Among countless analogies in the vast myriad of relationship books that I've read, a few stay with me. One of them—(and if you recognize the source, please refresh my memory)—likens relationships to a bank account. In this comparison, all the goodness and love shown to another person is like a deposit toward the relationship, while negative words and actions are a withdrawal. As I recall, the goal is to keep the account well in the black, never permitting the account balance to fall into a dangerous condition of being overdrawn.
Perhaps my years in banking and banking school give me a dim view of this concept. While I certainly appreciate the fact that positive needs to outweigh negative (in both banking and relationships), I also know that a checking account is technically called a DDA, or "demand deposit account." Unlike an investment certificate or bond with a maturity date, a bank account holds deposits for safekeeping, but must relinquish them immediately upon "demand."
If anything forebodes certain injury to a relationship, it is making a demand for that to which one feels entitled.
" 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.' "
~ Matthew 25:27 (NKJV)
Perhaps relationship is better likened to an investment in business or stocks than a demand deposit account. Investment expects a return, but has no guarantee of it. Rather than arbitrarily deposit money, one must thoughtfully consider where money is placed, maintain diversity of investment, and watch closely for when a change in strategy is indicated. Money simply deposited in an account gives its owner an expectation to receive back only what's given, and perhaps some nominal interest. But with investment, the expectation is to receive a much greater return than the capital; the dream is to reap a windfall.
With investment, however, one also runs the risk of losing everything. Bankruptcy has a way of taking away even more than the capital. The stock market crash of 1929 precipitated The Great Depression. Relationship crash also tends to bring on great depression.
We spend years and decades and entire lifetimes pouring love and prayers, positive words and deeds, our very selves into close relationships. And we have every expectation of a good return—every dream of eternal harmony. Whether that relationship is marriage or parent-child, family or friendship, we each have special people in our lives who have received our thoughtful investment of time and energy, diversity in loving words and actions, and close watch through life's changes.
When we invest in relationships this way, we usually do reap a healthy return.
But sometimes, bankruptcy strikes. The relationship crashes, and we see everything lost. We may be able to pinpoint where we've been negligent, assuming our initial investment would cover it. Or we may perform a careful examination and remain stunned that our steady attention failed to overcome unavoidable mistakes by imperfect people. The signs of relationship crash may have been steadily growing, or a single disaster can wreak havoc.
However relationship crash comes, depression follows because of the perception that all is lost.
"Gather together the remaining broken pieces, in order that nothing might be lost."
~ John 6:12
As I've said before, Jesus is a capitalist. He speaks often of money, and clearly demonstrates that God will obtain a return on His many investments in us, one way or another. He allows nothing to be wasted, not even the broken pieces.
The broken pieces of our lives are sometimes related to losses of health and wealth. But relationship crash shatters us as nothing else, bringing on the notion that our investment has been a failure—maybe even the notion that we have been a failure.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
~ Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)
Relationships of this world and this time may prove temporal, despite our best efforts to take them into eternity with us.
But.
We are not investing in the temporal and the seen. We are investing in the eternal and the unseen, laying up treasure in Heaven. We remain unaware, for now, of what return will be paid on our investment—for us, for our children, for every seen and unseen witness to our testimony.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
~ Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
The case for love will not be lost—cannot be lost. The case for love is God's case, proven by us through His power.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
~ Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Witness of His Bride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witness of His Bride. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Destiny
The name Jerusalem means "headwaters of peace." In a day of the not-too-distant future, the contested city shall finally be permitted to fulfill her destiny:
... and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple ... And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live... for they will be healed ...
~ Ezekiel 47:1,9 (NKJV)
Jerusalem is also Christ's bride:
"Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." And he ... showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem ... And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life ... The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
~ Revelation 21:9-10; 22:1-2 (NKJV)
We, our Lord's church and bride, live up to our eternal destiny even now, when the Spirit of Jesus speaks healing through the power of love in our words.
Lord Jesus, please increase our faith that we may love You more, be more yielded to Your Spirit, that Your love and healing might flow through us.
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: Unavailable, with apology to photographer
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Fairy Tale Not
Once upon a time a small girl lost her way in a dark forest ruled by an evil ogre, who captured the girl and shackled her with strong chains. The ogre often came by to amuse himself by frightening her, until the girl grew accustomed to him and to living in darkness and terror. And when she grew to be a maiden the ogre made her fully his.
Many years passed, and the young woman sometimes wondered if dreams of a loving papa and beautiful little girl in a sparkling city might be memories. But she once caught her reflection of dirty face and matted hair in a rain puddle, and saw her tattered rags and thought of her life with the ogre, and knew her dreams could not be real.
One day a woodcutter arrived in the forest. He offered her fresh water and fed her with warm bread and asked if she wished to someday follow him to the city. She feared the plain stranger and refused him, but he returned every day with food and the same offer.
When the ogre next came by, he found her well fed and raged against the woodcutter, warning her that the strange man sought to capture her so he might shame her filth and ugliness if she went to the city. The woodcutter returned the next day, and the ogre screamed that he could not have the girl for she belonged to the forest and to himself.
The woodcutter drew a sword and a key, bargaining his life for hers with the ogre, promising the girl he would one day return and marry her if she chose to be free. The ogre received the sword with a laugh and slew the woodcutter. The girl took the bloody key from the woodcutter’s hand, while the ogre ridiculed her dead hero and any thought of being a bride.
The girl long wept for the woodcutter, until one day she drew the key and unshackled herself. The ogre appeared at once and his taunts prevented her running away from him. But each night thereafter she dreamt of the woodcutter, who stood in clothes of gleaming white and spoke kindly to her and told her of secret treasures He’d hidden for her in the forest.
The girl began to venture farther and farther away from her chains, discovering beautiful garments and perfumes and jewelry and a rushing waterfall in which to bathe. The ogre never went away or ceased to torment her, but he no longer touched her and she came to stop fearing him. In her dreams the woodcutter had become a prince, assuring her that he lived to return for her, and she believed him and dwelt with joy even in the dark forest.
Then one day the living woodcutter become prince was crowned king, and he came for her on a white horse. She did not know that she radiated beauty in her joy and cleanliness and white garments, for she'd never quite stopped thinking of herself as a dirty little girl with matted hair in rags defiled by an ogre.
But her beloved woodcutter had always seen her as she would be this day, and had loved her from the beginning.
And they lived happily ever after.
~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
~ Revelation 19:7-8 (NKJV)
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True ... And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
~ Revelation 19:11,16 (NKJV)
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: truthinlove.com.au
Many years passed, and the young woman sometimes wondered if dreams of a loving papa and beautiful little girl in a sparkling city might be memories. But she once caught her reflection of dirty face and matted hair in a rain puddle, and saw her tattered rags and thought of her life with the ogre, and knew her dreams could not be real.
One day a woodcutter arrived in the forest. He offered her fresh water and fed her with warm bread and asked if she wished to someday follow him to the city. She feared the plain stranger and refused him, but he returned every day with food and the same offer.
When the ogre next came by, he found her well fed and raged against the woodcutter, warning her that the strange man sought to capture her so he might shame her filth and ugliness if she went to the city. The woodcutter returned the next day, and the ogre screamed that he could not have the girl for she belonged to the forest and to himself.
The woodcutter drew a sword and a key, bargaining his life for hers with the ogre, promising the girl he would one day return and marry her if she chose to be free. The ogre received the sword with a laugh and slew the woodcutter. The girl took the bloody key from the woodcutter’s hand, while the ogre ridiculed her dead hero and any thought of being a bride.
The girl long wept for the woodcutter, until one day she drew the key and unshackled herself. The ogre appeared at once and his taunts prevented her running away from him. But each night thereafter she dreamt of the woodcutter, who stood in clothes of gleaming white and spoke kindly to her and told her of secret treasures He’d hidden for her in the forest.
The girl began to venture farther and farther away from her chains, discovering beautiful garments and perfumes and jewelry and a rushing waterfall in which to bathe. The ogre never went away or ceased to torment her, but he no longer touched her and she came to stop fearing him. In her dreams the woodcutter had become a prince, assuring her that he lived to return for her, and she believed him and dwelt with joy even in the dark forest.
Then one day the living woodcutter become prince was crowned king, and he came for her on a white horse. She did not know that she radiated beauty in her joy and cleanliness and white garments, for she'd never quite stopped thinking of herself as a dirty little girl with matted hair in rags defiled by an ogre.
But her beloved woodcutter had always seen her as she would be this day, and had loved her from the beginning.
And they lived happily ever after.
~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
~ Revelation 19:7-8 (NKJV)
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True ... And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
~ Revelation 19:11,16 (NKJV)
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: truthinlove.com.au
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fragrance of Christ
"Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom ..."
~ John Henry Hopkins Jr,
from the 1857 hymn "We Three Kings"
Breathes a life of gathering gloom ..."
~ John Henry Hopkins Jr,
from the 1857 hymn "We Three Kings"
Fragrance of Christ
"To the messenger of the church in Smyrna, write ..."
~ Revelation 2:8 (ISV)
This church bore the identity "Smyrna," a name meaning "myrrh"—the precious oil called one of "the best fruits of the land" of Israel, and a valuable oil which herbalists employ today. Myrrh was a perfume of royalty (King Solomon and Queen Esther). Myrrh is the base of the holy anointing oil used on the priests and throughout the temple—a unique perfume blend forbidden for any other persons or use.
Myrrh is the scent of God Himself, mentioned in a passage which also speaks to His desire of feminine beauty:
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom...
All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia ...
Listen, O daughter,
Consider and incline your ear;
Forget your own people also, and your father's house;
So the King will greatly desire your beauty ...
Psalms 45:6,8,10-11 (NKJV)
Christ's church is given a feminine identity as His bride. We are the royal priesthood of which Old Testamant priests and kings were forerunners. We are anointed with His fragrance:
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.
~ 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJV)
The fragrance of myrrh is called both "bitter" and "warm, rich, spicy balsamic." I find it quite pleasant, while others do not care for it.
People who use Christianity to attain financial gain, personal esteem, or to manipulate others do not bear the fragrance of Christ, and are rightly considered odious.
But make no mistake. Those Christians who put off the world and work to forget its enticements—who would bear the fragrance of Christ—will also be considered odious to those who don't care for Christ. We may expect to be persecuted for such an aroma.
More on that in Monday's post, which will look at the way Jesus spoke to the church of Smyrna.
Lord Jesus, anoint us freely with Your Spirit. Make Your fragrance of holiness sweet to us. Please allow us to bear it, and any persecution which may come with such a precious scent.
I love hearing from you. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: earthlyaromatherapy.com
Friday, May 28, 2010
For Beauty, if She is Listening
This has been an exceptional week. In over two years of blogging, it is the first week I've posted on three other blogs, but not my own. (Am I blessed to have these kind of opportunities or what?)
Sarah M. Salter might be a little sassy now and then. I've heard her called Sarah Mae more than once. She's a missionary at home and abroad. She's beautiful inside and out. She has a sensitivity and empathy for women who have been deeply hurt, especially by men.
I share that empathy.
Three weeks ago, Sarah gave me a unique privilege by posting a piece from me titled, "For Guys Only." Today, she has hosted my companion piece. Here is how it begins:
: : :
Beautiful woman, you have an enemy in your life, and he’s not any one of the men who have hurt you.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
~ 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Your enemy hates you because God uses you to birth and nurture life—relationally, perhaps physically too.
: : :
You will find the rest of my words at my sweet friend Sarah's blog, Living Between the Lines.
Sarah M. Salter might be a little sassy now and then. I've heard her called Sarah Mae more than once. She's a missionary at home and abroad. She's beautiful inside and out. She has a sensitivity and empathy for women who have been deeply hurt, especially by men.
I share that empathy.
Three weeks ago, Sarah gave me a unique privilege by posting a piece from me titled, "For Guys Only." Today, she has hosted my companion piece. Here is how it begins:
: : :
Beautiful woman, you have an enemy in your life, and he’s not any one of the men who have hurt you.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
~ 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Your enemy hates you because God uses you to birth and nurture life—relationally, perhaps physically too.
: : :
You will find the rest of my words at my sweet friend Sarah's blog, Living Between the Lines.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Anointed and Empowered
"Nearly all men can stand adversity,
but if you want to test a man's character,
give him power."
- Abraham Lincoln
but if you want to test a man's character,
give him power."
- Abraham Lincoln
Anointed and Empowered
Isaiah 61 prophesies of the Messiah and describes the ministry for which His Father anointed and empowered Him.
If you'll read it carefully, I do not think you'll find anything here that does not describe the ministry for which we are also anointed and empowered with the Spirit of the Lord.
Father in Heaven, thank You for the anointing with Your Spirit. Thank You for the power entrusted to us. Please quicken our own spirits and strengthen our souls to understand and to do all You will through us.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image from oneyearbibleblog.com
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Necessity of Beauty
"The greatest truths
are wronged
if not linked with
beauty,
and they win their way
most surely
and deeply
into the soul
when arrayed
in this
their natural and fit attire."
~ William Ellery Channing
The Necessity of Beauty
Jerusalem is built to be a city
where the people are united...
"May there be peace inside your walls
and prosperity in your palaces."
~ Psalms 122:3,7 (GW)
Thus says the Lord GOD to Jerusalem ... "Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendor which I had bestowed on you."
~ Ezekiel 16:3,14 (NKJV)
Do not let your adornment be merely outward ... rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
~ 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)
Oh, Jerusalem! For three millennia, the city named "Headwaters of Peace" has proven to be anything but. Yet she remains God's jewel.
Jerusalem represents the church, Christ's bride. He sees both of them with the eyes of a Lover—adoring beauty despite the imperfections.
The Holy Spirit is the bride's valet, making her lovely for her Bridegroom. He clothes the church with the beauty of holiness—the fruit of love, joy, peace and such—to attract not only our Beloved Lord, but also to attract those people He is calling to be part of the church.
Self-righteousness is neither holy nor beautiful, and appeals to no one but itself.
If we attempt to lure converts with worldly means, the church plays a seductress who cannot sustain a meaningful relationship.
Fear might intimidate a soul to profess allegiance to Christ, but manipulation undermines trust.
Surrender to Jesus is gently compelled by truth clothed in holiness. The necessity of beauty for the church is its pure, accurate and irresistible portrayal of all He means to make of those who are His bride.
And beauty's crown is the unity exemplified by love.
Lord Jesus, how easily distracted and divided we are by worldly veneers. Please forgive us. Please open our eyes to see all You would have us be. Please draw us to the beauty of holiness found in Your Spirit's fruit. Please clothe us with such beauty, and crown us with unity.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved. #churchunity
Photo from images.google.com
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Day Six: Testimony
"The Twelve Days of Christ" series looks at Psalm 119's twelve Hebrew words for God’s Word, and a connection to the church for each one.
"I am not struck so much by the diversity of testimony
as by the many-sidedness of truth."
~ Stanley Baldwin
Day Six: Testimony
'edah: "[act of] testimony"
'eduth; "[object of] testimony, evidence"
from 'ud, verb, "to duplicate or repeat; to bear witness, to obtain authentication"
In a court of law, facts are established by testimony. The truths of our faith are established by the testimony of God’s Word, His Spirit, His people.
Thoughts on Testimony ...
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
~ Psalms 119:2 (NKJV)
When faith wavers in the present, we need a fresh awareness of God’s intent to work for good. If we would seek Him with the whole heart, He can be found by keeping [remembering, studying, meditating upon] in our hearts the testimonies of the past—whether in personal experience or the Bible.
Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
~ Psalms 119:24 (NKJV)
The delight of peace comes not only faith for today but also in hope for tomorrow. They are evidenced by testimony of all God has done.
Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to covetousness.
~ Psalms 119:36 (NKJV)
Testimony of His past actions evidences that the Lord does not work toward what we covet. We do not overcome temptation by trying to push it away, for it will quickly come back into the resulting void. We overcome covetousness by crowding it out with what is of God.
I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
~ Psalms 119:146 (NKJV)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
and they did not love their lives to the death.
~ Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)
To belong to Christ is to recognize the need of salvation, cry out for it, and testify to it. Giving testimony is a requisite of salvation; salvation is to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as living God, and “to confess with the mouth” He is Lord (Romans 10:9). We can only confess what we personally know to be true. Hearsay—what we've heard but not experienced—is inadmissable before either human or divine court.
Do you testify from personal experience: “Jesus Christ is living God and Lord of my life” ?
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy Own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me.
~ Thomas O. Chisholm
#powerofwords
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from corbisimages.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Twelve Days of Christ
"Whoever survives a test, whatever it may be, must tell the story. That is his duty."
~ Elie Wiesel
~ Elie Wiesel
Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
~ Psalms 119:1-2 (NKJV)
Thus begins Psalm 119, which goes on for 176 verses and 22 stanzas (one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet), to extol God's Word.
Except for Fridays, I write here each day on a verse or so from the day's passage of Scripture. For the last few weeks I've puzzled how I'd single just one or two verses from this majestic psalm, just as I wondered how I'd single out just one point today as part of the Blog Carnival hostessed by Bridget Chumbley on "Church."
The Church is a source of great joy in my life, and great sorrow. I'm thrilled to be meeting more people in Christ's body than ever before, with whom I shall spend eternity. I sorrow because I'm connecting with them just enough to know who they are, but there's too few hours in the day to spend the time and share the love I wish to give each one.
*heavy sigh*
My solution for both Psalm 119 and writing on the topic of The Church is called "The Twelve Days of Christ." For twelve days over the next two weeks, until the next carnival, I'm doing a post for each of the twelve Hebrew words for God's Word in Psalm 119, and connecting to each one something different about The Church.
Today's introduction is simply Who, What, and Where The Church is.
WHO
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
~ Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
The Church is all those who belong to Christ, who have received eternal life in His blood, who confess Him as Lord and believe He is God made man, raised alive from the dead.
The Church is all those connected by Christ's blood as brothers and sisters, His family.
The Church is one, regardless of denominational lines, race, or nation.
WHAT
"By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."
~ Matthew 18:16 (NKJV)
The Church is one of three witnesses Christ left behind on His behalf when He returned to Heaven: His Word, His Spirit, His people. Every matter of faith is to be established by two witnesses—three to eliminate any doubt.
The Church is a reliable witness, regardless of human fallibility. The Word, by itself, can be misunderstood. The voice of the Spirit can be difficult to discern. Jesus knew we truly need all three.
WHERE
"You are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:14,16 (NKJV)
Like terrorists who infiltrate our country so they can reach us anywhere, The Church is to be everywhere, infiltrating every part of the world. Unlike the terrorists, we are to be known and visible, our love, light, and life sharply contrasting the hatred, darkness and death of the world.
It is not merely a duty, but a privilege to keep His testimonies.
Father, thank You for making us those who are undefiled, through Your Son's precious blood. You call us to testimony, and give us power to meet it. Please show us how You'd use each of us to testify to who, what and where You are, and fill us with the desire to whole-heartedly seek You so we will do so.
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.
#churchunity
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Image
"It matters less what people think of me
than what they think of Jesus Christ because of me."
~ my adopted motto, original author unknown
than what they think of Jesus Christ because of me."
~ my adopted motto, original author unknown
"You are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)
Image
My friend Bradley Moore publishes the blog "Shrinking the Camel," which regularly examines the integration of faith at work. His post this week ("How Important is Your Image?") included remarks from Michell Corbett on the topic: "Which of these are most important to your career advancement: Performance, Image, or Exposure (P.I.E.)?"
Brad elaborated, and asks his readers, "Does this blatant self-promotion run opposite to the good Christian values of humility, servanthood and putting others before ourselves? Is there a biblical basis for career advancement?"
Because I've got my foot in the door of the publishing industry, this is an issue I've had to grapple with. I'd like to share with you a portion of my response.
"What people think of me matters less [than what they think of Jesus Christ because of me], but it very much matters. In this world, I am the image of Jesus to others. I want to project it with all possible excellence, because exposure of bad image will work against me, and without performance to back it up, image will eventually crumble.
"In thirty years, I’ve run the gamut with image... I now aspire to present an attractive, approachable and modest persona which projects the genuine light of Jesus wherever I’m seen. Even if my plans are to stay home today, I am conscious that I project an image (and example) to my husband and children, whoever comes to the door, and any divine appointment the Lord’s scheduled on that quick trip for groceries.
"I hated the idea of self-promotion online when I encountered the concept. It seemed to run counter to humility. 'I want to promote You, not me!' was my whine to the Lord. He gave me a prayer: Please enable me to build a solid platform which gives prominence to You.
"I sometimes fumble, but this remains my goal."
I have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to http://www.blogger.com/+Ÿ%1Cp. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Confession
"People who are sensible about love are incapable of it."
~ Douglas Yates
~ Douglas Yates
"The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." ... the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
~ Romans 10:8-13 (ESV)
~ Romans 10:8-13 (ESV)
"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
~ Luke 12:8-9 (NKJV)
~ Luke 12:8-9 (NKJV)
Do you see what is here!? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. It is in your mouth, like a Lover's kiss. Then it advances into the heart to make it beat fast. It overwhelms the senses and evokes a sigh. I read Romans 10 and feel drunk with the Word.
To make a confession is to admit what cannot be denied, acknowledging all it entails. Here's my confession.
I know without a doubt that Jesus is risen from the dead and living God. He is my Lord. I whole-heartedly serve Him. I'm utterly in love with Him. I surrender myself to Him. I long for all of Him. I hope to someday die for Him. In the meantime I live for Him. I truthfully confess to all of it.
These words are not spoken by someone buying fire insurance from Hell. This is testimony to new life in the Lord Jesus. With such words I am saved from sin and shame and death. He bestows riches upon me, and before angels confesses the same passionate love for me.
Silly effusive today? GUILTY! Do you see all this yourself yet?
Confession is good for the soul. And my soul feels fine right now.
Word of Life made flesh, I pray that each person who reads these words will see what I see, believe You are alive, confess You as Lord.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dod-iy / My Beloved
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
Dod-iy / My Beloved
(pronounced: "dohd-EE")
Dod-iy / My Beloved
(pronounced: "dohd-EE")
Now let me sing for my Beloved my love song ...
~ Isaiah 5:1 (author)
~ Isaiah 5:1 (author)
His mouth is most sweet,
Yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved,
And this is my friend ...
I am my beloved's,
And my beloved is mine...
I am my beloved's,
And his desire is toward me...
Make haste, my beloved.
~ Song of Solomon 5:16; 6:3; 7:10; 8:14 (NKJV)
Yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved,
And this is my friend ...
I am my beloved's,
And my beloved is mine...
I am my beloved's,
And his desire is toward me...
Make haste, my beloved.
~ Song of Solomon 5:16; 6:3; 7:10; 8:14 (NKJV)
Song of Solomon is in the Hebrew called "Song of Songs." This most beautiful, most sensual, most romantic love song is indeed a song above all others, composed as God's very Word.
The ballad may—nay, must—be read two entirely different ways to be appreciated. (It helps to use a translation such as the NKJV which identifies speakers, based on the gender and quantity of Hebrew pronouns, which are otherwise unclear in the English.)
One first reads this short book as the account of King Solomon and his Shulamite bride, named by him only as "My Love." Scripture's portrayal of consummated romance is the model for wedded lovers of all times. The poem never ventures into the graphic illustrations characteristic of our culture. It instead draws upon evocative imagery which piques the imagination. The kiss with which everything begins is described in the words "Your lips, O my spouse, drip as the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue ..." (4:11)
But such imagery is not what elevates this poetry as the Song above all other songs. Ready to take romance up a notch?
The fuller understanding of Solomon's love song requires a second full read, identifying "My Beloved" as the divine Bridegroom. The king and his bride are an allegory of the King of kings and His blood-purchased bride, the church. Song of Songs is poignant revelation of Christ's all-consuming love for us.
This most excellent romance expresses things such as how we see ourselves ("do not look upon me, because I am dark"), and how our Beloved sees His bride ("Behold, you are fair, my love!") He lingers over every part of her, noting every detail (4:1-15; 7:1-8)—even as the Holy Spirit seeks to touch every part of our lives.
Surprising details include the bride's ability to captivate her Bridegroom with her mere glance ("My sister, My spouse, you have ravished My heart with one look of your eyes"), and even overwhelm Him with her gaze ("Turn away your eyes from Me, for they overwhelm Me"). Her detailed description (5:10-16) of the One she calls "My Beloved" demonstrates a long study which has taken Him in completely. When His bride describes the King to others, they are compelled to seek Him out, that they might look at Him for themselves (6:1).
The entire protrait is not of submission to a Husband's dominion, but of a bride surrendered to her Lover's delight in her and of her delight in Him. I have attempted to say enough to capture your interest, without spoiling Song of Songs for your own read. The best is left to be discovered.
I close with a last observation. The passionate zeal of both human and divine romance is depicted as nothing less than the very "flame of YAH" (8:6)—tomorrow's final name in the series.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Remember the Sabbath
Thus says the LORD:
"Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day ...
nor do any work,
but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers."
~ Jeremiah 17:21-22 (NKJV)
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work ... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart]."
~ Exodus 20:8-11 (NKJV)
They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.
~ Revelation 20:6-7 (NKJV)
As with other biblical feast days, the Sabbath is both a memorial of what has happened and a remembrance of what is yet to come. The fact that it is included in the Ten Commandments rather than among the other 612 Old Testament laws sets apart this feast day as significant.
It’s been said that the Sabbath serves as a reminder and example of even God resting after work. I can testify to the fact that when I refrain from extra activities one day a week, I’m more effective on the other six.
The Sabbath is also an especially important sign of hope to us and to the world: God has promised a millennium of rest, when Jesus Christ reigns as earth’s King. Many scholars and Bible students (myself included) look for it at the end of the sixth millennium since creation—a millennium now closing.
In the face of unprecedented trouble and global unrest, each Sabbath serves as a sign of hope for the great rest soon to come.
Father in Heaven, You alone know the day and hour of Your Son’s return. Yet you have prepared us to recognize its time and season, and we acknowledge its imminence. Please use everything in our lives, including observance of the Sabbath, to make us ready for our Lord and Bridegroom. Maranatha Adonai Yeshua! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
"Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day ...
nor do any work,
but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers."
~ Jeremiah 17:21-22 (NKJV)
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work ... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart]."
~ Exodus 20:8-11 (NKJV)
They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.
~ Revelation 20:6-7 (NKJV)
As with other biblical feast days, the Sabbath is both a memorial of what has happened and a remembrance of what is yet to come. The fact that it is included in the Ten Commandments rather than among the other 612 Old Testament laws sets apart this feast day as significant.
It’s been said that the Sabbath serves as a reminder and example of even God resting after work. I can testify to the fact that when I refrain from extra activities one day a week, I’m more effective on the other six.
The Sabbath is also an especially important sign of hope to us and to the world: God has promised a millennium of rest, when Jesus Christ reigns as earth’s King. Many scholars and Bible students (myself included) look for it at the end of the sixth millennium since creation—a millennium now closing.
In the face of unprecedented trouble and global unrest, each Sabbath serves as a sign of hope for the great rest soon to come.
Father in Heaven, You alone know the day and hour of Your Son’s return. Yet you have prepared us to recognize its time and season, and we acknowledge its imminence. Please use everything in our lives, including observance of the Sabbath, to make us ready for our Lord and Bridegroom. Maranatha Adonai Yeshua! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Kingdom of God
"When you pray, say: '... Your kingdom come.' "
~ Luke 11:2 (NKJV)
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, [Jesus] answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation ... For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)
"But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 'The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.' "
~ Luke 10:10-11 (NKJV)
"I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."
~ Matthew 26:29 (NKJV)
Your Kingdom Come
I ask the kingdom to come inside me in ever greater measure as I'm emptied of Self and continually filled with God's Spirit. I ask the kingdom to come, through me, to the people in every place I go. With yearning for commUnion with Jesus in the kingdom of God yet to come, I plead, "Maranatha! Come quickly Lord Jesus, and come soon!"
I ask the Lord to make the kingdom of God manifest now by uniting His subjects to prevail over the enemy; by moving us to yield to His Spirit and prevail over flesh; by conforming us to His Word to prevail against being conformed to the world.
I ask the Lord what clothing of righteousness He likes to see on His bride, and how I might inspire others in the body of believers to put it on so His own yearning becomes too great to stay away.
King of kings, Lord of lords, Beloved Bridegroom: Your kingdom come.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 11:2 (NKJV)
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, [Jesus] answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation ... For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)
"But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 'The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.' "
~ Luke 10:10-11 (NKJV)
"I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."
~ Matthew 26:29 (NKJV)
Your Kingdom Come
I ask the kingdom to come inside me in ever greater measure as I'm emptied of Self and continually filled with God's Spirit. I ask the kingdom to come, through me, to the people in every place I go. With yearning for commUnion with Jesus in the kingdom of God yet to come, I plead, "Maranatha! Come quickly Lord Jesus, and come soon!"
I ask the Lord to make the kingdom of God manifest now by uniting His subjects to prevail over the enemy; by moving us to yield to His Spirit and prevail over flesh; by conforming us to His Word to prevail against being conformed to the world.
I ask the Lord what clothing of righteousness He likes to see on His bride, and how I might inspire others in the body of believers to put it on so His own yearning becomes too great to stay away.
King of kings, Lord of lords, Beloved Bridegroom: Your kingdom come.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Heaven on Earth
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!
For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
The LORD has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations...
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises...
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands;
Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD.
~ Psalm 98 (NKJV)
"Dance like nobody's watching,
love like you've never been hurt,
sing like nobody's listening,
live like it's Heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
Rejoice always.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NKJV)
The praise party that heaven will be occurs every Sunday morning at my church. Orchestra and choir are led to start the celebration with worhip in spirit and truth, God's Word is spoken faithfully, love among the saints is shared and expressed. It's a taste of heaven on earth I look forward to all week.
Psalm 98 says YHWH has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness (past tense). Jesus said the kingdom isn't something to wait for, but something that exists within us already.
Though we wait for the day Jesus will reign visibly on earth, the kingdom He has established in our hearts is also to be perceivable—manifest in the fruit of the Spirit, and visible to the nations because we rejoice always.
Sunday morning is just the practice session for eternity and a warm-up for the other six days.
Father in Heaven, the Majesty on High and Ancient of Days, we fall before Your throne to worship in spirit and truth. Jesus, our King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Beloved Bridegroom, we praise You and say, "Come quickly!" Spirit who is our Counselor, Comforter and Keeper, fill us with the light which reveals heaven on earth.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
The LORD has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations...
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises...
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands;
Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD.
~ Psalm 98 (NKJV)
"Dance like nobody's watching,
love like you've never been hurt,
sing like nobody's listening,
live like it's Heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
~ Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
Rejoice always.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NKJV)
The praise party that heaven will be occurs every Sunday morning at my church. Orchestra and choir are led to start the celebration with worhip in spirit and truth, God's Word is spoken faithfully, love among the saints is shared and expressed. It's a taste of heaven on earth I look forward to all week.
Psalm 98 says YHWH has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness (past tense). Jesus said the kingdom isn't something to wait for, but something that exists within us already.
Though we wait for the day Jesus will reign visibly on earth, the kingdom He has established in our hearts is also to be perceivable—manifest in the fruit of the Spirit, and visible to the nations because we rejoice always.
Sunday morning is just the practice session for eternity and a warm-up for the other six days.
Father in Heaven, the Majesty on High and Ancient of Days, we fall before Your throne to worship in spirit and truth. Jesus, our King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Beloved Bridegroom, we praise You and say, "Come quickly!" Spirit who is our Counselor, Comforter and Keeper, fill us with the light which reveals heaven on earth.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
We Are His Witnesses
"And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
~ Acts 5:32 (NKJV)
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
~ Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Christians increasingly speak of Jesus' return, anxious for Him to right the world. The fact is, He's supposed to be here already. We are His body—His eyes to see, ears to listen, mouth to speak, hands to touch, heart to love, Spirit to empower. His presence is to be evident now.
Do you or I struggle with anger? With pride? Lust, bitterness, scorn? Or even plain annoyance? For those in whom Jesus' Spirit lives, the question is not so much what would Jesus do, but what is He doing? Is He given freedom to love through us, or does our flesh get in His way?
Whatever wrong thoughts and feelings we struggle with toward someone else, victory may be found in a simple prayer: "Lord, let me see this person through Your eyes, and let Your Spirit lead my response to him (her)."
For better or for worse, we are His witnesses.
Lord, thank You for putting Your Spirit within people cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Please help us yield to Your Spirit, and allow Him to guide our every thought, feeling, word and action. Please bring Your church to function as a whole and healthy body, built up in Your love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 5:32 (NKJV)
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
~ Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Christians increasingly speak of Jesus' return, anxious for Him to right the world. The fact is, He's supposed to be here already. We are His body—His eyes to see, ears to listen, mouth to speak, hands to touch, heart to love, Spirit to empower. His presence is to be evident now.
Do you or I struggle with anger? With pride? Lust, bitterness, scorn? Or even plain annoyance? For those in whom Jesus' Spirit lives, the question is not so much what would Jesus do, but what is He doing? Is He given freedom to love through us, or does our flesh get in His way?
Whatever wrong thoughts and feelings we struggle with toward someone else, victory may be found in a simple prayer: "Lord, let me see this person through Your eyes, and let Your Spirit lead my response to him (her)."
For better or for worse, we are His witnesses.
Lord, thank You for putting Your Spirit within people cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Please help us yield to Your Spirit, and allow Him to guide our every thought, feeling, word and action. Please bring Your church to function as a whole and healthy body, built up in Your love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Oh, that You would rend the heavens!
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence ...
For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
~ Isaiah 64:1,4 (NKJV)
If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! [Maranatha!] ~ 1 Corinthians 16:22 (NKJV)
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" ... He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
~ Revelation 22:17,20 (NKJV)
Isaiah's words are over 2700 years old. All over the world, the Spirit of God is breathing new life into them. The Lord Jesus' return to earth draws near with mounting and tangible anticipation. When in all of history have songs of praise extolled Him with words of such unbridled desire?
The day of the Lord's return is not known. It may be many years away. But the fervor with which God's people look for His return is building. Even among Jews, expectancy mounts for the arrival of Messiah. It can be nothing less than God's Spirit putting in our hearts what is in Himself.
If we sing songs of desire and bid Him come, then let us make ready. Let His Word be continually before our eyes and in our hearts. Let our lives be externally purged of whatever repels Him. Let our souls be cleansed of all not holy.
Let the Bridegroom find a pure and radiant bride ready for Him.
Lord Jesus, can You feel our longing for You? Surely it is less than Your own for us. There are days when we seek little more than escape from this world's darkness. Please purify us with Your Light that we would instead make You manifest amid the darkness.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence ...
For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
~ Isaiah 64:1,4 (NKJV)
If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! [Maranatha!] ~ 1 Corinthians 16:22 (NKJV)
And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" ... He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
~ Revelation 22:17,20 (NKJV)
Isaiah's words are over 2700 years old. All over the world, the Spirit of God is breathing new life into them. The Lord Jesus' return to earth draws near with mounting and tangible anticipation. When in all of history have songs of praise extolled Him with words of such unbridled desire?
The day of the Lord's return is not known. It may be many years away. But the fervor with which God's people look for His return is building. Even among Jews, expectancy mounts for the arrival of Messiah. It can be nothing less than God's Spirit putting in our hearts what is in Himself.
If we sing songs of desire and bid Him come, then let us make ready. Let His Word be continually before our eyes and in our hearts. Let our lives be externally purged of whatever repels Him. Let our souls be cleansed of all not holy.
Let the Bridegroom find a pure and radiant bride ready for Him.
Lord Jesus, can You feel our longing for You? Surely it is less than Your own for us. There are days when we seek little more than escape from this world's darkness. Please purify us with Your Light that we would instead make You manifest amid the darkness.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Bitter and the Sweet
And He said to them, This is My blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I say to you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. (Mark 14:24-25 MKJV)
So says your Lord Jehovah and your God,
He strives for His people.
Behold, I have taken the cup of reeling out of your hand,
the bowl of the cup of My fury;
you shall not yet again drink it.
(Isaiah 51:22 LITV)
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
(2 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV)
In ancient Israel, a man and woman drank one cup of wine to seal their betrothal covenant, and another at their wedding. Wine symbolized covenant, prosperity, and joy—but also sorrow, and the reeling of wrath. The drink of the fermented blood of the grape was both bitter and sweet.
In our modern celebration of communion, most of us use juice rather than wine, consuming only the sweetness of the grape and exempting ourselves from any bite. Little wonder that we expect only sweetness in the Christian life, rather than to share Jesus' cup of suffering.
We look forward to sharing the Bridegroom's cup in the kingdom of God, when it is new and sweet, the best wine saved until the last, when it shall have no bite, but contain only joy. In the meantime, each commUnion cup is a reminder of both the bitter and the sweet.
Lord Jesus, what a high bride price You paid to betroth us to Yourself, Your life poured out in very human blood. Thank You for sharing Your life with us. Please give us grace and strength to share Your suffering. Please unite our hearts to Yours and to one another in true communion.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
So says your Lord Jehovah and your God,
He strives for His people.
Behold, I have taken the cup of reeling out of your hand,
the bowl of the cup of My fury;
you shall not yet again drink it.
(Isaiah 51:22 LITV)
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
(2 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV)
In ancient Israel, a man and woman drank one cup of wine to seal their betrothal covenant, and another at their wedding. Wine symbolized covenant, prosperity, and joy—but also sorrow, and the reeling of wrath. The drink of the fermented blood of the grape was both bitter and sweet.
In our modern celebration of communion, most of us use juice rather than wine, consuming only the sweetness of the grape and exempting ourselves from any bite. Little wonder that we expect only sweetness in the Christian life, rather than to share Jesus' cup of suffering.
We look forward to sharing the Bridegroom's cup in the kingdom of God, when it is new and sweet, the best wine saved until the last, when it shall have no bite, but contain only joy. In the meantime, each commUnion cup is a reminder of both the bitter and the sweet.
Lord Jesus, what a high bride price You paid to betroth us to Yourself, Your life poured out in very human blood. Thank You for sharing Your life with us. Please give us grace and strength to share Your suffering. Please unite our hearts to Yours and to one another in true communion.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
To Die is Gain
And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mark 5:18-19 NKJV)
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)
Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints.
(Psalms 116:15 NKJV)
The man healed of his demons desired to remain with Jesus, who had set him free. Paul likewise earnestly desired to depart and be with Christ. Both remained behind as messengers of the Gospel, willingly, for Paul said to live is Christ. He counted his existence as no more and no less than the manifestation of the Lord Jesus.
This man beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, who labored "in weariness and toil," with sleeplessness, hunger and thirst, had good reason to desire death. He knew to die is gain—the receiving of his reward, and the commendation, "well done, good and faithful servant." Yet his great love for others commissioned him to a life of suffering which he did not resist.
In heaven, we will know the glorious presence of Christ. On earth, we have the privilege to be the presence of Christ. It is a worthy reason to wait patiently for the day we look upon Him.
Lord Jesus, how heaven can beckon when You draw us close! One of these days, surrounded by Your glory, when we finally see the hands which took our nails, and touch the face of You who made us, what will our hearts feel? Give us strong hearts, to make Your presence known until that day.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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)
Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints.
(Psalms 116:15 NKJV)
The man healed of his demons desired to remain with Jesus, who had set him free. Paul likewise earnestly desired to depart and be with Christ. Both remained behind as messengers of the Gospel, willingly, for Paul said to live is Christ. He counted his existence as no more and no less than the manifestation of the Lord Jesus.
This man beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, who labored "in weariness and toil," with sleeplessness, hunger and thirst, had good reason to desire death. He knew to die is gain—the receiving of his reward, and the commendation, "well done, good and faithful servant." Yet his great love for others commissioned him to a life of suffering which he did not resist.
In heaven, we will know the glorious presence of Christ. On earth, we have the privilege to be the presence of Christ. It is a worthy reason to wait patiently for the day we look upon Him.
Lord Jesus, how heaven can beckon when You draw us close! One of these days, surrounded by Your glory, when we finally see the hands which took our nails, and touch the face of You who made us, what will our hearts feel? Give us strong hearts, to make Your presence known until that day.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Hallowed Be Your Name
God be merciful to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us...
That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
God shall bless us,
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
(Psalms 67:1-2,7 NKJV)
"I do not [act] for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations ... and the nations shall know that I am the LORD," says the Lord GOD, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes."
(Ezekiel 36:22-23 NKJV)
Jesus said to them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified... Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!"
(John 12:23,28 ISV)
The Lord is my Shepherd, who restores my soul and gives peace. He also leads in paths of righteousness, for His name's sake. When His people forget to hallow His name by which they are called, and give others an excuse to speak against Him, we provoke His anger.
God is merciful to us and blesses us and causes His face to shine upon us because of His great love for us. But He is also motivated by faithfulness to His name and character. He desires to make Himself known among the nations. If we show Him to be less than He is by our behavior, and misrepresent Him, we provoke Him to counter our actions, for His name's sake.
If we claim to be Christians, then whatever we do in word or deed, good or bad, is done in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Jesus teaches us to pray, the first priority of business is, "Hallowed be Your name."
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name by us. Please put in us the fear of Your name which turns us from sin. Please empower us to worship Your name in spirit and truth as pleases You. Please cause us to so greatly love Your name that we readily surrender ourselves to You and receive Your fullest blessing.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And cause His face to shine upon us...
That Your way may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
God shall bless us,
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
(Psalms 67:1-2,7 NKJV)
"I do not [act] for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations ... and the nations shall know that I am the LORD," says the Lord GOD, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes."
(Ezekiel 36:22-23 NKJV)
Jesus said to them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified... Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!"
(John 12:23,28 ISV)
The Lord is my Shepherd, who restores my soul and gives peace. He also leads in paths of righteousness, for His name's sake. When His people forget to hallow His name by which they are called, and give others an excuse to speak against Him, we provoke His anger.
God is merciful to us and blesses us and causes His face to shine upon us because of His great love for us. But He is also motivated by faithfulness to His name and character. He desires to make Himself known among the nations. If we show Him to be less than He is by our behavior, and misrepresent Him, we provoke Him to counter our actions, for His name's sake.
If we claim to be Christians, then whatever we do in word or deed, good or bad, is done in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Jesus teaches us to pray, the first priority of business is, "Hallowed be Your name."
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name by us. Please put in us the fear of Your name which turns us from sin. Please empower us to worship Your name in spirit and truth as pleases You. Please cause us to so greatly love Your name that we readily surrender ourselves to You and receive Your fullest blessing.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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