Why Believe in God?

Note that the question here is "why believe in God?" and not "why believe of God?" Demons believe of God (James 2:19), creation testifies of God (Romans 1:20), and conscience—conscience which defies humanity's nature for self-indulgence—could not exist outside understanding of right and wrong ("do not steal," "do not murder") which is of God (Romans 2:14-15). God provides ample, visible proof of His existence to those who are unpretentious enough to look. (A mortal may possess sufficient arrogance to refute the existence of God, but no mortal possesses the infinite knowledge required to make such an assertion with credibility.)

The "why believe in God?" question is one we all ask at some point, regardless of whether or not we think ourselves spiritual, religious, intelligent. It is likely asked most often by those who cannot reconcile the stark reality of human suffering with the idea that God worthy of acceptance. It is asked in every act of disobedience to morality or honor. It is asked by the most devout of God-believers in moments when we comprehend Him least.

Perhaps, in these moments, we are being most honest with ourselves and with Him. We had caught a glimpse, a whiff of divinity, and we thought with delight that we are, after all, capable of understanding with finite minds the reaches of infinity. We presumed that God is reasonable and our faith can therefore be solidly planted on a rock of reason.

But consider the man whom God Himself once upheld as a model believer:

Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?"
~ Job 1:8 (NKJV)

The horror to follow seems to have no limit. When all he owns and all he loves are lost, as Job writhes in agony of body, he is at last betrayed by wife of his bosom and comrades alike. How reasonable of God is it to allow His finest servant most extreme suffering for best behavior?

Stretched to his breaking point, Job, the quintessential God-believer, comes to the moment when he comprehends God least.

But I would speak to the Almighty,
And I desire to reason with God.
~ Job 13:3 (NKJV)

Job, man of reason, asks "Why believe in God?" What reason can God give Job to reconcile all the suffering and evil to befall him with the God he has previously deemed worthy of acceptance?

Yet even as Job questions the "why" of believing in God, Job does not stop believing in God.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
~ Job 13:15 (NKJV)

If Job had ceased believing God as good, there would be no purpose in the question. As he languishes in misery, longing for its explanation, Job holds faith in the One allowing the misery. For every cause we find to ask, "Why believe in God," there is a God bigger than the question.

be•lieve /biˈlēv/ verb 1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept something as true, genuine, or real 2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something

The mind may find a reason to believe in God—to accept Him—but He will eventually defy puny human intellect. The heart may encounter a feeling to believe in God—to put confidence in Him—but He will eventually push us out of our comfort zone and maybe even break our hearts. The physical senses may discover created beauty which inspires belief—conviction—of a good God, but He will also allow us to experience the evil conceived apart from Him.

When belief is challenged in every way, the humble soul may simply ask for the faith which is a gift from God.

Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
~ Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Defining Moments, Quiet Moments

When life imposes burdens that we have no choice but to bear, the choice we retain is the manner in which they are borne.

It is good for a man to bear
The yoke in his youth.
Let him sit alone and keep silent,
Because God has laid it on him …
~ Lamentations 3:27-28 (NKJV)

The world asks how a good God could allow so much suffering. The short answer is that God allows free will, free will leads to bad decisions which invite sin and death, and it is sin and death which bring suffering.

Faith in Jesus Christ and the salvation purchased with His blood sets us free from sin's eternal penalty. The Holy Spirit teaches us to walk in liberty from the power of sin. But we obtain no free pass from the suffering which exists in a sinful world.

God could allow His own to endure a lesser degree of suffering, might lay upon His children lighter burdens. God's most faithful servants receive no such exemption.

Paul and Elijah visited the place where they despaired of life. Job and Jeremiah came to curse the days of their births.

Jeremiah had called his people to repent, lest God pour out His wrath upon them. When they refused, Jeremiah shared in their punishment and suffered along with them.

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD.
~ Lamentations 3:26

Perhaps—perhaps—God allowed Jeremiah to suffer so that he would set an example of faith in God's goodness, of belief in God's purposes. Jeremiah's ability to praise the Lord and curse his own life in the same breath (Jeremiah 20:13-14) is proof that it can be done.

We may be proven in our defining moments,
but we are made in our quiet ones.
~ Billy Coffey

All praise to Your good and holy name, Lord God Almighty. In the place of abundance, in the place of drought, may we ever believe in Your purposes and plan.

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.

How Can You Believe

"How can you believe—you who receive honor from one another and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?"
~ John 5:44

I'd guess I've read the Gospel of John a hundred times, no exaggeration. Yet this is the first time I remember seeing the above verse. It explains a whole lot.

How many times does faith struggle ...
... to maintain hope that God's plan really is working good—this side of Heaven?
... to accept that when God forgives my sin, I am no longer condemned for it?
... to believe the right response to those who injure me is love and prayer and blessing?

There are a million other ways faith stops short, and certainly other reasons. But today, I am struck by Jesus' words, and I am bolstered to think that how we can better believe is as simple as seeking the honor that comes from God rather than men.

Lord Jesus, let us be conscious of only Your eyes, only Your Father's eyes, that You may increase our faith.

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Good

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
~ Psalms 136:1 (NKJV)

The Hebrew word ṭôb (or tov) from the above passage means "good" in the very broadest sense of the word. Tôb is beautiful, righteous, kind, loving, wise, valuable, glad, strong, gracious, joyful, well-pleasing, profitable, precious.

We hear that God is good. We sing it. We accept it.

And then we suspect otherwise.

Like the child who is must learn the disciplines of life with correction and sometimes thinks the whole affair unpleasant, we catch ourselves thinking that maybe God isn't really good.

He seems mad at us when we don't deserve it. We see His discipline as too harsh. We judge that He isn't fair with us, and it isn't right for Him to not explain things we think we have a right to know. We'd bet that He's not as forgiving as He says and is just waiting for us to mess up so He can get back at us for all the other stuff. We may think He's simply toying with us, that He's mean and ugly. (Maybe He's not good?)

The Bible is filled with countless testimonies from real people who endured all that we endure—and worse. They saw God's goodness at work and tell us to remember ~

God is good.

If we are smarting from our Father's discipline or having a tantrum because we didn't get our way, perhaps we simply need to read some of those testimonies and then go talk to our Father. If we are willing to get as close to Him as we know how and listen to Him, He has loving words of comfort for us—good words.

Our Father in Heaven, You are good above all goodness we know. You are all good, only good, all the time. Please increase our faith to believe that even when we're too small to comprehend Your goodness.

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

No Off Switch

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
~ Psalms 62:8 (NKJV)

If you're reading these words, you likely 'trust in Him' with some measure—you are not ignorant of faith in God. If you're reading these words, you also remain an inhabitant of Earth, and your faith is not yet perfected.

We dwell in this place between faith and fear, between Heaven and Hell, between Light and Darkness. At any given moment, either side may confront us and command our attention.

Trust in Him at all times ...

We cannot afford to trust in Him at some times—
▲ not just when life is smooth and we find time to think on Him;
▼ not just when life is rough and we call Him for help;
◄ not just when we think to share Him with others;
► not just when places and people of God draw our attention to Him.

Though we remain inhabitants of Earth and it fills our senses, God is the refuge where our minds and hearts must dwell at all times.

There is no off switch for the faith which trusts in the unseen.

Lord, we are all ADD down here. There are so many distractions. Please help us! Please call out to us, and help us look to You, trust in You, and dwell in You—at all times.

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

Seeing the Unseen, Hearing the Inaudible

Photo credit: Matt Reinbold

But [Stephen], being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God ... and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
~ Acts 7:55-56 (NKJV)

I think of our existence not altogether unlike a fish tank with a two-way mirror. The fish looks into the mirror and sees only self and the reflection of infinity. But the owner can stand nose to glass, seeing but unseen, aware of every movement the fish makes.

Wherever the Bible describes God's nearness, or the heavens being opened, there is the distinct impression that God stands right before our eyes in another dimension, ready to reveal Himself and speak to the one who calls upon Him.

Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
~ Isaiah 55:6-11 (NKJV)

How does one come to recognize the voice of God except by listening for it? How can one hear His word unless one stands ready to heed it?

Our Sunday school children just heard yet again of Joshua and Jericho. Does the story become so familiar that we fail to see the incredible faith of acting out the irrational? Who wages war by marching silently around a city? Who wins a battle by shouting?

Who follows the inaudible word of an invisible God?

Only the one who believes He is near.

The God Who hears me, cares about me, and acts on my behalf is not long ago and faraway. He engages Himself in my life as if I am all He has to watch. He speaks in my ear as if His nose is as close as my cheek—as if His Spirit is within my heart.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD...
~ Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)

He is sure to communicate the unexpected, for His thoughts cannot be guessed, but only revealed.

He is sure to ask the irrational, which can only be done by faith.

And He is sure to prosper me when He speaks, for His word shall not be wasted.

[My word] shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
~ Isaiah 55:8,11 (NKJV)

: : :

This is the "rest of the story" connected to my testimony of gratitude posted at Everyday Testimonies.

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

Sealed Up

"I know not what the future holds.
But I know Who holds the future."
~ Unknown

Sealed Answers

Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them."
~ Revelation 10:4 (NKJV)

I wonder why the Lord sealed up what the seven thunders said, but still told us that they said something.

I wonder lots of things.

Lord, how much longer before Your return? (Surely the world is too evil for God to tolerate much longer.)

Will You really rapture us before the Great Tribulation? (I want to believe that.) Or will we experience both tribulation and The Tribulation before You return as a thief and steal us away before the Wrath? (Best to be ready for either and stay tight with Jesus.)

The Lord has chosen to reveal many things, and to seal up other things. We all have questions about the future. He reminds us over and over to not be anxious about tomorrow.

Sufficient the trouble for today.

When it’s not possible to pray for all I need, what should I pray for most?

How do I experience Your rest when I live with the tension of being suspended between accepting Your will and engaging my will with You—being willing to have hope but not expectation? How do I keep caring enough without caring too much?

These are questions I still hope to have answered. Do you have questions with no answer? Do you have questions you keep asking in hope for one?

LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
~ Psalms 131:1-2 (NKJV)

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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The Key of David

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The Key of David

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens ...' "
~ Revelation 3:7 (NKJV)

"The key of the house of David
I will lay on his shoulder;
So he shall open, and no one shall shut;
And he shall shut, and no one shall open."
~ Isaiah 22:22 (NKJV)

In ancient times, keys were worn upon the shoulder, similar to the manner in which insignia of military rank is worn today—a fitting indication of authority and control over something of value.

As Jesus addresses His church in the city of brotherly love, He reminds them that He holds keys to His kingdom, that He holds absolute authority and control over everything—and also that He is holy (Greek hagios – pure and perfect, ultimate goodness personified) and true (Greek alēthinos – genuine and reliable, utterly trustworthy).

Now then, what is that matter over which you are wrestling with the Lord right now? What is He asking you to endure, or overcome, or release? Will you trust His goodness and reliability?

If you trust Him for eternal life, how much more might He be trusted for the temporary stuff in the meantime?

Just asking ...

Lord, please forgive us for all the times we hesitate to live with faith in Your goodness and wisdom. Please help us to follow You through the doors You open, and accept the doors You shut.

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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The I AM Made Mine

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
~ Revelation 1:8 (NKJV)



The I AM Made Mine

God Almighty is the Beginning and the End—but not always my God, my Almighty, my beginning and end.

"... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
~ Jesus (Matthew 6:20-21 NKJV)

It's been said that a person's god is identified by calendar, clock and checkbook. How often is my foremost use of talent, time and treasure consistently centered upon the One I call "Lord"?

Now He could do no mighty work there ... And He marveled because of their unbelief.
~ Mark 6:5-6 (NKJV)

Just yesterday I argued with God about something being impossible. How often do I limit what He might do in my life by my lack of faith, by calling Him less all-powerful than I know He is?

" 'And you shall love the LORD Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment."
~ Jesus (Mark 12:30 NKJV)

I love my God. I wish I never failed to think of Him first upon rising, last at day's end; to unfailing ask Him first for my next step rather than come to Him as a last resort in adversity; to accept every blessing from Him with thanks and praise upon my lips. I fall short more often than I nail it. I take great comfort in knowing that His love for me is without condemnation, that He knew me before my beginning, and that when all else is laid to rest, He shall indeed be my end.

Lord God Almighty, how often I speak Your name without giving it full weight. I ask for myself and for everyone who reads these words that You would renew our awareness of Who You are. Please increase our faith in You, increase our love for You, increase our generosity with You.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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Lie of Hell #2: No More Worry About Sin

A recent "Question of the Week" at Bullets & Butterflies listed five of the devil’s lies which sound close enough to the truth to make them believable. This week addresses them in more detail:
• Monday – "You'll never be worthy of God's grace or love."
• Tuesday – "If you have faith, it doesn't matter if you sin."
• Wednesday – "Following Jesus solves your problems."
• Thursday – "Problems indicate God's condemnation."
• Friday – "If you love others then you're loving God."

: : : : :

"Sin and the child of God are incompatible.
They may occasionally meet;
they cannot live together in harmony."
~ John R.W. Scott

Lie of Hell #2: No More Worry About Sin

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment ... Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
~ Hebrews 10:26-29 (NKJV)

The devil desperately wants all humanity (saved and unsaved alike) to believe that grasping the faith of salvation means sin is no longer an issue to worry about.

Salvation is received by faith—but not all faith is saving faith. If faith is held in the mind as intellectual assent or in the mouth as verbal assent or in the hands as outward display of works, it is "first faith" rather than saving faith. Such "faith" produces the illusion of eternal security, evidenced by continued practice of sin. (See Luke 8:13; Matthew 24:12; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22.)

Jesus speaks to His church with strong language, warning that failure to repent of sin will result in being vomited out of His mouth. (Revelation 3:16) He said He does not know and therefore rejects those who call Him "Lord" without obeying Him. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure ... for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
~ 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV)

Faith held outside the heart is not secure. It must take root in the heart to cover with Christ's blood the sin lying there which condemns us.

Once heart-faith takes root, it will begin to produce spiritual fruit and works of righteousness. We are neither saved nor made "more" righteous by works. We are saved by the faith which is evidenced with the Holy Spirit's works and fruit. (James 2:14-26; Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:12; Matthew 7:17-20; Luke 6:45)

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. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
~ Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)

It was necessary for Jesus to die as He did only because sin is thoroughly intolerable to God. If we wear Jesus Christ on only the outside, we remain condemned sinners. If we are in Christ, we will walk in His Spirit—in freedom from condemnation.

If we are in Christ, we will seek to make not converts holding fleeting first faith but disciples holding saving faith.

Father in Heaven, thank You for the gift of Your Beloved Son. May our hearts hold unceasing gratitude for the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please help us cooperate with Your Spirit's work and yield to Your Spirit's fruit.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Question of the Week: Is Worry a Sin?

Is worry a sin? ... I feel bad for having such emotions that I really cannot control.
from Anonymous

Three issues are here: worry, control of emotions, feeling bad for failure.

Let’s start with emotions.

It’s been argued that feelings aren’t right or wrong—they’re just feelings. But Jesus said that to lust is to commit adultery in the heart. He addressed hatred with the commandment against murder. He called covetousness evil.

Feelings and thoughts can definitely be sinful.

The adage says you can’t prevent birds from flying overhead, but you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair. Likewise, when wrong thoughts of the mind and wrong feelings of the heart come, we have a choice to entertain or dismiss them.

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
~ Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Simply pushing away wrong thoughts and feelings is far less effective than filling ourselves with things to build up our souls.

Whatever things tear down the soul are contrary to the Lord’s will and can therefore be defined as sin. Sin should feel bad, because its defiance against God separates us from Him.

God’s solution to sin is threefold. He removes eternal Penalty of sin for whomever receives Jesus Christ as Lord and repents of sin. The day is coming when those who belong to Christ will live with Him, removed from the Presence of sin, with its pain and suffering. Until then, God’s Holy Spirit delivers us from the Power of sin by increasing our spiritual strength.

We increase spiritual strength by cooperating with the Holy Spirit—taking in the Bible, communicating with God in prayer, and making godly choices to avoid sin.

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 8:1 (NKJV)

The devil condemns us for sin and tempt us to hide from God. The Holy Spirit instead convicts us of sin, prompting us to draw near to God. Those in Christ are forgiven and never condemned by God, not even when we fail—or worry.

Back to the question of worry. Yes, bad things happen, even to those who are God’s. But worrisome circumstances are opportunities to be childlike and enter the kingdom.

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
~ Matthew 18:3 (NKJV)

Little ones don’t worry about checkbooks. When they are hurting, they run to the loving parent who offers comfort and aid. In scary situations, a child clings closely to parent for reassurance.

To have childlike trust does not mean childish disregard for responsibilities. It simply understands who God is. He proves Himself more powerful than all adversity, wiser than the most confounding problem, more loving than our greatest failure.

So He says, “Fear not.” He asks us to trust that regardless of circumstances, He has a plan in it for good and will walk us through it. And His great compassion does not condemn us for worry, but says gently, “Look at Me instead.”

2010 Anne Lang Bundy
Image source: vaughnblog.blogspot.com

: : :

This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies. To see comments, click here.

Trust the Lord to Decide

"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations."
~ Elton Trueblood

Trust the Lord to Decide
#encouragement

"You shall appoint cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person accidentally may flee there... and he shall remain there until the death of the high priest ..."
~ Numbers 35:11,25 (NKJV)

The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.
~ Proverbs 16:33 (NKJV)

In ancient Israel, the Lord designated six places as "cities of refuge," where a person who accidently caused death was placed under house arrest, and was thereby protected from an avenger. The manslayer was required to remain in a city of refuge for as long as the high priest lived—a period of time ultimately under the Lord's control.

I like the idea of putting a matter squarely in God's control. Every once in a while, when I come to the end of my mental capacity to render judgment in a sibling dispute, I get out a coin and ask, "Will you trust the Lord to decide?" My wise children inevitably say they will. We recite the above passage from Proverbs, pray and tell the Lord we're giving Him the decision, then flip. One side will evidence quiet disappointment, but contention ceases.

Peace may be found if one allows that those matters which truly lie outside our control are yet under God's control. We have freedom to speak to Him about the situation, and perhaps by our prayers move His hand. If we decide ahead of time that we will rest in His decision, we can save ourselves a great deal of anxiety.

This does not require great faith, but only the faith of a child who trusts a loving Father.

Our Father in Heaven, You are wise and good. We cannot ask for anything better than Your will. Please increase our faith in You. Please help us find the balance between trust and presumption. Please grant us Your peace whatever our circumstances.

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.
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Too Important to Not Remember

"Like a bird singing in the rain,
let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow."
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

As I work through the book of Numbers, today's post is out of order with yesterday's. It's presented as part of the Blog Carnival hosted by Peter Pollock at Rediscovering the Church on the theme "Remember."

Too Important to Not Remember

"Command the children of Israel, and say to them, 'My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.'
~ Numbers 28:2 (NKJV)

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you."
~ 1 Samuel 12:23 (NKJV)

Something too important to not remember has entered my life.

While recently visiting with a friend I sensed distress. As I gently probed, I learned of deep hurt. My heart ached with compassion. We talked. We prayed. Then as I prepared to say, "I'll be praying for you," I knew in my spirit this would not comfort. The words are said often among Christians, but prayers for one person are often forgotten when supplanted by new concerns.

So I boldly spoke something which immediately filled me with fear that I wouldn't follow through: "I'm going to be praying for you every day."

I prayed and fasted that night and the next morning. I prayed again the next night. I wrote the prayer down on the cover of my prayer journal instead of an inside page. I resolved that I'm going to be lifting up this person in prayer every morning and every night until resolved, so that if that one morning or night comes along when I forget, I will still daily pray for a matter too important to not remember.

Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

In Numbers 28 and 29, the Lord outlines the many offerings of sacrifice to be made for six annual feasts, every new moon (new month), every Sabbath, and every evening and morning. He called them a zikkarôn—a memorial or remembrance. The Lord is too important to not remember. He did wonderful and mighty things to prove Himself trustworthy. But memory of the past is soon supplanted by the moment's anxiety and fears for the future if we do not actively commit to remember.

How have you seen the Almighty's hand of blessing in your life? Is a sacrifice of thanksgiving offered to Him so regularly that you remember His faithfulness in the face of new concerns?

Does the grateful memory enable you sing His praises in even a storm?

Almighty God, how is it that we should know You as our loving Abba? Thank You for caring for us so tenderly and so completely. Please draw us to remember You often, from the heart.

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.
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Identity

"Salvation is free. Discipleship will cost you your life."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Identity
#discipleship

The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam.
~ Numbers 26:59 (NKJV)

And God said to Abraham: "... This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised ... and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised ..."
~ Genesis 17:9-12 (NKJV)

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 8:1 (NKJV)

Movies such as "Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt" dramatize how Moses might learn he was Hebrew. My own theory is that his parents made his identity clear.

Moses was nursed by his own mother. Children of biblical times and culture were typically nursed three years—old enough for his mother to make sure he knew who he was. And his father would have circumcised Moses—the unmistakable, irreversible mark of a Hebrew.

Circumcision was not a practice of Egyptians, nor was sufficient privacy among males for Moses' identity to be hidden. For the Hebrews then and for Jews of every era, circumcision is the single common mark of identity among all males.

Christians are usually identified based on things like they go to church, regularly read and know the Bible, uphold certain standards, and affirm belief in Jesus as Savior. While such practices are common to Christians, all of them may also be practiced as mere religion—an outward mark.

My pastor, Dean Stewart, defines that those who truly belong to Jesus are His disciples, and therefore His followers. Pastor Dean says followers will be characterized by things such as:

• Followers are responsive to Christ's voice.
• Followers are recognized by their appetite and passion to be more like Jesus as they learn His mind and practice His ways.
• Followers are worshipers whose eyes have been opened to see a glimpse of our Lord's greatness, glory and holiness.

The classic poser asks, "If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?"

I ask today, what criteria do you think sufficient to positively identity a person as a follower of Christ?

Lord Jesus, I ask You to speak to our hearts, to show each of us if we have honored You in making clear that we follow You, and to show how we might follow You more closely.

NOTE: Please see my comment of 10:08, below, concerning motive in asking this question.

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 movies.tvguide.com

How Much Salvation Do You Have?

"In Christ the best is always yet to come.
Always. No exceptions. Forever."
~ John Piper

How Much Salvation Do You Have?
#discipleship

And all the children of Israel complained. "... If only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword...? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" ...
[But Joshua and Caleb said]: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.' "
~ Numbers 14:2-3;7-8 (NKJV)

Don't rebel like those people who were tested in the desert... We see that those people did not enter the place of rest because they did not have faith. The promise to enter the place of rest is still good, and we must take care that none of you miss out.
~ Hebrews 3:8,19-4:1 (CEV)

This event from Numbers occurs after the Lord has displayed unquestionable might with the ten plagues and parting of the Red Sea. For sixteen months, the Lord has provided bread, meat and water to the Israelites. Now faced with the Promised Land's prosperity (yesterday's "Goodness of the Grape"), they choose to fear the unknown rather than trust the I AM.

So they declare it preferable to either die in the desert or return to bondage. Doubt in God's power and goodness costs them the pleasures He had waiting for them. The children of Israel have experienced salvation from slavery, but lack of trust prevents them from being fully free.

Christians likewise pass through three places to experience full freedom: bondage, desert, Promised Land.

Two variations of the Hebrew noun for "salvation" are yasha and yeshua. [Yeshua is also the Hebrew name of Jesus.] Yeshua is the act of rescue or deliverance. Yasha is a wide or open space in the condition of safety and freedom. It is the difference between standing next to unshackled chains outside the dark dungeon's door, and dancing barefoot across the beach in glorious sunshine.

Whether Egyptians or Hell's damnation threaten, the prudent person steps out in faith to accept rescue from bondage. But the desert of mere survival is no place to remain. The Lord offers a wide place of rest and abundant life for those willing to trust that He overcomes all we fear.

If the Christian life feels like a confining desert wasteland, freedom isn't found by looking back at bondage as not-so-bad. Moving forward into the Promised Land is a simple matter of saying, "Lord, wherever You lead I'll follow, whatever You ask I'll do"—trusting His goodness and might.

Do you know the abundant life of full surrender?
Do you trust Jesus for both narrow rescue and wide freedom?

Lord Jesus, Adonia Yeshua, thank You for deliverance from bondage. Thank You for leading us to the wide place of freedom in Your new life. Thank You for being utterly worthy of our trust.

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
(John 8:36 NKJV)

Much thanks to Bridget Chumbley for hosting today's Blog Carnival on Trust on One Word at a Time.

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.
Prison photo from makethewallstransparent.org
Beach photo from lifewaydental.com

THE ANSWER

This Tuesday thru Thursday, focus will be on three key principles of the Christian life.

"Faith is to believe what you do not yet see;
the reward for this faith is to see what you believe."
~ Augustine

THE ANSWER

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
~ Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Would you like an answer to whatever challenge you're facing right now?

Indulge me for a moment as I first explain my parenting philosophy. I taught my infants to completely depend on me for their survival. I was a continual presence as I nursed them, heeded their every call, attended to their every need. The task their father and I face for the rest of their lives is not to make them independent, but to transfer their dependence upon our nurture, provision, and protection to God. It is absolutely necessary for their continued survival.

The secret to solving any problem is complete dependence on God. It is expressed in the simple prayer, "What do I do next?"

I discovered this prayer following the most difficult day of my life, which spiritually exhausted me, physically fatigued me to the point of collapse, and left me mentally and emotionally bankrupt. I had an infant recovering from surgery, a small child with stomach flu, a house-remodeling project in a stage which both required critical attention and left me without much house—and a husband who needed to go to work.

"Overwhelmed" doesn't begin to describe my feelings. My mind was capable of no more than to ask, "Lord, what do I do next?"

Nurse the baby.

Done. "Lord, what do I do next?"

Fix dinner.

Done. "Lord, what do I do next?"

Give the baby his medicine.

I swallow with dread. I must pin down his infant body with my knees to force the medicine in with my hands while he fights against the pain I'm inflicting.

I'll give you strength.

Take a breath. Okay, Lord. Done.

For a few days, this was how I survived. And I learned that no matter where a person is in life, no matter what a person faces, no matter how a person feels, there's only one Answer needed.

The next step.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
"This is the way, walk in it,"
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.
~ Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV)

God doesn't always whisper. Sometimes He simply brings The Answer to mind without words, by directing attention to what's needed. Sometimes within conscience, there is certainty of what must be done.

The Lord will give The Answer to anyone—no matter where they are with God at the moment—anyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart that is ready to listen and act.

Our part is to give Him our attention, trust Him without argument, and heed Him without hesitation.

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
To one without faith, no explanation is possible."
~ Thomas Aquinas

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.

Hope Loudly

"The phrase ‘Don't get your hopes up’ is a subtle assassin of faith.
We are called to hope loudly."
~ @prodigaljohn via Twitter

Hope Loudly

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.
~ Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
~ Psalms 130:5 (NKJV)

substance >noun 3 solid basis in reality or fact

evidence >noun 1 information or signs indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid

Faith and hope are thought of in the realm of the abstract and intangible. The author of Hebrews says otherwise.

Faith constitutes our evidence—our proof—of things which exist, but lie outside our view.

Hope is the deposit on yet unfulfilled promises. The substance of hope—its solid basis in reality or fact—lies in faith.

We are never without hope when we call to mind that Jesus undisputedly demonstrated at Calvary a love in which to place enduring faith and establish our hope.

The only part left is the waiting.

In the waiting, hope loudly!

Father, You are Hope personified! You have proven Yourself in too many ways to number. You never fail us. Overshadow our hearts with patience as we wait for the fulfillment of all hope.

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.

FRIEND (Prologue)

"A dreamer is one who can find his way by moonlight,
and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."
~ Oscar Wilde

If all went according to plan, one of my best friends and I spent Wednesday evening on a plane to Denver. Then yesterday morning well before dawn, Gwen Stewart and I listened to elk bugling before we traversed Trail Ridge Road, the highest through roadway on the continent at 12,183 feet above sea level, and my old stomping grounds.

I love dizzying heights and Gwen is deathly afraid of them—the difference between a frequent-flier Colorado native bred in the low oxygen environment of high altitude, and a lowlander who lives near a manmade "ski area" called Mt. Holly with a elevation drop of 350 feet—less than half the height of a Denver skyscraper. (Don’t even get me started on that.)

But Gwen has placed her Trust in God (and my mountain driving). If you're reading these words, yesterday went too long for me to tell you about it in time for today's post. You’re getting a pre-scheduled message I wrote several days ago, while I was still only dreaming of the thrilling wonders I could hardly wait to share with Gwen.

Or, perhaps Gwen’s fear proved valid, and we’ll see you all when you join us in heaven.

Either way, the next two days’ posts are already in the queue. Stop back tomorrow! :D

Contrasting points-of-view (from fans of Mt. Holly), questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.

Most Powerful Force

"A faithful prayer in the hands of love
is the most powerful force on earth."
~ Doug Spurling

"Nearly all men can stand adversity,
but if you want to test a man's character give him power."
~ Abraham Lincoln

So if the most powerful force on earth were entrusted to you, what would your character prove in your use of it?

If you are Christ's, you indeed hold that power.

Father, fill us with love and faith, then bow us low.

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

El Olam / Everlasting God, Rock of Ages

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

El Olam / Everlasting God
Tsur Olam / Rock of Ages

You will keep in perfect peace
The one stayed upon You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For Yah, the LORD,
Is the Rock of Ages.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (author)

Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.
~ Genesis 21:33 (NKJV)

The word olam is generally translated "Everlasting" in the Bible.

It is translated "universe" in a most common Jewish prayer: "Baruch ata Adonai, Elohey-nu Melech ha-Olam." Or: "Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe."

Olam is sometimes translated "unchanging." Although God's everlasting quality does not change, olam doesn't literally mean unchanging. It is a masculine noun for something which extends so far ahead or behind, in time or in distance, that neither its beginning nor end is within sight.

We might think, "ah—infinity." Infinity does not exist in the Hebrew mind, but only the concept that our finite minds cannot grasp the beginning and the end. It is a subtle but important distinction for a God Who three times declares in the book of Revelation that He is the Beginning and the End. Even the universe for which we have yet to determine limits certainly has them, for Scripture declares that God has marked out its boundaries.

Thus olam might be most literally defined as "out of sight." Does that bring an amused smile to your face? It is certainly not inappropriate. Olam is large and enduring and fixed, its beginning and end beyond our comprehension. Yet the passage from Isaiah says that if we keep Olam within sight, our mind and heart stayed upon Him, He will keep us in perfect peace.

Olam is combined by Isaiah with the word tsur, which means rock. Tsur is neither a stone for a sling nor a larger building stone. This is a boulder or cliff such as the Rock of Gibraltar. If anything captures the essence of fixed and enduring, it would be such a rock.

Thus the poetic translation "Rock of Ages." Tsur Olam has proven Himself worthy of everlasting trust. In relying upon Him, we need worry about neither the beginning nor the end which are outside our view. He is already in both places.

Stayed upon the Rock of Ages, we are secure. We are at perfect peace.

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