Water and Fire Enough

My family topped off a trip to the Washington DC area with a visit to Virginia Beach this week. Our children had never seen the ocean (I've only set foot in the Pacific briefly myself), and we could hardly be so close to the Atlantic and not let them taste it.

Perhaps our many visits to Great Lakes beaches lulled me into thinking I understood waves and tides. Perhaps we simply met Madame Atlantic in one of her more tempestuous moods. In any case, she introduced herself with less than genteel hospitality.

I planned to simply wade into a comfortable depth with my seven-year-old Daniel, since we're both very marginal swimmers. We were no more than thigh-deep when we suddenly found our feet pulled out from under us and salt water filling our mouths and noses. Before we could find our footing, another wave tossed us about and then merrily ran off. We sputtered and scrambled beachward as the older kids swam on in.

Daniel and I stuck to the shoreline in knee-deep water. Daniel leapt up into each wave with delight, I braced myself in the sand and hung onto him, and the Atlantic rolled us under every few minutes.

The day wasn't quite hot enough for us to enjoy the breeze which chilled us between waves. About the time Daniel's shivering was starting to concern me, I noticed the red flag on the lifeguard stand warning "DANGEROUS OCEAN."

I think the two of us could have handled any one of the numerous challenges we faced. But I finally decided that we simply faced too many, and that we'd experienced enough ocean for the day.

A person has to know how to say "enough" before becoming overwhelmed.

There are three things that are never satisfied,
Four never say, "Enough!":
The grave,
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with water—
And the fire never says, "Enough!"
~ Proverbs 30:15-16 (NKJV)

I've learned how to say "no" when a situation isn't for me. Nonetheless, I've lately found myself in several situations that each has numerous challenges. Any one fire might not be too much. For a while now, I've been wrestling with knowing when to say "enough."

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
~ Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)

It's good to experience the gifts God puts in our paths. I'd rather look at a challenge as a stepping stone than as an obstacle. I don't like to admit defeat. I trust God to accompany me through the waters and fire in my life.

But sometimes, when I ask Him, He also grants me the option to say "Enough!"

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Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Behold Your Enemies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lord is on high forevermore!

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

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

The Whole Armor of God

And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
~ Acts 19:15-16 (NKJV)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
~ Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)

His disciples asked [Jesus] privately, "Why could we not cast [the spirit] out?" So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
~ Mark 9:28-29 (NKJV)

Spiritual warfare involves far more than invoking the name of Jesus.

To put on the whole armor of God, one speaks truth, lives righteously, takes time to prepare with the Gospel, relies on faith to counter lies, covers one's mind with the submission to the Lord Jesus which is our salvation, skillfully wields the sword of the Word, and remains watchful in prayer.

Remaining watchful in prayer may involve fasting. Among other things, fasting subdues flesh and enables victory over the strongholds in one's life, compels the needs of body to be sacrificed for the needs of spirit, and humbles oneself before God.

The bride of Christ is a warrior princess with a mettle of iron, who trains for no retreat in battle. She is clothed in the whole armor of God provided to her.

Father God, You provide to us all we need for every situation. Please draw us to closely walk with You, and hear Your Spirit's voice, so we may quickly identify the enemy, engage him effectively, and emerge victorious in every battle. Plese increase our dependence on You daily.

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

Peace Like a River

"I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you by the way you should go.
Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!
Then your peace would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea... "
Isaiah 48:17-18 (NKJV)

He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness ...
Psalms 23:2-3 (NKJV)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 (NKJV)

After the air we breath, water is most necessary element we take in to sustain our bodies. We are made of water. We are cleansed of toxins, inside and out, by water. Peace of soul is found in the very presence of water—rhythmic waves, babbling brook, crashing waterfall.

The healthy mind craves peace. The world defines peace as absence of conflict. Absence of conflict does not exist, so peace will not be found there. Peace is not the absence of conflict, but power, love and a sound mind in the face of conflict.

Conflict is neither cause for anxiety nor opportunity for pride, but simply presents challenges to strengthen us. And in the conflict between God's will and ours is opportunity for greatest peace. The Lord our God teaches us to profit, and leads in the way we should go. To heed Him is to know peace like a river—peace as essential to our souls as water is to our bodies.

Prince of Peace, Your ways are perfect. We can take no path more excellent than Yours. Please give us willing spirits, and the strength of Your Spirit to prevail over weak flesh. Please give us Your Spirit's power, love and sound mind. Let us know Your peace like a river.

"There is no peace for the wicked." ~ YHWH

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

You Shall Not Covet

Jesus answered ... "You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.' " (Mark 10:18-19 NIV)

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of captivity.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship them ...
You shall not misuse the name of your God ...
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it sacred ... on it you shall not work ... nor those who serve you, so that they may rest, as you do...
Honor your father and your mother ... that it may go well with you ...
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not deceive others.
You shall not desire your neighbor's spouse ...
and you shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor."
(Deuteronomy 5:6-21, author's paraphrase)

I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known lust [is sin] unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." (Romans 7:7 EMTV amplified)

Mark quotes Jesus using a rather strong word to forbid coveting. Translated "defraud," the Greek apostereo means "to deprive by fraud." The Old Testament commandment "you shall not covet" actually used two different Hebrew words, forbidding us to chamad ("delight in") another's spouse, or to avah ("wish for") any thing else another owns.

Dishonor, murder, adultery, stealing and lying indeed deprive another's right to respect, life, marital privilege, ownership, or the truth. Sin begins in my heart by coveting. And my wrong desire first steals from me. It will not go well with me. I suffer hatred. My spouse loses my affection. I fail to enjoy what God has given me. I yield to the "father of lies."

The world says, "Feelings aren't right or wrong, they just are." The Bible soundly rejects that notion. We are told that "though we walk in the flesh ... [we wage war with spiritual weapons] ... bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

This is not impossible. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Lord of Eminence, who looks at the heart, how gracious You were to look beyond our wicked thoughts and see our potential for love. Thank You for deliverance. Thank You for creating us anew. Please help us rely on You, and walk away from the sin that no longer holds us captive.

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

Charm is Deceitful

For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18 NKJV)

... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:17-18 NKJV)

Sinister-looking demons do not "lurk under every bush." They brazenly stride alongside us, disguised as angels of light whose smooth words entice us with delectable morsels. How tempting is a gargoyle shrieking out an offer of putrid fodder?

Most Bible students count only six pieces of armor cataloged by Ephesians 6:13-18. While prayer receives no seventh metaphor (as do truth, righteousness, preparation, faith, salvation, God's Word), it is no less vital to victory in spiritual warfare. The well-armed and well-trained warrior is of little use if he is not alert.

Deception overtakes us when we drift from truth. Being watchful in prayer keeps us alert to the voice of the Commander of the LORD's army, and to dependence on His guidance.

Lord Jesus, You are glorious, and if not for the distractions of this world and our flesh, how could we ever take our eyes from You? You have not made the battle easy, but You place victory within our reach. Keep us mindful of You our Captain, who has already won the war.

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

Weapons of Our Warfare

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)

Then [the Lord Jesus] said to them, "... he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Luke 22:36 NKJV)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:11-12,17 NKJV)

Whatever else the modern day warrior carries (either civil police officer or military soldier), he is equipped with insignia and weapon. Whether bearing badge and gun, or national emblem and rifle, he is identified by his authority and the deadly force to back it up.

Each believer faces war with a very real enemy and his hierarchy of demons, who have no regard for unarmed status. We may choose pacifism and refuse to engage in earth's wars, but spiritual war will engage us in battle whether or not we bear the weapons provided us.

Our authority is the seal of the Holy Spirit obtained with Christ's blood. Our sole offensive weapon is the sword of God's Word—the same weapon wielded by Jesus when He faced the devil as a Man. It is our weapon as we battle to bring every thought into captivity, to the obedience of the Word made flesh.

Lord Jesus, thank You for high price You paid for the weapons of our warfare. Please do not allow the enemy to disarm us before attack. Holy Spirit, please draw us to pick up Your sword, practice with Your sword, and battle mightily with Your sword, the Word of God.

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

When Heat Comes

So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all." (Exodus 5:22-23 NKJV)

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:31-32 NKJV)

Thus says the LORD:
"Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD. ...
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes."
(Jeremiah 17:5,7-8 NKJV)

The Israelites believed Moses' word that the Lord would deliver and they worshiped—until Pharaoh applied heat. Peter followed Jesus into the enemy's lair but lacked in his flesh the strength to face persecution. Even the believer in whom the Spirit dwells remains vulnerable to fires of temptation.

Seductresses named Self, World, and Satan should never be underestimated. We are compelled to live amid three powerful enemies who lie in wait to woo the heart. At the very moment we realize an enemy has gained our attention, the heart's eyes must be fully returned to the Lord.

When heat comes, our response determines if it will prove to be the Refiner's fire, or the flames of Hell licking at our heels.

Father in Heaven, holy is Your name. Refiner, make us pure like You. Draw us to walk with You so closely to You that when we walk through the fire, we shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Only Sovereign

The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God." When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid... From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free. (John 19:7-8,12 NIV)

The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
(John 19:21-22 NIV)

I charge you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will show in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (1 Timothy 6:13-15 EMTV)

The Roman governor Pilate clearly understood Jesus to be the King of the Jews and so named Him. As the two men faced each other, Pilate in fact stood before his own King, the King of all kings, governors, and rulers—the only Sovereign of every Jew and every Gentile.

Once a person believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as He claims to be, He must be named King—He can be nothing less than the only Sovereign of one's life. To hold Him at arm's length, and remain content for others to bow before Him, is not true faith that Jesus is King and Lord.

If we fail to acknowledge Jesus as our only Sovereign before others, He will not acknowledge us as His before His Father (Matthew 10:32).

Lord Jesus, You are my only Sovereign, my King before whom I willingly bend my knee and give my life. You dwell in unapproachable light. You rule over even death. You alone have all honor and everlasting power. May I be blameless until Your glorious appearing. Amen.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Kingdom Warfare

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant ... So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" (John 18:10-11 NKJV)

Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." (John 18:36 NKJV)

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11:12 NKJV)

Violent warfare is not for the timid, the weak, or the unprepared. And we need not fight if we are indeed content to live a life of surrender to an occupying enemy.

The spiritual kingdom of Jesus may be fully possessed by violent warfare which drives out the occupying enemy who lingers, even though he has lost the war Christ already won.

The combination of boldness, strength, and training for spiritual warfare do not involve attitudes, weapons or methods of this world. It requires the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. It requires the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. It requires abiding in Christ, that we might hear the voice of His Spirit's direction both in training and in battle.

YHWH Sabaoth, Lord of Hosts, no power may stand against You. You are our mighty King who leads us in battle. You assure us victory. Give us courage, strength, and preparation to fully engage the enemy, and to persist until we prevail.

"Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who has loved us." – Romans 8:37 WNT

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Led by the Spirit

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41 NKJV)

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV)

My spirit wishes to please my Lord. Yet I do not do as I wish, too often giving in to the natural inclinations of my flesh and being disappointed with myself. The last component of my spiritual armor is to be watchful in prayer (Ephesians 6:18), as Jesus instructed his disciples. When I am in continual communication with the Spirit, alert to His perspective, and yielded to His leading, I am far less likely to stumble.

Father, You are good to give us all we need for our journey and the battles we face along the way. Your Son says Your Spirit is given for the asking. Please fill us with Your Spirit. Lead us not into temptation, but through it, around it, beyond it—refine us by it.

United We Stand

Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. . . . He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. . . . Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:25,30,50 NKJV)

Jesus came to bring not peace but a sword in the world. His Gospel draws sharp lines between black and white in a world which prefers shades of gray. There are nonetheless two kingdoms: His kingdom, and the kingdom of His opponent.

When subjects of the true King are divided, we become unwitting allies of the opponent. Whatever my citizenship, associations, and human blood ties, I must remember who is my opponent, and who is my true family—united by Blood and Spirit.

My Father, You are Majesty on High. You have shown me great favor to adopt me into Your kingdom. Let me serve You only, united in my heart with Your Spirit and family.

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

Spiritual 911

O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me, Lest they tear me like a lion, Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver. . . Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies; Rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded! (Psalm 7:1-2,6 NKJV)

We defend against attack with home security and 911. The most dangerous enemies are unseen. Peter warned of the devil who prowls about as a roaring lion, and Paul gave detailed instructions of how to stand against him. David sets the example of never thinking oneself safe from relentless pursuit, and the need to depend on God for defense. I face grave consequences if I see myself as safe from attack or strong enough to stand alone.

Lord, in You I am safe from enemies who seek to devour my life. In You alone is my defense: truth, righteousness, daily preparation, faith, a mind submitted to Christ, the sword of Your Word, and unceasing prayer.

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