Acute pain often accompanies injury. Given enough time, acute becomes chronic. Sometimes, despite doctors and their treatments, defying nutrition and prayer, chronic pain persists.
… a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me … I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." … Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses …
~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV)
A familiar passage—yes? "My grace is sufficient" is oft quoted, a talisman to convey strength amid suffering. It's right up there with "God works all things for good to those who love Him" (Romans 8:28) and "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
… I take pleasure in infirmities …
But how often do you hear a Christian quoting that phrase?
[C'mon, Paul—are you for real? (And people say Jesus has some hard sayings …)]
~ ~ ~
My default setting is optimist. When inconvenience strikes (like the dead car battery this morning), I try to remind myself that my time belongs to God (and then give Him thanks for car #2 while trusting Him for how to push a full sized van out of the garage to jump start it later). When something is damaged (like water ruining the basement carpet), I remind myself that it all belongs to God (and then rejoice at His gift of new indoor/outdoor carpet at a ridiculously low price). I consistently maintain a "can do" spirit when plans go awry (usually because I forgot to put something on the calendar and either I or our household's vehicles are double booked).
As a parent, I regularly look for the affirmative way to state directions rather than give a negative prohibition. "HEY! Finish your school work and then you can go outside" instead of "don't run in the house." "PLEASE speak kindly!" rather than "don't talk to your sibling that way." "Take a break from your chore so you can get some time by yourself for a little bit" seems more constructive than "your attitude stinks."
But Paul, through God's Word, pushes me toward a place the optimist has absolutely no desire to visit—a place where optimism wanes.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Looking at this passage, I find comfort seeing "in" rather than "for" preceding "everything." There's sufficient struggle in thanking God for whatever good persists in the "everything" rather than for the everything that includes suffering. I readily confess that I'm not quite at the place where I "take pleasure" in a visit from Infirmities et al.
When speaking of that satanic messenger, the translators of 2 Corinthians 12:7 (above) take a little liberty in translating the Greek kolaphÃzō as "buffet." Surely they're simply trying to convey the buffeting implied by a strong wind. Perhaps the more literal meaning of "a blow, to strike with the fist" seems a little too physical when speaking of warfare that's spiritual.
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.
~ Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
(If you picture a wrestling match, it's about as physical as physical gets.)
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood …
(True enemies are not human, no matter what any human may be responsible for.)
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood …
(But we do wrestle while occupying flesh and blood that experiences chronic pain.)
~ ~ ~
This optimist occupies a human body that just three years ago felt like 25 (see "How Old?"), which has since then taken a … (ahem) "buffeting" [trying not to roll my eyes here]. The optimist makes jokes and laughs about the warranty running out when you turn 50.
Then I stop laughing and look for something deeper. I look for the strength found not in a 25-year old body, nor in a body that feels like 25—strength found only in weakness.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)
I ask God to renew the joy of my salvation (Psalm 51:12). And I reach for the joy of YHWH that transcends chronic pain and makes me stronger than I've ever been before.
"Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
~ Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Spiritual Warfare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual Warfare. Show all posts
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
When Christianity "Doesn't Work"
Doesn't God want me to have health and wealth?
When is Jesus going to solve my problems?
Why hasn't Christianity worked for me?
Most of the people reading this post are from the first world, who wouldn't think of themselves as rich. Rich people have multiple homes, hire servants, and dodge the paparazzi—right?
But how many of us have electricity, indoor plumbing, and fuel to operate mechanized servants such as washing machine, furnace, and motor vehicles? Do we travel freely, with a hotel room (or camper) to shelter us in any city we visit? Are we intimate with the paparazzi, feeding on media round the clock?
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"
~ Mark 10:23 (NKJV)
Jesus well understood that the kingdom of God, with its spiritual riches, would have more appeal to a poor man than a wealthy one. The more we own, the more difficult it is:
– to be satisfied with soul comforts when we've grown accustomed of flesh comforts;
– to appreciate access to divine power when we have so much other control at our disposal;
– to worship God and seek His interests when our lives are absorbed with caring for wealth.
Many preachers offer Christianity as an invitation to health and wealth. Jesus offers a completely different invitation—an invitation to death (Luke 9:23-24). His observation—that having riches is an obstacle to entering God's kingdom—is only the beginning of some difficult truths spoken by Jesus:
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."
~ Matthew 10:34 (NKJV)
"Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."
~ Luke 6:22 (NKJV)
"In the world you will have tribulation."
~ John 16:33 (NKJV)
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."
~ Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)
A common expectation is that Christianity will make our lives better—more like Heaven. The Bible says that following Christ instead makes us better—more like Jesus.
To be sure, following biblical principles puts us in a better position to have health, wealth, and harmony with others. Caring for our bodies as something that belongs to God helps maintain physical well-being. Conducting life's affairs with honor, under God's direction, definitely invites prosperity. Behaving with humility and demonstrating love for others makes for better relationships.
But.
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
~ 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
The Christian life is no vacation from problems. It is more like boot camp—and battlefield. One expects neither coddling from a marine drill sergeant nor comfort in a war zone. Following Christ means training for spiritual warfare and fighting daily battles—and the true R & R of His rest. (See Hebrews 4:9-10; also see "Never Work Again.")
First world people generally observe war briefly from afar, via the media, and expect to live amid more pleasant circumstances. War and conflict are often more familiar to third world people, and therefore less unexpected among the world's poorest. Following Christ doesn't mean keeping conflict at a distance, but access to strength and peace in the face of inevitable conflict.
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
~ 1 Timothy 6:8 (NKJV)
As far as I can tell, the desire for health, wealth, and conflict-free comfort is the biggest obstacle to Christian contentment—the biggest obstacle to believing that living for Jesus Christ "works." Such contentment appears to be more elusive for those with riches. The problem isn't as much in having riches as trusting in them (Mark 10:24), loving them (1 Timothy 6:9-10), and being burdened with their accompanying cares (Luke 8:14).
For the wealthy, there is a tendency to add Christianity to our existing life rather than embrace an entirely new way of life—Jesus is simply another of life's treasures. For the poor, and for the poor in spirit, Jesus is the only true treasure to be had, giving Him a bigger place in one's life.
Those caught up in this world's riches refuse bruised produce (transported across continents!) and a sirloin too pink or brown. Those caught up in the riches of God are able to thank Him for even the bread of affliction.
I ask of You …
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with my needed share of food—
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
~ Proverbs 30:7-9
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
When is Jesus going to solve my problems?
Why hasn't Christianity worked for me?
Most of the people reading this post are from the first world, who wouldn't think of themselves as rich. Rich people have multiple homes, hire servants, and dodge the paparazzi—right?
But how many of us have electricity, indoor plumbing, and fuel to operate mechanized servants such as washing machine, furnace, and motor vehicles? Do we travel freely, with a hotel room (or camper) to shelter us in any city we visit? Are we intimate with the paparazzi, feeding on media round the clock?
Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"
~ Mark 10:23 (NKJV)
Jesus well understood that the kingdom of God, with its spiritual riches, would have more appeal to a poor man than a wealthy one. The more we own, the more difficult it is:
– to be satisfied with soul comforts when we've grown accustomed of flesh comforts;
– to appreciate access to divine power when we have so much other control at our disposal;
– to worship God and seek His interests when our lives are absorbed with caring for wealth.
Many preachers offer Christianity as an invitation to health and wealth. Jesus offers a completely different invitation—an invitation to death (Luke 9:23-24). His observation—that having riches is an obstacle to entering God's kingdom—is only the beginning of some difficult truths spoken by Jesus:
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword."
~ Matthew 10:34 (NKJV)
"Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."
~ Luke 6:22 (NKJV)
"In the world you will have tribulation."
~ John 16:33 (NKJV)
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."
~ Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)
A common expectation is that Christianity will make our lives better—more like Heaven. The Bible says that following Christ instead makes us better—more like Jesus.
To be sure, following biblical principles puts us in a better position to have health, wealth, and harmony with others. Caring for our bodies as something that belongs to God helps maintain physical well-being. Conducting life's affairs with honor, under God's direction, definitely invites prosperity. Behaving with humility and demonstrating love for others makes for better relationships.
But.
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
~ 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)
The Christian life is no vacation from problems. It is more like boot camp—and battlefield. One expects neither coddling from a marine drill sergeant nor comfort in a war zone. Following Christ means training for spiritual warfare and fighting daily battles—and the true R & R of His rest. (See Hebrews 4:9-10; also see "Never Work Again.")
First world people generally observe war briefly from afar, via the media, and expect to live amid more pleasant circumstances. War and conflict are often more familiar to third world people, and therefore less unexpected among the world's poorest. Following Christ doesn't mean keeping conflict at a distance, but access to strength and peace in the face of inevitable conflict.
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
~ 1 Timothy 6:8 (NKJV)
As far as I can tell, the desire for health, wealth, and conflict-free comfort is the biggest obstacle to Christian contentment—the biggest obstacle to believing that living for Jesus Christ "works." Such contentment appears to be more elusive for those with riches. The problem isn't as much in having riches as trusting in them (Mark 10:24), loving them (1 Timothy 6:9-10), and being burdened with their accompanying cares (Luke 8:14).
For the wealthy, there is a tendency to add Christianity to our existing life rather than embrace an entirely new way of life—Jesus is simply another of life's treasures. For the poor, and for the poor in spirit, Jesus is the only true treasure to be had, giving Him a bigger place in one's life.
Those caught up in this world's riches refuse bruised produce (transported across continents!) and a sirloin too pink or brown. Those caught up in the riches of God are able to thank Him for even the bread of affliction.
I ask of You …
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with my needed share of food—
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
~ Proverbs 30:7-9
Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Bought the Farm
image source: Military Websites
I recently watched a presentation in which the expression "bought the farm" was used to describe that someone has sunk everything they have into what they believe. Having rarely heard the idiom, I did a little research.
Evidently the Brits used the expression "bought the plot" as a euphemism for death well before WWII, which is when Americans began saying of a warrior killed in battle that he'd "bought the farm." Among various explanations is the suggestion that a the mortgage on a soldier's farm back home would be paid off with his death benefit. My favorite synonymous definition offered in explanation of "bought the farm" is this one:
His war is over.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)
Is there a more apt metaphor for this Christian life than war?
The good soldier understands the need for immediate compliance without question, complaint or argument. He maintains good communication with his authority. He does not hesitate to use initiative when the situation calls for it. While called to serve in a land where he is not a citizen, he remembers the place of his citizenship and represents it with honor. Though he may be taxed to the limits of his strength and skill, he will find a way to push forward and endure.
The soldier's hours include times of rest when duty is fulfilled, and times to train or do battle. He must receive one as well as the other. For whether he lays down the right to his life as his own during his years of service, or lays down his life in the ultimate sacrifice, the life once his has been voluntarily committed to a greater good.
... the time of my release is here. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith... the crown of righteousness is laid up for me ...
~ 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (LITV)
Each Christian will have bought the farm on a last day of service, when his or her war is over in this foreign world and we receive a crown for battles waged between good and evil.
Perhaps the most significant battle we face each day is the decision to reenlist, sinking all we are and have into the King's service, our lives committed to following Him wherever He leads in attainment of something greater than ourselves.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
~ Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
Lord, please inspire and enable us to live in such a way that each day's end brings the peace a good soldier knows when his or her war is over.
: : :
This post is part of a blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's theme: FARM.
Your comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are most appreciated. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Despair Part II: Inevitable Renewal
"Despair is the damp of hell,
as joy is the serenity of heaven."
~ John Donne
as joy is the serenity of heaven."
~ John Donne
One definition of spiritual battle might be external and / or internal bombardment with lies, especially in the face of loss.
A particularly fierce spiritual battle entered my life in June 2009. The resulting despair is described in "Despair Part I: A Chronology" with these words:
Nearly incapacitating depression is a daily battle ... I am overwhelmed with belief in my failure of the past, having fallen out of God's favor in the present, and utter futility for the future.
Medication for depression is effective treatment for some people. A counselor suggested it last spring and I declined. By December my dark outlook moved me to reconsider. But I feared that numbing the depression might also numb my passion for God and for people. And I sensed that the Lord had an alternative treatment.
That alternative proved to be Truth immersion.
A well stocked home library, trusted friends, and Google offer plenty of information. But only one source contains Truth that leaves no room for question: the Holy Bible.
Though I spent time in Scripture for study, for wisdom, and for the pure pleasure of discovering God, intentional immersion in God's Word effected changes in me. The lies I'd swallowed were dissolved with healthy doses of God's Truth. I felt worthy to approach God with more consistency and boldness.
Renewal became inevitable.
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ John 8:31-32 (NKJV)
By January 4, I felt increased spiritual strength. But I still suffered physical symptoms of stress, I had to concentrate on some sort of intellectual challenge to head off a PTSD attack, and profound sadness continued to bring on random crying episodes.
I went to sleep that night sorrowing over numerous personal attacks I'd experienced. The next morning, "groanings which cannot be uttered" pleaded for relief. As I prayed, I understood that I sought some sort of vindication or compensation for the injury I've suffered.
I also realized that I would have no hope of offering adequate vindication or compensation for all the injury I've caused. Sadness for myself was transformed into sadness for others.
My prayer became a poem, "Damages." As I finished composing the poem, I felt release. Release brought profound peace—profound peace as intense as the profound sadness which dogged me.
Now, a month later, the peace has prevailed. Despair has fled. What I have experienced is not a makeover, but a renewal which only the Lord of life could give.
You will keep in profound peace
The one whose mind is fixed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
~ Isaiah 26:3-4
Prince of Peace, You only allow us to know affliction so we might more fully know Your peace. Thank You for renewal. Please make me Your channel of renewal to others. Please bless hundredfold every person who has supported me with their prayers to You and kind words to me.
~ : ~ : ~ : ~
This post is part of a blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's theme: Renewal.
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: ihatecommuting.wordpress.com
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Despair Part I: A Chronology
2006 – 2009:
growing tension in life circumstances becomes noticeable
April 2009:
intense grief over estranged brother
June:
spiritual attack occurs during medium burnout; prayer time becoming sporadic
July:
intense Bible study and prayer; brief revival
August:
intense personal/spiritual attack on two fronts amid distraction from prayer
September:
stress symptoms, see doctor
November:
crash #1; depression settles in
January 2010:
crash #2; stop daily blogging, Bible time becomes more sporadic; begin seeing counselor
Spring 2010:
personal/spiritual attacks on more fronts; PTSD symptoms become apparent; anti-depressant medication suggested by counselor and refused
June:
crash #3; stop seeing counselor, fast and pray for a week
July:
personal/spiritual attacks from without cease; spiritual attacks from within are still relentless
September:
blindsided by an attack from without; relative peace obtained with prayer
November:
nearly incapacitating depression is a daily battle; I feel the Lord drawing me to my prayer closet—and my resistance; I am overwhelmed with belief in my failure of the past, having fallen out of His favor in the present, and utter futility for the future
TURNING POINT, DECEMBER 2010:
During the months of battling depression, I've repeatedly cried out to God that I just want to return to where I was before. The last time I experienced sustained depression was in the 80's, just before I surrendered my life to the Lord. The fire in my heart for Him has not dimmed, but I don't know how to draw close to Him when feeling so worthless.
Throughout this trial, I've believed my life wears a "DETOUR – LORD AT WORK" sign. But I've reached the point of believing the sign will not come down this side of Heaven.
Then on December 1, these words speak to my soul with assurance that the trial may have an end:
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10, NKJV)
Within a week I read a blog post by Lyla Lindquist titled "The Work of an Adjuster." Lyla closes with these words:
Because I know, when He did what He did to make me whole, the farthest thing from His mind was putting me back in the same position as I was before.
The words Lyla speaks—both through her article and to me personally—bring hope.
As part of regular Bible reading and study, I have read through the Bible in a year, seven times during the 90's. By the third week of December, I decide I need to do so again. Unwilling to wait even a couple more weeks for the new year, I lay out a schedule which will begin on the winter solstice. I determine that as more sunlight fills each day, my life will also hold more Light. (December 21 post: "Darkness & Light")
By the end of the month (year), I have begun spending mornings in my prayer closet again on a daily basis.
Despair Part II: Inevitable Renewal will appear on Tuesday.
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
growing tension in life circumstances becomes noticeable
April 2009:
intense grief over estranged brother
June:
spiritual attack occurs during medium burnout; prayer time becoming sporadic
July:
intense Bible study and prayer; brief revival
August:
intense personal/spiritual attack on two fronts amid distraction from prayer
September:
stress symptoms, see doctor
November:
crash #1; depression settles in
January 2010:
crash #2; stop daily blogging, Bible time becomes more sporadic; begin seeing counselor
Spring 2010:
personal/spiritual attacks on more fronts; PTSD symptoms become apparent; anti-depressant medication suggested by counselor and refused
June:
crash #3; stop seeing counselor, fast and pray for a week
July:
personal/spiritual attacks from without cease; spiritual attacks from within are still relentless
September:
blindsided by an attack from without; relative peace obtained with prayer
November:
nearly incapacitating depression is a daily battle; I feel the Lord drawing me to my prayer closet—and my resistance; I am overwhelmed with belief in my failure of the past, having fallen out of His favor in the present, and utter futility for the future
TURNING POINT, DECEMBER 2010:
During the months of battling depression, I've repeatedly cried out to God that I just want to return to where I was before. The last time I experienced sustained depression was in the 80's, just before I surrendered my life to the Lord. The fire in my heart for Him has not dimmed, but I don't know how to draw close to Him when feeling so worthless.
Throughout this trial, I've believed my life wears a "DETOUR – LORD AT WORK" sign. But I've reached the point of believing the sign will not come down this side of Heaven.
Then on December 1, these words speak to my soul with assurance that the trial may have an end:
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10, NKJV)
Within a week I read a blog post by Lyla Lindquist titled "The Work of an Adjuster." Lyla closes with these words:
Because I know, when He did what He did to make me whole, the farthest thing from His mind was putting me back in the same position as I was before.
The words Lyla speaks—both through her article and to me personally—bring hope.
As part of regular Bible reading and study, I have read through the Bible in a year, seven times during the 90's. By the third week of December, I decide I need to do so again. Unwilling to wait even a couple more weeks for the new year, I lay out a schedule which will begin on the winter solstice. I determine that as more sunlight fills each day, my life will also hold more Light. (December 21 post: "Darkness & Light")
By the end of the month (year), I have begun spending mornings in my prayer closet again on a daily basis.
Despair Part II: Inevitable Renewal will appear on Tuesday.
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday Freelance: S.A.D.D.
"Don't despair. Only the mediocre person is always at his best."~ W. Somerset Maugham
Friday Freelance: S.A.D.D.
It's January in Michigan. The longitude on the Eastern time zone's western edge brings dawn around 8 a.m. Latitude near the 45th parallel means absurdly few hours of meaningful daylight. Center the two between three Great Lakes, and oppressive cloud cover robs the land of sunlight. Supposedly mild temperatures hover around freezing, but they conspire with the damp and darkness to preserve the snow and S.A.D.D. (Seasonal Affective Depression Disorder).
S.A.D.D. has not dogged me since the early 90's, just after I moved to Michigan. But I'm encountering a surprising number of people with it this year, and it seems to be contagious. If I'm honest, my problem is not a lack of sunshine but of Sonshine. When I was in my groove, prayer closet time was a prominent priority, I was energized for a long day after minimal sleep, and had time to accomplish all the things God put on my heart. Low levels of sunshine were easily dismissed.
I've been operating on reserve strength while prayer closet time has been slowly shrinking, my energy has been diminishing, my sleep has been increasing. I'm left with fewer, frustrated hours to try to accomplish the same as before. Add to that January in Michigan and unprecedented personal challenges, and I've got the formula for a full blown case of S.A.D.D.
But only if I let it take hold.
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
~ Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
~ Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)
My typical outlook is not just "cup-half-full," but "my cup runneth over." I like long and frequent visits to the stream of Living Waters, letting it fill me and flow through me to others. I'd like to think of myself as liquid Colorado sunshine bottled up in a pint-sized vessel of Holy Spirit, spilling out all over the drab Michigan landscape.
My heart holds a yearning ache for the day I stand in full Sonshine. It is countered by the desire to arrive on that day with arms full of tribute to present before my King. I labor neither from sense of duty, nor to prove myself, nor even for promised reward. Duty pales next to love, my status is secure in the blood of Jesus Christ, and the only reward I seek is to kneel before the feet that were pierced for me and be permitted to kiss them.
I labor as a debtor to grace. Gratitude to my Lord gives me full rest but no leisure. The day will soon enough arrive when eternity stretches before me—without the opportunity I have now.
Here, now, I can do for my Lord on the earth what He will no longer need in Heaven. I can spill out love and life and Light in the dark world that will one day pass from existence.
When a tickle in my throat hints of an impending cold, I attack the germs mercilessly, because I don't have time to get sick. By the grace of God, I've not had a cold in two or three winters.
Lately, I've felt the tickle of S.A.D.D. trying to take hold. Life is too short to spend it weakened by such an affliction. I've started forfeiting some time visiting Facebook, blogs, and Twitter for prayer closet time, until those germs are put down, and I again have more hours in my day.
By the grace of God, I'll not succumb to S.A.D.D.
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.
Image from ihatecommuting.wordpress.com
#encouragement
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday Freelance: FRUITFUL
"March toward the sound of the guns."
~ Military Adage
~ Military Adage
Friday Freelance: FRUITFUL
#loveoneanother
The last week has been especially intense. My personal life has hummed along at the typical "hang on by your fingernails" pace—no more or less stressful than usual. But each blog post wrung me out, and numerous invitations to connect with others have pulled me in many directions.
I'm always afraid to make it known when life feels intense, because I don't want anyone to hesitate sharing what's going on with them. Yes, I also get overwhelmed enough at times to cry "Help!" It doesn't happen often, and the Lord is ever faithful to send just the right person, as long I'm staying in touch with Him. (If I've been a little out of touch with my God, and I get to that overwhelmed point, He lets me flail around a bit until I turn to Him.)
Being an intense person (Type AA, workaholic, etc.), I thrive on intense. My blood pressure likely stays low because I see most challenges as opportunities (excepting unruly children—gotta work on that). Life in this world is a spiritual battle, I'm a warrior, and warriors don't train to hang out in the barracks. Warriors belong in the thick of things. Unless I'm at that rare place of feeling truly overwhelmed, I live to run toward where the battle rages hottest.
The difference between this world's wars and spiritual war is that the former always wreaks destruction and death, but the latter brings life and light if we but fight in the strength of the Holy Spirit. He first equips us for battle, and then empowers us. The mission: produce spiritual fruit.
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you
and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit,
and that your fruit should remain,
that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
~ John 15:16 (NKJV)
A most fundamental principal of survival is reproduction. After breathing and eating, the urge to reproduce is prominent. Danger is no deterrent. How many species have males which battle for access to the females? How many females will fight to the death to protect their young? The Creator's first command was, "Be fruitful and multiply," and He programmed creation to comply.
I daresay this model echoes the yearning of divinity. The Holy Spirit's compelling drive is to prolifically reproduce the life of Christ in us. Like bull elk clashing antlers against each other, it is the purpose of spiritual warfare.
Comments for yesterday's post ("Identity"), about what marks a Christian, mentioned the characteristic I had foremost in mind: fruitfulness, manifest in love. Galatians 6:22-23 mentions nine components of spiritual fruit, but ultimately, they all come down to love.
Consider the words of Dwight L. Moody:
I daresay this model echoes the yearning of divinity. The Holy Spirit's compelling drive is to prolifically reproduce the life of Christ in us. Like bull elk clashing antlers against each other, it is the purpose of spiritual warfare.
Comments for yesterday's post ("Identity"), about what marks a Christian, mentioned the characteristic I had foremost in mind: fruitfulness, manifest in love. Galatians 6:22-23 mentions nine components of spiritual fruit, but ultimately, they all come down to love.
Consider the words of Dwight L. Moody:
The fruit of the Spirit begins with love ... [and the] other eight can be put in terms of love.
Joy is love exulting.
Peace is love in repose.
Long-suffering [patience] is love on trial.
Gentleness [kindness] in love in society.
Goodness is love in action.
Faith is love on the battlefield.
Meekness [gentleness] is love at school.
Temperance [self-control] is love in training.
So it is love all the way.
Did you note the last part of the above verse from John 15? Jesus gives a reason to be fruitful: "... that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
This is worth fighting for, without constraint, however intense the battle, whatever wounds sustained.
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.This is worth fighting for, without constraint, however intense the battle, whatever wounds sustained.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to
Photo from news.bbc.co.uk
Monday, July 13, 2009
YHWH Sabaoth / YHWH of Hosts
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
YHWH Sabaoth / YHWH of Hosts (also: Lord Almighty)
pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay tsa-va-OTH"
YHWH Sabaoth / YHWH of Hosts (also: Lord Almighty)
pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay tsa-va-OTH"
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you... Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."
~ 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NKJV)
~ 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NKJV)
Sabaoth literally means "armies." It can refer to human armies, but as a name of God it refers specifically to the armies of warrior angels.
The effeminate male, female, and cherub-like images most common in our culture characterize angels as gentle and even harmless beings. The Bible depicts angels as mighty messengers and fierce warriors of the highest order, as well as unusual beast-like creatures, none of them feminine. Their formidable appearance may be deduced from the first words they typically speak: "Do not be afraid."
YHWH Sabaoth names the Lord as Commander of both good and evil angelic beings, all of whom must obey Him. Satan himself was subject to the Lord when he sought to torment Job. When David battled Goliath, he did not claim victory with a sling and stone, but testified to using as his weapon "the name of LORD [YHWH] of hosts." In defeating the giant with whom King Saul declined to do battle, David obtained in the spiritual realms the throne of Israel he would wait perhaps twenty years to sit upon. Likewise Jesus defeated the devil at the cross, but still waits for the earthly throne which is already His.
The spiritual realms are also the place of our warfare. It is no accident that although YHWH Sabaoth is a name with military connotations, it is used exclusively by prophets or those who prophesied. Old Testament prophets glimpsed the spiritual warfare spoken of more clearly in the New Testament. The beloved prophet who composed no less than half the Psalms, King David, was also the Bible's mightiest warrior.
The battle we wage against the devil belongs to YHWH Sabaoth—who goes before us in battle, directs us to effectively wage spiritual warfare, and guarantees us final victory.
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD
Words and music by Jamie Owens-Collins
Words and music by Jamie Owens-Collins
In heavenly armour we'll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
Power and strength to the Lord
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
YHWH Nissi / YHWH My Banner
For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.
YHWH Nissi / YHWH My Banner
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay nis-SEE")
YHWH Nissi / YHWH My Banner
(pronounced: "yahd hay vahv hay nis-SEE")
And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed... So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword... And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner.
~ Exodus 17:11,13,15 (NKJV)
Our flag is a sacred icon to most citizens of our nation. Whatever is wrong with our country (and there is plenty, which some use as excuse to desecrate the flag), the flag still represents to patriotic citizens all that has ever been and is still good in our country.
Things like our nation being established upon faith in the Creator, standing against evil (such as invading the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe), rendering aid to those we've injured (like helping rebuild parts of Europe we destroyed), showing restraint when using force against those who violate us, showing selfless compassion to third world countries from whom we will gain nothing in return, and granting asylum to the "tired, poor, and huddled masses yearning to be free."
(I invite readers to post their own remarks about what remains good and true in the United States. The list is long.)
The red-white-and-blue banner evokes national pride because it represents our identity. We are citizens of the richest, mightiest, and most benevolent world power history has known. When a soldier or anyone else wears or displays a U.S. flag, whether someone loves us or hates us, our identity is clear.
Christians also have a banner which clearly displays our identity. The name YHWH Nissi—"YHWH my Banner"—refers to the same kind of banner (flag, standard, symbol) our flag is. The appearance of this name in Scripture is in the context of a military victory. The Israelites had just fought their first war and been victorious. They had been inspired by the sight of Moses holding up his staff, just as he had done as they crossed the Red Sea. Conquest was not achieved in their own strength, but by the might of their God. At battle's end, the standard raised was an altar of worship to declare YHWH Nissi.
When asked to profile yourself (in just 160 characters on Twitter!), where is your identity first found? When introducing yourself, who do you say you are? When pressed into battle, do you fight with love, and thereby combat evil with good?
When someone looks at you, do you so visibly display God's love that you are almost instantly loved or hated in return?
The banner with which Christians are to identify ourselves is love, for God is love.
I sat down in his shade with great delight,
And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
[My beloved] brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.
~ Song of Solomon 2:3-4 (NKJV)
Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Deliver Us From Evil
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil.
~ Matthew 6:13 (LITV)
All kinds of trials come your way ... know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure... If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, "This temptation comes from God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires.
~ James 1:2-3,13-14 (GNB)
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.
~ Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV)
Do Not Lead Us Into Temptation
The words translated tempt, trial and test in the New Testament all come from the same Greek root word, peira, which means to pierce—by which one determines what's on the inside. When the devil tempts us, God allows it in order to test, or try us, and thereby refine (purify) us. When testing comes with which the devil means to tempt us, we pray for our Father to lead us not into it, but around it or through it, and beyond it, making us more holy in the process.
The Greek word for evil, poneros, could refer to "the evil," or "the evil one." I pray it both ways.
But Deliver Us From the Evil [one]
We look to the Holy Spirit as a divine Valet who presents our armor with which to defeat the enemy:
We are girded, held together, with truth, which sets us free from all the enemy's power;
We are clothed with righteous acts;
We have secure footing because we prepare ourselves with the Gospel, a solid rock on which to stand;
We ask for ever increasing faith, by which we are shielded from the enemy's lies and doubt;
Our head covering is the Lordship of Jesus Christ, which is our mark of salvation, ownership, and spiritual authority;
We are trained to wield the Sword of the Spirit, our offensive weapon of God's Word with which we've prepared;
We remain watchful in prayer, which is our continual dependence upon God's power to wage war.
Deliver Us From All Evil
We need deliverance from past evil—our sins, our inheritance of sin, and sins committed against us; from present evil—the pride and lusts of Self, divisions with other believers, unity with the world; from future evil—kept from it, that we may not cause pain to others, ourselves, or our Owner.
YHWH of Hosts, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, and from all evil.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
~ Matthew 6:13 (LITV)
All kinds of trials come your way ... know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure... If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, "This temptation comes from God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires.
~ James 1:2-3,13-14 (GNB)
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.
~ Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV)
Do Not Lead Us Into Temptation
The words translated tempt, trial and test in the New Testament all come from the same Greek root word, peira, which means to pierce—by which one determines what's on the inside. When the devil tempts us, God allows it in order to test, or try us, and thereby refine (purify) us. When testing comes with which the devil means to tempt us, we pray for our Father to lead us not into it, but around it or through it, and beyond it, making us more holy in the process.
The Greek word for evil, poneros, could refer to "the evil," or "the evil one." I pray it both ways.
But Deliver Us From the Evil [one]
We look to the Holy Spirit as a divine Valet who presents our armor with which to defeat the enemy:
We are girded, held together, with truth, which sets us free from all the enemy's power;
We are clothed with righteous acts;
We have secure footing because we prepare ourselves with the Gospel, a solid rock on which to stand;
We ask for ever increasing faith, by which we are shielded from the enemy's lies and doubt;
Our head covering is the Lordship of Jesus Christ, which is our mark of salvation, ownership, and spiritual authority;
We are trained to wield the Sword of the Spirit, our offensive weapon of God's Word with which we've prepared;
We remain watchful in prayer, which is our continual dependence upon God's power to wage war.
Deliver Us From All Evil
We need deliverance from past evil—our sins, our inheritance of sin, and sins committed against us; from present evil—the pride and lusts of Self, divisions with other believers, unity with the world; from future evil—kept from it, that we may not cause pain to others, ourselves, or our Owner.
YHWH of Hosts, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, and from all evil.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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