Holy Beauty Preparation

Today I share what might be seen as a somewhat fanciful perspective of brokenness in contrast with praise and worship.

Praise lifts up hands and voice,
exalts the Lord,
and provides a throne for Him.

Worship bows low,
makes oneself small,
and invites the Lord to bend and show favor.

Brokenness is not a superficial crack or chink. Brokenness thoroughly shatters, releasing sin and pride. It hurts, bringing plentiful tears which make the heart soft and tender. It makes one weak enough to cry out to One with strength.

Brokenness serves as a holy beauty preparation if one chooses to use it that way. It prompts a bride to be perfumed and anointed, to be clothed in finest linen of bright righteousness, and to call out to her Bridegroom with the invitation, "Come, lie in the bosom which has been made soft for You, and find the place of Your rest."

Brokenness invites the Lord to look, and then to display His strength.

"For the eyes of the LORD
run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to show Himself strong on behalf
of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
~ 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV)

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

Praise You

"You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created."
~ Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)

These are the words of praise heavenly saints offer to complement praise of angels.

Today, rather than my own words, I offer words sung by our church orchestra, accompanied by the dance of earthly saints.

(If you don't have time for the entire video and wish to see the dancers, we enter at about 2:00. Please excuse the mediocre recording quality.)

PRAISE YOU



Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.

O God Who spoke creation
Whose Word has formed all things
We praise You
O God Who reigns forever
Immortal King of kings
We praise You
You dwell in holy light
You rule with pow’r and might
Heaven and earth unite
To praise You

Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
We praise You
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You

O God we bow before You
And in Your awesome presence
Praise You
For You alone are worthy
Our hearts with fear and rev’rence
Praise You
O Sov’reign Lord You reign
The universe proclaims
The splendor of Your name
We praise You

With saints who’ve gone before us
Our spirits shout in chorus
Praise You
With highest adoration
This is our declaration
Praise You

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, almighty.
The whole earth is full of His glory.

Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.

Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
We praise You
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You

Wisdom and majesty, power and glory be
Unto Your holy name now and forevermore.

Before Your throne of glory
Angelic anthems soar
This world of endless wonder
Stands to applaud and thunder
Praise You!

Words and music of “Praise You” by Tony Wood and Brian Petak
© 2004 New Spring Publishing Inc.
#worshipdance

My Praise

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises...
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands;
Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD.
~ Psalms 98:4,7-8 (NKJV)

The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying:
" 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!'
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
~ Luke 19:37-40 (NKJV)

My Praise

Well before dawn can be perceived on the eastern horizon, a cacophony of birdsong begins to rise heavenward to greet the light, the melody of rain its accompaniment.

Such song of praise to a loving Creator likewise compels my praise, which is wholly inadequate, and something more of an aching sigh.

These words come close to the sound of that sigh.

Lord, I wish I could praise You with adequate words
But You leave me speechless
And I so long to sing You the song You deserve
But it would be endless
I long to move Your heart
To bring You something new
To tell how great You are
Till my praise to You

Is like an ocean breeze blowing on Your face
Like a summer sun with its warm embrace
Like a gentle rain plays a symphony
That's what I want my praise to be
Like a fragrant rose in the early spring
Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings
Whatever, Lord, You may need from me
That's what I want my praise to be
To You

Everything I could give, You already possess
Lord, I'm so unworthy,
I'm just one of the millions to stand and confess
And yet still You hear me
Your heart is open wide
You long for what I bring
I pray somehow You'll find this simple offering

Is like an ocean breeze blowing on Your face
Like a summer sun with its warm embrace
Like a gentle rain plays a symphony
That's what I want my praise to be
Like a fragrant rose in the early spring
Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings
Whatever, Lord, You may need from me
That's what I want my praise to be
To You

Oh I want my praise to be
Like the breeze, the sun, the spring
Oh I want my praise to be
Like the eagle spreads its wings

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#praise
"My Praise" by Phillips Craig and Dean lyrics © 2003 Sparrow Records

Humility in Suffering, Humility in Praise

"Humility is not an ideal.
It is the unconscious result
of the life being rightly related to God."
~ Oswald Chambers

Humility in Suffering, Humility in Praise

To the Chief Musician.
A Psalm of David The Servant of the LORD,
Who Spoke to the LORD The Words of This Song
on the Day that the LORD Delivered Him
from the Hand of All His Enemies
and from the Hand of Saul.
And He Said:
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
~ Psalms 18:1 (NKJV)

Thus says the LORD: "... your house and your kingdom ... [and] your throne shall be established forever." ... Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?"
~ 2 Samuel 7:5,16,18 (NKJV)

Though Saul dedicated his life to murdering David, David not only refused to retaliate, but excluded Saul from his enemies when penning his final psalm forty years after Saul's death.

Such humility marked David's life. He did not see himself worthy of marrying Saul's daughter, nor later, of the messianic covenant from the Lord. He thoroughly and immediately repented when confronted with his adultery and murder, and again later after an unrighteous census. He showed compassion to women such as Abigail when she was rich and he was poor and to Rizpah when she was forlorn and he was king.

When we think of examples of patience amid suffering, we think of Job, whose suffering was intense—but short lived. David's suffering marked most of his life—persecution by his son Absalom when he was old, by King Saul when he was young, and by many brethren who hated him while he suffered unrighteously as a destitute fugitive. Physical affliction is also mentioned throughout David's psalms.

Presenting suffering next to a good God, with the exhortation "rejoice always," is a distinct challenge for this writer to do credibly. My inspiration is the suffering David, whose humility enabled his enduring praise to God.

In that final psalm of his, David affirmed amid the suffering of infirmity: The Lord is our strength, and we declare to Him, "I will love You!"

Lord, You bless and take away, and always bless amid the taking away. By Your grace and strength, my heart will forever choose to say, "Lord, blessed be Your name."

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.
#suffering
Image from jerusalem-4thtemple.org

Follow Your Heart, Part II

"So much has been given to me,
I have no time to ponder over that which as been denied."
~ Helen Keller

Follow Your Heart, Part II
#knowingGod

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.
~ Psalms 92:1 (NKJV)

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

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

What puts praise in our hearts?

In a word, appreciation. Appreciation for the Lord's blessings. Appreciation for all he has done, is doing, and promises to do. Appreciation for Who He is. (And He is Good!)

The trials of life—especially suffering—can cloud our vision. Perception makes the difference between believing the Lord is working everything for good and wondering why His goodness is unseen; between the heart confident of the Lord's love, and the heart which doubts His favor.

The heart of gratitude sees His goodness and mercy everywhere. Even suffering can be accepted as means by which He refines us, draws close to us, and draws us close to Himself.

The heart filled with gratitude leads everything else in us to love the Lord, to know His love, to feel His every touch as blessing—and to give Him praise.

Lord, Your mercy and grace are so abundant. Our eyes are often clouded by the temporal, by pain, by the ugliness of evil. Please open our eyes and hearts to receive everything with thanks, and give You the full praise of which You are so worthy.

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 nalanda.nitc.ac.in

Exalted Servant

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

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

Exalted Servant
#discipleship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fool on the Hill

"Empty hands held high—such small sacrifice.
If not joined with my life, I sing in vain ... "
~ Mark Hall *

Fool on the Hill

For we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake ...
~ 1 Corinthians 4:9-10 (NKJV)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)

I remember the first time I experienced the urge to lift my hands in praise while singing. But nobody in our church did that, so I resisted being a rebel. But during a later conversation, a respected gentleman admonished me to not resist such an urge from the Holy Spirit.

At our present church I often lift my hands while singing praise. I sit in the back to avoid being distracting, because few (if any) of the other 400-500 people do likewise. Yet the shape of our sloped auditorium doesn't obscure me at its top, and I occasionally wonder if anyone thinks me foolish.

My God was once thought a Fool on the hill as He hung upon a cross for six hours, with hands uplifted by nails. He did it for my sake. He did it for love's sake.

If I'm ever thought a fool for uplifted hands, it's far too little to suffer for Christ's sake. I gladly lift my hands for love's sake.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You put Your Holy Spirit inside of us to empower whatever we do for You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of offering You praise. May each word of our gift of praise be beautiful to You—as much as the sum total of all beauty in the creation You gifted to us.

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

* Lyrics of "Lifesong" by Mark Hall, © 2005 Club Zoo Music

The Sacrifice of Worship

"Worship changes people;
we become like whatever it is we worship."
~ Wes Harty

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me ...
I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
~ Psalms 27:5-6 (NKJV)

Therefore by [Jesus]
let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,
that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
~ Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)

Does Sunday morning ever arrive and find you not ready to worship? Whether busyness, contention with others, or cares of life weigh you down, do you ever feel you have nothing to offer God?

Then come before Him broken, frustrated, weak. If necessary, do all possible to make peace with any other Christian who is not at peace with you (Matthew 5:23-24).

Then offer worship and praise and joy as a true sacrifice. Let your soul say, "My heart hurts, my mind is distracted, my body is weary—yet I choose to worship my God through it all because He is worthy of it. I offer sacrifice of myself."

Such sacrifice is a pleasing aroma to Him (Ephesians 5:2).

And it may be offered any day or time of the week.

Almighty God, You are worthy of our most humble worship and most exuberant praise. Please enable us through Your Spirit to accept Your gifts of faith, hope, love, joy, peace when our hearts and minds and bodies need them most, so that we may bless You with an offering of ourselves.

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

My Strength and Song

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

Oz-ziy ve-Zimrath / My Strength and Song



Yah, My Strength and Song,
Has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will dwell in praise of Him;
My father's God, and I will exalt Him.
~ Exodus 15:2 (author)

"This day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
~ Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)

Music speaks soul language.

Music has the power to evoke every emotion we know. The intricate science and math of something so filled with beauty and art could have only originated in heaven.

Music precedes humans. The Lord told Job that at creation, "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7 NKJV). The Bible does not record that song. The first song to appear in Scripture is immediately after the Israelites have been delivered through the Red Sea from Pharaoh. The opening lines of that song declare, "I will sing to YHWH, for He has triumphed gloriously! ... Yah, My Strength and Song, has become my salvation ..."

We praise and worship the Lord in song because He is our Song!

And in our song we also find He is our Strength—of soul, heart, mind and body. The strength of our song lies not in the skill of voice or musician's mastery, but in the heart. Music may be performed flawlessly but passionlessly. The strength of song lies in the heart from which it is played. (I have this on good authority from those gifted in music.)

To say "the joy of the Lord is my strength" is not merely an encouraging platitude. It is the Word from God and it is a reality. The one who belongs to Christ has His Spirit in residence. In song, the Holy Spirit receives a voice to praise God, and strength lies therein.

His song is a love song.

Love is the most common theme of songs. Perhaps one of the reasons we so often express love of God and romantic love in the soul's language of song is because when we feel weakness in fluttering heart and weak knees, being lovesick compels us to find strength in song. In singing of love, and in expressing our love to the one (or One) we prize most highly, both soul and love are strengthened.

If the Lord were but Husband, we might or might not feel moved to song. But He is Song itself. He is Strength itself. And tomorrow, we'll look at Him as "My Beloved"—to Whom we sing love songs.

The above photo, titled "Rain Dance," is of my nieces while they're waiting for an outdoor wedding to begin. They demonstrate one response when the Lord sends clouds and rain upon one of life's celebrations: celebrate anyway.

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

Praise and Worship, Hot and Cold

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving ...
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God.
~ Psalms 95:1-2,6-7 (NKJV)

"To the ... church at Laodicea write: '... You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. Therefore, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of My mouth.' "
~ Revelation 3:15-16 (author)

O put my tears into Your bottle ...
~ Psalms 56:8 (MKJV)

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You.
~ Psalms 63:1 (NKJV)

Laodicea had no water source. Its aqueducts brought warming water from the Hierapolis 95-degree hot springs, and refreshing water from the Colossae snow runoff. Otherwise-satisfying hot and cold waters were a distasteful lukewarm by the time they reached Laodicea.

Jesus expressed a desire for either hot or cold. It is commonly thought "cold" refers to the heart frigid to God, and such is desirable because it makes for a more needy convert. But because Jesus addresses those of His church, some think "cold" means something good in believers.

The Lord is no doubt warmed by zealous praise and thanksgiving filled with songs, joyful shouts, and uplifted hearts and hands. Perhaps the cool waters He finds refreshing are tears shed by a heart broken by that which breaks God's heart, by sweet communion with His Word and Spirit in early morning's chill, or by His child bowed low upon cold ground in worship.

Rock of our salvation, no fire of mortal praise is sufficient for You. YHWH our Maker, we cannot bow low enough before Your exalted throne. Teach our hearts to make both praise and worship which is pleasing to You.

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

How Long, Lord?

A Contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite.
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations....
How long, LORD?
Will You hide Yourself forever?
~ Psalms 89:1,46 (NKJV)

I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land.
~ Psalms 143:6 (NKJV)

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
~ Reginald Heber, Holy, Holy, Holy traditional hymn

Ethan the Ezrahite once waited for the Lord to show Himself. He is now in the Lord's blessed presence, where he will continue to sing of the mercies of the Lord, a delight begun on earth. Like people who love the Lord, music is one of the few things to follow us from earth to heaven.

Surely Ethan knew the pain and the pleasure—the agony and the ecstasy—which praise may evoke. When one praises the Lord with abandon one thirsts for ever more of Him. No matter how close one comes to the throne, the eye of sinful man may not see the glory. In deepest passion of praise, passion's pain can overwhelm.

Jesus' love for us knew the depths of passion's pain. He did not draw back at the point where His love for us pierced Him. We can do no less in our praise for Him.

Lord God Almighty, You are the great and powerful King of the universe, and You are Ruler of our hearts. You command us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then leave us spent, thirsting desperately for all of You. How long, Lord, until we see Your glory?

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

Lift Up Your Hands

O YHWH, You are my God.
I will exalt You,
I will with uplifted hands praise Your name,
For You have accomplished wonders,
Things prescribed from afar,
Trustworthiness, constancy.
Isaiah 25:1 (author)

A Song of Ascents.
Behold, bless the LORD,
All you servants of the LORD,
Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
And bless the LORD.
The LORD who made heaven and earth
Bless you from Zion!
Psalm 134 (NKJV)

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:10 (NKJV)

Numerous Hebrew words are translated praise. Isaiah 25:1 uses the word yadah, derived from the word yad, "hand." More than once, Scripture exhorts us to lift up our hands in praise. The word for exalt, rum, literally means to lift or raise up.

It is a curious concept to think of lifting up God, who is already exalted to the highest place. How does one glorify Him who is already perfect in glory? Yet in our praise and uplifted hands, we indeed lift up God before witnesses of heaven and earth. We magnify His glory. He is enthroned in our praise.

And in a wonderful twist, the Lord delights to look upon the humble and lift them up. In Jesus we find the perfect example of One who became humble that He might be raised from the dead to the highest place. By setting aside the pride that can only bring us down, we are raised to life—and lifted up.

Almighty God, You are worthy of our most excellent praise, given with ALL our heart, mind, soul and strength. However else we falter, may we never fail to exalt and bless Your glorious name. Our pride-filled hearts are utterly undeserving of Your notice. Please humble us gently, that You might indeed lift us up.

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

Comfort

And in that day you will say:
"O LORD, I will praise You;
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
'For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.' "
Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-3 (NKJV)

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him."
Job 13:15 (NIV)

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NRSV)

Isaiah's prophecies described sin, called for repentance, and foretold destruction—a recipe sure to make both hearer and messenger feel bad. Yet the God who loved both His prophet and His people interspersed such unwelcome messages with frequent words of comfort.

The Lord still speaks difficult things. Is it just me, or is one of the surest indicators of a message being from God that it compels me to do what stretches me UNcomfortably, prompts me to forego one of my pet comforts, or presents a test, trial or temptation beyond my human strength?

Isaiah's psalm of praise and comfort appears in the dark hour of northern Israel's defeat by the horrifically cruel Assyrians. It is a reminder of the good things to follow, the cloud's silver lining, the light at the end of the tunnel. It is a reminder that YAH is strength and song and salvation.

I praise You my God that You are my Strength. I praise You my God that You are the Song ever in my heart. I praise You my God that You are my Salvation in every test, trial and temptation. I praise You my God that Your love always has words of comfort waiting for me.

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

The Presence of God

Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered;
Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.
As smoke is driven away, So drive them away;
As wax melts before the fire,
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad;
Let them rejoice before God;
Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.
Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
Extol Him who rides on the clouds,
By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him.
(Psalms 68:1-4 NKJV)

David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn [shofar], with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps. And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music [leaping and whirling before the LORD]; and she despised him in her heart. (1 Chronicles 15:27-29 NKJV, amplified)

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 NKJV)

When the presence of God in His Holy Spirit enters the person who worships Jesus Christ as Lord and God, the worship will look as unique as the individual. We may be compelled to dance. Or to put face on the ground. Or to shout and clap. Or to use whatever instrument we play, including electric keyboard, whether connected to an amplifier or blog or unpublished .docx file.

Whether or not witnessed by others and understood by them, our worship is before the Lord. He alone determines the worship quality, and God does not judge it by outward appearance—as man does—but by the heart.

One day, every tribe and tongue will worship together with diversity before the presence of God as He enters Jerusalem, His bride. In the meantime, God is drawn to the fragrance of His own Son, present in those who worship in spirit and truth, and He is enthroned in our praise.

Oh Lord our God, You put in our hearts a love song birthed of gratitude that defies full expression within the limits of earth. Reign in us. Even if we flinch with the burning, please fill us with Your Holy fire, to make our hearts and our worship pure and pleasing to You.

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

Real Enemies

To the Chief Musician. Set to "Do Not Destroy."
A Michtam of David When Saul Sent Men,
and They Watched the House in Order to Kill Him.
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God ...
You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense, My God of mercy.
(Psalms 59:1;16-17 NKJV)

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands became heavy ... And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (Exodus 17:11-13 NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV)

Psalms passages which speak of enemies didn't used to hold my interest. I rarely encounter people who threaten as enemies and I preferred Psalms of praise. I see now that the very real enemies David and Moses battled present a clear picture of the very real adversary I do face.

The devil knows where we are weak and is a practiced, powerful enemy. But we do not fight the battles we face alone. Our defense is our God—reliance on His strength, preparation for battle with His armor, and support of fellow warriors. Our brothers and sisters fight alongside us, and we must uphold each other in prayer.

The sun will eventually go down on this day of battle. Until then, we sing praise for the God who has already saved us. We sing praise for the warfare which perfects us. We sing praise for the victory at war's end. It is all assured by our Lord's Word and Spirit and blood.

Lord Jesus, You have already vanquished the enemy. You know more than we do the sufferings of warfare. You have felt the weakness of human flesh. Please make us persistent to employ the armor You provide. Please help us remember fellow warriors in the heat of battle. Please give us Your strength to endure.

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

Praise AND Worship

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. (Matthew 28:9 NKJV)

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24 NKJV)

Jesus gave an imperative to rejoice which is recorded with the Greek salutation chairete (a verb related to the noun charis, "grace, favor, joy"). Could there be a greater cause to rejoice than receiving a loved one back from the grave? Yet the joyful reunion was met first with face-on-the-ground worship, not the hands-uplifted-dancing praise which surely followed.

The Father seeks true worshipers. After I enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, let me not fail to worship.

Lord Jesus, "I can only imagine, when that day comes ... will I dance for You ... Or to my knees [and face] will I fall?" I long to do all of it. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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