This post is sixth in the Psalm 127 series "Live Like a King."
~ ~ ~
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NKJV)
Each of us has a different idea of what location, type of food, and music makes for the perfect party. But no matter what feast is celebrated, we'd all agree that an essential component is plenty of people.
For most of us, family is first on that list.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
~ Psalm 127:3-4 (NKJV)
In ancient times, people comprised an important element of strength and wealth, whether the warriors and loyal subjects of a king, or the workers and children of any man.
Children not only enable a man to build up his possessions with their labor and stewardship, but also extend their parents' influence and legacy to the children of another generation. Whatever other comfort one may attain in old age, loving children are a treasure above all others. As our children produce more children, riches become exponential.
The presence of children is not only important for a festive celebration. Children are cause for celebration.
When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.
Psalm 128:2-4 (NKJV)
Whether by choice or by providence, plenty of people have no children. Some are grateful for that. Others ache for what might have been. And a good many parents also ache over less-than-loving and estranged children.
If such people fear the Lord and yet are somehow denied the joy of children, does the psalmist err to count children among their blessings?
Or is the psalm perhaps inclusive of prophecy concerning another family?
… Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD …
Paul evidently had no wife or children, yet spoke of Timothy, Titus, and Onesimus as his sons. Peter likewise spoke of Mark. All three of John's epistles lovingly address his recipients as "my children."
If we name Jesus as Lord and are adopted children of His Father, we are members of an eternal family, our spiritual blood tie more enduring than any natural or adoptive bond. As we mature and mentor others, we raise up a new generation of spiritual sons and daughters. As our children produce more children, riches become exponential.
This eternal family, these sons and daughters, are an important part of our spiritual strength and wealth. They extend our influence and legacy.
They are cause for celebration, and co-celebrants when we feast—both now and in the Father's kingdom.
Father, Your kingdom come. Please make us faithful as we raise up the next generation of saints, by Your power and grace.
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Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Spiritual Inheritance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual Inheritance. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Come, Follow, Go – Conclusion
Ultimate Conquest
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
~ Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
~ Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
Death reigns as the ultimate enemy of every human. Not even those destined to be rapture saints escape sin's penalty of dying, experienced in day-to-day deterioration of mortal bodies.
By following Jesus into death, we come into His resurrection. Eternal life reigns as our ultimate conquest, both when we leave this world, and amid our day-to-day brawl against sin and decline.
"Every decision has a cost.
Every yes comes with a no."
~ Chuck Borsellino
Whatever our anticipation liberation into the next world, we cannot forget the liberty made available in every acceptance of lesser deaths. For Jesus' followers, to die is gain.
Every yes comes with a no—and every no comes with a yes.
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome.
Reply via comments at BuildingHisBody.com,
or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Generational Blessing
My ancestors are largely a mystery to me.
Of my great-grandmothers, two lived to be over one hundred (bottom left and top right corners). My father's paternal grandmother (in the red dress with white trim) was a Native American from an unknown tribe of Zaruma, Ecuador. I knew these three women mostly through their loving gestures and stories passed down from other relatives.
My mother's doting mother (pictured with me) died when I was three, and my only memory of her is when my uncle held me at her funeral so I could say good-bye. Her father died before she grew up. My paternal grandpa (wearing the hat) lived until I was nine, but his alcoholism made him scarce enough that we spent little time together until his last months of relative sobriety.
I knew my paternal grandmother well. After her four boys and two grandsons, she lavished love on the first little girl in her life, until her death in 1997. I disappointed her when I left the Roman Catholic church. She softened in many ways as she grew old. I am grateful to God that He allowed her to finally say to me, "Well, as long as you're following Christ, that's what really matters."
I know that her parents were also people of faith (far left—can you see it in their peaceful countenance?) Her husband turned to God when He turned away from the bottle. I have assurance of a happy homecoming when I one day get to finally know these people I didn't know on earth—people who live on in me, because their faith is vibrant and alive in me.
"The LORD God [is] merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation."
~ Exodus 34:6-7 (NKJV)
So began yesterday's Question of the Week, which addressed the spiritual principle of generational sin. The topic is painful. And if the discussion stopped after bringing up the problems in our life passed down from our ancestors, it would not be accurate.
If asked to identify race, I am German, Hispanic, Irish, and Native American. My children are also French and Polish. Their children will no doubt be once more removed from the full-blooded races of my ancestors.
If asked to identify generational sin, my spiritual enemy would readily name violations of all ten commandments. Being a couple of hundred generations removed from Adam and Eve has not diluted the DNA of sin passed on to me.
If asked to identify generational blessing, my cup runneth over. I am descended from grandparents of faith. My mother has prayed for me more than any other person in my life and taught me what it is to live out unconditional love. My Father in Heaven is the King of the Universe, and I am royal heir to His infinite riches and life.
And though I've not yet seen Him in person, His loving gestures and stories passed down from others convince me that He is indeed "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands." I have assurance of a happy homecoming because He has forgiven my iniquity and transgression and sin.
I love hearing from you. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Spiritual Gifts
SERVANT HANDS
"What you are is God's gift to you.
What you make of yourself is your gift to God."
~ Vern McLellan
Who do you think you are to question God? Does the clay have the right to ask the potter why he shaped it the way he did?
~ Romans 9:20 (CEV)
~ Romans 9:20 (CEV)
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant ... There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:1,4-6 (NKJV)
~ 1 Corinthians 12:1,4-6 (NKJV)
Among the gifts (manifestations) of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible are prophecy, service / ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership / administration, mercy, the word of wisdom or knowledge, faith, healings, working of miracles, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues.
God also gives human skills and attributes to complement spiritual gifts. A recent discussion on What I Learned Today examined which of these we might choose for ourselves, given the opportunity. While we can ask for specific spiritual gifts, attributes, and skills, the Lord is the One to choose what we are given. We choose not what we receive, but how and why we use it.
If motivated by pride, we can waste our gifts by using them to build up ourselves. If motivated by love for Christ and love for others—the more excellent way—we will use what we've been given to glorify God and build up people, especially those within His Body of believers.
That's what Building His Body is about. I pray I am faithful to that calling with all I am and all I've been given.
Father in Heaven, You are generous beyond all reason with us. Your grace lends to our use Your life and strength of Spirit, and these are more than enough. With all else You put in our hands, however fleetingly, we can never repay the debt of love we owe You. We ask for Your empowerment so we can nonetheless try.
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Heaven's Court
God presides over heaven’s court;
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
"How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?"
~ Psalm 82:1-2 (NLT)
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it ... the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
~ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.
~ 1 Peter 1:17 (NKJV)
Judges are expected to impartially decide what is right and lawful. The judiciary determines if the work of legislative and executive government stands. A Supreme Court decision is as close to God's judgment as can be obtained on earth. Legal injustice is an ultimate frustration.
The same Hebrew word used for God is sometimes used for judges: Elohim. In heaven's court, there is only one Judge, to whom every human judge will answer. Though we often lament the earth's injustice, we need only be patient for the Judge of all the earth to render final judgment.
We do well to remember that our works shall also be judged before heaven's court. Though we need not fear of condemnation if we are in Christ, we should fear lost reward if we do nothing for Him in return, but squander His many gifts to us.
Our Father, we call upon You for Your mercy as we stand before You. We are unprofitable servants, and however much we may do, we have done what was our duty to do. Please motivate us to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ with all that is precious and enduring.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
"How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?"
~ Psalm 82:1-2 (NLT)
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it ... the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
~ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.
~ 1 Peter 1:17 (NKJV)
Judges are expected to impartially decide what is right and lawful. The judiciary determines if the work of legislative and executive government stands. A Supreme Court decision is as close to God's judgment as can be obtained on earth. Legal injustice is an ultimate frustration.
The same Hebrew word used for God is sometimes used for judges: Elohim. In heaven's court, there is only one Judge, to whom every human judge will answer. Though we often lament the earth's injustice, we need only be patient for the Judge of all the earth to render final judgment.
We do well to remember that our works shall also be judged before heaven's court. Though we need not fear of condemnation if we are in Christ, we should fear lost reward if we do nothing for Him in return, but squander His many gifts to us.
Our Father, we call upon You for Your mercy as we stand before You. We are unprofitable servants, and however much we may do, we have done what was our duty to do. Please motivate us to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ with all that is precious and enduring.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Next Generation
My friends, I beg you to listen as I teach.
I will give instruction and explain
the mystery of what happened long ago.
These are things we learned from our ancestors,
and we will tell them to the next generation.
We won't keep secret the glorious deeds
and the mighty miracles of the LORD.
~ Psalms 78:1-4 (CEV)
All your children shall be taught of Yahweh;
and great shall be the peace of your children.
~ Isaiah 54:13 (WEB)
Parents often have one thing which becomes a priority to pass on to the next generation, no matter what else is overlooked. It could be material possessions, educational opportunity, family stability, sexual purity, emotional security—eternal life.
Parents' greatest heartbreak can be seeing the next generation fail to obtain what we desire for them. We do well to remember that faith is a gift of God. Small children may be sanctified by a parent's faith, but the day comes when each of us must account for ourselves.
We cannot give the next generation faith as God can, but we can give them knowledge of God by which faith comes. Whatever we lay aside to make it our priority, we must tell them of the Lord's glorious deeds and mighty miracles, His perfect righteousness and purposes, His great love and peace.
Glorious Creator who made us and our children, You graciously give to us abundantly. Please press upon our hearts each and every day how to make You known to the generations who follow us. However else we fall short, please do not allow us to fail to speak of You and bless You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
I will give instruction and explain
the mystery of what happened long ago.
These are things we learned from our ancestors,
and we will tell them to the next generation.
We won't keep secret the glorious deeds
and the mighty miracles of the LORD.
~ Psalms 78:1-4 (CEV)
All your children shall be taught of Yahweh;
and great shall be the peace of your children.
~ Isaiah 54:13 (WEB)
Parents often have one thing which becomes a priority to pass on to the next generation, no matter what else is overlooked. It could be material possessions, educational opportunity, family stability, sexual purity, emotional security—eternal life.
Parents' greatest heartbreak can be seeing the next generation fail to obtain what we desire for them. We do well to remember that faith is a gift of God. Small children may be sanctified by a parent's faith, but the day comes when each of us must account for ourselves.
We cannot give the next generation faith as God can, but we can give them knowledge of God by which faith comes. Whatever we lay aside to make it our priority, we must tell them of the Lord's glorious deeds and mighty miracles, His perfect righteousness and purposes, His great love and peace.
Glorious Creator who made us and our children, You graciously give to us abundantly. Please press upon our hearts each and every day how to make You known to the generations who follow us. However else we fall short, please do not allow us to fail to speak of You and bless You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Israel Shall be Saved
But Israel shall be saved by the LORD
With an everlasting salvation;
You shall not be ashamed or disgraced
Forever and ever.
For thus says the LORD,
"... I did not say to the seed of Jacob,
'Seek Me in vain' ...
Assemble yourselves and come;
Draw near together,
You who have escaped from the nations...
In the LORD all the descendants of Israel
Shall be justified, and shall glory."
Isaiah 45:17-20,25 (NKJV)
For I do not desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written ... They are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:25-26,28-29 (EMTV)
"I am the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his very life for the sheep... I have also other sheep--which do not belong to this fold. Those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice; and they shall become one flock under one Shepherd." ~ John 10:11,16 (WNT)
How has tiny Israel survived the centuries? How impossible is it for Jews to return home as a nation after nearly two millennia of exile among many nations? How did they survive every attempt to annihilate them?
God promised them everlasting salvation.
Foremost among their persecutors have been both false and misled Christians. We have condemned them as Christ-killers, when our own sins pierced Jesus. They now see our evangelists as covert assassins, attempting to destroy Judaism by conversion. And some Christians refuse to acknowledge Jews of faith, denying all faith apart from Christ.
Indeed, no one comes to the Father except through His Son Jesus. But Paul also assures that Jews of Abraham's faith are true Israel, and that all Israel shall be saved. They and we shall be one flock, with one Shepherd.
Paul calls Israel beloved, as indeed she is.
God of Abraham, thank You for making Abraham father of many nations. Thank You for giving to us, who are strangers, a share in his inheritance. Please remind Israel to love the stranger as Moses commanded. Please teach us how to love Israel, pray for her, bless her, and become one flock with her.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
With an everlasting salvation;
You shall not be ashamed or disgraced
Forever and ever.
For thus says the LORD,
"... I did not say to the seed of Jacob,
'Seek Me in vain' ...
Assemble yourselves and come;
Draw near together,
You who have escaped from the nations...
In the LORD all the descendants of Israel
Shall be justified, and shall glory."
Isaiah 45:17-20,25 (NKJV)
For I do not desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written ... They are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:25-26,28-29 (EMTV)
"I am the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his very life for the sheep... I have also other sheep--which do not belong to this fold. Those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice; and they shall become one flock under one Shepherd." ~ John 10:11,16 (WNT)
How has tiny Israel survived the centuries? How impossible is it for Jews to return home as a nation after nearly two millennia of exile among many nations? How did they survive every attempt to annihilate them?
God promised them everlasting salvation.
Foremost among their persecutors have been both false and misled Christians. We have condemned them as Christ-killers, when our own sins pierced Jesus. They now see our evangelists as covert assassins, attempting to destroy Judaism by conversion. And some Christians refuse to acknowledge Jews of faith, denying all faith apart from Christ.
Indeed, no one comes to the Father except through His Son Jesus. But Paul also assures that Jews of Abraham's faith are true Israel, and that all Israel shall be saved. They and we shall be one flock, with one Shepherd.
Paul calls Israel beloved, as indeed she is.
God of Abraham, thank You for making Abraham father of many nations. Thank You for giving to us, who are strangers, a share in his inheritance. Please remind Israel to love the stranger as Moses commanded. Please teach us how to love Israel, pray for her, bless her, and become one flock with her.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, October 18, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Inheritance
"For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy [chesed] to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." (Exodus 20:5-6 NKJV)
The LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name... That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance. (Deuteronomy 10:8-9 NIV)
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)
Children inherit from parents material wealth, DNA which determines looks and health, inclinations that define personality—and they inherit sin. Does anything make a parent's sin as clear as seeing it acted out by an uninhibited child? And what can turn us from sin as compellingly as seeing our children suffer for inheriting it?
A spiritual inheritance can also be holy [goodness to the extreme]. The Levites were set apart as God's ministers, qualified by their bloodline. The priesthood belonged to the future generations of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.
The blood of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, qualifies us as His priests—vessels to carry the marvelous light of the Lord's covenant, ministers of His Word to speak His blessings. We are His own special people, whose inheritance of privilege is to stand before the Lord and proclaim His praises.
Abba, Father, You have given Your children an inheritance above all others. Thank You for the blood of Your Son by which we become Yours. Please deliver us from the sin that yet ensnares us and our children.
"I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise shall always be in my mouth." — David
Feedback is invited!
Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments"
or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
The LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name... That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance. (Deuteronomy 10:8-9 NIV)
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)
Children inherit from parents material wealth, DNA which determines looks and health, inclinations that define personality—and they inherit sin. Does anything make a parent's sin as clear as seeing it acted out by an uninhibited child? And what can turn us from sin as compellingly as seeing our children suffer for inheriting it?
A spiritual inheritance can also be holy [goodness to the extreme]. The Levites were set apart as God's ministers, qualified by their bloodline. The priesthood belonged to the future generations of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.
The blood of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, qualifies us as His priests—vessels to carry the marvelous light of the Lord's covenant, ministers of His Word to speak His blessings. We are His own special people, whose inheritance of privilege is to stand before the Lord and proclaim His praises.
Abba, Father, You have given Your children an inheritance above all others. Thank You for the blood of Your Son by which we become Yours. Please deliver us from the sin that yet ensnares us and our children.
"I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise shall always be in my mouth." — David
Feedback is invited!
Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments"
or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Monday, August 11, 2008
Receiving a Kingdom
A Psalm of David … Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. … Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
(Psalm 34:1,10,14-16 NKJV)
We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken …
(Hebrews 12:28 NKJV)
David was anointed king and began receiving a kingdom before he received his throne and crown. Saul’s curse for rebellion was to lose his kingdom while he yet held the throne, and to watch authority, power, and
We have already been anointed as royalty and are receiving a kingdom now. We need not wait for heaven to be in the place where we do not lack any good thing. Our reward for righteousness is that the eyes of the Lord are upon us and His ears are open to us as we turn to Him for all we need.
Blessed are You O Lord YHWH our God, Most High King of the Universe! How blessed are we to be royal sons and daughters of privilege, with keys to the kingdom’s treasures. Thank You for hearing our prayers.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, July 20, 2008
You CAN Take It With You
Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:13-14 NKJV)
The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household? ... To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked." (Luke 12:42,48 HNV)
It’s been said that we brought nothing into this world, and we’ll take nothing out. Not so. There’s at least two things in this world that can follow us to the next: people and works. Works will never get us into heaven, nor can we use them to barter with God. But the talents He put in us and everything else entrusted to us is either invested in His kingdom or used for this world.
It would be unwise to overlook the many passages in Scripture describing eternal reward for spiritual investment.
Lord Jesus, our Master, You have been generous in bestowing talents to us and providing to us. Please prompt us to be good stewards, and wise investors who see eternity as a bull market.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
The Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household? ... To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked." (Luke 12:42,48 HNV)
It’s been said that we brought nothing into this world, and we’ll take nothing out. Not so. There’s at least two things in this world that can follow us to the next: people and works. Works will never get us into heaven, nor can we use them to barter with God. But the talents He put in us and everything else entrusted to us is either invested in His kingdom or used for this world.
It would be unwise to overlook the many passages in Scripture describing eternal reward for spiritual investment.
Lord Jesus, our Master, You have been generous in bestowing talents to us and providing to us. Please prompt us to be good stewards, and wise investors who see eternity as a bull market.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Friday, June 27, 2008
A Great Name
"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:2-3 NKJV)
There shall be no more curse ... and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3-4 NKJV)
Abraham did not exalt himself. The Lord made Abraham’s name great, and made his faith great—faith by which he attained righteousness, demonstrated in sacrifice and obedience. All who attain righteousness by faith are called children of Abraham, and we inherit a name which God makes great. It is the name of our own God upon us, our identity now in Him.
In the days when the prophecies of Revelation are fulfilled, there is room for only one name on our foreheads.
YHWH our God, You are merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. We are undeserving of Your great name upon us. Please conform us to Your likeness.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
There shall be no more curse ... and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3-4 NKJV)
Abraham did not exalt himself. The Lord made Abraham’s name great, and made his faith great—faith by which he attained righteousness, demonstrated in sacrifice and obedience. All who attain righteousness by faith are called children of Abraham, and we inherit a name which God makes great. It is the name of our own God upon us, our identity now in Him.
In the days when the prophecies of Revelation are fulfilled, there is room for only one name on our foreheads.
YHWH our God, You are merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. We are undeserving of Your great name upon us. Please conform us to Your likeness.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Sunday, June 15, 2008
His Blood on Us
"His blood be on us and on our children." (Matthew 27:25 NKJV)
You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (1 Peter 1:18-19 NKJV)
The Lamb’s blood is on every human. Either our hands are stained with guilt for it, or it has covered and redeemed us. My children inherit the guilt of bloodshed. They certainly receive my aimless conduct. May I not fail to faithfully convey to them my faith, that they might also receive the covering of blood. It is a far more worthy inheritance than corruptible silver and gold.
Heavenly Father, You are perfect. We are not. Please empower us as parents to make You known.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father—to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (1 Peter 1:18-19 NKJV)
The Lamb’s blood is on every human. Either our hands are stained with guilt for it, or it has covered and redeemed us. My children inherit the guilt of bloodshed. They certainly receive my aimless conduct. May I not fail to faithfully convey to them my faith, that they might also receive the covering of blood. It is a far more worthy inheritance than corruptible silver and gold.
Heavenly Father, You are perfect. We are not. Please empower us as parents to make You known.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father—to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Righteous
Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to disgrace her, decided to divorce her secretly. After he had thought about it, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:19-20 ISV)
Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness. One can only be seen as righteous because of faith. If my faith has transmitted to me the righteousness—the rightness—of my Lord Jesus, how might I behave? I will love others enough to place their status above my own. I will not act in haste. I will accept the direction of God when it flies in the face of reason. Joseph is the only man in the New Testament other than Jesus addressed as "Son of David." It was a fitting reward for faith.
Lord, thank You that I am now righteous because of Your Son's sacrifice. Please make me ever more like Him. Thank You for the inheritance awaiting me.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness. One can only be seen as righteous because of faith. If my faith has transmitted to me the righteousness—the rightness—of my Lord Jesus, how might I behave? I will love others enough to place their status above my own. I will not act in haste. I will accept the direction of God when it flies in the face of reason. Joseph is the only man in the New Testament other than Jesus addressed as "Son of David." It was a fitting reward for faith.
Lord, thank You that I am now righteous because of Your Son's sacrifice. Please make me ever more like Him. Thank You for the inheritance awaiting me.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Royalty in Disguise
His [the king’s] glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him. For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. (Psalm 21:5-6 NKJV)
King David’s glory, honor and majesty found its exceeding gladness in the presence of a Divine King—a presence David knew when he was still a fugitive waiting for his throne. I am a daughter of royalty living in the presence of the King. In the physical realm, I have no honor or majesty. I look upon the things of this world when I would rather see the King’s face and live in a heavenly place. Nonetheless, I am to behave as royalty and glory in my salvation throughout my time as a humble servant.
Most High King, You have shown Your servant great mercy to make me Your daughter. Let me never shame Your throne by behaving as what I have been.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
King David’s glory, honor and majesty found its exceeding gladness in the presence of a Divine King—a presence David knew when he was still a fugitive waiting for his throne. I am a daughter of royalty living in the presence of the King. In the physical realm, I have no honor or majesty. I look upon the things of this world when I would rather see the King’s face and live in a heavenly place. Nonetheless, I am to behave as royalty and glory in my salvation throughout my time as a humble servant.
Most High King, You have shown Your servant great mercy to make me Your daughter. Let me never shame Your throne by behaving as what I have been.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Clean in His Sight
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me. I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity. Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight. (Psalm 18:21-24 NKJV)
2 Samuel 22 places this psalm at the end of David’s life. His grave and numerous sins are infamous. But his repentance ran deep. He was a man after God’s heart with whom the Lord had fellowship. David was clean in God’s sight. The blood of Jesus Christ cleansed my sin. Though my Father may still discipline me for whatever hinders my closeness to Him, I have a relationship with Him that makes me blameless, righteous, and clean in His sight.
YHWH My Righteousness, thank You for choosing to see me through a lens colored by blood. Thank You for recompensing me as Christ’s, and not for my many vile deeds and evil heart of rebellion.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
2 Samuel 22 places this psalm at the end of David’s life. His grave and numerous sins are infamous. But his repentance ran deep. He was a man after God’s heart with whom the Lord had fellowship. David was clean in God’s sight. The blood of Jesus Christ cleansed my sin. Though my Father may still discipline me for whatever hinders my closeness to Him, I have a relationship with Him that makes me blameless, righteous, and clean in His sight.
YHWH My Righteousness, thank You for choosing to see me through a lens colored by blood. Thank You for recompensing me as Christ’s, and not for my many vile deeds and evil heart of rebellion.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Inheritance
. . . you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." . . . we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:15-18 NKJV)
The Almighty God, Judge and Creator of the earth, gives to those He has purchased the right to call Him not just "Father" (Hebrew Ab), but also Abba—"Papa." He wants a close relationship with me that I might know His fullest blessing, and that He might carry me through my deepest sorrow. I indeed share with Jesus an inheritance of both glory and suffering. Jesus will always have the greatest glory, for all glory I receive is to exalt Him. Whatever my inheritance of suffering, the suffering of Jesus is also greatest—the burden of my sin He bore to exalt me.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
The Almighty God, Judge and Creator of the earth, gives to those He has purchased the right to call Him not just "Father" (Hebrew Ab), but also Abba—"Papa." He wants a close relationship with me that I might know His fullest blessing, and that He might carry me through my deepest sorrow. I indeed share with Jesus an inheritance of both glory and suffering. Jesus will always have the greatest glory, for all glory I receive is to exalt Him. Whatever my inheritance of suffering, the suffering of Jesus is also greatest—the burden of my sin He bore to exalt me.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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