Ain't Heavy til Today

Dedicated to John and Paula, your precious children, and your beloved Mallory.

It has been a week of tears, a week of grieving unfathomable loss.

One week ago, our friends lost their fifteen-month-old daughter in a drowning accident.

I had just gotten around to a rare nap (much desired after a late night session with a sewing machine and a flurry-of-activity morning) when the phone call came. I kept adjusting the direction of my cell phone in a groggy effort to understand the urgent voice, the broken words, the long and halting pauses.

When I pieced together the sentence fragments and realized the tragedy, all I could do was cry. I held the sobbing mother in clumsy arms over a phone line as we wept together. Within fifteen minutes, and during countless hours in days to follow, I wrapped real arms around a sister with unending questions, doing my best to answer.

Some answers came from Scripture. Some came from my heart. Some will come from God in the right timing, as they may be borne. And some answers belong only to Heaven.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
~ Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

The "law of Christ"—His singular command—is this simply: "Love one another."

My own plate is so full. I sometimes stagger under its weight. Two weeks ago, I would have said I absolutely do not have extra hours. I'd have said I cannot take on another load.

Yet from the hand which sets divine appointments, the hours materialized. A visit to the doctor had already been rescheduled. Another commitment was easily maneuvered. All three of our employed family members were off work and home when the phone call came. On successive days, there was always someone home with my children as various opportunities arose to help smooth the way or comfort or perhaps simply weep with people I dearly love.

And although I've fallen into bed exhausted at the end of such days, (for weeping wearies a soul), the same divine hand of our loving Lord provided necessary strength in response to prayers. I cannot say that I have ministered to anyone, but rather, the Lord has ministered through me. Only God owns what is needed in such an impossible situation.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
~ Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

Today—(*sigh*)—today presents the only true burden to me. Today is the memorial service. Today the family lets go all over again.

Today, I won't be there.

Today is the one day that plans that cannot be rescheduled. Today I am a thousand miles away. Today, I cannot wrap arms around a grieving mother and help carry her burden.

Today is the only day I feel laden down.

However heavy the burden was earlier in the week, I did not feel its weight as long as I could help carry it.




HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER
words written by Bob Russell and Bobby Scott

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where

But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there

For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share

And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy he's my brother

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

Blog post Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The copyright for words of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" could not be determined and is reserved to its holder.

Multiple Jumpers

I thought I might try a more casual post for Pleasantly Disturbed Thursdays, the brainchild of the pleasantly disturbed and awkward-tender-moment-infamous Duane Scott.

: : : : :

"Blessed be childhood, which brings down something of heaven
into the midst of our rough earthliness."
~ Henri Frédéric Amiel

My kids have a good daddy, who this week assembled the new trampoline he did NOT want (due to injury potential).

Our kids longed to jump with joyful abandon and break free of gravity. They came to me, believing I can bring the impossible to pass. They offered to pay for most of a trampoline (they did), to be careful and pray for safety (yes please, Lord), and to be good for the rest of their lives (do I really look that naive?) if I would talk Dad into a trampoline.

I told them to wait, and wait some more, until weeks passed and they thought they would die from waiting. Then when they'd performed a particularly gruesome, cruel and unusual chore to impress their father (the details escape me), I used my subtle influence to garner the coveted approval.

Surprise #1 was watching a deceptively small box birth a behemoth for which we'd not seen a display model. Surprise #2 was the inane warnings. MULTIPLE JUMPERS INCREASE THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL LEADING TO PARALYSIS OR DEATH—ONLY ONE PERSON AT A TIME / DO NOT DO SOMERSAULTS (FLIPS) / SECURE THE TRAMPOLINE AGAINST ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE / NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6 / AVOID JUMPING TOO HIGH OR FOR TOO LONG. Are you kidding me? Did the manufacturer's legal team ever experience a trampoline or a childhood? What are the standards for too high or too long? And secure it how? Disassemble and put back in the box after use?

Our house rules include being careful with the little kids, flips are allowed only when you jump solo, and if you involve me in a dispute about taking turns, you risk being the one to get a time out.

For the first few hours, my five darlings were the picture of consideration and caution. The following hours included the abuse of rules (either flippancy or shoving rules at others), the finger-pointing, and the selfishness which sadden and frustrate me.

Yet consideration and caution seem to have nonetheless prevailed. I'm hopeful that we've managed to instill in our daughters and sons the house rules suitable for all situations: love one another, look out for one another, and remember to be careful of your own self, too.

I cannot help but think of the church. We come to Jesus leaping with abandon, joyful to break free from the burden of sin. Everything starts out pleasant and lovely. Then people impose well-meaning but unrealistic rules which are powerless to compel the caution and consideration not inherent to our natures. Following close behind will be the abuse of rules (either flippancy or shoving rules at others), finger-pointing, and selfishness which sadden and frustrate me.

Yet I remain hopeful that the Holy Spirit will eventually prevail and convey this message: love one another, look out for one another, and be careful of your own self while you're at it.

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35 (NKJV)

P.S. Surprise #3 is that I'm a favorite trampoline partner, because the kids love to make a laughing fool of me while playing Crack the Egg.

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

Forgotten Not, Part III

“Learning: discovering that the impossible is merely the improbable.”
~ @daffynitions

Forgotten Not, Part III

"When they had pasture, they were filled;
They were filled and their heart was exalted;
Therefore they forgot Me."
~ Hosea 13:6 (NKJV)

Throughout history, a cycle repeats itself. God's people are distressed, they cry out to Him, then He has compassion and blesses them. Filled once again, their attention turns to the blessing, they see themselves as exalted, and the Blessor is forgotten. Before long, a proud people who forgets the Lord is no longer blessed by Him, and cries out to Him, and He has compassion ...

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
~ 2 Peter 1:9 (NKJV)

Christians are woefully susceptible to a similar cycle. We find joy in salvation from the guilt of sin. We discover new blessings in being a child of the King. We become exalted and expect to have no hardship, forgetting that our God did not say we would be without tribulation in this world, but to take courage in tribulation, because with Him, we overcome it. We again recognize the sin of pride, are again humble before Him, discover new strength and blessing, become exalted ...

Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire?
Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.
~ Jeremiah 2:32 (NKJV)

What do little girls dream about? Being a beautiful, beloved bride. Once engaged, a woman is likely to obsessively think of the wedding day and what she will wear for her bridegroom. So how is it that a Christian now betrothed to Christ should not be obsessively thinking of Him, and of the clothing of righteousness with which He attires us?

"This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
~ Luke 22:19 (NKJV)

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35 (NKJV)

Among the things Jesus asked of us in His final hours were these: let Him be forgotten not, let our brethren in Christ be forgotten not. Jesus deemed our unity with one another so important that He instructed us to be reconciled to one another before coming to offer Him worship.

"If you ... remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
~ Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)

We are asked by our Lord to do difficult things. Return love for hatred. Forgive. Bless those who curse us. The impossible is merely the improbable when God is forgotten not. And in our remembering to love others in His name, He promises yet once again that we are forgotten not.

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
~ Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV)

To recap "Forgotten Not" ~
Part I: Israel is forgotten not, for the Lord fulfills all He has promised her
Part II: We are forgotten not, for the Lord has engraved on His hands with nails
Part III: The Lord ask of us that He be forgotten not, in our love for one another

Lord, perform the improbable in us. Amid blessing, let us remember You, remember others. Teach us to love as You do.

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.

#discipleship

Image source: crossroadsbikers.org

Church Withdrawal

"Those who are drawn to God
are also drawn toward each other."
~ Unknown

Church Withdrawal

I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go into the house of the LORD."
~ Psalms 122:1 (NKJV)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
~Hebrews 10:24-25

If all goes as planned, I'm having brunch with family this morning. Instead of being at my church, my soul is being nourished with a different kind of fellowship.

And if today is like any other Sunday on which I miss church, I'll be suffering church withdrawal, restless for my fix.

I understand that some people attend church because they believe doing so earns grace (not so), or that it's how to get to Heaven (it is not).

Perhaps people think going to church is a good thing for a Christian to do. That it is—but this is not why I go.

I go to church because I love the Lord, and I love celebrating the Lord with His people, and I love loving His people. I go there to be exhorted and to exhort others and to have a taste of Heaven.

My church also meets on Sunday evening (Praise the Lord!), and I plan to be there so symptoms of withdrawal don't become severe.

Thank You, Lord, for Yourself, with Whom we might ask for no one else. Thank You for Your people. Please knit our hearts together as one. Oh my God, please, I ask You, make our love for You stronger in our love for one another.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#churchunity
Photo of Pastor Dean Stewart courtesy of Joshua Nathaniel Hinds

The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus

"Christianity promises to make men free;
It never promises to make them independent."
~ William Ralph Inge

Christians are arguably more like the world in one respect than any other: criticizing Christians.

So begins the message I’m sharing today. A respected pastor I'm blessed to call friend, Peter Pollock (pictured with his wife Debbie), honored me with an invitation to guest post for him today.

You can follow me over to his blog by clicking on this title

The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus #churchunity

or you can copy and paste this link:
http://blog.hafchurch.org/peter/index.php/2009/11/church-unity-guest-post-by-anne-lang-bundy/

Hope you’ll follow me over there, and that you won’t allow Peter’s glowing intro to scare you off since you all know it’s just me. ; )

~ Anne

One Body

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten

that we belong to each other."
~ Mother Teresa

One Body
#churchunity

Today's post is reprinted from Shortybear's Place, the blog of my sister in Christ, Denise. She's faithfully followed my blog longer than anyone, has encouraged me when I questioned if I should keep writing it, and she stops in even when she isn't feeling well. Please pray for my sweet friend, who has planned for months to be at a blogger conference this weekend but is home with health problems. I love you, Denise!

Jimmy Durante, one of the truly great entertainers, was asked to do a show for World War II veterans. He told them he was very busy, but if they wouldn't mind his doing one short monologue, and immediately leaving for his next appointment, he'd come. They agreed.

But when Jimmy got on stage he went through the short monologue—then stayed, and stayed. Soon he'd been on stage 15, 20, then 30 minutes. Finally, he took a last bow, and left.

Backstage someone stopped him and said "I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened?" Jimmy answered, "You can see for yourself if you look on the front row."

In the front row were two veterans, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm, and the other had lost his left. Together, they were able to clap, and that's exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully.

That's a picture of what's supposed to happen in church. To enjoy its benefits, you have to go, and when you get there, you must reach out to others, so that you can know, and be known. Pew-sitting, back-of-the-head fellowship, won't cut it! Someone sitting next to you, has 20/20 vision, where you have blind spots. You need their counsel, correction, comfort and fellowship. And they need yours. When that happens, the church is working like it's supposed to.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.

FRIEND Part II

This piece was scheduled to publish as a Friday Freelance at the end of this week. In deference to my friend Doug Spurling—(and because I have a class to teach that I need the time to prep)—it instead appears today.

=================================================

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
~ Henry David Thoreau

FRIEND Part II

Friday's Part I ended with a literal cliff hanger. My dear friend Gwen Stewart and I sat at the edge of a mountain drop-off, in a stick-shift vehicle (my preference for mountain driving). I needed to back up toward the precipice, then pull forward just after the further backward roll necessary to engage the clutch and gas pedal on a steep upward slope.

Though the situation was not entirely safe (but hey, neither is life!), my concern about the drop paled next to my concern for terrified Gwen, who already exhibited alarming syptoms of distress. I might have preferred to evaluate the driving situation for the safest way to get around the corner, but taking the time and going through the motions of doing so would have put Gwen over a different edge.

I owned the requisite skill and experience for my move, so I made a spit-second decision to simply take action before Gwen might realize the potential danger. I must move quickly, but not so quickly that I stalled the vehicle and had to roll back even farther to try again. I spoke calm and distracting words to my dear friend while nonchalantly moving backward then curving forward. No more than three seconds elapsed from the moment I realized I had to back up to the moment we were again ascending the valley wall.

We were soon above timberline, where trees no longer offered Gwen an occasional respite by mitigating her view of terrain and height. She scarcely breathed (not good at the low-oxygen high altitude), drawing air just long enough to periodically ask how much farther.

Then we came face to face with an 8x8 emperor bull elk, which stood a car's length from the road. In a small meadow which temporarily distanced us from those cliffs, Gwen's fear was briefly allayed. On his own protected turf, the bull took no heed of us while we admired his majesty against the backdrop of regal mountains. After several moments of rest, we again braved the sheer drops which brought us to the end of the dirt road at the visitor's center.

The two of us exited the vehicle to take in the spectacular view. I held my friend's arm as we walked around the building. She took one glance toward the cliff and faltered. I put Gwen safely back in the truck to breathe whatever oxygen her lowlander lungs might find, then alone approached the edge, stepping much closer than I would have allowed her. Morning sun danced with intoxicating grandeur across the valley floor some 4,000 feet below me.

The next leg of our journey took us onto Trail Ridge Road, at 12,183' feet the highest continuous road on the continent. We traversed the path which straddles the ridge, taking in alternating glimpses of the Continental Divide's two domains. Gwen shook her head and asked how anyone might look upon what she saw and claim atheism.

The surreal view defied adjectives. Gwen's fear gave way to awe, and then tears. I'd known all along that her soul needed to not just see, but experience those mountains. Our friendship assured me that I could take her there, and push her to the limit of herself without going too far.

We both met God on that road. Gwen tells her own story of the journey to a chasm. Mine? I heard the Lord whisper, This is what I do for you.

The Lord knows there are experiences we need to grow—to more fully appreciate life. He understands our dread of what we consider insufferable. He knows the way is safe, despite the dangers, because He will not leave us on the path He's already traveled. He will speak reassuring words even as we tremble with terror. He will navigate with us what appears impassable.

He will push us to the limits of ourselves, but will not force us to go as far as we might if we pull back. He will reveal to us wonders which our minds have not conceived. We will be compelled to glorify Him by as much as we do take in.

He is the Friend Who will not permit us to remain unchanged by the journey.

I will not leave you orphans;
I will come to you...
you will know that I am in My Father,
and you in Me, and I in you...
Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you...
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
~ John 14:18,20,27 (NKJV)

FOOTNOTE: Lest it appear that I paint myself a hero and Gwen a weakling, I shall this Friday tell you of the chasm from which Gwen deftly rescued me.

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.

What Is Sin?

"Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great."

~ Mark Twain

Why do you show contempt for your brother? ... resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way... let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another... whatever is not from faith is sin.
~ Romans 14:10,13,19,23 (NKJV)

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea."
~ Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
~ Peter 4:8 (NKJV)

Whoever has been born of God does not sin ... In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
~ 1 John 3:9-10 (NKJV)

Romans is the greatest study of theology ever written. As Paul nears its conclusion, sin is brought down to simplest terms: If you cause someone to stumble—if you do whatever is not from faith—it is sin.

The opposite of causing another to stumble is to edify (literally "build up") another. It is motivated by love. When we walk in Real Love, our desire is to bring restoration and edification and strength to those around us. Even when they sin, love does not seek opportunity to condemn, but desires to do whatever will cover that sin.

Regardless of what the world says, not everyone is a child of God, but only those of blood—Christ's blood. This is how God's children are known: when we practice righteousness, and when we love our blood brothers and sisters.

Father, You've poured out upon us the greatest love. You are love personified. In You is all goodness. Please make us Your goodness and love to one another. Please keep us from sin.

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.

One Body

"The answer to the question, 'Am I my brother's keeper?'
must always be, 'No! I am my brother's brother.' "
~ Paul Klapper

　

One Body

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think ... we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
~ Romans 12:3,5,10 (NKJV)

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
~ Ephesians 5:29-30 (NKJV)

May I share three of my greatest burdens in life?

The first concerns my five children. I see their love for one another displayed in quiet ways. But out loud it seems they can't stand one another. Cajoling is as good as it gets. The worst? Not fit for public description.

Second is that my eight siblings all live far away. I dearly love them. I'd do absolutely anything within my ability and morals for each one of them, in preference over myself, without concern for any sacrifice. Facebook is a lifeline to my sisters. My brothers? I can hardly stand the separation of both distance and sparse communication.

It makes me want to cry to think of how much I miss my siblings. I want to cry again when I see my children fight. They don't know how brief this time together will be. They don't understand how much they really mean to one another. They're missing out on fleeting opportunities to share love. And they weaken our family when they work against one another instead of together.

I also share the burden of our heavenly Father when those who are His children—tied together by the blood of Christ—waste precious opportunities to demonstrate love and instead tear one another down in our foolish pride.

We are one body. In working against one another, and in failing to build up other members of Christ's body, we weaken ourselves as well.

Our Father in Heaven, thank You for making us Your children! Even when we're trying to show love we can mess up and hurt one another. How much more so when our pride escapes! Please give us Your eyes to see others. Please fill us with Your love, and give us the will and ability to express it.

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.

John Philip Lang

And the devil said to Him, "... Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
~ Luke 4:6-8 (NKJV)

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' "
~ Matthew 10:34-36 (NKJV)

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
~ Psalms 133:1 (NKJV)

Satan is the father of lies. He tried one of his most successful lies on Jesus: "If You will worship before me, all will be yours." Every single human believes that lie at the point of sin, for sin is rebellion against God and forming and alliance with hell (1 Samuel 15:23) committed for the sake of personal desire.

Alliances both unite and divide people. Today I will stand with my congregation to celebrate and declare alliance with Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God. Today is also the birthday of my brother, John Philip Lang. I have already wept and will certainly shed a good many more tears that we are separated by our alliances and do not together celebrate his birthday today.

Wherever you are, Johnny, please know that in my love for God I have never stopped loving you. I miss you more than my heart can bear. I pray that God will grant to me the joy of again dwelling with you in unity.

Father in heaven, Thank You for the impenetrable joy I have in You. You granted me a brother—my own blood and flesh—who once brought me great joy in his smile and charm and feisty mischief. You've allowed me to share Your sorrow in seeing divisions among Your children. Please unite all Your children, everywhere. Please unite me again to my brother.

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

Being Grieved

So [the Pharisees] watched [Jesus] closely, whether He would heal ... on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him... Then He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they kept silent... [He] looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts. (Mark 3:1-6 NKJV)

He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes.
(Psalms 113:7-8 NKJV)

These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
(Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV)

You couldn't pay me to be a parent. The hours stink. Expenses know no limits. The job taxes sanity, wisdom and patience beyond any reasonable level. It can only be done for love. And love means the agony of seeing children you'd give your life for treat one another spitefully.

"Why does she get to" and "it's not fair that" and "he's touching / breathing on / staring at me" eat up joy and peace. I have seven siblings I love beyond life itself and I can't imagine tearing down their lives like this. Yet it must be in my blood for it's in the blood of my brood.

The Father is being grieved to see His own children—united in Christ's blood!— display pride, truth-twisting, failure to help the hurting, manipulation, power struggles, gossip, discord. We tear down the lives of one another and may not even recognize our selfish, petty agendas.

If we would build up ourselves, we must build up His body, and not tear down those in it.

Lord, You are not just my Father but our Father. You taught us to pray with one another in mind, yet we are more selfish than we're able to see. Please give each of us a glimpse this day if You are being grieved by the way we affect Your body, and empower us to change.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Sons and Daughters

You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.... Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? ... Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? ... Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord.... "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters." (2 Corinthians 6:12,14-15,17-18 NKJV)

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
(1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV)

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'Set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'A man's enemies will be those of his own household.' " (Matthew 10:34-36 NKJV)

We do not choose our family members. And relationships with siblings are unique. With whom else do we share as much of work and play, food and clothes, house and even bed? Who else knows us like a sibling? In whom else does the same heritage, DNA and blood run?

Those born again in Christ’s blood enter a new family. Among the most difficult Scriptures to apply are directions to distinguish between believing brother and sister in the Lord and unbelieving neighbor—who may be a natural relative, and who Christ may make an enemy.

Yet the blood of Christ unites God’s children in common experience and fellowship unknown to an unbeliever. We certainly continue to associate with unbelievers (1 Cor. 5:9-10). But the close communion which makes us part of one another is reserved for family.

Father in heaven, surely one of the greatest agonies of this world is to be separated by Your blood from a member of natural family. Surely one of the greatest joys is the communion of the saints. Thank You for replacing our losses not thirty nor sixty but hundredfold. Thank You for the blood of Your Lamb.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

The Lord's Offering

Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting ... both men and women, as many as had a willing heart.... So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.... And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much. (Exodus 35:21-22; 36:3,6-7 NKJV)

Who says you are better than others? What do you have that was not given to you? And if it was given to you, why do you brag as if you did not receive it as a gift? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NCV)

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (Luke 10:27 KJV)

Surely any church would gladly face the problem of receiving so many offerings that the people must be restrained from bringing. Yet every church does face the problem of us bringing to church what is not necessary to the work of ministry.

Whether we're heard as extrovert voices or as introvert gazes, has any one of us not brought to church an attitude we thought pleasing to God and necessary to our brothers and sisters, which was actually puffing up ourselves?

Any truly good and perfect gift we might offer was first given to us from the Lord, for "in me is nothing good." The offering God desires—whether we put it in the collection plate, give it as a quiet look to brother or sister, or proclaim it boldly—is the gift of love.

Father of Lights, what can people of dust offer a King clothed in majesty? Your desire for our love is humbling. Please reveal Your love for us, that we might love others in kind. Please give us the ability to love as fully as You do, that we might return the gift to You.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

The Face of God

As the deer pants after the channels of water, so my soul pants after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and see the face of God? (Psalms 42:1-2 LITV)

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:21-24 NKJV)

He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. ... He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
(1 John 2:10; 4:20 NKJV)

If one loves and thirsts after the living God with all heart, soul, mind and strength, how could one not earnestly yearn to see the face of God?

A small child’s delight is to look into a parent’s face. Mature love also delights in working alongside the Father without seeing his face. We are to both be as little children, and stretch to reach the stature of Christ, who literally fed upon work of His Father (John 4:34).

The Father’s first work is to love. Love of God compels love of brother and sister, in whose face the image of God may be seen, while we wait patiently for the day of our reward—the reward of seeing our Creator’s face.

Lord Jesus, surely You longed for our Father’s face while You walked the earth. Sustain us in our longing. Nourish us with the Father’s work of love.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Consider the Poor

A Psalm of David.
Blessed is he who considers the poor;
The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,
And he will be blessed on the earth.
(Psalms 41:1-2 NKJV)

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV)

[The Lord] is rich to all who call upon Him. (Romans 10:12 NKJV)

King David surely did not anticipate the day he would become a needy fugitive fleeing from his own son. All around us are those hit hard by recession, who only recently basked in prosperity. We do well to always consider the poor, lest circumstances one day also bring us to unexpected poverty.

Those who call upon the Lord are blessed with spiritual riches beyond description. If we consider the poor and share our earthly wealth, how much more should we, who hold the keys to the kingdom’s treasure house, consider the spiritual paupers who surround us?

God Almighty, El Shaddai, thank You to so generously supply for our needs when we look to You. You hold our future in Your hands. Help us to never worry for tomorrow. Enable us to be generous today with all Your wealth entrusted to our care.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

I Love You

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 16:24 NKJV)

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:11-14 NKJV)

I cannot know how many people these messages reach. But as Paul did, I can honestly tell each one of you that I love you. If you belong to Christ I am your sister, I love you, and I look forward to spending eternity with you. If you are among those peeking in at His kingdom, I love you as the beautiful person God created, whom I hope to soon see.

And as long as God gives me the ability, I intend to lay down my life (my right to myself) and to love you as I pray for you and share God with you—His love, His person, His Word, His joy.

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into such a big family. Thank You for the of Jesus that unites us. Please give us and increase in us Your deep love for one another.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy