewer ailments we experience. This principle was stated in Exodus 15:26—the passage which names God "the LORD our Healer"—and continues all the way through Earth's last days as described in the above passage from Revelation.
LOCATION IN RELATION TO GOD
The Jews who expected a Messiah to conquer their political and economic problems had difficulty understanding that Jesus' solution for all trouble was to conquer death and sin. Our foremost problem is the need for reconciliation to God through forgiveness of sins. When we draw near to God in repentance and ask for forgiveness of sin, we begin to be healed from a multitude of afflictions related to sin and death.
LOCATION IN RELATION TO THE KINGDOM
We are promised to one day live in the Kingdom of Heaven with resurrected bodies free of all sickness. Yet kingdom life begins now (Luke 17:21), as we become increasingly spiritual beings. Kingdom life brings healing of soul, heart, mind, and body. We tend to be most conscious of the need for physical healing, while the more significant healing is spiritual. The body both benefits from spiritual healing and may receive miraculous physical healing—even as it grows weaker and closer to death with age. God's Spirit completes the process of healing the whole person in Heaven.
YHWH Rophe-ka, LORD our Healer, please help us share Your healing priorities and cooperate with Your treatment plan. Please let us seek spiritual healing more than we seek physical healing. Please grant us strength of soul, heart, mind, and body that we might use our health to serve You well.
: : :
Previous posts have discussed reasons for sickness ("YHWH Your Healer") and prayer for healing ("Why No Healing?").
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: revelife.com
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Book of Eli
"People had more than they needed,people didn't know what was precious and what wasn't,
people threw away things they kill each other for now."
~ Eli, describing the pre-apocalyptic world
The Book of Eli
[God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son ... [who is] upholding all things
by the word of His power ...
~ Hebrews 1:2-3 (NKJV)
By request, I'm today sharing some thoughts about the movie The Book of Eli.
Aside from historicals, I generally avoid movies of gratuitous violence. But I’m one HUGE fan of the Book of Elohim (also called Holy Bible), so there was no way I’d miss a movie centered upon pursuit of a Bible for the power in its words.
As with any other post-apocalyptic movie, one must suspend belief in the Bible's version of end-time events to engage with the story line. The irony here is that the story asks the viewer to believe that the Bible holds words so powerful that one man (Eli) will kill to protect it, and one man (Carnegie) will kill to obtain it for his personal ambition.
I have enough imagination to suspend belief in both prophecy and the movie's various technical oversights while I watch the story.
Eli's use of violence (beyond self-defense) didn't bother me. In society, government is responsible for administration of justice. In a vacuum of governmental authority, where vigilante justice rules, Eli demonstrates righteous use of the supernatural protection and defense tactics he employs. He seeks peace with other men, but does not tolerate their evil attacks on innocent people. I am reminded of Samson, who God used to punish evil Philistines in a similar manner.
As in societies the world over throughout human history, most people in the movie employ power through physical might rather than intelligence or honor. Women are the physically weaker sex, and therefore exploited by the evil and protected by the righteous. The movie's R-rated profanity is not gratuitous. Both these elements are realistic rather than sensational.
Jesus is never mentioned. Such a glaring oversight might be expected in a movie which operates on more Old Testament principles than New Testament ones. I appreciate the movie's scriptwriters' expression of faith in divine protection and preservation of God's Word, and in the great power of God's Word—power which men employ for good or evil. But failure to see the truth in that power as relevant to the story shows their faith to be marginal.
Despite its many flaws, faith was in evidence throughout The Book of Eli. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. Aside from The Passion of the Christ, this is the only R-rated movie I've allowed my 11-year-old son to see. (I had him skip an attempted rape scene.)
And the ending scenes had too many good surprises for me to spoil them here.
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 are from the movie "The Book of Eli," © 2010 Alcon Entertainment
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Sleeping With the Enemy
"Success" (one worldly perspective)
Sleeping With the Enemy
"I have against you that you permit your woman Jezebel, she who calls herself a prophetess, to be teaching and seducing My servants to indulge sexual immorality and eat food of idols ... Look! I am casting her into a sickbed, and the ones committing adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent of her works..."
~ Revelation 2:20,22 (author)
Last Friday's "Question of the Week" addressed the critical distinction between being in the world and of the world. God's declaration that this world is His enemy says that to compromise with the world is to commit spiritual adultery (James 4:4)—to be sleeping with the enemy.
Does any offense inflame a husband's wrath like adultery? We are surrounded with evidence that the seductive world lies in a sickbed. Jesus warns His bride that compromise with the world and its immorality results in great affliction for us as well.
"... all the churches shall know that I am He who searches minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works... And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations ..."
~ Revelation 2:23,26 (EMTV)
Jesus taught that those who prove faithful to Him during the world's era—who rise above the systems, standards and society of His enemy—shall rule over the world's cities during His reign (Luke 19:17). To the servant sleeping with the enemy, such authority would not be fitting.
Lord Jesus, the battle against compromise is difficult to fight while living in enemy territory. We desperately need Your perspective to see the world for the enemy it is. We need You Who searches minds and hearts to show us our compromise. Please purify us for Yourself.
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.
Wood sculpture "Success" from the Arnold Mikelson Mind and Matter Gallery, mindandmatterart.com
Friday, August 13, 2010
Question of the Week:
Of the World?
What is the difference between “in the world” and “of the world”?
~ Max, Ormond Beach, Florida
Unless we understand that "the world" is God's confirmed enemy, the answer won't matter.
Planet Earth and creation belong to the Creator. The world is the system, standards and society of Earth, which all oppose the Creator with rebellion, disregard, and open hostility. Numerous Scripture passages about the world include statements such as:
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
~ 1 John 5:19
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
~ James 4:4
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
~ 1 John 2:15
People of the world and people of God's kingdom may be identified by what they value:
• this life and its physical, temporal pleasures—or eternal life and its spiritual rewards which begin now and endure into eternity;
• darkness with its ignorance and immorality—or light with its knowledge of God and His holy righteousness;
• receiving praise—or giving God praise
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
~ 1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
To answer the original question, few metaphors are as vivid as a ship in the sea likened to a Christian in the world.
God places His people throughout the world to make Jesus known. A Christian who is isolated from the world is like a ship which has been dry-docked—it may be a safer ship, but it has become useless. On the other hand, a ship put to good use spends plenty of time in the sea, and cannot help but get the sea on it and even in it.
How much sea in the ship is too much? A little salt water may corrode metal and eat sails. Some water in the hold may ruin cargo. A lot of water makes the ship less seaworthy, and may even sink the ship in a storm.
The sea must be kept out of the ship which is in the sea.
How much world in the Christian is too much? The world on us may corrupt our understanding of God's Word and ways. Some world in our heart compromises what we value. Lots of the world in us means we'll experience anxiety rather than peace, despair rather than joy, apathy rather than love. When one of life's storms hits, we'll go down quickly. (Matthew 7:24-27)
The world must be kept out of the Christian who is in the world—who is there to bring God's light and salvation to those drowning in the darkness.
© 2010 Anne Lang Bundy
Image source: hydrolance.net
: : :
This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies. To see additional comments, click here.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Preferable
"Butter: a condiment preferable to margarine,because cows are infinitely more trustworthy than chemists."
via @Daffynitions (Twitter)
Preferable
#Bible
"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
~ Daniel 12:4 (NKJV)
For in much wisdom is much grief,
And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
~ Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NKJV)
One of the many indicators that we are in the last days is the fulfillment of the angel Gabriel's words to Daniel concerning the time of the end. Many run to and fro across the globe, we are inundated and overwhelmed with the increase of knowledge.
Even three thousand years ago, Solomon recognized the grief and sorrow in much wisdom and knowledge of this world.
It is the weekend. It is the season of celebrating Jesus. It's not Sunday yet. But if you take a few moments to take in the wholesome and living Word of God, laying aside what's been concocted by humans, you will be blessed.
For the word of God is living and powerful ...
~ Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
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 media.photobucket.com
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus
"Christianity promises to make men free;
It never promises to make them independent."
~ William Ralph Inge
Christians are arguably more like the world in one respect than any other: criticizing Christians.
So begins the message I’m sharing today. A respected pastor I'm blessed to call friend, Peter Pollock (pictured with his wife Debbie), honored me with an invitation to guest post for him today.
You can follow me over to his blog by clicking on this title
The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus #churchunity
or you can copy and paste this link:
http://blog.hafchurch.org/peter/index.php/2009/11/church-unity-guest-post-by-anne-lang-bundy/
Hope you’ll follow me over there, and that you won’t allow Peter’s glowing intro to scare you off since you all know it’s just me. ; )
~ Anne
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday Freelance: FLOW
"Temptation usually comes in through a door
that has been deliberately left open."
~ Unknown
~ Unknown
Friday Freelance: FLOW
#discipleship
My husband and I visited Alaska one August while the salmon were running. You don’t appreciate the effort a salmon makes to swim upstream until you watch the fish vault the rapids as mist from the pounding water floats into your face. The fish are driven.
When we came to their destination, thousands of dead salmon clogged the water. They had expended every bit of their lives to fight their way upstream and lay their eggs. One need not be a Darwinist to believe in survival of the fittest. No weak salmon reached its journey’s end.
I’ve walked against the flow of a crowd on occasion. The only way to make it through is to be assertive. Without the determination to continue toward a fixed goal, one is swallowed by the throng and carried in their direction.
Can you anticipate where I’m taking this? We do not draw closer to God by being carried along with the crowd of this world. Direction is maintained by setting our eyes on Him we seek and purposefully pursuing Him.
Do not be deceived:
"Evil company corrupts good habits."
1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)
Though we may set our sights on following Jesus, we walk in a world heading away from Him. If in our compassion for people we turn to them in the effort to change their direction, we risk being swept up with them and backsliding. But if we turn a blind eye to them, we lose the strength of Spirit we would have gained through love.
A discerning heart is needed. We must take a hard look at what areas of weaknesses we have, and understand that we cannot afford to maintain close associations with those who might cause us to stumble in such areas. The recovering drug addict might think he can reach other addicts for Christ because he speaks their language. Both they and he will benefit if he first associates with stronger Christians, becomes strong himself through God's Word and Spirit, and only returns to minister in his old haunts accompanied by a friend who's had no such temptations.
Same for those with struggles of any kind—gossip, gambling, sports, porn, alcohol, gaming, media, sex, money, power—the list of obsessions goes on. It's not a matter of how long we've been walking with the Lord, but of how weak we may be in a given area. It doesn't mean we must completely cut off old friends, but that we use wisdom in how we associate with them.
We regularly hear of renowned Christians who take hard falls because they were overcome by some kind of temptation. Each of us probably knows someone personally whose life has been shipwrecked by something they thought they had under control. Rarely does someone fall alone. We are social creatures, and those who crash usually had help.
I hear often, "Jesus associated with sinners." He did indeed. Hebrews 4:15 even says Jesus "was in all points tempted as we are." But He was never weak, never sinned, and never encouraged sin. He ministered to sinners effectively because He ministered from strength.
Going against the flow is not for the weak fish. <><>BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from itresourcing.com.au
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Not Fair
This Tuesday thru Thursday, focus will be on three key principles of the Christian life.
Not Fair
"Your Father in heaven ... makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
~ Matthew 5:45 (NKJV)
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
Yet again, I knew the topic of today’s post well in advance. Yet again, the Lord gives me the message afresh in the day I write it.
Yesterday my children expressed disappointment for what they perceive they lack. But they knew better than to cry "Not Fair," because I’ve explained countless times that God is certainly not fair.
The Lord does not give to us with the measure we deserve—as He would if He were fair. He instead blesses us when we’ve cursed Him. He repays our evil with good. He returns our apathy with love.
Jesus is the only Man Who might have legitimately said, "Not fair." The Son pleaded, "Abba, take this cup from me. Yet not my will but Yours." The Father said, "No. I will not take from You the cup of My wrath. You will die for sin committed by others, that they might live for Me and bring Me glory."
The unspoken argument against "Not fair" did not prevent my sympathy with my children’s frustration in perceiving their upbringing a little different than some of their peers. I remember well my own childhood lament to God of "Why me?" because I felt despair in being something other than "normal."
So yesterday I spoke to my children not of the material wealth I’ve often described in comparison to others. I instead explained the many opportunities they have and that I did not. I found myself in tears when I told them that their imperfect parents will fail to give them what they might like. But they will know the Lord. They will have the knowledge needed to excel in life. They will be equipped as they’ve been gifted.
They graciously received my words. But my heart remained heavy, because I do not want our children to grow up perceiving themselves in want of even non-material wealth. I want them to find the same contentment I have regardless of how "normal" or not their own lives prove to be.
In His goodness, the Lord brought to mind words I’d read just hours earlier by my esteemed friend Billy Coffey, in a post titled "It’s Never Easy Being Normal." I had commented on his post in jest that pandemonium would break out among my children if the claim of "normal" came from the mother who is anything but.
Then the Lord whispered that in this life, it is indeed normal to experience hardship, injury, and loss. It is normal to feel loneliness, inadequacy, and turmoil. It is normal to be a gratuitous sinner in need of gratuitous grace. My God reminded me of plans to share that the world only claims it wants "fair" from the Father Who is anything but.
I felt depth of gratitude for my Lord and Savior, that He has given me such great material and spiritual wealth both.
And I felt that maybe, I'm normal* after all.
Dear Lord, You've chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, the weak things to put to shame the mighty, base and despised things to bring to nothing things that are. Thank You for defining "fair" and "normal" on Your terms, not ours. I love you so much.
*(but not too much :D)
"Wealth consists not in the abundance of our possessions,
but in the fewness of our wants."
~ Unknown
but in the fewness of our wants."
~ Unknown
Not Fair
"Your Father in heaven ... makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
~ Matthew 5:45 (NKJV)
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
Yet again, I knew the topic of today’s post well in advance. Yet again, the Lord gives me the message afresh in the day I write it.
Yesterday my children expressed disappointment for what they perceive they lack. But they knew better than to cry "Not Fair," because I’ve explained countless times that God is certainly not fair.
The Lord does not give to us with the measure we deserve—as He would if He were fair. He instead blesses us when we’ve cursed Him. He repays our evil with good. He returns our apathy with love.
Jesus is the only Man Who might have legitimately said, "Not fair." The Son pleaded, "Abba, take this cup from me. Yet not my will but Yours." The Father said, "No. I will not take from You the cup of My wrath. You will die for sin committed by others, that they might live for Me and bring Me glory."
The unspoken argument against "Not fair" did not prevent my sympathy with my children’s frustration in perceiving their upbringing a little different than some of their peers. I remember well my own childhood lament to God of "Why me?" because I felt despair in being something other than "normal."
So yesterday I spoke to my children not of the material wealth I’ve often described in comparison to others. I instead explained the many opportunities they have and that I did not. I found myself in tears when I told them that their imperfect parents will fail to give them what they might like. But they will know the Lord. They will have the knowledge needed to excel in life. They will be equipped as they’ve been gifted.
They graciously received my words. But my heart remained heavy, because I do not want our children to grow up perceiving themselves in want of even non-material wealth. I want them to find the same contentment I have regardless of how "normal" or not their own lives prove to be.
In His goodness, the Lord brought to mind words I’d read just hours earlier by my esteemed friend Billy Coffey, in a post titled "It’s Never Easy Being Normal." I had commented on his post in jest that pandemonium would break out among my children if the claim of "normal" came from the mother who is anything but.
Then the Lord whispered that in this life, it is indeed normal to experience hardship, injury, and loss. It is normal to feel loneliness, inadequacy, and turmoil. It is normal to be a gratuitous sinner in need of gratuitous grace. My God reminded me of plans to share that the world only claims it wants "fair" from the Father Who is anything but.
I felt depth of gratitude for my Lord and Savior, that He has given me such great material and spiritual wealth both.
And I felt that maybe, I'm normal* after all.
Dear Lord, You've chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, the weak things to put to shame the mighty, base and despised things to bring to nothing things that are. Thank You for defining "fair" and "normal" on Your terms, not ours. I love you so much.
*(but not too much :D)
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.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Fashion vs. Foundation
"Craft must have clothes, but truth loves to go naked."
~ Thomas Fuller
~ Thomas Fuller
And do not fashion yourselves after this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.
~ Romans 12:2 (EMTV)
"Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever ... hears My sayings and does them ... is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock."
~ Luke 6:46-49 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly ...
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night...
And whatever he does shall prosper.
~ Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV)
Whether you need an answer to a problem or simply want what you're doing to prosper, what is your source of truth?
This world gives fashionable answers such as, "The heart," "Wisdom of the ages," and "There's no such thing as absolute truth." Jesus calls such "truth" sand, for it shifts with the winds of change and proves unstable.
Jesus directs those looking for a foundation of truth to His sayings—God's Word. Paul says we are able to not simply know, but prove the "good and well pleasing and perfect will of God."
Truth does exist in the world. But it's mixed in with the counsel of the ungodly. How do we know whether or not something is truth and reliable to support us?
If we fashion our lives upon temporal things of this world, we'll be comfortable with this world's brand of truth and will attempt to stand upon it. If we are transformed by the renewing of our minds with the Bible, we'll be familiar enough with genuine truth to recognize the difference between the two.
Whatever truth your life needs right now, God knows the answer, and He wants you to have it. Knowing and living by God's Word is Step Two. Step One is to give your Self—your body—over to the Holy Spirit (yesterday's post).
Upcoming in the last several posts from the book of Romans are highlights of Paul's points on living out the Lord's will. God assures us of blessing in doing His will. And that part about "well pleasing"? His will inevitably proves pleasing to us, too.
Father, we are not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servants! We have no greater earthly treasure than the Bible. Please show us where to find the time to immerse ourselves in Your Words, and give us the desire to do so.
Your 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.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friends
"When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends."
~ Japanese Proverb
1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (GW):
In my letter to you I told you not to associate with people who continue to commit sexual sins. I didn't tell you that you could not have any contact with unbelievers who commit sexual sins, are greedy, are dishonest, or worship false gods. If that were the case, you would have to leave this world. Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don't [have fellowship] with such people.
Perhaps it seems ironic, but Paul instructs that while we may associate with immoral unbelievers, we should not maintain friendships with those who identify themselves as Christians yet behave otherwise.
It's a matter of how much influence they're positioned to have in our lives.
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."
~ 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)
~ 1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Qanna / Jealous
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
Qanna / Jealous
(pronounced: "kahn-NAH")
Qanna / Jealous
(pronounced: "kahn-NAH")
... you shall worship no other god, for YHWH, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God ...
~ Exodus 34:14 (author)
~ Exodus 34:14 (author)
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
~ Deuteronomy 4:24 (NKJV)
~ Deuteronomy 4:24 (NKJV)
I've made it a point to write a fresh post here each day. Today will be a rerun, (the first I recall), one which speaks to the jealousy of any husband, and the jealousy God has for us as our Husband.
.•*¨¯¨*•.,¸¸,.•´`•.,¸¸,.•*¨¯¨*•.
Jealousy
"Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying,
'Thus says the LORD:
"I remember ... the love of your betrothal ...
What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols,
And have become idolaters? ...
For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
... You lay down, playing the harlot." ' "
~ Jeremiah 2:2,5,13,20 (NKJV)
'Thus says the LORD:
"I remember ... the love of your betrothal ...
What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols,
And have become idolaters? ...
For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
... You lay down, playing the harlot." ' "
~ Jeremiah 2:2,5,13,20 (NKJV)
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
~ James 4:4-5 (NKJV)
~ James 4:4-5 (NKJV)
The Bible uses an vivid image to portray idolatry: adultery.
Does anything else in human experience ignite wrath like finding a spouse in bed with someone else? Human jealousy needs no explanation.
The Lord views idolatry with the same jealousy. We see ourselves as far too sophisticated to bow before a piece of metal, wood or stone. We forget that seeking satisfaction from the world is the New Testament’s definition of idolatry, and is also called adultery.
The Lord offers abundant living waters. To show preference for offerings from the dry and broken cistern of this world rightly ignites the jealousy of the Spirit who dwells within us.
Beloved Bridegroom, You paid a great price to make available to us the Living Waters of Your Spirit. You satisfy as nothing else. Please give us discernment between the godless, the goodly and the godly. Please woo our hearts to seek Your face, and to woo You with our own love.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Jealousy
"Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying,
'Thus says the LORD:
"I remember you,
The kindness of your youth,
The love of your betrothal ...
What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols,
And have become idolaters? ...
For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
...You lay down, playing the harlot." ' "
~ Jeremiah 2:2,5,13,20 (NKJV)
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
~ James 4:4-5 (NKJV)
The Bible uses an vivid image to portray idolatry: adultery.
Does anything else in human experience ignite wrath like finding a spouse in bed with someone else? Human jealousy needs no explanation.
The Lord views idolatry with the same jealousy. We see ourselves as far too sophisticated to bow before a piece of metal, wood or stone. We forget that seeking satisfaction from the world is the New Testament’s definition of idolatry, and is also called adultery.
The Lord offers abundant living waters. To show preference for offerings from the dry and broken cistern of this world rightly ignites the jealousy of the Spirit who dwells within us.
Beloved Bridegroom, You paid a great price to make available the living waters of Your Spirit. You satisfy as nothing else. Please give us discernment between the godless, the goodly and the godly. Please powerfully woo our hearts so we'll both seek Your face and woo You with our own love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
'Thus says the LORD:
"I remember you,
The kindness of your youth,
The love of your betrothal ...
What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols,
And have become idolaters? ...
For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
...You lay down, playing the harlot." ' "
~ Jeremiah 2:2,5,13,20 (NKJV)
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
~ James 4:4-5 (NKJV)
The Bible uses an vivid image to portray idolatry: adultery.
Does anything else in human experience ignite wrath like finding a spouse in bed with someone else? Human jealousy needs no explanation.
The Lord views idolatry with the same jealousy. We see ourselves as far too sophisticated to bow before a piece of metal, wood or stone. We forget that seeking satisfaction from the world is the New Testament’s definition of idolatry, and is also called adultery.
The Lord offers abundant living waters. To show preference for offerings from the dry and broken cistern of this world rightly ignites the jealousy of the Spirit who dwells within us.
Beloved Bridegroom, You paid a great price to make available the living waters of Your Spirit. You satisfy as nothing else. Please give us discernment between the godless, the goodly and the godly. Please powerfully woo our hearts so we'll both seek Your face and woo You with our own love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Unrighteous Mammon
"And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home... Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?"
~ Luke 16:9,11 (NKJV)
All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own ... "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." ... Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:23-24,26,31 (NKJV)
Life on earth is a test of heaven's citizens. Will I choose to look at God with my heart when the world fills my eyes? Will I listen to the Spirit or Self to find satisfaction? Do I serve God or Mammon, god of materialism, when entrusted with the unrighteous mammon of this foreign land?
I long for heaven's purity when Creator and created ones are united without such distractions.
Last night we worshiped the Lord in Spirit and Truth with abandon. People of my church used music of this world and our flesh and even the devil (one actor's dubious distinction) as we danced and ran and clapped and spoke our parts. In just a few moments I'll again be at church, to sing with my mouth of flesh, pray and listen amid the devil's distractions, and offer unrighteous mammon of this world in the plate.
The Lord entrusts me with unrighteous mammon to be used by flesh in a world of sin. By His Spirit I find a way to use it for the glory of God and make friends for Him with whom I'll live in an everlasting home upon the final failure of my flesh.
Lord, God of the angel-armies, who is mighty like You, O Yah? From every angle we see Your faithfulness. All You create is good—so very good. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who sanctifies all He touches and creates a new heart in Your people of flesh, that we might have the privilege to worship and love and serve You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 16:9,11 (NKJV)
All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own ... "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." ... Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:23-24,26,31 (NKJV)
Life on earth is a test of heaven's citizens. Will I choose to look at God with my heart when the world fills my eyes? Will I listen to the Spirit or Self to find satisfaction? Do I serve God or Mammon, god of materialism, when entrusted with the unrighteous mammon of this foreign land?
I long for heaven's purity when Creator and created ones are united without such distractions.
Last night we worshiped the Lord in Spirit and Truth with abandon. People of my church used music of this world and our flesh and even the devil (one actor's dubious distinction) as we danced and ran and clapped and spoke our parts. In just a few moments I'll again be at church, to sing with my mouth of flesh, pray and listen amid the devil's distractions, and offer unrighteous mammon of this world in the plate.
The Lord entrusts me with unrighteous mammon to be used by flesh in a world of sin. By His Spirit I find a way to use it for the glory of God and make friends for Him with whom I'll live in an everlasting home upon the final failure of my flesh.
Lord, God of the angel-armies, who is mighty like You, O Yah? From every angle we see Your faithfulness. All You create is good—so very good. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who sanctifies all He touches and creates a new heart in Your people of flesh, that we might have the privilege to worship and love and serve You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Everlasting God
The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty ...
Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting....
The floods have lifted up their voice ...
The LORD on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea.
Your testimonies are very sure.
~ Psalm 93 (NKJV)
All things are full of weariness ...
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
nor the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
~ Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 (ESV)
The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations.
~ 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NIV)
In his book Tribes, marketing guru Seth Godin asserts, "Leadership ... is about creating change.... Life's too short to fight the forces of change.... The marketplace (every marketplace) rewards innovation: things that are fresh, stylish, remarkable, and new."
The sea of people is fickle. They lift up their voice and ever clamor for something new. The noise of many waters, like mighty waves, compels leadership to esteem the inventive above the established. We crave innovation in "every marketplace," and ears itch for new teachings.
We serve the Everlasting God. Unlike enticing fads which come and go, His Word and His way are very sure. Our solid Rock is established from of old. Yet He is never wearisome, continually offering life-giving bread and water.
The LORD need not be new. He makes everything else new.
Everlasting God, You are clothed with majesty. You will not faint. You don't grow weary. Before Your throne alone shall we bow. Please forgive us when we ask You to conform to our new ideas. Your mercies are new every morning, and they are more than sufficient.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting....
The floods have lifted up their voice ...
The LORD on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea.
Your testimonies are very sure.
~ Psalm 93 (NKJV)
All things are full of weariness ...
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
nor the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
~ Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 (ESV)
The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations.
~ 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NIV)
In his book Tribes, marketing guru Seth Godin asserts, "Leadership ... is about creating change.... Life's too short to fight the forces of change.... The marketplace (every marketplace) rewards innovation: things that are fresh, stylish, remarkable, and new."
The sea of people is fickle. They lift up their voice and ever clamor for something new. The noise of many waters, like mighty waves, compels leadership to esteem the inventive above the established. We crave innovation in "every marketplace," and ears itch for new teachings.
We serve the Everlasting God. Unlike enticing fads which come and go, His Word and His way are very sure. Our solid Rock is established from of old. Yet He is never wearisome, continually offering life-giving bread and water.
The LORD need not be new. He makes everything else new.
Everlasting God, You are clothed with majesty. You will not faint. You don't grow weary. Before Your throne alone shall we bow. Please forgive us when we ask You to conform to our new ideas. Your mercies are new every morning, and they are more than sufficient.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Salt of the Earth
"You shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt."
~ Leviticus 2:13 (NKJV)
"For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."
~ Mark 9:49-50 (NKJV)
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
~ Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)
Leaven's opposite, salt flavors and preserves food. Orientals and Arabs say "covenant of salt" to signify an agreement shall endure without decaying. Salt is necessary to life yet brings barrenness to land. Blood devoid of life is cleansed away by salt with water, and salt with water corrodes metal. Valuable salt has been used as money and is at the root of the word "salary."
Christ calls His followers the salt of the earth. When judgmental we bring the earth barrenness. When His Spirit empowers us, we season and cleanse with words of grace and peace. Is it possible that our continual prayers for mercy preserve the earth by staying the hand of God from wrath?
I don't presume to fully understand rapture prophecies. But I don't share the view that the rapture gives final notice to earth that God is serious about repentance. As with Noah's family, I see Christians being removed from harm's way so the earth may be cleansed—this time with fire.
Lord Jesus, in Your offering of blood we are preserved. Please lead us to yield to Your Holy Spirit and be seasoned with fire. Please use us as Your salt of the earth, in every way possible, and prevent us from becoming an irritant or aggravation to barrenness.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Leviticus 2:13 (NKJV)
"For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."
~ Mark 9:49-50 (NKJV)
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
~ Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)
Leaven's opposite, salt flavors and preserves food. Orientals and Arabs say "covenant of salt" to signify an agreement shall endure without decaying. Salt is necessary to life yet brings barrenness to land. Blood devoid of life is cleansed away by salt with water, and salt with water corrodes metal. Valuable salt has been used as money and is at the root of the word "salary."
Christ calls His followers the salt of the earth. When judgmental we bring the earth barrenness. When His Spirit empowers us, we season and cleanse with words of grace and peace. Is it possible that our continual prayers for mercy preserve the earth by staying the hand of God from wrath?
I don't presume to fully understand rapture prophecies. But I don't share the view that the rapture gives final notice to earth that God is serious about repentance. As with Noah's family, I see Christians being removed from harm's way so the earth may be cleansed—this time with fire.
Lord Jesus, in Your offering of blood we are preserved. Please lead us to yield to Your Holy Spirit and be seasoned with fire. Please use us as Your salt of the earth, in every way possible, and prevent us from becoming an irritant or aggravation to barrenness.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
All Nations
Then the LORD will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day ... In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance."
Isaiah 19:21,24-25 (NKJV)
"Also the sons of the foreigner
Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him,
And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants ...
Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them joyful in My house of prayer...
For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Isaiah 56:6-7 (NKJV)
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands. ~ Revelation 7:9 (NKJV)
On Israel's southwest, fickle Egypt at various times either attacked or aided Israel. Egypt made treaty with Solomon but sheltered his enemies, and provided uneasy refuge in dire times to everyone from Abraham to Jesus.
On Israel's northeast, vicious Assyria displayed unrivaled barbarism. The prophet Jonah fled his call to tell Ninevah "repent," preferring the Assyrians' destruction. A generation later (c.722BC), Assyria destroyed northern Israel's kingdom. After another hundred years of Assyrian oppression, King Josiah (of Judah) died attempting to block alliance between Assyria and Egypt.
Unlike America's melting pot, Isaiah's segregated audience likely thought it absurd that God could ever declare Egypt and Assyria, "blessed ... My people ... one of three with Israel." But in Christ all are made new. Even now, all nations are being united by His blood, to one day stand together before His throne.
Prince of Peace, our world longs for You to bring us Your perfect peace. Please unite our hearts to one another. Please help us to put aside rivalry and jealousy, prejudice and arrogant attitudes of supremacy. Lord of the Harvest, please send laborers to the fields white for harvest.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Isaiah 19:21,24-25 (NKJV)
"Also the sons of the foreigner
Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him,
And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants ...
Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them joyful in My house of prayer...
For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Isaiah 56:6-7 (NKJV)
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands. ~ Revelation 7:9 (NKJV)
On Israel's southwest, fickle Egypt at various times either attacked or aided Israel. Egypt made treaty with Solomon but sheltered his enemies, and provided uneasy refuge in dire times to everyone from Abraham to Jesus.
On Israel's northeast, vicious Assyria displayed unrivaled barbarism. The prophet Jonah fled his call to tell Ninevah "repent," preferring the Assyrians' destruction. A generation later (c.722BC), Assyria destroyed northern Israel's kingdom. After another hundred years of Assyrian oppression, King Josiah (of Judah) died attempting to block alliance between Assyria and Egypt.
Unlike America's melting pot, Isaiah's segregated audience likely thought it absurd that God could ever declare Egypt and Assyria, "blessed ... My people ... one of three with Israel." But in Christ all are made new. Even now, all nations are being united by His blood, to one day stand together before His throne.
Prince of Peace, our world longs for You to bring us Your perfect peace. Please unite our hearts to one another. Please help us to put aside rivalry and jealousy, prejudice and arrogant attitudes of supremacy. Lord of the Harvest, please send laborers to the fields white for harvest.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Spirit of Truth
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 11:1-2 (ESV)
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17 (NIV)
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock ... But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
Matthew 7:24,26-27 (NKJV)
Common excuses for failing to live by God's Word are that it is difficult to understand or is interpreted too differently by various people. The Spirit upon Jesus, the Branch, is the same Spirit in us. Having become Christ's, we have His Spirit of Truth to rely upon for wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord.
The Spirit of Truth speaks with a firm yet gentle voice. It is not the voice of emotion or human reasoning. While the Spirit is fluid like fire, air and water—readily flowing and filling with diverse messages and gifts—He is also a reliable Counselor, stable and unyielding to human will or the winds of change.
In our age of relativism the world says truth is not absolute, but rather whatever you need it to be. Such shifting sands collapse in storms, resulting in great destruction. God's Word is a sure foundation. But unless we implement it by the Spirit of Truth, we do not build our lives upon it.
Beautiful Jesus, You are Truth and Wisdom and the Word of God personified. Your Spirit is good and gracious and too easy for us to push aside in the din of other voices. Please help us seek out the quiet place, and push aside will, emotion, and preconceptions so we hear Your Spirit clearly. Please give us courage to do as You challenge.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 11:1-2 (ESV)
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17 (NIV)
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock ... But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
Matthew 7:24,26-27 (NKJV)
Common excuses for failing to live by God's Word are that it is difficult to understand or is interpreted too differently by various people. The Spirit upon Jesus, the Branch, is the same Spirit in us. Having become Christ's, we have His Spirit of Truth to rely upon for wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord.
The Spirit of Truth speaks with a firm yet gentle voice. It is not the voice of emotion or human reasoning. While the Spirit is fluid like fire, air and water—readily flowing and filling with diverse messages and gifts—He is also a reliable Counselor, stable and unyielding to human will or the winds of change.
In our age of relativism the world says truth is not absolute, but rather whatever you need it to be. Such shifting sands collapse in storms, resulting in great destruction. God's Word is a sure foundation. But unless we implement it by the Spirit of Truth, we do not build our lives upon it.
Beautiful Jesus, You are Truth and Wisdom and the Word of God personified. Your Spirit is good and gracious and too easy for us to push aside in the din of other voices. Please help us seek out the quiet place, and push aside will, emotion, and preconceptions so we hear Your Spirit clearly. Please give us courage to do as You challenge.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, December 13, 2008
No Shame
"The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it.
Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.
Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them!
They will be paid back for what their hands have done."
(Isaiah 3:9-11 NIV)
"From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace.
Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when I punish them," says the LORD.
Jeremiah 6:13-15 (NIV)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.
Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)
A common quote says grace is getting what you don't deserve and mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Despite God's grace and mercy, most people consider this life unfair.
The Lord's grace and mercy have limits. He patiently tolerates sin for a while, but is particularly provoked when sin is paraded with pride. When there is no shame for sin—when evil is called good and good is seen as evil—the Lord doesn't even need to initiate punishment. If He simply withholds grace and mercy, sin reaps its own evil consequences. Life becomes "fair."
America paraded heroism after driving back evil in WWII. Parades now exhibit gay sex live, cell phones transmit the owner's nudity as readily as voice, sex slavery and pedophilia thrive, infants and infirm are slaughtered for economic convenience, idols are worshiped in every media, bailout rewards greed and gluttony, bling decorates recession, and closing WalMart on Black Friday is a bigger outrage to shoppers than the death of the man they trampled.
Can you hear the deafening scream of no shame?
Is our nation ready for "fair"?
Almighty God, how sickened I feel to dwell for a moment on what You look upon continually. How are You yet patient with a nation that still labels itself "Christian"? Thank You for grace and mercy to Your children. Thank You for comforting the righteous with assurance it will be well with them.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it.
Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.
Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.
Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them!
They will be paid back for what their hands have done."
(Isaiah 3:9-11 NIV)
"From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace.
Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when I punish them," says the LORD.
Jeremiah 6:13-15 (NIV)
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.
Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)
A common quote says grace is getting what you don't deserve and mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Despite God's grace and mercy, most people consider this life unfair.
The Lord's grace and mercy have limits. He patiently tolerates sin for a while, but is particularly provoked when sin is paraded with pride. When there is no shame for sin—when evil is called good and good is seen as evil—the Lord doesn't even need to initiate punishment. If He simply withholds grace and mercy, sin reaps its own evil consequences. Life becomes "fair."
America paraded heroism after driving back evil in WWII. Parades now exhibit gay sex live, cell phones transmit the owner's nudity as readily as voice, sex slavery and pedophilia thrive, infants and infirm are slaughtered for economic convenience, idols are worshiped in every media, bailout rewards greed and gluttony, bling decorates recession, and closing WalMart on Black Friday is a bigger outrage to shoppers than the death of the man they trampled.
Can you hear the deafening scream of no shame?
Is our nation ready for "fair"?
Almighty God, how sickened I feel to dwell for a moment on what You look upon continually. How are You yet patient with a nation that still labels itself "Christian"? Thank You for grace and mercy to Your children. Thank You for comforting the righteous with assurance it will be well with them.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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