Do you ever read something in the Bible that seems unreasonable?
"And levy a tribute for the LORD on the men of war who went out to battle …"
~ Numbers 31:28 (NKJV)
My first impression of this directive was that it seems a little unfair to ask the guys who went to war to pay a tribute. It seems that the people who rested at home and still benefitted from the war should be the ones to pay the tribute.
What's more, God's law also required that soldiers returning from battle weren't allowed to immediately reunite with loved ones, but were first banished for a week as unclean for their contact with blood and death (Numbers 31:19).
The warriors evidently had no problem with all this. They were happy to be alive. They willingly paid the atonement price for doing their duty:
"Your servants have taken a count of the men of war who are under our command, and not a man of us is missing. Therefore we have brought an offering for the LORD … to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD."
~ Numbers 31:49-50 (NKJV)
Do we serve with as much grace in spiritual warfare?
Do we perceive the numerous conflicts we face each day as skirmishes in which we may prove that evil is overcome only with good? Will we allow ourselves to be humbled so that God may be exalted? Or do we think ourselves creatures designed for comfort and rest, who should be neither conscripted for war nor asked to pay its cost?
Our comfort comes not in the avoidance of conflict, but in approval from the Lord in how we meet inevitable conflict.
"Nothing is work unless you'd rather be doing something else."
~ George Halas
Our rest is found in embracing the Lord's will as our own.
Lord, make us worthy warriors. Allow us to see privilege in fighting for You. Please, Lord, enable us to enter Your will and Your rest.
: : :
For more on this thought, see "Anatomy of an Ephiphany."
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label God’s Will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God’s Will. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, June 28, 2010
Laying Hold of God's Strength
The theme for today’s blog carnival (hosted by Bridget Chumbley) is "Strength." You're invited to visit her site for other related thoughts. :D
"God wants you to ask Him for things
that are bigger than yourself."
~ Jentezen Franklin
Laying Hold of God's Strength
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled."
~ Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
We are physical beings, limited by the weakness of human flesh. Worse, the flesh asserts itself in ways which fight against the work of the Holy Spirit. We may not even be aware of the ways we struggle against God.
Abstaining from food for many hours—or a number of days—has a way of weakening the flesh and enabling the Lord's Spirit to become strong in us. When even food is not our priority, the things we once thought were priorities are seen with a different perspective. When we make clear to ourselves and to the Lord that His will is more important than our appetite, He can reveal it with startling clarity. When we tell the flesh it needs God more than food, we will indeed receive more of God.
By saying, "When you fast ..." Jesus omitted "if," indicating an expectation that we would do so. By saying of a demon, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting," Jesus indicated that spiritual warfare might require fasting for success.
If there is a situation in your life which requires divine power to understand the Lord's will, for overcoming weakness or addiction, or to defeat an attack of the devil, consider boosting your prayer with fasting as a means to humbly lay hold of God's strength.
He longs to feed you with spiritual food finer than any available from the earth.
Father in Heaven, we are feeble children of flesh. We do not know how to pray as we ought. Please give us a desire for You above our desire for all else. Please give us a desire to know and fulfill Your will at any cost.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#fasting
Image source: mydebtregret.com
"God wants you to ask Him for things
that are bigger than yourself."
~ Jentezen Franklin
Laying Hold of God's Strength
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled."
~ Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)
We are physical beings, limited by the weakness of human flesh. Worse, the flesh asserts itself in ways which fight against the work of the Holy Spirit. We may not even be aware of the ways we struggle against God.
Abstaining from food for many hours—or a number of days—has a way of weakening the flesh and enabling the Lord's Spirit to become strong in us. When even food is not our priority, the things we once thought were priorities are seen with a different perspective. When we make clear to ourselves and to the Lord that His will is more important than our appetite, He can reveal it with startling clarity. When we tell the flesh it needs God more than food, we will indeed receive more of God.
By saying, "When you fast ..." Jesus omitted "if," indicating an expectation that we would do so. By saying of a demon, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting," Jesus indicated that spiritual warfare might require fasting for success.
If there is a situation in your life which requires divine power to understand the Lord's will, for overcoming weakness or addiction, or to defeat an attack of the devil, consider boosting your prayer with fasting as a means to humbly lay hold of God's strength.
He longs to feed you with spiritual food finer than any available from the earth.
Father in Heaven, we are feeble children of flesh. We do not know how to pray as we ought. Please give us a desire for You above our desire for all else. Please give us a desire to know and fulfill Your will at any cost.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#fasting
Image source: mydebtregret.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
Praying for a Miracle
"There are two ways to live your life.One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle."
~ Albert Einstein
Praying for a Miracle
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son... If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
~ John 14:13; 15:7 (NKJV)
"... because your heart was tender ... and you humbled yourself before Me ... I also have heard you," says the LORD.
~ 2 Chronicles 34:27 (NKJV)
Webster's defines a miracle as "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs."
Miracles are everywhere. Some of the best fun in life is glimpsing God perform them. I like to pray in such a way that the Lord is most likely to work a miracle. I don't believe our Lord is manipulated, nor that He acts according to ritual or formula. But He does act according to certain principles. Among them are His will, the Father's glory, and the condition of our hearts.
When praying, a primary consideration is what the Bible reveals about God's nature, and to what request He is most likely to say 'yes' because it is consistent with His character—that is, consistent with His name. To pray "in His name" is not to tack those words to the end of prayer, but to consider how prayer might honor His name and will.
Jesus' will is to glorify His Father. Another consideration for prayer is how a request might be presented so that the answer will be attributed directly to God, and He might be thanked. When Jesus performed miracles, people recognized healing as a gift from divinity and frequently responded with worship. When prayers are so generic that we're unlikely to attribute an answer to the Lord, how likely are we to give thanks? When prayer is specific, the answer is more easily recognized as "divine intervention in human affairs"—and more likely to result in worship.
One cliché says, "Good morning, this is God—I do not need your help today." Phooey on that! The Father delights to include us in His work! Loving service and obedience cooperate with Him. So does no more than our willingness to humbly and persistently engage Him in prayer. As Tom Wright says, "I pray because God always intended to bring humans in on the act without letting them get proud in the process."
Fellowship with divinity is one reason I'm hooked on prayer. Witnessing miracles is another.
Are there any miracles you'd like to see in your life?
Lord Jesus, please draw us to abide in You that our hearts might know the Father through Your Word. Holy Spirit, please help us to pray as we ought. Father God, please engage us in Your work, that we might bring You the glory of which You are so very worthy.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#prayer
Image source: sodahead.com
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Trust the Lord to Decide
"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations."
~ Elton Trueblood
~ 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.
Photo from homeaccentstoday.com
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Fashion vs. Foundation
"Craft must have clothes, but truth loves to go naked."
~ Thomas Fuller
~ Thomas Fuller
And do not fashion yourselves after this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.
~ Romans 12:2 (EMTV)
"Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever ... hears My sayings and does them ... is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock."
~ Luke 6:46-49 (NKJV)
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly ...
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night...
And whatever he does shall prosper.
~ Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV)
Whether you need an answer to a problem or simply want what you're doing to prosper, what is your source of truth?
This world gives fashionable answers such as, "The heart," "Wisdom of the ages," and "There's no such thing as absolute truth." Jesus calls such "truth" sand, for it shifts with the winds of change and proves unstable.
Jesus directs those looking for a foundation of truth to His sayings—God's Word. Paul says we are able to not simply know, but prove the "good and well pleasing and perfect will of God."
Truth does exist in the world. But it's mixed in with the counsel of the ungodly. How do we know whether or not something is truth and reliable to support us?
If we fashion our lives upon temporal things of this world, we'll be comfortable with this world's brand of truth and will attempt to stand upon it. If we are transformed by the renewing of our minds with the Bible, we'll be familiar enough with genuine truth to recognize the difference between the two.
Whatever truth your life needs right now, God knows the answer, and He wants you to have it. Knowing and living by God's Word is Step Two. Step One is to give your Self—your body—over to the Holy Spirit (yesterday's post).
Upcoming in the last several posts from the book of Romans are highlights of Paul's points on living out the Lord's will. God assures us of blessing in doing His will. And that part about "well pleasing"? His will inevitably proves pleasing to us, too.
Father, we are not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servants! We have no greater earthly treasure than the Bible. Please show us where to find the time to immerse ourselves in Your Words, and give us the desire to do so.
Your questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, September 7, 2009
God Wants Your Body
"Don't be afraid to give up the good for the great."
~ Kenny Rogers
~ Kenny Rogers
Therefore, I plead with all of you, brothers and sisters, through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice—holy, well-pleasing to God—your logical service.
~ Romans 12:1 (author)
For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do.
~ Galatians 5:17 (GNB)
Do you have any problems for which you'd like an answer? Marital struggles, conflict with anyone, financial stress, health issues? Perhaps you have a vision for which you'd like guidance.
~ Romans 12:1 (author)
For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do.
~ Galatians 5:17 (GNB)
Do you have any problems for which you'd like an answer? Marital struggles, conflict with anyone, financial stress, health issues? Perhaps you have a vision for which you'd like guidance.
God has the answer. And it's simple to obtain. Easy? No. Merely simple. Here's Step One. (Step Two is tomorrow.)
Paul in Romans 12:1 pleads, "Therefore—since we established in the last four verses the excellence of God's knowledge and wisdom—please, I'm begging you, serve as any rational person would: give God your body."
We say the Lord wants our hearts. Jesus said what's in the heart is expressed in the words and actions produced by the body. He asks us to give Him our bodies as a place for His Holy Spirit to reside, that He may produce the thoughts and feelings expressed in word and action.
The Holy Spirit fills as much space as Self has vacated. Self doesn't move out of the body unless it dies. We put Self to death by not feeding its desires, but by instead telling it, "No, you may not have what you want. The body is given to God, for whatever He wants."
[At the moment there's a plate of brownies in the other room calling my name. PERSISTENTLY. There's absolutely no condemnation from God if I eat one. But I've said, "Lord, I need Your help with what I'm writing here. I'm denying Self and asking for Your Holy Spirit to take its place, to empower what my body does right now."]
You may think that sacrifice isn't worth the return, that there must be an easier way, or that you won't like God's answers or method. The bad news is that you may not see the payoff or wisdom in the short term. But in the long term, I promise you will. 100% GUARANTEED.
I can make such a guarantee because the Holy Spirit blesses wherever He's given room.
Lord Jesus, You sacrificed all for us. It is completely reasonable for us to do likewise for You. Please give us the courage and strength to do so. As we do so day by day, may we see You more clearly, follow You more nearly, love You more dearly.
"God Wants Your Body" is the title of a message by Christian comedian and preacher Ken Davis on Romans 12:1. His materials are available at KenDavis.com.
Your questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Paul in Romans 12:1 pleads, "Therefore—since we established in the last four verses the excellence of God's knowledge and wisdom—please, I'm begging you, serve as any rational person would: give God your body."
We say the Lord wants our hearts. Jesus said what's in the heart is expressed in the words and actions produced by the body. He asks us to give Him our bodies as a place for His Holy Spirit to reside, that He may produce the thoughts and feelings expressed in word and action.
The Holy Spirit fills as much space as Self has vacated. Self doesn't move out of the body unless it dies. We put Self to death by not feeding its desires, but by instead telling it, "No, you may not have what you want. The body is given to God, for whatever He wants."
[At the moment there's a plate of brownies in the other room calling my name. PERSISTENTLY. There's absolutely no condemnation from God if I eat one. But I've said, "Lord, I need Your help with what I'm writing here. I'm denying Self and asking for Your Holy Spirit to take its place, to empower what my body does right now."]
You may think that sacrifice isn't worth the return, that there must be an easier way, or that you won't like God's answers or method. The bad news is that you may not see the payoff or wisdom in the short term. But in the long term, I promise you will. 100% GUARANTEED.
I can make such a guarantee because the Holy Spirit blesses wherever He's given room.
Lord Jesus, You sacrificed all for us. It is completely reasonable for us to do likewise for You. Please give us the courage and strength to do so. As we do so day by day, may we see You more clearly, follow You more nearly, love You more dearly.
"God Wants Your Body" is the title of a message by Christian comedian and preacher Ken Davis on Romans 12:1. His materials are available at KenDavis.com.
Your questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
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.
~ 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.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
WHATEVER
And I answered and said, “So be it, LORD.”
~ Jeremiah 11:5 (NKJV)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
~ Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’ ”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Whether saved or unsaved, happy or discouraged, I believe human response to God can always be summed up in the word “Whatever.”
If rebellious, we will say it with a sneer and disgusted snort, head tossed back, incredulous that anyone presumes to suggest what we should do: “What-EH-ver!”
If resigned to God’s will, understanding that He is God and we are not (and thus we must accept His will, no matter how painful or distasteful), we sigh heavily (perhaps sniffle) and mutter, “WHAT-ever …”
If we accept how very infinite is our Father’s love for us, and how much He longs to bless us if we will but believe He means all for our good, we can receive every single situation or word from Him with a nod and a smile (maybe a laugh), and say, “Yes, Lord. So be it. Whatever You say I will do. Whatever Your will, I accept Your good purpose in it.”
Joy in the Christian walk is found when one knows the proper way to say “Whatever.”
Ah Lord God, Your love and wisdom are beyond comprehension! We do not understand why You do what You do. Please assure us that we do not need to. Please increase our faith and love for You in and through every situation.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
On a personal note: I'd deeply appreciate your prayers. I will attempt to meet with my brother John tonight. Please pray God will make possible our meeting, and soften my brother's heart so I might tell him face to face that I love him. Thank you!
~ Jeremiah 11:5 (NKJV)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
~ Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’ ”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Whether saved or unsaved, happy or discouraged, I believe human response to God can always be summed up in the word “Whatever.”
If rebellious, we will say it with a sneer and disgusted snort, head tossed back, incredulous that anyone presumes to suggest what we should do: “What-EH-ver!”
If resigned to God’s will, understanding that He is God and we are not (and thus we must accept His will, no matter how painful or distasteful), we sigh heavily (perhaps sniffle) and mutter, “WHAT-ever …”
If we accept how very infinite is our Father’s love for us, and how much He longs to bless us if we will but believe He means all for our good, we can receive every single situation or word from Him with a nod and a smile (maybe a laugh), and say, “Yes, Lord. So be it. Whatever You say I will do. Whatever Your will, I accept Your good purpose in it.”
Joy in the Christian walk is found when one knows the proper way to say “Whatever.”
Ah Lord God, Your love and wisdom are beyond comprehension! We do not understand why You do what You do. Please assure us that we do not need to. Please increase our faith and love for You in and through every situation.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
On a personal note: I'd deeply appreciate your prayers. I will attempt to meet with my brother John tonight. Please pray God will make possible our meeting, and soften my brother's heart so I might tell him face to face that I love him. Thank you!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Your Will Be Done
"Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
~ Luke 11:2 (NKJV)
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
~ Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV)
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
~ Luke 11:13 (NKJV)
Your Will be Done on Earth
Now that Jesus' blood has cleansed a place for His Holy Spirit to live, we are the means by which God's will is done on earth. Jesus could only be in one place at one time. We are His body—His eyes and ears, mouth and hands, arms and feet, etc—everywhere. We need only lay down will of Self and make room for the Spirit for which we ask. I ask the Father to give us His Spirit's ...
Love, to feel about others the way He does;
Understanding, to be able to think the way He does;
Wisdom, to have His perspective of situations;
Attentiveness, to not miss provided knowledge;
Discernment, between godless, goodly, and godly;
Purity, that my passions and desires are His own;
Humility, so I may serve with Jesus' personality;
Endurance, lest I quit when it gets difficult.
As It is in Heaven
If angels do the Father's will in heaven, their example is how it should be done on earth. They obey immediately, thoroughly, and with fullness of joy—singing as they go.
Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit—our Comforter, Counselor, Keeper—that we may do Your will on earth in the same manner it is done in heaven.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 11:2 (NKJV)
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
~ Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV)
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
~ Luke 11:13 (NKJV)
Your Will be Done on Earth
Now that Jesus' blood has cleansed a place for His Holy Spirit to live, we are the means by which God's will is done on earth. Jesus could only be in one place at one time. We are His body—His eyes and ears, mouth and hands, arms and feet, etc—everywhere. We need only lay down will of Self and make room for the Spirit for which we ask. I ask the Father to give us His Spirit's ...
Love, to feel about others the way He does;
Understanding, to be able to think the way He does;
Wisdom, to have His perspective of situations;
Attentiveness, to not miss provided knowledge;
Discernment, between godless, goodly, and godly;
Purity, that my passions and desires are His own;
Humility, so I may serve with Jesus' personality;
Endurance, lest I quit when it gets difficult.
As It is in Heaven
If angels do the Father's will in heaven, their example is how it should be done on earth. They obey immediately, thoroughly, and with fullness of joy—singing as they go.
Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit—our Comforter, Counselor, Keeper—that we may do Your will on earth in the same manner it is done in heaven.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Will of God
But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day ... He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
~ Luke 6:11-13 (NKJV)
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
~ 1 Samuel 15:11 (NKJV)
... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service ... that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
~ Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Can we agree that God's love and wisdom qualifies the will of God as both sovereign to and more beneficial than our own? It then seems prudent for us to know the will of God—but knowing the mind of the Lord comes with a cost.
The cost is ultimately our lives. The sacrifice of a martyr, whose earthly life is quenched for God's sake, is of inestimable worth. So is the sacrifice of the disciple who lays down one's life and will for God every day. And a living sacrifice doesn't stay on the altar for comfort.
That Samuel spent an entire night in prayer hints that understanding God's heart sustained him more than sleep did. Jesus Himself—God in the flesh submitting Himself to the necessity of sleep!—forfeited a night's rest for body to have rest of soul when choosing the men who would first experience hostility for the sake of the Gospel.
Sleep is good and necessary. So is rising early to seek the will of God for the day.
Heavenly Father, Your goodness gives us rest of body in sleep, and rest of soul in being alert to Your good and acceptable and perfect will. Please give us strength of body in sacrifice to You, wisdom to care for the body which is Your temple, and victory to awaken early and seek Your face and will.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 6:11-13 (NKJV)
And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
~ 1 Samuel 15:11 (NKJV)
... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service ... that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
~ Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
Can we agree that God's love and wisdom qualifies the will of God as both sovereign to and more beneficial than our own? It then seems prudent for us to know the will of God—but knowing the mind of the Lord comes with a cost.
The cost is ultimately our lives. The sacrifice of a martyr, whose earthly life is quenched for God's sake, is of inestimable worth. So is the sacrifice of the disciple who lays down one's life and will for God every day. And a living sacrifice doesn't stay on the altar for comfort.
That Samuel spent an entire night in prayer hints that understanding God's heart sustained him more than sleep did. Jesus Himself—God in the flesh submitting Himself to the necessity of sleep!—forfeited a night's rest for body to have rest of soul when choosing the men who would first experience hostility for the sake of the Gospel.
Sleep is good and necessary. So is rising early to seek the will of God for the day.
Heavenly Father, Your goodness gives us rest of body in sleep, and rest of soul in being alert to Your good and acceptable and perfect will. Please give us strength of body in sacrifice to You, wisdom to care for the body which is Your temple, and victory to awaken early and seek Your face and will.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Anywhere, Any Time
And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ... Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." Likewise the soldiers asked him ...
~ Luke 3:3,12-14 (NKJV)
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)
I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere ... any time, I am content ... I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
~ Philippians 4:11-13 (GNB)
Talk about a diverse audience! It seems everyone came to hear John the Baptist, and many took his words to heart asking, "What shall we do?" He gave them all instructions to live godly lives, exactly where they were. Not even tax collectors were told to look for another job.
I'm too often guilty of, "God, if You'd send me there, I could better serve You." God may send His servants somewhere else, but He intends to use them wherever they are. More important than circumstances is an attitude which says, "Okay Lord, anywhere, any time."
It's not enough to just submit our wills. If we want strength, we need to be satisfied. Content. Even happy. Anywhere, any time, our contentment is found in God, not what we do for Him. Anywhere, any time, we have strength for our circumstances because Christ is enough.
Sovereign Lord, You know our impatient hearts. You know how hard it is to be content where we are, and not say "if only." You are in control. Your will is perfect. Please help us know when to stay and when to go. Please give us contentment and strength in all places and times.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Luke 3:3,12-14 (NKJV)
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)
I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere ... any time, I am content ... I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
~ Philippians 4:11-13 (GNB)
Talk about a diverse audience! It seems everyone came to hear John the Baptist, and many took his words to heart asking, "What shall we do?" He gave them all instructions to live godly lives, exactly where they were. Not even tax collectors were told to look for another job.
I'm too often guilty of, "God, if You'd send me there, I could better serve You." God may send His servants somewhere else, but He intends to use them wherever they are. More important than circumstances is an attitude which says, "Okay Lord, anywhere, any time."
It's not enough to just submit our wills. If we want strength, we need to be satisfied. Content. Even happy. Anywhere, any time, our contentment is found in God, not what we do for Him. Anywhere, any time, we have strength for our circumstances because Christ is enough.
Sovereign Lord, You know our impatient hearts. You know how hard it is to be content where we are, and not say "if only." You are in control. Your will is perfect. Please help us know when to stay and when to go. Please give us contentment and strength in all places and times.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Let the Earth be Moved!
The LORD reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
~ Psalms 99:1 (NKJV)
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
~ Luke 3:4-6 (KJV)
We think of the earth as rock solid. God's Word says He established it upon the waters. We think of the earth as permanent. God's Word says the earth shall pass away. We think of the earth as fixed in its orbit. God's Word says, "Let the earth be moved!"
We are made of the same terra firma we walk upon. Our will and selfish lusts can be as unyielding as rock. And the human heart is the soil which needs to be broken up over sin, softened with the Spirit of living waters, and sowed with the seed of God's Word to bear fruit.
The Lord's kingdom on earth is coming soon. Both earth and heavens will be shaken, valleys will be filled, mountains laid low. God levels the very earth to make the way smooth before His coming. If we desire His Spirit to inhabit us more fully, our will must crumble before His.
Our Lord and King, You have shown us favor beyond measure to purchase us with Your blood. You deserve to reign in our hearts without being challenged by our flesh made of earth. Whatever we will that is less than Your will, please shake us and level us and move us to yield.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
~ Psalms 99:1 (NKJV)
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
~ Luke 3:4-6 (KJV)
We think of the earth as rock solid. God's Word says He established it upon the waters. We think of the earth as permanent. God's Word says the earth shall pass away. We think of the earth as fixed in its orbit. God's Word says, "Let the earth be moved!"
We are made of the same terra firma we walk upon. Our will and selfish lusts can be as unyielding as rock. And the human heart is the soil which needs to be broken up over sin, softened with the Spirit of living waters, and sowed with the seed of God's Word to bear fruit.
The Lord's kingdom on earth is coming soon. Both earth and heavens will be shaken, valleys will be filled, mountains laid low. God levels the very earth to make the way smooth before His coming. If we desire His Spirit to inhabit us more fully, our will must crumble before His.
Our Lord and King, You have shown us favor beyond measure to purchase us with Your blood. You deserve to reign in our hearts without being challenged by our flesh made of earth. Whatever we will that is less than Your will, please shake us and level us and move us to yield.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Fulfillment of the Law
"This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten."
~ Leviticus 11:46-47 (NKJV)
Eat whatever is set before you, asking no question ... Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God ... [seeking] the profit of many, that they may be saved.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:27,31-33 (NKJV)
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
~ Romans 13:8,10 (NKJV)
It would be difficult to closely associate with someone and never eat with them. The laws which instructed the Israelites to abstain from certain foods was one of the most effective ways to segregate them from the pagan people around them, and show them set apart to the LORD.
In Christ such restrictions no longer bind us. We are free to eat non-kosher foods and to abstain from them (not a bad idea considering how unhealthy they are). More important than what we eat is what brings glory to God? What gives offense? What brings others to know Christ?
Love is the fulfillment of the law. A healthy physician must be willing to enter the presence of sickness to bring healing. If we allow Christ's righteousness rather than self-righteousness to dominate our lives, then even in the presence of another's sin Christ's love will be displayed in us.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your perfect righteousness, available only through Your blood and given to us by Your Holy Spirit. Please give us discernment in how to yield to Your will and how to best manifest Your love to all around us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Leviticus 11:46-47 (NKJV)
Eat whatever is set before you, asking no question ... Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God ... [seeking] the profit of many, that they may be saved.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:27,31-33 (NKJV)
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
~ Romans 13:8,10 (NKJV)
It would be difficult to closely associate with someone and never eat with them. The laws which instructed the Israelites to abstain from certain foods was one of the most effective ways to segregate them from the pagan people around them, and show them set apart to the LORD.
In Christ such restrictions no longer bind us. We are free to eat non-kosher foods and to abstain from them (not a bad idea considering how unhealthy they are). More important than what we eat is what brings glory to God? What gives offense? What brings others to know Christ?
Love is the fulfillment of the law. A healthy physician must be willing to enter the presence of sickness to bring healing. If we allow Christ's righteousness rather than self-righteousness to dominate our lives, then even in the presence of another's sin Christ's love will be displayed in us.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your perfect righteousness, available only through Your blood and given to us by Your Holy Spirit. Please give us discernment in how to yield to Your will and how to best manifest Your love to all around us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
You Can Do Nothing
After greetings were exchanged, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. After hearing this, they praised God.
~ Acts 21:19-20 (NLT)
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
~ John 15:5 (NKJV)
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.
~ 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NKJV)
When Paul gave his missionary presentation to the church and reported its successes, he did not claim credit, but described what God had accomplished through him. Paul saw himself as merely an instrument in the hand of the Lord, and the work itself as divine accomplishment.
Are there circumstances in your life which frustrate what you want to accomplish? Are there relationships, ministry / career obstacles, or financial stresses beyond your control? News flash: You can do nothing yourself, but only cooperate with the Lord (or not) in what He's doing.
The acceptance of our utter helplessness apart from the Lord Jesus Christ is blissfully liberating. We need not worry, or strain, or stress. We need only ask for marching orders and comply, trusting our loving Father for all He intends to accomplish through us and in us.
Our Father, You have never failed to work all things together for good to those who love You. Many of Your children are facing situations that defy solution. Please help us trust You, strengthen us, and show us how to be used by You to accomplish Your plans for us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 21:19-20 (NLT)
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
~ John 15:5 (NKJV)
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.
~ 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NKJV)
When Paul gave his missionary presentation to the church and reported its successes, he did not claim credit, but described what God had accomplished through him. Paul saw himself as merely an instrument in the hand of the Lord, and the work itself as divine accomplishment.
Are there circumstances in your life which frustrate what you want to accomplish? Are there relationships, ministry / career obstacles, or financial stresses beyond your control? News flash: You can do nothing yourself, but only cooperate with the Lord (or not) in what He's doing.
The acceptance of our utter helplessness apart from the Lord Jesus Christ is blissfully liberating. We need not worry, or strain, or stress. We need only ask for marching orders and comply, trusting our loving Father for all He intends to accomplish through us and in us.
Our Father, You have never failed to work all things together for good to those who love You. Many of Your children are facing situations that defy solution. Please help us trust You, strengthen us, and show us how to be used by You to accomplish Your plans for us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Ask What You Desire
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church... And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" ... And when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
~ Acts 12:5;13-14;16 (NKJV)
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
~ John 15:7 (NKJV)
I can't be the only one to find humor throughout the Bible.
The believers earnestly pray for Peter's release from prison. God's angel releases Peter. Peter shows up—while they're praying for him—and they leave him at the door, denying it's him, because of course Peter's in prison. Hello! They prayed for him! Didn't they expect God might answer?
Is prayer a mental exercise for comfort? Or to ask what you desire from the King of the Universe, according to His will? Do we absently plead, "God help me find my keys," and just as absently beg for big stuff without really expecting favor? Do we wait patiently for answers?
When I pray in petition, I try to ask according to God's Word and will so He'll view the request favorably; I make requests specific enough that an answer can be recognized and attributed to God; and as a rule, I avoid asking for anything on a timetable, figuring God's timing is best.
I do pray for my readers—by name if I know who you are. Please feel free to leave a prayer request today, or any day. I'll ask what you desire, as God's Spirit leads. You may post it in the blog site comments, or e-mail me privately at BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Father, thank You for the incredible privilege to come boldly before Your throne in the name of Your precious Son Jesus. Please lead us to pray according to Your will. Please send to this site everyone whom You wish to bless through it. Please direct my words in prayer on their behalf and the words I write. Please build up Your people in strength and draw us closer to You.
Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
~ Acts 12:5;13-14;16 (NKJV)
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
~ John 15:7 (NKJV)
I can't be the only one to find humor throughout the Bible.
The believers earnestly pray for Peter's release from prison. God's angel releases Peter. Peter shows up—while they're praying for him—and they leave him at the door, denying it's him, because of course Peter's in prison. Hello! They prayed for him! Didn't they expect God might answer?
Is prayer a mental exercise for comfort? Or to ask what you desire from the King of the Universe, according to His will? Do we absently plead, "God help me find my keys," and just as absently beg for big stuff without really expecting favor? Do we wait patiently for answers?
When I pray in petition, I try to ask according to God's Word and will so He'll view the request favorably; I make requests specific enough that an answer can be recognized and attributed to God; and as a rule, I avoid asking for anything on a timetable, figuring God's timing is best.
I do pray for my readers—by name if I know who you are. Please feel free to leave a prayer request today, or any day. I'll ask what you desire, as God's Spirit leads. You may post it in the blog site comments, or e-mail me privately at BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Father, thank You for the incredible privilege to come boldly before Your throne in the name of Your precious Son Jesus. Please lead us to pray according to Your will. Please send to this site everyone whom You wish to bless through it. Please direct my words in prayer on their behalf and the words I write. Please build up Your people in strength and draw us closer to You.
Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, January 1, 2009
God So Loved the World
Shall what is formed say to him who formed it,
"He did not make me"?
Can the pot say of the potter,
"He knows nothing"?
Isaiah 29:16 (NIV)
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts...
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart,
"You will not require an account."
Psalms 10:4,13 (NKJV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
~ John 3:16 (NIV)
The invisible God makes Himself abundantly manifest in His creation. He programmed us with a conscience that makes mankind know its accountability to its Maker. And we are intelligent enough to figure out that the Creator certainly knows more than the one created. No logic can refute His wisdom.
The only remaining factor to make God's will our most rational option is belief that He is good and He loves us. If we doubt these, we may view Him as malicious or uncaring and not see His will as being in our best interest.
After creating the universe for us, God so loved the world that in His goodness He sent Jesus to die for us, that we might live with Him forever. What more could prove His goodness and love? No obstacle remains to trusting Him. Whatever He wills can be nothing but good for us. Our only reasonable response is to obey.
Father, You have given us all things, and You have given us life that we might enjoy them. You have given us no greater gift than knowing You and calling You our God. Please encourage us when we doubt, and strengthen us to obey you fully.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
"He did not make me"?
Can the pot say of the potter,
"He knows nothing"?
Isaiah 29:16 (NIV)
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts...
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart,
"You will not require an account."
Psalms 10:4,13 (NKJV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
~ John 3:16 (NIV)
The invisible God makes Himself abundantly manifest in His creation. He programmed us with a conscience that makes mankind know its accountability to its Maker. And we are intelligent enough to figure out that the Creator certainly knows more than the one created. No logic can refute His wisdom.
The only remaining factor to make God's will our most rational option is belief that He is good and He loves us. If we doubt these, we may view Him as malicious or uncaring and not see His will as being in our best interest.
After creating the universe for us, God so loved the world that in His goodness He sent Jesus to die for us, that we might live with Him forever. What more could prove His goodness and love? No obstacle remains to trusting Him. Whatever He wills can be nothing but good for us. Our only reasonable response is to obey.
Father, You have given us all things, and You have given us life that we might enjoy them. You have given us no greater gift than knowing You and calling You our God. Please encourage us when we doubt, and strengthen us to obey you fully.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Monday, December 29, 2008
Rest for the People of God
LORD, You will establish peace for us,
For You have also done all our works in us...
We have, as it were, brought forth wind;
We have not accomplished any deliverance in the earth.
Isaiah 26:12,18 (NKJV)
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
~ Hebrews 4:9-11 (NKJV)
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will ..." You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
~ James 4:13-15 (NKJV)
For most people, this week of rest nestled between Christmas and Routine is uniquely quiet, and usually a time of reflection on plans and pledges for the new year. The most serious consideration is this: do we make our plans or seek out God's plan?
There is neither peace nor rest in figuring out how to bring our plans to pass, and striving with circumstances that hinder us. In God's plan is complete peace and soul's rest for the people of God, for He does all the thinking and orchestrating. We simply hold His hand and follow.
The best part is that His plan is always bigger and better than ours.
Father, You've done so much more in our lives than we might have ever accomplished. You lay out the perfect path, however challenging it sometimes looks. Please teach us to enter the rest found in gladly following You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
For You have also done all our works in us...
We have, as it were, brought forth wind;
We have not accomplished any deliverance in the earth.
Isaiah 26:12,18 (NKJV)
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
~ Hebrews 4:9-11 (NKJV)
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will ..." You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
~ James 4:13-15 (NKJV)
For most people, this week of rest nestled between Christmas and Routine is uniquely quiet, and usually a time of reflection on plans and pledges for the new year. The most serious consideration is this: do we make our plans or seek out God's plan?
There is neither peace nor rest in figuring out how to bring our plans to pass, and striving with circumstances that hinder us. In God's plan is complete peace and soul's rest for the people of God, for He does all the thinking and orchestrating. We simply hold His hand and follow.
The best part is that His plan is always bigger and better than ours.
Father, You've done so much more in our lives than we might have ever accomplished. You lay out the perfect path, however challenging it sometimes looks. Please teach us to enter the rest found in gladly following You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Nothing Restrains the Lord
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him... And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" (Mark 16:1,3 NKJV)
And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3 NKJV)
Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." So his armorbearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart."
(1 Samuel 14:6-7 NKJV)
Jonathan and one man stood no chance against an entire Philistine garrison, but they battled and prevailed, driven by faith. The women who traveled about with a homeless group of disciples might have raised eyebrows, but they cared for Jesus, obligated by devotion. Women had three nights to sleep on the problem of moving the tomb's stone without finding a solution, but they went to the grave at dawn anyway, compelled by love.
A Dayak proverb says, "Where the heart is willing it will find a thousand ways, but where it is unwilling it will find a thousand excuses." The Bible and history are filled with stories of heroes willing to serve the Lord without asking Him to first lay out the logistics of impossible situations.
If we are willing to know God's will for our lives, we need not know the how. We need only obey.
Oh Lord, You ask of us difficult things—impossible things! Yet You are the God of the impossible, and nothing restrains You. Please still us when doubt or puny reasoning interferes with Your purposes. Please give us the courage to walk blindly over cliffs holding only Your hand.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3 NKJV)
Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." So his armorbearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart."
(1 Samuel 14:6-7 NKJV)
Jonathan and one man stood no chance against an entire Philistine garrison, but they battled and prevailed, driven by faith. The women who traveled about with a homeless group of disciples might have raised eyebrows, but they cared for Jesus, obligated by devotion. Women had three nights to sleep on the problem of moving the tomb's stone without finding a solution, but they went to the grave at dawn anyway, compelled by love.
A Dayak proverb says, "Where the heart is willing it will find a thousand ways, but where it is unwilling it will find a thousand excuses." The Bible and history are filled with stories of heroes willing to serve the Lord without asking Him to first lay out the logistics of impossible situations.
If we are willing to know God's will for our lives, we need not know the how. We need only obey.
Oh Lord, You ask of us difficult things—impossible things! Yet You are the God of the impossible, and nothing restrains You. Please still us when doubt or puny reasoning interferes with Your purposes. Please give us the courage to walk blindly over cliffs holding only Your hand.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, November 23, 2008
God's Will
Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he looked at those around him and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:33-35 NLT)
And do not follow the customs of the present age, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so that you may learn by experience what God's will is—that will which is good and beautiful and perfect. (Romans 12:2 WNT)
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness [truth].
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
(Psalms 37:3-5 NKJV, amplified)
The Bible draws a distinction between God's children and the world's children, between brother or sister and neighbor. Jesus identifies His family members as those who do God's will.
What God will do is a mystery, but God's will need not be a mystery. If we truly wish to know God's will, He reveals it to those who seek it. Shaking off our own will is the hardest step. Prayer is not the way to obtain our will, but the act of giving God our will in exchange for His.
The Lord plainly explains how to obtain the heart's desires. Trust that God's will is good and beautiful and perfect. Do the good He directs. Dwell in His kingdom rather than follow the ways of this world. Feed on the truth of the Bible. Then make Him your delight, so that His deepest desire for you becomes your own. It is the key to the King's heart and treasure.
Oh Lord, how great is Your goodness, laid up for those who trust in You! Whom have we in heaven but You? To whom shall we go for words of eternal life but You? Earth's greatest delight is to do Your will. Please lead us purposefully to Yourself, and be the deepest desire of our hearts.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to
BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
And do not follow the customs of the present age, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so that you may learn by experience what God's will is—that will which is good and beautiful and perfect. (Romans 12:2 WNT)
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness [truth].
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
(Psalms 37:3-5 NKJV, amplified)
The Bible draws a distinction between God's children and the world's children, between brother or sister and neighbor. Jesus identifies His family members as those who do God's will.
What God will do is a mystery, but God's will need not be a mystery. If we truly wish to know God's will, He reveals it to those who seek it. Shaking off our own will is the hardest step. Prayer is not the way to obtain our will, but the act of giving God our will in exchange for His.
The Lord plainly explains how to obtain the heart's desires. Trust that God's will is good and beautiful and perfect. Do the good He directs. Dwell in His kingdom rather than follow the ways of this world. Feed on the truth of the Bible. Then make Him your delight, so that His deepest desire for you becomes your own. It is the key to the King's heart and treasure.
Oh Lord, how great is Your goodness, laid up for those who trust in You! Whom have we in heaven but You? To whom shall we go for words of eternal life but You? Earth's greatest delight is to do Your will. Please lead us purposefully to Yourself, and be the deepest desire of our hearts.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to
BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wholly Spent
And I will very gladly spend and be [wholly] spent for your souls.
(2 Corinthians 12:15 NKJV, amplified)
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13 NKJV)
Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you." (1 Samuel 23:16-17 NKJV)
A good parent would not hesitate to save a child even at the cost of one’s own life. Most of us would willingly forfeit our lives for loved ones if necessary to save theirs. Yet how often do we in fact lay down our lives, day to day, as Jonathan willingly forfeited his future crown to David?
Are we willing to lay down our lives and wills—be wholly spent—for the sake of another? Will we lay down pet peeves for the sake of harmony? Will we lay down ego for the sake of restored relationship? Do we fancy ourselves noble enough for the heroic but too highly value trifles?
Jesus laid down His life for us, and calls us to do likewise. Martyrdom is alive and well in the 21st century, and we must stand ready to shed our blood in affirmation of trust in Jesus. In the meantime, will we this day shed personal will in affirmation of trust in His will?
Lord Jesus, we are spoiled, used to picking and choosing as suits us. Please help us to so value Your will that we have no will of our own. Please use us as suits You and brings You glory. Please enable us to love neighbor as self by valuing will of neighbor as much as our own.
Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
(2 Corinthians 12:15 NKJV, amplified)
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13 NKJV)
Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you." (1 Samuel 23:16-17 NKJV)
A good parent would not hesitate to save a child even at the cost of one’s own life. Most of us would willingly forfeit our lives for loved ones if necessary to save theirs. Yet how often do we in fact lay down our lives, day to day, as Jonathan willingly forfeited his future crown to David?
Are we willing to lay down our lives and wills—be wholly spent—for the sake of another? Will we lay down pet peeves for the sake of harmony? Will we lay down ego for the sake of restored relationship? Do we fancy ourselves noble enough for the heroic but too highly value trifles?
Jesus laid down His life for us, and calls us to do likewise. Martyrdom is alive and well in the 21st century, and we must stand ready to shed our blood in affirmation of trust in Jesus. In the meantime, will we this day shed personal will in affirmation of trust in His will?
Lord Jesus, we are spoiled, used to picking and choosing as suits us. Please help us to so value Your will that we have no will of our own. Please use us as suits You and brings You glory. Please enable us to love neighbor as self by valuing will of neighbor as much as our own.
Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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