And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread."
~ Numbers 21:5 (NKJV)
Aye yi yi can you believe those Israelites? How on earth could they "loathe" (detest, be disgusted with, be weary of) the manna called "grain of heaven … bread of angels"? How many times would their congregation turn a blind eye to God's goodness and grace and give in to complaining without hearing His not-so-subtle "You're provoking Me"?
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
~ Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
Quick question: What bugs you most about your church congregation? Or, if you don't have one, then ask what single most aggravating factor about your last congregation, or the church at large, has provoked you to the point that you don't belong to a church?
Consider that the congregation of Israelites missed out on a tremendous number of blessings because of their complaining. We will likewise become blind to blessings if we allow those in our own congregation to provoke us to the point of unfruitful complaining.
If we find a situation truly grievous, then perhaps God is "provoking" us to get involved in His constructive approach to its resolution, lest we become as much of a provoker as a provokee—unless, King James style, we provoke others "unto love."
Lord, You are only good. Please forgive our complaining. I ask for every person who reads these words, as we seek Your face, that You'd open our eyes today to at least one blessing we've been missing and cause us to thank You for it.
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Complaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Complaining. Show all posts
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Obligation to be Happy
"Folks are about as happy as they make up a mind to be."~ Abraham Lincoln
Obligation to be Happy
Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
~ 1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)
As part of an ebook project he is compiling, I’ve been asked by Marshall Jones (bondChristian.com) to answer this question:
"In 150 words, what’s your best practical suggestion for serving others?"
My answer:
Dennis Prager says, "Not only do we have a right to be happy, we have an obligation to be happy. Our happiness has an effect on the lives of everyone around us—it provides them with a positive environment in which to thrive and to be happy themselves."Emotional trauma will occur and bring times of mourning. This is not about that.
This is about daily choices to adopt a perspective of either curse or challenge, disturbance or opportunity, season of loss or season of change. Because our lives are bound up in the lives of those around us—because our perspective shapes our attitude—we serve others and glorify God by purposefully seeing life through rose-colored spectacles to clearly make out the Lord’s blessings and pass them along.
Such perspective is possible for those covered with the blood of Jesus, who look through that veil of red and live as citizens of Heaven.
Lord, our lives are filled with pain. This world is awash with suffering. You are yet good. You bless at every turn. Your love shall not fail. Please enable us to see You as greater and mightier and more enduring then whatever might make us falter at contentment in You.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#perspective
image source: history1800s.about.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Bread of Heaven
"I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received."
~ Antonio Porchia
Bread of Heaven
#powerofwords
Then they journeyed ... and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "... There is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread." So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people ...
~ Numbers 21:4-6 (NKJV)
Yet [the Lord] had commanded the clouds above,
And opened the doors of heaven,
Had rained down manna on them to eat,
And given them of the bread of heaven.
Men ate angels’ food;
He sent them food to the full.~ Psalm 78:23-25 (NKJV)
"My Father gives you the true bread from heaven... I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
~ John 6:32-36 (NKJV)
The Lord gave His children the bread of Heaven—the food of angels. They called it worthless and complained that the Lord gave them "no food." How could they speak such words?
It began when "the soul of the people became discouraged." Discouragement led them along until they "spoke against God."
The Lord is defined by His compassion. Consider some passages which describe His response when we cry out to Him rather than speak against Him:
Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, When He heard their cry. (Psalms 106:44 NKJV)
And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel. (Judges 10:16 NKJV)
In all their affliction He was afflicted. (Isaiah 63:9 NKJV)
Look! We have a God Who suffers with His people.
The Lord gives followers of Christ bread far better than the food of angels, for our bread of Heaven is Jesus.
When we complain against God, are we not accusing Him of failing to feed us? Are we not calling bread of Heaven insufficient? When we instead cry out, does He not fill us?
Mark the difference between complaining and crying out. The former accuses, the latter appeals.
Lord of Heaven and Earth, You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. You supply all our need according to Your riches, not Your leftovers. When we are in distress, please open our eyes to Your goodness and loose our tongues to cry out for it.
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 motion picture The Passion of the Christ, © 2004 Twentieth Century Fox
Saturday, October 3, 2009
All His Good
"If you don’t get everything you want,
think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want."
~ Oscar Wilde
think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want."
~ Oscar Wilde
All His Good
"Blessed be the LORD,
who has given rest to His people ...
There has not failed one word of all His good promise."
~ 1 Kings 8:56 (NKJV)
A key to happiness is the perception of circumstances one chooses. If one insists upon seeing what is missing from life, then let one see all that one has not suffered—and then give God thanks for all His good.
Logically, if one fills a cup, one does not fill it 'half-empty.' And one half-empties a cup by enjoying it.
Lord, thank You for all You have given, and all You have withheld.
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.
"Blessed be the LORD,
who has given rest to His people ...
There has not failed one word of all His good promise."
~ 1 Kings 8:56 (NKJV)
A key to happiness is the perception of circumstances one chooses. If one insists upon seeing what is missing from life, then let one see all that one has not suffered—and then give God thanks for all His good.
Logically, if one fills a cup, one does not fill it 'half-empty.' And one half-empties a cup by enjoying it.
Lord, thank You for all You have given, and all You have withheld.
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.
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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday Freelance: FAVOR
Why me?
My memories of my youth are of being pretty unhappy with life. Mostly because as I looked at people around me, it seemed everyone else had it ... better.
I was a geeky kid growing up. The other kids were all taller, prettier, more popular. More normal. They had more cool stuff than I did, nicer clothes, less weird parents. The teachers liked them more. I was the oldest in a large family and had more chores than anyone else I knew. I spent many hours lamenting my sad state in life and my lack of friends.
Little improved as a teen, when the other girls had boyfriends and I did not, because I still wasn't popular among my peers. So I decided to skip the teen years and move on to being an adult, hanging around people ten years older than me who accepted me—for their own various reasons. I'd learned to work hard, so employers liked me as an employee. I was smart enough to excel at nearly anything I put my mind to and afraid of almost nothing, so I could always be counted on to add something to anyone's venture. I accompanied my friends to the bar after work where I could put down shots without wincing (I learned to drink on Bushmills whiskey) and knew to quit before acting like a fool, so I fit in there. I learned how to get a boyfriend. Things seemed to be looking up.
After working quite successfully through a couple of jobs in the legal field, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Did I say pursue? I became consumed. I studied Criminal Justice in college and volunteered at the police department. I always hated running but took up jogging and was on Nautilus equipment nearly daily. I learned to fit in with the cops professionally and socially. I eventually scored number four out of some 1500 applicants with the Denver Police, but declined their job offer in favor of the smaller department where I scored number one.
I found no peace in any of it. Fun? Absolutely. But emotional security remained as elusive as when I was a geeky kid. I never stopped feeling lonely. My teen sisters started families, and their facade of relational stability and love looked so ... better.
I believed in God. I talked to Him once in a while. But I only remember a single two word prayer.
Why me?
Why did everyone else seem happy but me? Why did I succeed and still feel like a complete failure? Why didn't any man really love me? Why did I feel so lonely surrounded by so many "friends"?
Being lonely and alone or being lonely in a crowd are bad enough. Being lonely with one other person is more than a soul can bear.
I was a geeky kid growing up. The other kids were all taller, prettier, more popular. More normal. They had more cool stuff than I did, nicer clothes, less weird parents. The teachers liked them more. I was the oldest in a large family and had more chores than anyone else I knew. I spent many hours lamenting my sad state in life and my lack of friends.
Little improved as a teen, when the other girls had boyfriends and I did not, because I still wasn't popular among my peers. So I decided to skip the teen years and move on to being an adult, hanging around people ten years older than me who accepted me—for their own various reasons. I'd learned to work hard, so employers liked me as an employee. I was smart enough to excel at nearly anything I put my mind to and afraid of almost nothing, so I could always be counted on to add something to anyone's venture. I accompanied my friends to the bar after work where I could put down shots without wincing (I learned to drink on Bushmills whiskey) and knew to quit before acting like a fool, so I fit in there. I learned how to get a boyfriend. Things seemed to be looking up.
After working quite successfully through a couple of jobs in the legal field, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Did I say pursue? I became consumed. I studied Criminal Justice in college and volunteered at the police department. I always hated running but took up jogging and was on Nautilus equipment nearly daily. I learned to fit in with the cops professionally and socially. I eventually scored number four out of some 1500 applicants with the Denver Police, but declined their job offer in favor of the smaller department where I scored number one.
I found no peace in any of it. Fun? Absolutely. But emotional security remained as elusive as when I was a geeky kid. I never stopped feeling lonely. My teen sisters started families, and their facade of relational stability and love looked so ... better.
I believed in God. I talked to Him once in a while. But I only remember a single two word prayer.
Why me?
Why did everyone else seem happy but me? Why did I succeed and still feel like a complete failure? Why didn't any man really love me? Why did I feel so lonely surrounded by so many "friends"?
Being lonely and alone or being lonely in a crowd are bad enough. Being lonely with one other person is more than a soul can bear.
Optimist: Someone who gets a load of manure dumped
in front of them and immediately begins digging through it
to find the gift horse which was surely included.
Jesus Christ got a firm grip on me one day and I latched onto Him right back. He gave me truth and brought me peace. He made me know His love. He gave me an Extreme Makeover, Soul Edition, from the inside out.
He completely changed my perspective of circumstances. I began to see incredible blessing from Him everywhere, even when things don't go right. I learned how to depend upon Him when I feel weak. I came to know that however I struggle, He is right there with me.
My life has few easy days. I have plenty I could whine about if I chose to do so (and occasionally I do). But I see complaining as the opposite of thanksgiving, and God is far too good to me to allow for diluting blessing with whining.
I am astounded by the favor God shows me. How is it that my life should be so good?
When I think about His favor, a two word prayer frequently escapes:
Why me?
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, April 21, 2009
Thanksgiving
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing...
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
~ Psalm 100 (NKJV)
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Thoughts on thanksgiving (or if you prefer, on giving thanks).
If we come before God's presence with singing, thanksgiving and praise, we're in a better position to talk to Him about all the other stuff we want, and are less likely to think we need it.
Expressing complaints cancels thanks.
Expressing thanks cancels complaints.
Christians have a custom of blessing food to give thanks. Jews have a custom of blessing the God who provides it to give thanks. [Thank you, Randy Ingermanson, for pointing this out in your book Double Vision.]
If people are truly grateful their gratitude should have a recipient (or Recipient).
Every November some people will say Thanksgiving should be every day, then forget to thank God more than a few times before the next November.
If we're able to receive everything (Paul's word above, not mine) that enters our lives, we'll more readily see God's will to use it for good.
If God denied us every other blessing, the gift of eternal life at the cost of His Son's blood is sufficient for our constant gratitude.
Father in heaven, Your goodness to us far exceeds our mortal ability to comprehend it. Please move us to thank You in everything. Please remind us to continually bless Your name as You continually bless us.
"Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! ...
Streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise."
~ Robert Robinson,
from the traditional hymn Come Thou Fount [of Every Blessing]
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing...
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
~ Psalm 100 (NKJV)
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Thoughts on thanksgiving (or if you prefer, on giving thanks).
If we come before God's presence with singing, thanksgiving and praise, we're in a better position to talk to Him about all the other stuff we want, and are less likely to think we need it.
Expressing complaints cancels thanks.
Expressing thanks cancels complaints.
Christians have a custom of blessing food to give thanks. Jews have a custom of blessing the God who provides it to give thanks. [Thank you, Randy Ingermanson, for pointing this out in your book Double Vision.]
If people are truly grateful their gratitude should have a recipient (or Recipient).
Every November some people will say Thanksgiving should be every day, then forget to thank God more than a few times before the next November.
If we're able to receive everything (Paul's word above, not mine) that enters our lives, we'll more readily see God's will to use it for good.
If God denied us every other blessing, the gift of eternal life at the cost of His Son's blood is sufficient for our constant gratitude.
Father in heaven, Your goodness to us far exceeds our mortal ability to comprehend it. Please move us to thank You in everything. Please remind us to continually bless Your name as You continually bless us.
"Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! ...
Streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise."
~ Robert Robinson,
from the traditional hymn Come Thou Fount [of Every Blessing]
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Reign Over Us
"I am the LORD who sanctifies you, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD."
~ Leviticus 22:33 (NKJV)
"But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.' "
~ Luke 19:14 (NKJV)
"O My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me."
~ Micah 6:3 (NKJV)
Do you know anyone impossible to please? A person with a critical eye who immediately finds fault any person or situation, even if remaining silent? In the midst of God's blessings, do we find fault (complain) about what we perceive lacking?
Jesus never said we would be without trial and tribulation, only that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is always with us, carrying us, sustaining us. Sin has brought evil to us, but our God has brought us only good. Shall we testify against Him that He has wearied us?
The Lord brought out of the bondage of sin through the blood of His Son to be our God. May we say always, "Blessed are You, Oh Lord our God. Reign over us!"
Father in heaven, please forgive us for all our whining and complaining and fault finding. Please teach us to use suffering as an opportunity to be carried by You more fully, not to complain. In the midst of blessings, please remind us that You are our God and reign over us with love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Leviticus 22:33 (NKJV)
"But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.' "
~ Luke 19:14 (NKJV)
"O My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me."
~ Micah 6:3 (NKJV)
Do you know anyone impossible to please? A person with a critical eye who immediately finds fault any person or situation, even if remaining silent? In the midst of God's blessings, do we find fault (complain) about what we perceive lacking?
Jesus never said we would be without trial and tribulation, only that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is always with us, carrying us, sustaining us. Sin has brought evil to us, but our God has brought us only good. Shall we testify against Him that He has wearied us?
The Lord brought out of the bondage of sin through the blood of His Son to be our God. May we say always, "Blessed are You, Oh Lord our God. Reign over us!"
Father in heaven, please forgive us for all our whining and complaining and fault finding. Please teach us to use suffering as an opportunity to be carried by You more fully, not to complain. In the midst of blessings, please remind us that You are our God and reign over us with love.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
No Whining
The magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into ... the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
~ Acts 16:22-25 (NKJV)
"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
~ Job 1:21 (NKJV)
Our loudest testimony is not on Sunday morning when we praise the Lord, surrounded by smiling Christians. Our loudest testimony is how we behave under pressure, surrounded by people and circumstances which beat us up.
For Paul and Silas, the inner prison didn't have the first century equivalent of cable TV and three square (or now, pyramid) meals. Feet in "stocks" isn't a typo for "socks," provided for a dank dungeon. "Stripes" describes bleeding welts ripe for infection, not a style of prison garb.
The response of Paul and Silas? No whining, just praying and songs of praise. And the other prisoners were listening.
Is our testimony under far less trying circumstances "no whining"? Do we respond to pain with groans or praise? Do we bless the Lord as loudly when He has taken away as when He gave?
The world's other prisoners are watching and listening to us.
Blessed Lord, You are only good and work only good in the lives of those who love You. Please increase our faith to see Your goodness and sustenance in every circumstance. To those going through difficult times right now—financially, physically, or emotionally—please grant confidence in Your purposes and plans.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 16:22-25 (NKJV)
"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
~ Job 1:21 (NKJV)
Our loudest testimony is not on Sunday morning when we praise the Lord, surrounded by smiling Christians. Our loudest testimony is how we behave under pressure, surrounded by people and circumstances which beat us up.
For Paul and Silas, the inner prison didn't have the first century equivalent of cable TV and three square (or now, pyramid) meals. Feet in "stocks" isn't a typo for "socks," provided for a dank dungeon. "Stripes" describes bleeding welts ripe for infection, not a style of prison garb.
The response of Paul and Silas? No whining, just praying and songs of praise. And the other prisoners were listening.
Is our testimony under far less trying circumstances "no whining"? Do we respond to pain with groans or praise? Do we bless the Lord as loudly when He has taken away as when He gave?
The world's other prisoners are watching and listening to us.
Blessed Lord, You are only good and work only good in the lives of those who love You. Please increase our faith to see Your goodness and sustenance in every circumstance. To those going through difficult times right now—financially, physically, or emotionally—please grant confidence in Your purposes and plans.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Justice
Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
or his ear dull, that it cannot hear ...
Justice is turned back ...
truth has stumbled in the public squares ...
he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.
Isaiah 59:1,14-15 (ESV)
But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! ... Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? ~ 1 Corinthians 6:6-7 (NKJV)
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:18-19 (NKJV)
Should the innocent make himself prey for the wicked? Should Christians always turn the other cheek? When and how may we seek justice?
Paul clearly frowns on Christians taking one another to court, seeing it preferable to be cheated. He teaches us to live peaceably with "all men"—which includes the unpleasant, the unreasonable, and the unrepentant.
Jesus established well-defined steps in Matthew 18:15-17 for Christians to deal with sin among themselves. Those who call themselves believers but are unwilling to be accountable to the church may be treated as unbelievers.
When accountability is rightfully requested at court, we are to have absence of malice, and seek not vengeance but only the justice pleasing to God. And regardless of what happens inside or outside any human court, the Lord's hand is not shortened. He is the final Arbiter of justice, in this world and the next.
Judge of all the earth, You will surely do what is right and execute perfect justice and perfect mercy for each of us. Thank You that the blood of Jesus Christ has paid the just penalty for my sin. Please give us love of justice and mercy. Please enable us to live peaceable lives.
"When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." ~ Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV)
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
or his ear dull, that it cannot hear ...
Justice is turned back ...
truth has stumbled in the public squares ...
he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.
The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.
Isaiah 59:1,14-15 (ESV)
But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! ... Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? ~ 1 Corinthians 6:6-7 (NKJV)
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:18-19 (NKJV)
Should the innocent make himself prey for the wicked? Should Christians always turn the other cheek? When and how may we seek justice?
Paul clearly frowns on Christians taking one another to court, seeing it preferable to be cheated. He teaches us to live peaceably with "all men"—which includes the unpleasant, the unreasonable, and the unrepentant.
Jesus established well-defined steps in Matthew 18:15-17 for Christians to deal with sin among themselves. Those who call themselves believers but are unwilling to be accountable to the church may be treated as unbelievers.
When accountability is rightfully requested at court, we are to have absence of malice, and seek not vengeance but only the justice pleasing to God. And regardless of what happens inside or outside any human court, the Lord's hand is not shortened. He is the final Arbiter of justice, in this world and the next.
Judge of all the earth, You will surely do what is right and execute perfect justice and perfect mercy for each of us. Thank You that the blood of Jesus Christ has paid the just penalty for my sin. Please give us love of justice and mercy. Please enable us to live peaceable lives.
"When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." ~ Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV)
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, January 4, 2009
To Whom Shall We Go?
For the LORD is our Judge,
The LORD is our Lawgiver,
The LORD is our King;
He will save us.
Isaiah 33:22 (NKJV)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalms 73:25-26 (NKJV)
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." ~ John 6:66-69 (NKJV)
In the United States a system of "checks and balances" exists in the judicial, legislative, and administrative branches of government. The nation relies upon thousands of individuals at local, state and federal levels oversee the three functions which all find fulfillment in the Lord our God as Judge, Lawgiver and King.
To whom shall we go but God for all we need? It's often said if we have Jesus we have everything. Do we thus live? Do we worry for nothing else because He is first? Do we rise to bless Him with our first waking breath and drift to sleep with His name in our hearts? Do we live to love and know Him? Have we ceased from complaining about whatever He allows?
To know and love the Lord is more intensely satisfying than all other earthly pleasure. If we delight in Him, we will not wait to receive the desires of our heart, because He is the desire of our heart.
Everlasting Father, Lord Jesus, Precious Spirit, in You we live and move and have our being. You are the Alpha and the Omega and everything in between. You are goodness and light and love and the only One we need. May our highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion be to glorify You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
The LORD is our Lawgiver,
The LORD is our King;
He will save us.
Isaiah 33:22 (NKJV)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalms 73:25-26 (NKJV)
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." ~ John 6:66-69 (NKJV)
In the United States a system of "checks and balances" exists in the judicial, legislative, and administrative branches of government. The nation relies upon thousands of individuals at local, state and federal levels oversee the three functions which all find fulfillment in the Lord our God as Judge, Lawgiver and King.
To whom shall we go but God for all we need? It's often said if we have Jesus we have everything. Do we thus live? Do we worry for nothing else because He is first? Do we rise to bless Him with our first waking breath and drift to sleep with His name in our hearts? Do we live to love and know Him? Have we ceased from complaining about whatever He allows?
To know and love the Lord is more intensely satisfying than all other earthly pleasure. If we delight in Him, we will not wait to receive the desires of our heart, because He is the desire of our heart.
Everlasting Father, Lord Jesus, Precious Spirit, in You we live and move and have our being. You are the Alpha and the Omega and everything in between. You are goodness and light and love and the only One we need. May our highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion be to glorify You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, December 20, 2008
What Have You Done?
The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying,
"Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass,
And as I have purposed, so it shall stand...
For the LORD of hosts has purposed,
And who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
And who will turn it back?"
Isaiah 14:24,27 (NKJV)
"All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will ...
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' "
Daniel 4:35 (NKJV)
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? ...
Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Job 38:1-4; 40:2 (NKJV)
Job was described as a man who "was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil." When his integrity was put to the test, Job faltered in this: Job contended with God, asking Him to give an accounting for why Job suffered.
God is ... God. He created everything. He owns everything. He defines the rules, determines the circumstances, dictates the final outcome. He owes no man an account of why He does what He does. Of all the questions we might ask Him, "What have You done?" isn't one.
Our Creator graciously allows us to know Him, to speak to Him, to seek His wisdom. He allows us to cry out to Him in anguish with our deepest hurts, fears, even anger. Such privilege should always remember that although our Abba may hold us close, the throne is His alone.
Almighty God, Most High King, Your judgments are unsearchable and Your ways are past finding out. The depth of the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge are beyond our appreciation. Please forgive us if we whine. Please increase our faith and help us trust in You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
"Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass,
And as I have purposed, so it shall stand...
For the LORD of hosts has purposed,
And who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
And who will turn it back?"
Isaiah 14:24,27 (NKJV)
"All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will ...
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' "
Daniel 4:35 (NKJV)
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? ...
Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Job 38:1-4; 40:2 (NKJV)
Job was described as a man who "was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil." When his integrity was put to the test, Job faltered in this: Job contended with God, asking Him to give an accounting for why Job suffered.
God is ... God. He created everything. He owns everything. He defines the rules, determines the circumstances, dictates the final outcome. He owes no man an account of why He does what He does. Of all the questions we might ask Him, "What have You done?" isn't one.
Our Creator graciously allows us to know Him, to speak to Him, to seek His wisdom. He allows us to cry out to Him in anguish with our deepest hurts, fears, even anger. Such privilege should always remember that although our Abba may hold us close, the throne is His alone.
Almighty God, Most High King, Your judgments are unsearchable and Your ways are past finding out. The depth of the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge are beyond our appreciation. Please forgive us if we whine. Please increase our faith and help us trust in You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A Time to Speak
[Jesus] said to [the multitude], "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man... For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
(Mark 7:14-15,21-22 NKJV)
"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known." (Luke 12:1-2 NKJV)
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven...
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,7-8 NKJV)
A few thoughts on speaking and silence.
How many times do our words reveal far more of our hearts that we might have liked exposed? Though wisdom preaches, "Let your words be few," simply holding one's tongue doesn't clean out the bad stuff in the heart.
The art of silence has begun to grow on me, albeit ever so slowly. Among the benefits are the volumes gained by listening, and knowing more clearly when a time to speak is at hand. And when a time to speak arrives, perhaps a voice is better heard if it has not become a drone.
Today is a time to speak sincere words of thanks from a grateful heart. A discontent heart will not be hidden, especially if words of thanks are countered with words of complaining and covetousness.
Almighty God, You are the Creator of our tongues and our hearts. Please forgive us for all the times they shame You rather than bring You glory. Thank you for the multitude of blessings You shower upon us. Please make our hearts pure, that out of their abundance Your words might be spoken.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
(Mark 7:14-15,21-22 NKJV)
"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known." (Luke 12:1-2 NKJV)
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven...
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,7-8 NKJV)
A few thoughts on speaking and silence.
How many times do our words reveal far more of our hearts that we might have liked exposed? Though wisdom preaches, "Let your words be few," simply holding one's tongue doesn't clean out the bad stuff in the heart.
The art of silence has begun to grow on me, albeit ever so slowly. Among the benefits are the volumes gained by listening, and knowing more clearly when a time to speak is at hand. And when a time to speak arrives, perhaps a voice is better heard if it has not become a drone.
Today is a time to speak sincere words of thanks from a grateful heart. A discontent heart will not be hidden, especially if words of thanks are countered with words of complaining and covetousness.
Almighty God, You are the Creator of our tongues and our hearts. Please forgive us for all the times they shame You rather than bring You glory. Thank you for the multitude of blessings You shower upon us. Please make our hearts pure, that out of their abundance Your words might be spoken.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Monday, September 29, 2008
Chesed
Also Moses said ... "For the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD." (Exodus 16:8 NKJV)
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness [chesed],
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
(Psalms 107:8,15,21,31 NKJV)
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
(1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV)
The Complete Word Study Dictionary begins its definition of the Hebrew word chesed as "a masculine noun indicating kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, love, acts of kindness." Psalm 136 begins with the exhortation "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!" and then extols, 26 times, "For His chesed endures forever."
Every complaint that falls from our lips or runs through our mind is, ultimately, a complaint against the Lord for what He has allowed in our lives with the intent that it work for good. Each complaint contends with the assertion of His chesed. The antidote to complaining for what is not is to give thanks for all that is.
Godliness means to emulate God and demonstrate chesed. To do it without complaining—with contentment, even thanksgiving—brings the great gain He intends.
God of God and Lord of lords, I give thanks to You for your chesed. I thank You for all Your wonder-filling works, throughout Your magnificent universe and in me. Please give us the ability to wait upon You and trust You even as we cry out to You for deliverance amid our suffering.
"We want God to change our circumstances, but God wants to use our circumstances to change us." — Unknown
Feedback is invited!
Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments"
or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness [chesed],
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
(Psalms 107:8,15,21,31 NKJV)
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
(1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV)
The Complete Word Study Dictionary begins its definition of the Hebrew word chesed as "a masculine noun indicating kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, love, acts of kindness." Psalm 136 begins with the exhortation "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!" and then extols, 26 times, "For His chesed endures forever."
Every complaint that falls from our lips or runs through our mind is, ultimately, a complaint against the Lord for what He has allowed in our lives with the intent that it work for good. Each complaint contends with the assertion of His chesed. The antidote to complaining for what is not is to give thanks for all that is.
Godliness means to emulate God and demonstrate chesed. To do it without complaining—with contentment, even thanksgiving—brings the great gain He intends.
God of God and Lord of lords, I give thanks to You for your chesed. I thank You for all Your wonder-filling works, throughout Your magnificent universe and in me. Please give us the ability to wait upon You and trust You even as we cry out to You for deliverance amid our suffering.
"We want God to change our circumstances, but God wants to use our circumstances to change us." — Unknown
Feedback is invited!
Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments"
or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Friday, August 8, 2008
Into the Hand of God
Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. … Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:5,19 NKJV)
Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” (Mark 15:31-32 NKJV)
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46 NKJV)
If we are offended, do we attempt to vindicate ourselves, or trust in God in the very presence of those who injure us? The only safe course of action is publicly placing ourselves into the hands of God. When we trust Him with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in all our ways, our path is assured.
A fully human and humiliated Jesus set the example of entrusting Himself into the hands of God without any attempt to justify Himself. The goodness laid up for Jesus was the greatest vindication ever displayed—His resurrection. The God of truth shall do no less for all His sons and daughters.
Lord YHWH, our Abba Father, we are weak and forgetful, and our faith can fall so short. Please remind us to rely on the strength of Your truth, and allow You to vindicate us as You wish, when You wish. Please give us the courage to acknowledge you in the presence of others.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Road to Reconciliation
"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more. ... And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." (Matthew 18:15-17 NKJV)
"Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said ... "Up to seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)
This simple formula is perhaps more abused and neglected than anything Christ taught. It directs me to humbly confront my brother or sister—and my own sin (Galatians 6:1-5)—with a goal of reconciliation. If the matter does not merit broken fellowship, better to simply forgive and release minor offense. If the matter is truly serious, broken fellowship comes only at the end of appropriate confrontation. Telling it to others has its place, but should be carefully considered first (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Lord Jesus, Thank You for the incredible price You paid to enable our reconciliation to the Father. Please incline our prideful hearts toward reconciliation, that we may be one in You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
"Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said ... "Up to seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)
This simple formula is perhaps more abused and neglected than anything Christ taught. It directs me to humbly confront my brother or sister—and my own sin (Galatians 6:1-5)—with a goal of reconciliation. If the matter does not merit broken fellowship, better to simply forgive and release minor offense. If the matter is truly serious, broken fellowship comes only at the end of appropriate confrontation. Telling it to others has its place, but should be carefully considered first (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Lord Jesus, Thank You for the incredible price You paid to enable our reconciliation to the Father. Please incline our prideful hearts toward reconciliation, that we may be one in You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Suspicious of Me
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. . . Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed. Psalm 25:4-5,3 NKJV)
I’ll readily admit that I don’t like to wait, and am inclined to become impatient with people and circumstances that force me to wait. The Person who makes me wait the most is the Lord. I want to wait upon Him willingly. I nonetheless struggle. Most frustrating is my sneaking suspicion I wait upon Him because He is trying to show Me His ways, teach me His paths, lead me in His truths—but is Himself patiently waiting for me to respond as I should. (Sigh.)
Lord, all Your ways and all Your timing is perfect. Thank You for the confidence I have that You want my best. Please lead my heart to honor Your name, so I am not ashamed by my impatience.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
I’ll readily admit that I don’t like to wait, and am inclined to become impatient with people and circumstances that force me to wait. The Person who makes me wait the most is the Lord. I want to wait upon Him willingly. I nonetheless struggle. Most frustrating is my sneaking suspicion I wait upon Him because He is trying to show Me His ways, teach me His paths, lead me in His truths—but is Himself patiently waiting for me to respond as I should. (Sigh.)
Lord, all Your ways and all Your timing is perfect. Thank You for the confidence I have that You want my best. Please lead my heart to honor Your name, so I am not ashamed by my impatience.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
More than Enough
I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1-2 NKJV)
1) Strength 2) Rock 3) Fortress 4) Deliverer 5) God [el "Might"] 6) Shield 7) Horn of my Salvation 8) Stronghold. In defense against enemies, I love the Lord for all He is. If He were just one of these it would be enough. In every arena of life, He is far above everything I need and could hope for. Problems loom large and long in my eyes. But when He is so much, problems must fall into perspective. They are not problems for Him, so they cannot be problems for me.
Lord YHWH, You are indeed everything. Since You’ve invited me to come alongside You, let me appreciate Who You are above what everything else appears to be.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
1) Strength 2) Rock 3) Fortress 4) Deliverer 5) God [el "Might"] 6) Shield 7) Horn of my Salvation 8) Stronghold. In defense against enemies, I love the Lord for all He is. If He were just one of these it would be enough. In every arena of life, He is far above everything I need and could hope for. Problems loom large and long in my eyes. But when He is so much, problems must fall into perspective. They are not problems for Him, so they cannot be problems for me.
Lord YHWH, You are indeed everything. Since You’ve invited me to come alongside You, let me appreciate Who You are above what everything else appears to be.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Vessel for Honor
Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? (Romans 9:18-21 NKJV)
How is it that He chose me? When I see anyone with a heart hardened toward God, I can only point and say, "There — but for the grace of God — go I." When my Maker created so many vessels of wrath (verses 22-23), there was no rationale for Him to choose me as one of the vessels of mercy. If He has thus spared my life, how can I expect anything more? Truly, His blessings to me are already abundant beyond all I could hope, and I have no room to complain for anything I think I lack. If I would indeed ask Him for more, surely it is only for the privilege to give Him glory for His love and mercy.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
How is it that He chose me? When I see anyone with a heart hardened toward God, I can only point and say, "There — but for the grace of God — go I." When my Maker created so many vessels of wrath (verses 22-23), there was no rationale for Him to choose me as one of the vessels of mercy. If He has thus spared my life, how can I expect anything more? Truly, His blessings to me are already abundant beyond all I could hope, and I have no room to complain for anything I think I lack. If I would indeed ask Him for more, surely it is only for the privilege to give Him glory for His love and mercy.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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