First Thanksgiving Payback: Peace

For many people, next week will be four days off of work for gorging on food, football, and frenzied shopping.

For others, the celebration of giving thanks is an opportunity to indulge in blessings remembered and to renew thanksgiving as a way of life.

As a way of life, thanksgiving offers paybacks exponentially higher than 5% cash back on a credit card. Whatever else we do in pursuit of health in body and mind, heart and soul, the exercise of giving thanks returns a plethora of rewards for a person's well being, and peace is first on the list.

Peace with Life
"A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves." So said Henry Ward Beecher, and so I have observed to be true, foremost of myself. When I believe I should have more than I do—more wealth, more health, more esteem—I am not at peace with life. But when I see myself as a worm who is unworthy to live in a free country amid plenty, or as a sinner undeserving of God's mercy grace and forgiveness, I am then utterly amazed that my Creator has blessed me as He has. In such a condition, I am at peace with life and know contentment in the midst of trial.

Peace with People
The same humble spirit necessary to heartfelt gratitude enables peace with even the most contentious scoundrels. God's Word directs, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18, NKJV) If some scoundrel will not be at peace with me, I will yet be at peace with him (wherever possible), ready to see the opportunity to return thanks to him (whenever possible), channeling to him the abundant grace poured out upon me (however possible). And, perchance, he (or she) will come to know peace with me in the process.

Peace with God
Truth be told, this is hardly different than peace with life. For God is Giver of life and all its complements. No circumstance of life arrives absent the permission of Almighty God. I would believe that my complaint about circumstance benignly evaporates, the thin air into which it was breathed dissipating its substance. Yet is complaint not a plaintiff's testimony against God's goodness, carried into the world and heavenly realms alike, summoning the Lord as Defendant and declaring my opposition to His sovereignty? On the other hand, the plea to receive strength and wisdom for a test is to invite His grace. And to offer testimony of thanks is to proclaim God wise and good and righteous and loving, declaring myself at peace with Him.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.
~ Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV)

Next time: Second Thanksgiving Payback – Protection

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 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Question of the Week: What is the Kingdom of God?

Image source: turnbacktoGod.com

What is the Kingdom of God, how do I get there, and how do I know it when I see it?
Russell Holloway

The work 'kingdom' designates a realm under the domain of its sovereign.

This week will outline the Bible's description of the Lord's dominion, which might be divided into five phases.

The remainder of my answer appears at Bullets & Butterflies.

: : :

Next week: How to enter the Kingdom now.

What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.

© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Hour of His Judgment

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice,
"Fear God and give glory to Him,
for the hour of His judgment has come;
and worship Him who made heaven and earth,
the sea and springs of water."
~ Revelation 14:6-7 (NKJV)

... and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
~ Revelation 16:9 (NKJV)

Hour of His Judgment

Genesis 1:1 opens the Bible with a simple introduction of the Creator as "Elohim," a Hebrew word which also denotes a judge's authority.

The book of Revelation closes the Bible with a depiction of the last days of human dominion on our planet. Over and over, praise for the Lord God Almighty and His sovereignty is abundantly manifest.

God's angel commands in chapter 14 that the Creator be feared and glorified by His creation in the hour of His judgment. The Maker wrote upon the conscience of humanity His judgments of all that is right and wrong. He now demands an account.

To blaspheme one's Maker at any other time would merit sound rebuke. To blaspheme Him in the hour of His judgment when His wrath climaxes might be compared to a convicted felon giving an angry human justice the finger and maligning his reputation as he pronounces sentence. Such resolve proves the righteousness of God's wrath against Evil.

In our limited view of spiritual matters, we sometimes question an everyday hour of His judgment, whether of right and wrong, of what He asks from us, or as He acts in our lives. Faith believes that He has the wisdom, authority and love of perfect justice, saying, "Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."

Sovereign Lord, give us patience for the day when we will see all from Your perspective. Please increase our faith to fully trust You in matters yet unseen.

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

The Key of David

(click image to enlarge)

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.
Image source: ancientresource.com

Question of the Week: Why Suffering?

Q: "Why does God allow suffering—for example, in Haiti?" (from Daniela Holloway in Florida, formerly of Berlin, East Germany)

If there is a question asked about God more than any other, it is why a good God allows suffering. Volumes have been written in response. This article can't adequately address such a big question, but it may provide enough basis to reconcile the presence of suffering with the existence of a good God.

Foremost, suffering is a necessary element of free will.

There are those who believe we are no more than puppets upon the world’s stage, our every movement controlled by the sovereign God pulling our strings. If such were the case, suffering would indeed be a cruel element of the drama because it is forced upon us by God.

Because we really do have free will—to be exercised within the limits our sovereign God has set—our ability to choose between good and evil is real. God’s will is always good, but it is not forced upon us. It is right (or righteous) when we choose his will. It is evil (or sin) whenever we choose what is not His will. Sin will always result in suffering—to ourselves, to others, and to all creation.

Suffering does not exist because a good God causes it. Suffering exists because a good God allows mankind the freedom to choose the sin which causes suffering. And because He is good, God uses the suffering we choose for ourselves to achieve good anyway.

"The world owes you nothing; it was here first."
~ Mark Twain

Here are some ways God uses suffering for good:

• Suffering causes us to evaluate and determine what is most important in our lives.

• When suffering exists, and yet love, sacrifice, and compassion endure, these attributes of good and of God are shown to be more powerful than suffering.

• Common suffering draws people more tightly together in unity than does prosperity and ease.

• Suffering draws us to depend upon God, humble ourselves, and make peace with Him.

• Suffering proves what kind of person we are, which in turn brings us to discover our strengths and weaknesses.

• Suffering is not God’s judgment—yet. But suffering is a component of God’s discipline, to warn us to repent of sin before judgment is faced.

• Suffering compels us to rise to our potential to overcome it, and makes us strong to better contend with life’s challenges.

My plan is to discuss these last three points at more length on my blog "Building His Body" next week as follows:
Monday: The Test of Suffering
Wednesday: The Discipline of Suffering
Friday: The Overcoming of Suffering

I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Psalms 119:75 (ESV)

© 2010 Anne Lang Bundy
Photo sources:
Fire in Haiti street: komonews.com
Aid to boy in Haiti: guardian.co.uk
Katrina flood: faves.com
Katrina: Body Count swamppolitics.com

: : :

This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies on February 13. To see additional comments, click here.

Question of the Week: Why Pray?

"Why Pray? If it changes God's mind then he is not sovereign. If it does not change God's mind then it is superfluous."
(from exchristian.net)

sovereign >adjective 1 possessing supreme or ultimate power

superfluous >adjective exceeding what is sufficient or necessary

The fact that God is sovereign means He sets limits on what He allows. It does not mean that He will not share control with us over what He allows. He is a macro-manager who both cares about the details and helps us manage them.

Because He really, really loves us, God genuinely wants the companionship of our cooperation as He accomplishes His will.

Like a mother baking cookies with a four-year old, God doesn’t need us to accomplish His will, He wants us. The beloved child is the whole point of baking cookies in the first place, and we are the whole point of His will. While the mother wisely sets limits on what she allows the child to do, the child is also allowed to make choices like chocolate chip or oatmeal, add or omit nuts.

Prayer can be for things like praise, thanksgiving, or confession of sin to ask forgiveness. Today’s question is about asking God to act in a situation. In this case, prayer is an amazing privilege of being allowed to participate with God as He shapes and applies His will.

"I pray because ...
God always intended to bring humans in on the act without letting them get proud in the process."
— Tom Wright

Here are three things that can happen through the kind of prayer that asks God's intervention:

• By our fellowship with God in prayer, He may be moved to change our circumstances.

• Through fellowship with God in prayer, we better understand His will and accept it.

• The very act of prayer is a humble acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and our dependence on Him. This opens the doors for us to receive His spiritual gifts, which enable us to both to change ourselves and be able to face our circumstances.

The most profound example of human participation in God’s sovereignty is the creation of life. Our Creator’s will is for humans to reproduce. He put in man and woman the strong desire for each other that leads them to act according to His will. It is the will and physical union of a man and woman which opens the door for new life. But it remains within God’s power to actually create life.

Prayer is the spiritual union between God and humans which opens the door to the creation of spiritual life in our souls. It is anything but superfluous.

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." ~ Jesus (John 15:7 NKJV)

© 2010 Anne Lang Bundy

This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies on February 6. To see the comments, click here.

Day Eleven: Way (path)

"The Twelve Days of Christ" series looks at Psalm 119's twelve Hebrew words for God’s Word, and a connection to the church for each one.

"Life is not a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely ...
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
'WOW! What a Ride!' "
Bill McKenna

Day Eleven: Way (path)
derek: masc noun, a road; a course of life; path, journey, way
from darak: verb, to tread; to walk; to press something with one's feet

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
~ Psalms 119:37 (NKJV)

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
~ Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~ John 14:6 (NKJV)

Yesterday's 'orach is the Hebrew word for 'way' with a slight emphasis on manner. Today's derek comes from a verb for treading, and refers to the beaten path.

In the study of the way God puts before us, I cannot help but think of the melding of God's sovereignty and man's free will. God lays out a path. We have the choice of whether or not to take it. There may be times when our choice to take another path leads to great loss, as when King Saul's disobedience cost him the monarchy.

There are other times when the Lord may step in, and compel obedience by unpleasant methods, as He did when He sent Jonah to Ninevah. Arriving onshore as fish vomit does have a persuasive affect on human will. And the disobedience of man does not frustrate the sovereignty of God.

But how much better to walk in God's perfect will, and choose His way immediately. Abraham left his homeland and chose a path to a land of covenant. Paul had planned to turn to eastern lands, but obeyed the Spirit's directing him west with the Gospel, and thus the church took root in Europe rather than Asia. Jesus is The Way to the Father, and walked a path to Calvary—that was not His will—to give us life.

What is the way the Lord puts before you? Are there worthless things down another path which look more appealing? Will you trust His way to be His very best for you?

Father, please forgive us when we whine about the path You set before us. Please turn our eyes away from the direction we covet. Please lead our hearts to better know You, so we will better trust Your plans for us—plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.

#encouragement
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 nydailynews.com of Pete Rose slide into Ray Fosse, 1970

By Day or By Night

"I do not know what the future holds,

but I know Who holds the future."
~ Unknown

By Day or By Night
#perspective

So it was always: the cloud covered [the tabernacle] by day, and the appearance of fire by night... Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey. Whether it was two days, a month, or a year ... At the command of the LORD they remained encamped, and at the command of the LORD they journeyed.
~ Numbers 9:16,21-23 (NKJV)

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
~ Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)

I've always enjoyed being spontaneous—as long as an idea sounds fun and I have a choice. I've otherwise planned ahead, with everything neatly in its own organized cubbyhole, necessary resources on hand for contingencies, and the calendar comfortably arranged.

Parenthood happened. I adjusted—mostly. Shortly thereafter I became involved in ministry, and learned how to flex for a slew of situations. Then my husband John (a police investigator) started working on-call hours, and in a moment's notice whatever semblance of order our household precariously maintains may be thrown out the window.

It took me a while, but I finally got it through my head that since God is Lord of my life, He's allowed to arrange my calendar and change my schedule. He may inconveniently disrupt long-planned vacations, important appointments, or simply thoughts of a nap.

The Lord has an exhaustive list of interruptions—among them sickness or injury, emergencies minor or major, relationship crisis—any of them my own or a third party's. Death seems to visit with unusual frequency, whether of family member, friend, or complete stranger who requires the police in attendance.

If I choose to see unwelcome circumstances as random fate, I will pout and be discouraged and maybe even rant a tantrum in my frustration. If I choose to see everything outside my free will to control as within God's predestined control, I can receive it as His plan to work good in my life.

Like the Israelites, I need only be attentive to His presence, ready to move when He says "Go!" and wait when He says "Stay."

Lord, thank You for always planning ahead, and always purposing good in Your perfect timing. Please help all of us to receive from Your hand whatever You give and whatever You take away, ready to bless Your name for it.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Predestination and Free Will

"Now I have a peace
I've never known before
I find myself complete
My heart is spoken for."
~ MercyMe*

Predestination and Free Will
#biblestudy

"Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine."
~ Numbers 8:14 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
~ 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

Therefore, brethren, 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)

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day."
~ John 6:44 (NKJV)

As the Lord's ever-interesting timing would have it, I write this post while also having a stimulating email discussion with Sarah M. Salter about predestination.

I absolutely believe in predestination. I also absolutely believe God gives us the free-will to refuse the destiny He has offered us.

Here in Numbers, the Lord selected the Levites as His Own, to serve Him. Examples of unfaithful Levites abound. Those who refused their destiny perished because of it.

We did not come to Christ unless the Father chose to draw us. It is our place to accept His offer in faith, and make our call and election sure—or not.

I did include more Scriptures than usual today, and allow them to speak for themselves rather than say more. I invite discussion in the comments.

Father in Heaven, thank You for selecting those You've made Your Son's. Thank You for the ability to accept the gift You offer. If any reading these words have failed to do so, please lead and enable them to be certain with you that their calling has been made sure. Please send Your Spirit to enlighten our understanding and enable our diligence.

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.
* Lyrics of "Spoken For" © 2002 Simpleville Music

Exalted Servant

"The value of a person's job doesn't depend upon what it

allows him to have, but what it allows him to become."
~ Billy Coffey (from What I Learned Today)

Exalted Servant
#discipleship

And the appointed duty of the children of Merari included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work relating to them.
~ Numbers 3:36 (NKJV)

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
~ 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)

"The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
~ Matthew 23:11-12 (NIV)

The Levites were stewards not of land, as were Israel's other tribes, but of the holy things of YHWH. The priesthood was entrusted to the house of Kohath, and with it the Ark of the Covenant and sacred vessels. The house of Gershon was charged with care of the tabernacle itself. The appointed duty for the house of Merari was care of perimeter and utensils—they were dishwashers and street sweepers.

Perhaps manual labor best lent itself to whistle or hum or sing. Maybe it left one's mind the freedom to commune with the Lord. Little more is said of these lowly servants for nearly 500 years, until King David put the sons of Merari in charge of Jerusalem's tabernacle music.

Who better to select a praise team to stand in the presence of God 24/7 than the man who authored psalms we still use to praise God three thousand years later? David chose for this most joyous and exalted work those stewards he surely found faithful and cheerful in obediently performing their appointed duty to humble tasks.

Is there any lowly task the Lord might ask of you that you'd struggle to obey? Are you prepared to forsake His unknown reward?

Lord, You know the plans You have for us, to do good in our lives, to give us a future and a hope. Please give us gifts of gratitude and fortitude in whatever appointed duty You put before us. Please give us strength to be obedient, trusting You to reward us in Your perfect timing.

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.

Exhibit D: Commandment

Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
~ Romans 7:12 (NKJV)

You are near, O LORD,
And all Your commandments are truth.
~ Psalms 119:151 (NKJV)

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."
~ Exodus 20:8-11 (NKJV)

Paul continues to build his case for Christ in Romans 7, and brings forth God's commandment as "holy and just and good." C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity also argued that logically, humans could not inherently know good from evil unless a Creator had so defined them first.

Across all cultures, things such as murder, theft, adultery, and lying have long been understood as wrong. In this era of relativism, however, truth is no longer seen as absolute. So permit me to use the commandment as proof of God on something yet considered absolute: numbers.

Solar and lunar cycles define years and months. But how did the day become established on two twelve-hour cycles (as in the Bible)? Why is counting ordered on the number ten (as in the Bible)? I suppose an argument might be made that those numbers easily suited themselves to mathematical equations—but then why aren't both systems the same?

And if mankind evolved, how did cultures which span language and distance and religion all come up with a week measured with the oddball number seven—apart from God and His commandment?

Reason demands that these things could only be defined by God. It also says that if numbers are still rational and real and absolute, so is the immorality of murder, theft, adultery, and lying.

Almighty God, Creator and Redeemer, Your commandment is indeed holy and just and good. It reveals Your Person. It reveals Your promises. It reveals Your plan for our lives if we will but heed You. Please break our resolve wherever we wander from the commandment with which You bless us.

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

Netsach Yisrael / Eminence of Israel

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

Friday Freelance: FACETS

I recently suffered a minor crisis typical of writers, summed up in Does what I write matter to anyone? The only One of Whom I really need to ask that question whispered write about first love stuff.

It was indeed love at first sight when I met the Word of God on an autumn day in 1985. I'd read the Bible for years, but never before come to know the Word made flesh. The love affair has only intensified with time.

Different names for God particularly fascinate me. Each name from Scripture reveals something more about Him, providing an ever larger picture of a very big God.

I've become obsessive about the study. I once spent over a year picking through the Hebrew text starting at Genesis, examining every reference to the Lord for any difference from all the other ways He's named. When I reached the end of Deuteronomy with 94 names cataloged, I moved on. (If the Lord tarries long enough, I'd love to complete the other 64 books of the Bible someday, to methodically locate whichever names I may have missed through random study.)

When I started this blog series July 1, I anticipated an easy task of copying and pasting notes. But each post has been a brand new study in the review of a different facet of God's personality.

Reminiscing with my Flame has made me fall all the more deeply in love with Him.

"The Eminence of Israel will neither lie nor relent.

For He is not a man, that He should relent."
1 Samuel 15:29

Netsach Yisrael / Eminence of Israel

One of the most fascinating names of God is used only once in Scripture, yet the word itself has multiple facets. Various Bible translations use six different words to express the word netsach of 1 Samuel 15:29 in English. To capture all the nuances of netsach requires even more synonyms.

Here are some of the facets of God's personality expressed in defining the single Hebrew name Netsach.

Eternal / Perpetual – The Everlasting God (El Olam) is perpetual. He exists beyond mortal comprehension of space and distance. He will exist in eternity future after all culmination. He existed in eternity past before mankind’s creation.

Distant Glory / Majesty (as of a star) – The distant stars are not minute, but immense in size and great in splendor. The glory of YHWH was made visible in the pillar of cloud to the people when they were delivered from bondage. The people heard the voice of YHWH and feared, begging that only Moses draw close. Even as the mighty stars are placed far away lest they consume the earth, so must God in His glory stand apart lest man be consumed for his sin.

Strength / Blood (as the glory of brilliant, vital, blood) – The atonement for sin is the life of a perfect sacrifice. The life, the strength, the glory is in the blood. The animal skin which covered Adam’s nakedness and sin required the blood of an animal. The blood of the perfect sacrifice is glorious—as is the blood of the crushed grape which becomes the wine shared in fellowship and rejoicing and covenant. Both cups contain sweetness mingled with bitterness.

Director / Chief – There is but one Chief to direct the people; but one Sovereign above all visible rulers.

Truth / Confidence / Firmness – The truth of God's Word is a firm Rock on which to build with confidence. What the Lord says He will do.

Eminence – Superior, distinguished, respected, outstanding, and conspicuous are words all used to define eminence.

The epitome of eminence is named YHWH, the LORD.

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

Eloah, Elohim, El / God

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

Eloah, Elohim, El / God
prounounced: "el-OH-ah," "el-oh-HEEM," "ale"

The heavens declare the glory of God [El];
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
~ Psalms 19:1 (NKJV)

"Do not fear, nor be afraid ...
You are My witnesses.
Is there a God [Eloah] besides Me?
Indeed there is no other Rock;
I know not one."
~ Isaiah 44:8 (NKJV)

In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth.
~ Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

Three Hebrew names are all translated into English with the somewhat generic name "God."

The Hebrew El can also be somewhat generic. Its meaning is "mighty," and it's the same word used for a false god. When used of YHWH, its translation is sometimes "mighty" and sometimes "God." It is often used with other names—El Shaddai, El Elyon, El Olam—to emphasize the identity and might of God associated with those names. Used in combination with other names, various translations differ on which English word to use. Perhaps more important than whether El should be translated as "God" or as "Mighty" in any given context is an understanding that the name El cannot be separated from its definition "mighty."

The Hebrew Eloah is a singular masculine noun used in poetical and prophetic passages. It appears 51 times to refer to God, of which 41 occur in the book of Job (where it is two times used by God of Himself). Of the other ten uses, four times it is accompanied by the word Tsur as a name of God. Tsur means rock—not a stone such as for a sling, nor a larger building stone. This is a boulder or cliff. Think "Rock of Gibraltar." [More on that in an upcoming post.] When used outside the book of Job, Eloah appears in contexts which rebuke disobedience and idolatry, and emphasize YHWH is the one and only God to be heeded.

Elohim is plural—a majestic form of Eloah, suggested as thus a reference to the plural majesty of God. Baker & Carpenter’s Hebrew Dictionary defines that the plural form of this word may be regarded (1) as intensive to indicate God's fullness of power; (2) as majestic to indicate God's kingly rule; or (3) as an allusion to the Trinity.

Where El designates might, Elohim more clearly refers to supreme and final authority. Elohim usually refers to YHWH, but elohim is also used of earthly judges—absolute authority in the absence of a sovereign king. Elohim is also used in the Old Testament by Gentiles in contexts which evidence recognition of the supreme authority God (or the Creator God) in a polytheistic culture.

The very first words of Scripture affirm such preeminence with the words, "In the beginning, Elohim . . ."

Himself without beginning, and having within Himself the sole power to create, Elohim is the plural God who alone has a right to receive reverence and primary obedience from His intelligent creation—the supreme Authority Who seeks fellowship with children of dust.

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

Adonai, Adon / Lord

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

Adonai, Adon / Lord
(pronounced: "ahd-oh-NAIY," "ah-DONE")

I saw the Lord [Adonai] sitting on a throne,
high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple...
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
~ Isaiah 6:1,8 (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord [Adon] of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:
~ Psalms 136:3 (NKJV)

My old pastor taught that complete obedience is immediate, thorough, and cheerful. I've found that immediate is compelled by fear, thorough is enabled by understanding, and cheerful—singing-as-you-go cheerful—is motivated by love.

Proverbs 9:10 instructs "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." It is a good thing to fear God, and immediately heed His commandments for fear of the discipline which disobedience may invite. Here is the beginning of wisdom.

As one matures, one comes to know what lies behind the commandment. One gains understanding that the commandment is not intended to restrict freedom, but to teach a child the proper use of liberty. Therein the mature son or daughter is set free from the letter of the law and enjoys the blessings of thorough obedience to the spirit of the law.

But the highest motivation for obedience is love. 1 John 4:18 reveals: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. The one who fears has not been made complete in love." The more we know and understand our Lord, the more we trust Him, and the greater our ability to fulfill the greatest commandment to love Him with all heart, soul, mind and strength. The more complete and perfected our love, the less we will operate out of fear. We will do His will because it is our delight. We will hear His call and eagerly respond, "Here am I! Send me!"

This is the essence of the difference between God being God and God being beloved Lord and Master. Adon is a word for lord (master, ruler, sovereign) which may apply to any human lord, and is often used for God when combined with other titles or names. Adonai is the word for Lord used only for divinity. Though usually translated "the Lord" (or occasionally "Sovereign"), its literal meaning in Hebrew is "my Lord." It conveys a relationship of willing servant, not servitude.

After the Ten Commandments were given, the very next passage describes such a relationship:
"If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing... But if the servant plainly says, 'I love my master [adon] ... I will not go out free,' then his master shall bring him to the judges ... and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever." (Exodus 21:2,5-6 NKJV)

In such love of the Lord we find not only freedom from fear, but joy in obedience.


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

Melech Kabod / King of Glory

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

Melech Kabod / King of Glory
(pronounced: "MEH-lek kaw-BODE")

Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory.
Selah
~ Psalms 24:8-10 (NKJV)

Our nation's founders deliberately established a government which snubbed the rule of monarchy practiced in Europe, because the absolute sovereignty of a single despot had become so repugnant to them.

A king indisputably controls everything—the land, the people, and all the riches. He distributes them or appropriates them for himself as he sees fit. One may petition favor of him, but only with utmost deference. You can attempt to usurp his sovereignty, but only at the risk of death for high treason.

The king is also responsible to defend against attack. He is to be the champion warrior who does not simply command the might of his army but leads it into battle. He is its most valuable member, whose life is defended at the risk of every other life—yet he willingly puts himself in peril to fully engage the enemy, so that he and his people might emerge victorious.

A king's throne his country's highest seat of justice. His court is the place of last judgment, from which there will be no appeal. Whatever a lower authority may stipulate, every injury, every grievance, and every form of oppression is subjected to the king's definition of right and wrong. And regardless of the judgment he renders, it is within his power to show mercy.

To address a monarch as "your majesty" is only the beginning of tribute he is due. No one may flatter him too much. Let that homage be sincere, lest it prove the one who offers it unworthy to stand in the king's presence.

Our divine Sovereign is the King of all kings. No other is called "Majesty on High" (Hebrews 1:3) and "King of Glory," for no other sovereign carries the weight of glory itself. The Hebrew word for glory, kabod, denotes weight, as in the weight of copious glory—glory so great that it prevented the priests from carrying on their duties when it came upon Solomon's temple.

The weight of our King's glory is eminent above all glory as the weight of His suffering is eminent above all suffering. The weight of our own suffering here and now is as nothing in light of the glory we shall share with Him (Romans 8:16-18).

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

God's Sovereignty

"Thus says the LORD: 'Do not deceive yourselves ... For though you had defeated the whole army of the Chaldeans who fight against you, and there remained only wounded men among them, they would rise up, every man in his tent, and burn the city with fire.' "
~ Jeremiah 37:9-10 (NKJV)

So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh ..."
~ Jonah 2:10-3:2 (NKJV)

"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place ... Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
~ Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

If you hadn't already noticed, I'm a huge fan of the Old Testament. The stories which many Christians consider obsolete in the light of the New Covenant are what I instead see as illuminating the New Covenant—the New Testament—more fully.

A recurring theme is God's sovereignty. Paul assures that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NKJV) Jeremiah warned not to resist God's inevitable will. Care for more vivid illustrations?

The Lord called Jonah and enlisted his cooperation by making him fish vomit. The Lord called Esther and enlisted her cooperation by making her a queen. Is the harmony of human will and God's sovereignty evident yet?

Once the Lord has determined what He intends to do and calls us to do it, our disobedience will not frustrate God's will. Our obedience confers upon us the high privilege to cooperate with His will, and thereby exalt God's sovereignty.

Father in heaven, You are sovereign over all the world and all that is in it, above it, below it. You have dominion over all we are, all we do, all we have. How foolish we are when we resist Your good and perfect will! How privileged we are to cooperate with it. Please move our hearts ever closer to Your own.

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

WHATEVER, Part II

"Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But be sure of this: if you kill me, you and the people of this city will be guilty of killing an innocent man, because it is the LORD who sent me."
~ Jeremiah 26:14-15 (GNB)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it ... But even if he does not ... we will not serve your gods."
~ Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
~ Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)

The Lord is Lord, and whatever He says is good to do. Submission to Him isn't difficult (in theory), if one acknowledges the perfection of His love, His wisdom, and His desire to bless via everything.

The next level of surrender stretches faith beyond human reason. Can faith allow that whatever another, definitely not perfect person does is also within God's control and part of His will? Does faith believe that the Lord will accomplish His purposes when others fail me, use me, hurt me, hate me, betray me, reject me, abandon me?

Jeremiah and the three youths in Babylon were unconcerned by the death threats of murderous kings. God's servants readily surrendered themselves to whatever these evil leaders might do to them. Their faith was great enough to know that the Lord yet controlled their destiny.

Is present era leadership evil? However the Lord leads our specific response, behind it must be the attitude which says God is still earth's sovereign ruler, and we can face whatever.

Most High King, under the shadow of Your wings is complete refuge. Our lives are in Your hands, to do with them whatever You desire. Please give us peace and faith in Your love. Please strengthen our hearts to accept whatever You allow in our lives, even through evil men.

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

Thine is the Glory

(Note: A week of posts on my personal use of the Lord's Prayer as a prayer outline concludes today.)

For Thine is the kingdom,
And Thine is the power,
And Thine is the glory,
Now and forever.
Amen.
~ Matthew 6:13 (author)

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
~ Romans 11:33,36 (NKJV, emphasis author's)

"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
~ Westminister Shorter Catechism

For Thine is The Kingdom
We have no other Sovereign. YHWH is Creator, Owner, Ruler, Rabbi, Purchaser, King, and Lord. He has dominion over every aspect of our lives.

And Thine is The Power
All power in the heavens and the earth and under the earth is of His hand; all power touching our lives does so only through His permission; all power entrusted to us, to be exercised in thought, feeling, word and action is testimony to God's name, for reproach or for glory.

And Thine is The Glory
If we have favor in His sight, may the Lord grant to us this highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion: that we bring glory to Him; and may He shape us as approachable, interesting, effective, and modest ambassadors, that all glory is His alone.

Now and Forever
May any glory we are empowered to bring God be manifest now and endure into an eternal kingdom.

Amen
So be it!

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

Behold Your Enemies

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High....
I will triumph in the works of Your hands....
You, LORD, are on high forevermore.
For behold, Your enemies, O LORD,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish....
My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies.
~ Psalms 92:1-11 (NKJV)

If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.... And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ... If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead ... in Christ all shall be made alive.... He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:14-26 (NKJV)

"O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?" ...
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (NKJV)

Because of the resurrection, everything Christ said and did—especially His death—is vindicated. We have confidence in His every Word.

Because of the resurrection, Christ lives. We serve a living God.

Because of the resurrection, we are victorious over Death, the greatest enemy. We shall not fear lesser enemies. We shall fear only He who is greater, Death's Conqueror.

Behold your enemies: Death, Sin, Flesh, World, Satan. All are defeated in the new life that is ours in the resurrection. Today, and every day, is our celebration of victory.

The Lord is on high forevermore!

Lord Jesus Christ, You are God and Ruler of all! You are Death's Conqueror! You are our King! We behold Your enemies who are our enemies, and we behold them defeated. Please move us to yield to Your Spirit and live in that victory. Please conform us to the life of Your Word.

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

Mercy Glories

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed.
~ Psalms 85:9-10 (NKJV)

Be speaking and be doing as those about to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Dispensation of mercy glories over dispensation of justice.
~ James 2:12-13 (author)

The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
upon the place beneath.
It is twice blest.
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes....
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
when mercy seasons justice.
~ William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

So a stimulus package has been approved. Justice lost this round. Taxpayers shall share the wealth—likely with D.C. as much as with the economically struggling.

Nonetheless, if our nation behaved itself in accordance with Christian principles, we would have never come to this. We might not have suffered the injustice of government's compulsion to redistribute non-existent dollars if we had voluntarily pulled together. We might have seen salvation from economic hardship in the first place if our nation still feared God.

We've not adequately shown mercy, and we shall thus suffer injustice. We can take consolation in the fact that mercy glories over justice. If compelled to bow to injustice for the sake of mercy, we can thank God that we shall likewise receive mercy rather than justice for our sins.

O Lord our God, King of the Universe, the earth and all its fullness are Yours, the world and those who dwell therein also. All we are and all we have belongs to You. Please give us hearts ever ready to show mercy. Please make us ever grateful that Your mercy glories.

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