Every Christian has heard the call from Jesus. His call comes not just once, but is heard each time the Lord asks us for a deeper commitment.
I. "Follow Me"
The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." (John 1:43, NKJV)
Followers of Jesus might be likened to the followers we collect on blogs and Twitter. Jesus crosses our path and captures our attention, asking us to follow and listen to what He shares. He is interesting and comforting and challenging to hear. Some followers hang on His every word. Other followers accept Jesus' words only until deemed inconvenient or offensive, at which point they either fade from His scene or un-follow Him outright.
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (From John 6:60-66, NKJV)
II. "Be My Disciple"
"It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master." (Matthew 10:25, NKJV)
If the follower tags along long enough, and decides that the challenge of following Jesus is a small price for His life-giving words, a new call from Jesus is heard: "Be like Me; be My disciple." The way to be like Jesus is to be yoked with Him (Matthew 11:28-30), increasingly know Him, and rely on His strength to sustain us in what will prove to be a difficult journey.
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own.… Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' " (John 15:18-20, NKJV)
III. "Go"
He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. (Luke 6:13, NKJV)
And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power … (Mark 6:7, NKJV)
After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. (Luke 10:1, NKJV)
Once disciples have been adequately prepared, Jesus sends them ahead of Himself as His ambassadors (Greek apostolos, meaning "sent"). As is true of government ambassadors, Jesus' sent ones are diplomatic messengers, teachers, or ministers representing the interests of Another rather than of themselves. Occasionally referred to as an "apostle," Jesus' ambassadors may be employed in full time ministry or minister at their own expense. While they may carry the authority of a pastor or elder—(and such authority is always as leader and example, not as lord or ruler [1 Peter 5:3])—most of the ambassadors sent by Jesus to others hold no status or title whatsoever. Some are sent far and wide, but many are sent no farther than their own backyards; all are sent in fulfillment of the great commission:
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations …" (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)
IV. "Come"
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34, NKJV)
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV)
The final call of Jesus is evocative of His first call, "Come, follow Me." If we follow Jesus long enough, we follow Him into death. Yes, every single Christian is daily called to be a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1), "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2.20). But there is yet another "come after Me" in the call to martyrdom.
Though martyrdom is occasionally prominent and heroic, private persecution is more commonplace. Any Christian may face a day when, in His perfect will and timing, Jesus issues the call to come after Him and suffer in testimony to faith. The only witnesses may be tormentor and angels. Death may be of status, employment, or relationship rather than of life.
In answering the call to glorify God through whatever death accompanies persecution, we not only receive cause to rejoice that we are "counted worthy to suffer to suffer for the name of Jesus" (Acts 5:41), but also come to know a fellowship with Jesus found only in suffering (Philippians 3:10).
"When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
No matter our present place in life, no matter the call from Jesus, we need not fear. We are promised that Jesus only calls us to do what He also enables (2 Corinthians 3:5). We have confidence that the call to suffer is faced not in our own power but with divine power (Mark 13:11-13).
We have confidence that we are never alone.
"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)
(The four point outline of this post was presented by a guest preacher whom I heard several years ago. I apologize to him and to you that I failed to note his name. Exposition on the outline is mine.)
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 Death of Self. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Death of Self. Show all posts
Friday, April 5, 2013
Monday, May 28, 2012
Exodus of a Warrior
With gratitude to God and the countless soldiers who have laid down life and given their blood for the cause of freedom …
Like genesis and deuteronomy, the word "exodus" is rooted in Greek rather than Hebrew. Though it literally means "exit," it is also used to refer to departure in death (Luke 9:31 and 2 Peter 1:15).
There are four kinds of exodus for the warrior.
The first is upon enlistment, when he (or she) exits the civilian life and gives himself to the defense of country, when his life ceases to be his own, when there is no longer an departure from duty and return home at each day's end.
The second is upon entrance to a foreign land, when he exits the beloved soil of all secure and familiar, when he is subjected to things alien and thoughts hostile.
The third is upon engagement, when battle and threat and terror comes to possess a warrior's thoughts and emotions, actions and words—when he exits the luxury of living in isolation of bloodshed and death.
The fourth exodus is the final exit from all service to country and duty to mankind.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for those he loves.
~ John 15:13
Whether or not they choose to enlist, every man and woman is called to daily lay down one's life for loved ones and Beloved Lord.
Whether or not they choose to enter such territory or actively engage in this battle of life, every man and woman faces a final exodus.
More next time on that.
Your are invited to join my prayer in the meantime …
Lord, thank You for Your exodus from Heaven and exodus from life to redeem us. Thank You for inspiring men and women to fight for freedom. Thank You for thus far preserving our many freedoms in the USA. Please enable and direct our grateful service to You and to country.
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.
Funeral of Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp at Arlington Cemetery
Like genesis and deuteronomy, the word "exodus" is rooted in Greek rather than Hebrew. Though it literally means "exit," it is also used to refer to departure in death (Luke 9:31 and 2 Peter 1:15).
There are four kinds of exodus for the warrior.
The first is upon enlistment, when he (or she) exits the civilian life and gives himself to the defense of country, when his life ceases to be his own, when there is no longer an departure from duty and return home at each day's end.
The second is upon entrance to a foreign land, when he exits the beloved soil of all secure and familiar, when he is subjected to things alien and thoughts hostile.
The third is upon engagement, when battle and threat and terror comes to possess a warrior's thoughts and emotions, actions and words—when he exits the luxury of living in isolation of bloodshed and death.
The fourth exodus is the final exit from all service to country and duty to mankind.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for those he loves.
~ John 15:13
Whether or not they choose to enlist, every man and woman is called to daily lay down one's life for loved ones and Beloved Lord.
Whether or not they choose to enter such territory or actively engage in this battle of life, every man and woman faces a final exodus.
More next time on that.
Your are invited to join my prayer in the meantime …
Lord, thank You for Your exodus from Heaven and exodus from life to redeem us. Thank You for inspiring men and women to fight for freedom. Thank You for thus far preserving our many freedoms in the USA. Please enable and direct our grateful service to You and to country.
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.
Monday, March 19, 2012
High Risk Occupation
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
~ John 15:13 (NKJV)
Whatever my inclination toward the dramatic or the adventurous, I suspect I'm not the only person to read the above words and imagine saving someone else's life at the cost of my own.
In a land long ago and far away, (when I evidently didn't think one high risk occupation was sufficient), my positions as a police officer and volunteer firefighter-EMT made the willingness to lay down my life daily and real. In the present day, where I am a homemaker and home school teacher, the biggest risk I face is keeping a good temper with other drivers on the road and with my live-in students at home.
Do you believe me when I tell you that facing just those two groups of people still makes the willingness to lay down my life daily and real?
Then [Jesus] said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)
Jesus—God Himself!—calls His disciples His friends. If we are to follow Him as His disciples, the need to crucify our own desires and comforts is a daily demand and requires a very real laying down of life of Self. Perhaps it helps to thus define "Disciple of Christ" as a high risk occupation—and train accordingly.
Father, forgive me for all the times I protect Self at the expense of someone else's interest. Forgive me for all the times I look after desires of Self rather than emulate the example of Jesus. Please help me to think so highly of You and of others that my only desire is to honor You Who calls me friend.
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.
~ John 15:13 (NKJV)
Whatever my inclination toward the dramatic or the adventurous, I suspect I'm not the only person to read the above words and imagine saving someone else's life at the cost of my own.
In a land long ago and far away, (when I evidently didn't think one high risk occupation was sufficient), my positions as a police officer and volunteer firefighter-EMT made the willingness to lay down my life daily and real. In the present day, where I am a homemaker and home school teacher, the biggest risk I face is keeping a good temper with other drivers on the road and with my live-in students at home.
Do you believe me when I tell you that facing just those two groups of people still makes the willingness to lay down my life daily and real?
Then [Jesus] said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)
Jesus—God Himself!—calls His disciples His friends. If we are to follow Him as His disciples, the need to crucify our own desires and comforts is a daily demand and requires a very real laying down of life of Self. Perhaps it helps to thus define "Disciple of Christ" as a high risk occupation—and train accordingly.
Father, forgive me for all the times I protect Self at the expense of someone else's interest. Forgive me for all the times I look after desires of Self rather than emulate the example of Jesus. Please help me to think so highly of You and of others that my only desire is to honor You Who calls me friend.
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.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Peace Treaty with Death
Jesus said to [Martha], "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)
Christians hear early on and often that Jesus gives us eternal life. To believe in Jesus—to put faith in Him and His Word—is to have assurance that even if the body dies, the born-again soul is filled with spiritual life and "shall never die." That greatest enemy, Death, is compelled to make a peace treaty with us and relinquish its power over us.
In making peace with Death, we discover that there is also a peace treaty to be made with each smaller, daily death:
Then [Jesus] said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)
To follow Jesus means we really must die daily. And then, each and every time we die to Self and lay down all our selfish, self-centered, self-gratifying, self-exalting desires, more spiritual life is to be had.
Whatever matter lies before us at this moment, with which we struggle to die to Self-will, we can rely on the same promise Jesus makes of resurrection and life to be found through death. You and I are assured that in every loss of this world, we find new and better life from His world.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of surrender. Please help us! Give us eyes to see where You ask us to die, hearts of faith to believe that You promise new life, and souls of courage to slay desires of this world. By the power of Your Spirit, help us overcome our human weakness.
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.
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)
Christians hear early on and often that Jesus gives us eternal life. To believe in Jesus—to put faith in Him and His Word—is to have assurance that even if the body dies, the born-again soul is filled with spiritual life and "shall never die." That greatest enemy, Death, is compelled to make a peace treaty with us and relinquish its power over us.
In making peace with Death, we discover that there is also a peace treaty to be made with each smaller, daily death:
Then [Jesus] said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)
To follow Jesus means we really must die daily. And then, each and every time we die to Self and lay down all our selfish, self-centered, self-gratifying, self-exalting desires, more spiritual life is to be had.
Whatever matter lies before us at this moment, with which we struggle to die to Self-will, we can rely on the same promise Jesus makes of resurrection and life to be found through death. You and I are assured that in every loss of this world, we find new and better life from His world.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of surrender. Please help us! Give us eyes to see where You ask us to die, hearts of faith to believe that You promise new life, and souls of courage to slay desires of this world. By the power of Your Spirit, help us overcome our human weakness.
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.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Clay
Now this is the testimony of John ... "I am 'the voice of one crying in the wilderness: "make straight the way of the LORD," ' as the prophet Isaiah said."
~ John 1:19,23 (NKJV)
Jesus said of John the Baptist, "... there is not a greater prophet ... but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
John's greatness lay not in being herald to Jesus, but in his view of himself. He readily faded into the scenery when Jesus appeared. He spoke truth without regard for his own well being. He dared not even call himself a prophet, but only a voice.
Each of us is simply clay formed in image of divinity—to reveal divinity as His hands and heart and voice.
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for disposal of refuse?
~ Romans 9:21 (TNIV)
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome.
Reply via comments at BuildingHisBody.com,
or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ John 1:19,23 (NKJV)
Jesus said of John the Baptist, "... there is not a greater prophet ... but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
John's greatness lay not in being herald to Jesus, but in his view of himself. He readily faded into the scenery when Jesus appeared. He spoke truth without regard for his own well being. He dared not even call himself a prophet, but only a voice.
Each of us is simply clay formed in image of divinity—to reveal divinity as His hands and heart and voice.
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for disposal of refuse?
~ Romans 9:21 (TNIV)
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome.
Reply via comments at BuildingHisBody.com,
or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, August 9, 2010
First Death or Second Death?
"Death is not the enemy.Living in constant fear of it is."
~ Norman Cousins
First Death or Second Death?
"These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: '... Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life... He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.' "
~ Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)
It's said that no one escapes death and taxes. It might appear that the crowd which is raptured escapes the former. But death is a requirement of every Christian disciple.
"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."
~ Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)
Each of us must choose either the first death, of flesh, or the second, eternal death. The first is the willingness to live for the Lord Who purchased us, lay down one's life every day, and remain faithful to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at any cost in a world which hates Him—and therefore hates us to the extent that we reflect Him.
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
~ John 15:18,20 (NKJV)
We want to be liked. We want the world to see us with favor and receive our message. It is vital to remember that when those in whom God is at work for salvation see Jesus in us, they will find it pleasant. Those who have no use for God will find us repulsive unless we hide our faith.
Jesus speaks to those who accept the first death and reminds them, "Do not fear." He reminds us that He died first and is now alive, as we shall be. He promises:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
~ John 11:25-26 (NKJV)
: : :
Lord Jesus, Who suffered the worst physical death—Who sacrificed more to live for us than we shall ever sacrifice to live for You—please give us Your perspective of death and life. Please empower us to make You first and last in our lives, and in both our daily and final deaths.
I love hearing from you. Questions welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image Source: chinaview.wordpress.com
WARNING: Image link contains graphic images of extreme torture.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Strange Language
"The cross is 'I' crossed out."
~ Unknown
~ Unknown
Strange Language
#powerofwords
When Israel went out of Egypt,
The house of Jacob from a people of strange language ...
~ Psalms 114:1-2 (NKJV)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18,20 (NIV)
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)
The message of the cross looks like more than just a little bit of insanity. What kind of fool is assaulted and actually turns the other cheek as if to say, "Hit me again"?
Jesus Christ did not merely turn the other cheek. Almighty God, Ruler of innumerable angelic warriors, took on the flesh of man and mutely allowed His creation to flog and spit upon Him, crucify and kill Him. Little wonder the "wisdom" of this world sees Jesus as impotent or lunatic, refusing to bow before Him as Lord and God.
We are not to be of the world. The world says "I've got rights" and "look out for number one" and "you need attitude to survive" and "you'll get yours." Such philosophies should be a strange language to the Christian from which we segregate ourselves.
If we accept Jesus as Lord and Master, we will follow in His footsteps. We will be crucified with Him. We will not retaliate when injured or offended.
When I have been crucified with Christ and He lives in me, the world does not do injury to me but to Christ. All offense is owned by my Master, and any judgment lies in His hands.
What is mine in return? He who loves me and gave Himself for me allows me to feel His caress upon my soul and know His peace.
Lord Jesus, Your power lies in the goodness of holiness, humility and love. Enable us to exercise such power, and to honor You in doing so.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to
Photo from sangam.org
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Inheritance
"Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God."
~ Leon Bloy
Inheritance
#Biblestudy
Then the LORD said to Aaron: "You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.
~ Numbers 18:20 (NKJV)
O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
~ Psalms 16:5-6 (NKJV)
I love owning land. When I walk through the fruit trees and under our grape arbor—or I am propelled skyward by my children on our tire swing above our land—I feel an attachment to the section of earth we call ours that reaches my soul.
The Old Testament Levite priests had no portion of land allotted to them. When the lines were drawn, they did not receive a piece of ground to call theirs. Theirs was the inheritance of the Lord Himself. For those who did not love the Lord, it must have seemed they came up short when lots were drawn. For those who did love Him, no lot of land could have compensated.
I do not believe in the theology which says that the church has taken Israel's place in history, and falls heir to all promised to her. I believe the children of Jacob will yet receive their full inheritance. The Lord will do exactly as He's said, and will fulfill His everlasting covenant with Israel's twelve tribes.
But in the meantime ...
Forty years after Jesus' crucifixion, temple sacrifices ended with the destruction of Jerusalem. Multiple New Testament references refer to all who are believers in Christ (and therefore anointed by His Spirit) as priests. Now, we are the ones who offer daily sacrifice of ourselves, and minister to the Lord in our worship, praise, and service.
There's no question in my mind that given the choice between owning a portion of the planet, and having the Lord as my portion and inheritance, I'd gladly choose standing in the presence of God, to lay down whatever else is mine in sacrifice.
There is no more pleasant place in the universe. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
Lord God, how is it that You give us Yourself? How is it possible for You to reside within mortal flesh? How do You call prayers a sweet aroma of incense? How can You be pleased in sacrifice of our miserable lives? How is it that You should exalt us as royal priests? We are unworthy of such inheritance. Thank You for grace. Thank You for love.
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.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
God Needs You
"A friend is someone who helps you up when you're down,
and if they can't they lie down beside you and listen."
~ Unknown
and if they can't they lie down beside you and listen."
~ Unknown
So God created man in His own image ... male and female He created them... the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
~ Genesis 1:27,2:7 (NKJV)
"You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants ... but I have called you friends."
~ John 15:14-15 (NKJV)
Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
~ Matthew 27:32 (NKJV)
How could God possibly need puny man? It seems unthinkable.
Yet only through mankind is the Lord’s attribute of mercy made known. Only in us showing how unlovable we can be is the depth of His love manifest. I daresay that the greatest commandment—love the Lord "with all heart, soul, mind and strength"—is given because God’s love is too great to not need an object to receive it and to return it.
In the story of Simon of Cyrene we see Jesus in need, for no Roman soldier would have compelled Simon to show mercy to Jesus unless Jesus was too weakened by abuse to require it.
The Creator of the universe might have called upon angels in His hour of need. God in human flesh might have chosen by divine power to never visit the place of need. But Jesus nonetheless humbles Himself and enters the place of need.
Simon thus joins Jesus on the path to Calvary so that Jesus does not walk it alone. In His hour of greatest distress, God is in fellowship with mankind.
The privilege of accompanying Jesus to Calvary is also ours. Simon was compelled by an armed soldier. We are compelled only by love. We have no greater fellowship with Jesus than to daily take up a cross of our own.
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.
Monday, September 7, 2009
God Wants Your Body
"Don't be afraid to give up the good for the great."
~ Kenny Rogers
~ Kenny Rogers
Therefore, I plead with all of you, brothers and sisters, through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice—holy, well-pleasing to God—your logical service.
~ Romans 12:1 (author)
For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do.
~ Galatians 5:17 (GNB)
Do you have any problems for which you'd like an answer? Marital struggles, conflict with anyone, financial stress, health issues? Perhaps you have a vision for which you'd like guidance.
~ Romans 12:1 (author)
For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do.
~ Galatians 5:17 (GNB)
Do you have any problems for which you'd like an answer? Marital struggles, conflict with anyone, financial stress, health issues? Perhaps you have a vision for which you'd like guidance.
God has the answer. And it's simple to obtain. Easy? No. Merely simple. Here's Step One. (Step Two is tomorrow.)
Paul in Romans 12:1 pleads, "Therefore—since we established in the last four verses the excellence of God's knowledge and wisdom—please, I'm begging you, serve as any rational person would: give God your body."
We say the Lord wants our hearts. Jesus said what's in the heart is expressed in the words and actions produced by the body. He asks us to give Him our bodies as a place for His Holy Spirit to reside, that He may produce the thoughts and feelings expressed in word and action.
The Holy Spirit fills as much space as Self has vacated. Self doesn't move out of the body unless it dies. We put Self to death by not feeding its desires, but by instead telling it, "No, you may not have what you want. The body is given to God, for whatever He wants."
[At the moment there's a plate of brownies in the other room calling my name. PERSISTENTLY. There's absolutely no condemnation from God if I eat one. But I've said, "Lord, I need Your help with what I'm writing here. I'm denying Self and asking for Your Holy Spirit to take its place, to empower what my body does right now."]
You may think that sacrifice isn't worth the return, that there must be an easier way, or that you won't like God's answers or method. The bad news is that you may not see the payoff or wisdom in the short term. But in the long term, I promise you will. 100% GUARANTEED.
I can make such a guarantee because the Holy Spirit blesses wherever He's given room.
Lord Jesus, You sacrificed all for us. It is completely reasonable for us to do likewise for You. Please give us the courage and strength to do so. As we do so day by day, may we see You more clearly, follow You more nearly, love You more dearly.
"God Wants Your Body" is the title of a message by Christian comedian and preacher Ken Davis on Romans 12:1. His materials are available at KenDavis.com.
Your questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Paul in Romans 12:1 pleads, "Therefore—since we established in the last four verses the excellence of God's knowledge and wisdom—please, I'm begging you, serve as any rational person would: give God your body."
We say the Lord wants our hearts. Jesus said what's in the heart is expressed in the words and actions produced by the body. He asks us to give Him our bodies as a place for His Holy Spirit to reside, that He may produce the thoughts and feelings expressed in word and action.
The Holy Spirit fills as much space as Self has vacated. Self doesn't move out of the body unless it dies. We put Self to death by not feeding its desires, but by instead telling it, "No, you may not have what you want. The body is given to God, for whatever He wants."
[At the moment there's a plate of brownies in the other room calling my name. PERSISTENTLY. There's absolutely no condemnation from God if I eat one. But I've said, "Lord, I need Your help with what I'm writing here. I'm denying Self and asking for Your Holy Spirit to take its place, to empower what my body does right now."]
You may think that sacrifice isn't worth the return, that there must be an easier way, or that you won't like God's answers or method. The bad news is that you may not see the payoff or wisdom in the short term. But in the long term, I promise you will. 100% GUARANTEED.
I can make such a guarantee because the Holy Spirit blesses wherever He's given room.
Lord Jesus, You sacrificed all for us. It is completely reasonable for us to do likewise for You. Please give us the courage and strength to do so. As we do so day by day, may we see You more clearly, follow You more nearly, love You more dearly.
"God Wants Your Body" is the title of a message by Christian comedian and preacher Ken Davis on Romans 12:1. His materials are available at KenDavis.com.
Your questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Sacrifice of Worship
"Worship changes people;
we become like whatever it is we worship."
~ Wes Harty
we become like whatever it is we worship."
~ Wes Harty
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me ...
I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
~ Psalms 27:5-6 (NKJV)
I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
~ Psalms 27:5-6 (NKJV)
Therefore by [Jesus]
let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,
that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
~ Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,
that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
~ Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
Does Sunday morning ever arrive and find you not ready to worship? Whether busyness, contention with others, or cares of life weigh you down, do you ever feel you have nothing to offer God?
Then come before Him broken, frustrated, weak. If necessary, do all possible to make peace with any other Christian who is not at peace with you (Matthew 5:23-24).
Then offer worship and praise and joy as a true sacrifice. Let your soul say, "My heart hurts, my mind is distracted, my body is weary—yet I choose to worship my God through it all because He is worthy of it. I offer sacrifice of myself."
And it may be offered any day or time of the week.
Almighty God, You are worthy of our most humble worship and most exuberant praise. Please enable us through Your Spirit to accept Your gifts of faith, hope, love, joy, peace when our hearts and minds and bodies need them most, so that we may bless You with an offering of ourselves.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Exhibit E: Christ Crucified
Our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with ... There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
~ Romans 6:6; 8:1 (NKJV)
~ Romans 6:6; 8:1 (NKJV)
But we preach Christ crucified.
~ 1 Corinthians 1:23 (NKJV)
~ 1 Corinthians 1:23 (NKJV)
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin... If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen ...
~ John 15:22-24 (NKJV)
~ John 15:22-24 (NKJV)
If I could choose only one chapter from the New Testament from which I could share, it would be Romans 8, arguably the most powerful passage of the entire Bible.
Having set the scene in his case for Christ, Paul now pulls out all the stops with three more exhibits. The greatest one is Christ Himself and His crucifixion.
Christ attested to Himself with His words and works. He spoke wisdom (and wit) greater than any man. He performed miracles utterly impossible for anyone else. His greatest work was accomplished in being crucified, and thereby overcoming the sin responsible for all injustice, all human suffering, all affliction and disease.
Once a person feels the weight of condemnation for sin, it is a burden too heavy to bear. Christ shouldered that crushing load at the last supper, evidenced its horror at Gethsemane, and did away with it at Calvary. The "body of sin" is an encumbrance we are no longer meant to know.
When we go to the cross with Jesus Christ, allow ourselves to be covered with His blood, and become identified as His, God stamps us "NO CONDEMNATION." We may not fully achieve God's perspective of such a thing in this life. We may continue to lay claim to sin which is no longer ours. We may cower under the oppression of knowing the harm our sin has wrought. Nonetheless:
We
are
not
condemned.
We
are
not
condemned.
If this is not a case for Christ, what is?
Father God, we are frail children of dust. We hear the words which say we are not condemned, we perhaps believe them with our minds, but we cannot fathom how to make them real in our hearts. Please enable us to see ourselves as You see us—no better, no worse. Thank You for Your Son—Your beloved Lamb—and for His precious blood.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sin is Death
"Sin would have fewer takers if its consequences were immediate."
~ Unknown
~ Unknown
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~ Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh [human nature] will of the flesh reap corruption [destruction, death], but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
~ Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)
"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life."
~ Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)
Certain principles are as valid as the law of gravity. The wages of sin is death. If a person sows seeds of sin, one reaps death, whether in only this temporal life or for eternity.
Turning from sin to Jesus in faith gives the gift of eternal life. But to receive greater fullness of eternal life during this temporal life, one must continue to turn away from sin. Each decision to do what pleases Self is a choice to reap death. To reap life, one must choose what pleases the Holy Spirit.
Every time. Each small decision for sin is a decision for death—an opening the door to the Grim Reaper.
Each yielding to the Holy Spirit is a decision for life—an opening the door to Jesus, Who stands knocking, bringing light.
Lord Jesus, You said that You came so we might have life, and have it in abundance. We desperately need Your Spirit's strength to consistently make decisions for life. Please open our eyes to see all we are choosing at every point of sin. Please lead us in paths of life and peace.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Exhibit C: Circumcision
What is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way!
~ Romans 3:1-2 (NKJV)
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared ... "Behold, My covenant is with you ... I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants ... and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you... And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant."
~ Genesis 17:1,4,6-7,11,14 (NKJV)
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ ...
~ Colossians 2:11 (NKJV)
In establishing his case for Christ, Paul next puts forth the covenant of circumcision.
The act testifies to the existence of God because it is too unreasonable for men to come up with on their own. Whatever other manner a man might mark himself as set apart to God, taking a knife to his most vital piece of anatomy could only be done if he believed in Someone much bigger than himself.
Before Abraham put his son Isaac on the altar to demonstrate faith, he'd first shown his faith in God's covenant by accepting circumcision. God had promised a son, and Abraham did have a son of flesh, before circumcision, by Hagar. God is in part saying strip off the flesh where you reproduce, and watch how fruitful I will make you. In your faith you will reproduce not what is of the flesh, but a miracle which can only be of Me.
And so, the Christian must also be circumcised. Not by cutting the body with a knife, but by doing what can only be done by faith in Someone much bigger than ourselves, and act too unreasonable to come up with on our own. We mark ourselves set apart to God by cutting off the will of our own flesh, and accepting in its place His will. The one who believes in Christ no longer puts faith in being fulfilled and fruitful in the strength of human flesh, but will now fulfill desire and be fruitful in the strength of God's Spirit.
Love is number one on the list which describes the fruit of the Spirit.
How important is it to reproduce God's fruit by His Spirit? It is what marks us as His! Jesus said in Luke 6:43-45 that we prove ourselves believers by our spiritual fruit. And in John 13:35 Jesus says that we'd be known as His disciples by our love for one another.
Whatever brief pain may be involved to cut off our flesh in that which seems most vital to us, we receive far more from the Lord in return.
Lord YHWH, it seems unreasonable to exist as a living sacrifice. Too often we make it look painful. Please enable us to cut off the unnecessary flesh in our lives—and to recognize what You give in return—so that the fruit of love, joy, peace, and all else Your Spirit reproduces, will shine forth in testimony to You.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Romans 3:1-2 (NKJV)
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared ... "Behold, My covenant is with you ... I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants ... and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you... And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant."
~ Genesis 17:1,4,6-7,11,14 (NKJV)
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ ...
~ Colossians 2:11 (NKJV)
In establishing his case for Christ, Paul next puts forth the covenant of circumcision.
The act testifies to the existence of God because it is too unreasonable for men to come up with on their own. Whatever other manner a man might mark himself as set apart to God, taking a knife to his most vital piece of anatomy could only be done if he believed in Someone much bigger than himself.
Before Abraham put his son Isaac on the altar to demonstrate faith, he'd first shown his faith in God's covenant by accepting circumcision. God had promised a son, and Abraham did have a son of flesh, before circumcision, by Hagar. God is in part saying strip off the flesh where you reproduce, and watch how fruitful I will make you. In your faith you will reproduce not what is of the flesh, but a miracle which can only be of Me.
And so, the Christian must also be circumcised. Not by cutting the body with a knife, but by doing what can only be done by faith in Someone much bigger than ourselves, and act too unreasonable to come up with on our own. We mark ourselves set apart to God by cutting off the will of our own flesh, and accepting in its place His will. The one who believes in Christ no longer puts faith in being fulfilled and fruitful in the strength of human flesh, but will now fulfill desire and be fruitful in the strength of God's Spirit.
Love is number one on the list which describes the fruit of the Spirit.
How important is it to reproduce God's fruit by His Spirit? It is what marks us as His! Jesus said in Luke 6:43-45 that we prove ourselves believers by our spiritual fruit. And in John 13:35 Jesus says that we'd be known as His disciples by our love for one another.
Whatever brief pain may be involved to cut off our flesh in that which seems most vital to us, we receive far more from the Lord in return.
Lord YHWH, it seems unreasonable to exist as a living sacrifice. Too often we make it look painful. Please enable us to cut off the unnecessary flesh in our lives—and to recognize what You give in return—so that the fruit of love, joy, peace, and all else Your Spirit reproduces, will shine forth in testimony to You.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
In Him We Live
"He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."
~ Luke 20:38 (NKJV)
"In Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' "
~ Acts 17:28 (NKJV)
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)
I wonder some days if I should take death more seriously, if only for the sake of others.
My problem (if it's a problem) is I take to heart the words that I no longer live. Self tries to rise up a thousand times a day, but Self no longer lives. In autumn 1988 I came alive to Christ. He now lives in me. I see death as the natural means by which we fully enter the kingdom into which we've been born again.
I've given birth five times, three times at home. (Once was by accident, and it was no big deal after that.) Something about giving birth in the comfortable environment of home with a nice fire going makes it seem completely natural for a baby to transition into arms from womb's confinement. Death is likewise the natural point at which we're no longer confined by earth and reach the arms of God.
Everyone who is in Christ is already living eternal life. In Him we died. In Him we live. Death can no longer touch us.
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. You increasingly fill us with Your life and we love You for it. Please fill us with Your Spirit ever more fully while we walk the earth, so that we will do what You did when You were here. Please let all of us see death with the perspective You desire us to have.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 20:38 (NKJV)
"In Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' "
~ Acts 17:28 (NKJV)
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)
I wonder some days if I should take death more seriously, if only for the sake of others.
My problem (if it's a problem) is I take to heart the words that I no longer live. Self tries to rise up a thousand times a day, but Self no longer lives. In autumn 1988 I came alive to Christ. He now lives in me. I see death as the natural means by which we fully enter the kingdom into which we've been born again.
I've given birth five times, three times at home. (Once was by accident, and it was no big deal after that.) Something about giving birth in the comfortable environment of home with a nice fire going makes it seem completely natural for a baby to transition into arms from womb's confinement. Death is likewise the natural point at which we're no longer confined by earth and reach the arms of God.
Everyone who is in Christ is already living eternal life. In Him we died. In Him we live. Death can no longer touch us.
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. You increasingly fill us with Your life and we love You for it. Please fill us with Your Spirit ever more fully while we walk the earth, so that we will do what You did when You were here. Please let all of us see death with the perspective You desire us to have.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Will of God
But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day ... He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
~ Luke 6:11-13 (NKJV)
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
~ 1 Samuel 15:11 (NKJV)
... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service ... that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
~ Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Can we agree that God's love and wisdom qualifies the will of God as both sovereign to and more beneficial than our own? It then seems prudent for us to know the will of God—but knowing the mind of the Lord comes with a cost.
The cost is ultimately our lives. The sacrifice of a martyr, whose earthly life is quenched for God's sake, is of inestimable worth. So is the sacrifice of the disciple who lays down one's life and will for God every day. And a living sacrifice doesn't stay on the altar for comfort.
That Samuel spent an entire night in prayer hints that understanding God's heart sustained him more than sleep did. Jesus Himself—God in the flesh submitting Himself to the necessity of sleep!—forfeited a night's rest for body to have rest of soul when choosing the men who would first experience hostility for the sake of the Gospel.
Sleep is good and necessary. So is rising early to seek the will of God for the day.
Heavenly Father, Your goodness gives us rest of body in sleep, and rest of soul in being alert to Your good and acceptable and perfect will. Please give us strength of body in sacrifice to You, wisdom to care for the body which is Your temple, and victory to awaken early and seek Your face and will.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 6:11-13 (NKJV)
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
~ 1 Samuel 15:11 (NKJV)
... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service ... that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
~ Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Can we agree that God's love and wisdom qualifies the will of God as both sovereign to and more beneficial than our own? It then seems prudent for us to know the will of God—but knowing the mind of the Lord comes with a cost.
The cost is ultimately our lives. The sacrifice of a martyr, whose earthly life is quenched for God's sake, is of inestimable worth. So is the sacrifice of the disciple who lays down one's life and will for God every day. And a living sacrifice doesn't stay on the altar for comfort.
That Samuel spent an entire night in prayer hints that understanding God's heart sustained him more than sleep did. Jesus Himself—God in the flesh submitting Himself to the necessity of sleep!—forfeited a night's rest for body to have rest of soul when choosing the men who would first experience hostility for the sake of the Gospel.
Sleep is good and necessary. So is rising early to seek the will of God for the day.
Heavenly Father, Your goodness gives us rest of body in sleep, and rest of soul in being alert to Your good and acceptable and perfect will. Please give us strength of body in sacrifice to You, wisdom to care for the body which is Your temple, and victory to awaken early and seek Your face and will.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Put to Death
Nothing devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed, but shall surely be put to death.
~ Leviticus 27:29 (MKJV)
"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)
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.
For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish.
~ Psalms 73:25-27 (NKJV)
Most translations of this passage from Leviticus refer to "no man" rather than "nothing" being unredeemable. (The more literal translations are similar to the above quote.) In context, it is clear that some things or people could be set aside for God and later redeemed; but some were devoted to Him, whether put to death (as a sacrifice) or to belong to Him until death.
The New Testament is less ambiguous. To receive life in Christ—eternal, resurrection life—is to go to death with Christ. It is to no longer have a life of one's own at all.
No complaint here. The psalmist says, "there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You." That "none" includes me. The life I once desired was on a path to death and no good to me. The solution? Go ahead and be put to death, and experience Christ in me, the strength of my heart.
Lord Jesus, You know the depth of human agony apart from You. To know You, living in me, is the only life I want. Please Lord, use me, my words, my life, all I am to bring others to more fully know life in You. Please enable all of us to sacrifice whatever makes more room for You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Leviticus 27:29 (MKJV)
"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)
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.
For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish.
~ Psalms 73:25-27 (NKJV)
Most translations of this passage from Leviticus refer to "no man" rather than "nothing" being unredeemable. (The more literal translations are similar to the above quote.) In context, it is clear that some things or people could be set aside for God and later redeemed; but some were devoted to Him, whether put to death (as a sacrifice) or to belong to Him until death.
The New Testament is less ambiguous. To receive life in Christ—eternal, resurrection life—is to go to death with Christ. It is to no longer have a life of one's own at all.
No complaint here. The psalmist says, "there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You." That "none" includes me. The life I once desired was on a path to death and no good to me. The solution? Go ahead and be put to death, and experience Christ in me, the strength of my heart.
Lord Jesus, You know the depth of human agony apart from You. To know You, living in me, is the only life I want. Please Lord, use me, my words, my life, all I am to bring others to more fully know life in You. Please enable all of us to sacrifice whatever makes more room for You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sweet Aroma
And the priest shall burn all on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD.
~ Leviticus 1:9 (NKJV)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
~ Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
Of all the appealing smells of summer, catching the sweet aroma of steaks on a nearby grill has got to be one of the most enticing. (Note to northern locales: spring is coming.)
The phrase "sweet aroma" appears forty-one times in the Old Testament, always referring to an offering by fire. The offering might be of an animal, grain, oil, wine, or incense. The sweet aroma of offering could not occur unless someone sacrificed something they owned.
In the New Testament, God asks for the living sacrifice of ourselves. It is a holy, acceptable, and reasonable sacrifice. It demands forfeiting what would otherwise be used to please ourselves to please God.
And though it may lack the distinct appeal of steaks on a grill, it is to God the most sweet aroma in the universe.
Dearest Lord, You are worthy of any and every sacrifice we might make to You. Whatever You ask of us, please help our hearts to see it as reasonable. Please help us to discern the great pleasure You receive when we give more than time or money, but give You our very lives.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Leviticus 1:9 (NKJV)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
~ Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
Of all the appealing smells of summer, catching the sweet aroma of steaks on a nearby grill has got to be one of the most enticing. (Note to northern locales: spring is coming.)
The phrase "sweet aroma" appears forty-one times in the Old Testament, always referring to an offering by fire. The offering might be of an animal, grain, oil, wine, or incense. The sweet aroma of offering could not occur unless someone sacrificed something they owned.
In the New Testament, God asks for the living sacrifice of ourselves. It is a holy, acceptable, and reasonable sacrifice. It demands forfeiting what would otherwise be used to please ourselves to please God.
And though it may lack the distinct appeal of steaks on a grill, it is to God the most sweet aroma in the universe.
Dearest Lord, You are worthy of any and every sacrifice we might make to You. Whatever You ask of us, please help our hearts to see it as reasonable. Please help us to discern the great pleasure You receive when we give more than time or money, but give You our very lives.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Most Dangerous
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
~ Acts 14:19-20 (NKJV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
Hostile forces stoned Paul to apparent death, then cast him aside as refuse, believing him silenced. The life in Paul was the life of Christ, which can be neither killed nor silenced. After being stoned, Paul went about his business undeterred.
John Eldredge writes, "The most dangerous man on earth is the man who has reckoned with his own death. All men die; few men ever really live." The person who completely crucifies Self is reconciled to death and lives without fear. Is anyone more dangerous?
Would your life change if you discovered you have a terminal illness? It shouldn't, because you already have a terminal illness called mortality. You know not the number of your days on earth. Forfeit them all now. To die is gain, both on the day God lends your final breath, and today.
Live for Self no more, but only for Christ. To do so is to be one who really lives.
Dear God, our lives are contained in You alone. However often Self is crucified, it shows its will to live. Please give all of us the strength to surrender our lives to you so completely that Christ fully lives within us. Let His life in us make us the most dangerous people to draw breath.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 14:19-20 (NKJV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
Hostile forces stoned Paul to apparent death, then cast him aside as refuse, believing him silenced. The life in Paul was the life of Christ, which can be neither killed nor silenced. After being stoned, Paul went about his business undeterred.
John Eldredge writes, "The most dangerous man on earth is the man who has reckoned with his own death. All men die; few men ever really live." The person who completely crucifies Self is reconciled to death and lives without fear. Is anyone more dangerous?
Would your life change if you discovered you have a terminal illness? It shouldn't, because you already have a terminal illness called mortality. You know not the number of your days on earth. Forfeit them all now. To die is gain, both on the day God lends your final breath, and today.
Live for Self no more, but only for Christ. To do so is to be one who really lives.
Dear God, our lives are contained in You alone. However often Self is crucified, it shows its will to live. Please give all of us the strength to surrender our lives to you so completely that Christ fully lives within us. Let His life in us make us the most dangerous people to draw breath.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Repent and be Baptized
They were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."
~ Acts 2:37-39 (ESV)
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)
This is my testimony: I heard and accepted the Good News of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I played church for three years, with one foot in the world and one in the kingdom. I was more miserable than before I heard the Good News, and didn't know why.
Then one sermon I heard the words of Peter, "Repent and be baptized." The Holy Spirit said "Do it!" I didn't understand baptism, but I told God, "If that's what You want, that's what I'll do."
Self was crucified and Jesus became my Lord that autumn day in 1988. He gave me His Spirit to change me from the inside out. He's never asked me for anything He did not replace with something exceedingly better. His life is as much better than my old life as the heavens are higher than the earth.
Lord, Thank You for calling me to Yourself when I was far off. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for loving me when I fail You. I gladly die for You daily and live for You daily. I'll love You forever with all I am. Please keep me near You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 2:37-39 (ESV)
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)
This is my testimony: I heard and accepted the Good News of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I played church for three years, with one foot in the world and one in the kingdom. I was more miserable than before I heard the Good News, and didn't know why.
Then one sermon I heard the words of Peter, "Repent and be baptized." The Holy Spirit said "Do it!" I didn't understand baptism, but I told God, "If that's what You want, that's what I'll do."
Self was crucified and Jesus became my Lord that autumn day in 1988. He gave me His Spirit to change me from the inside out. He's never asked me for anything He did not replace with something exceedingly better. His life is as much better than my old life as the heavens are higher than the earth.
Lord, Thank You for calling me to Yourself when I was far off. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for loving me when I fail You. I gladly die for You daily and live for You daily. I'll love You forever with all I am. Please keep me near You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
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