Complete Coverage Part III: More Than Bargained For

Then [Naomi] arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had visited His people by giving them bread.
~ Ruth 1:6 (NKJV)

Ten years earlier, Naomi no doubt favored flight from Israel's famine into Moab, that she might have food for her two sons Mahlon (meaning "sick") and Chilion (meaning "failing"). What good Jewish mother doesn't want to see her children well fed?

Moab's price for food was more than bargained for. Not only did her family lose their land inheritance, her sons died anyway, as did her husband. As often happens, the thing Naomi feared came upon her when she attempted to escape it. If famine signified the Lord's attempt to get His people's attention, then running from famine held little likelihood of prosperity.

The end of Israel's famine came as news that the Lord "visited" His people. The Hebrew word used here is pâqad," which carries the connotation of oversight. Naomi expressed keen awareness that she was under the Lord's oversight.

"Do not call me Naomi [good, pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?"
~ Ruth 1:20-21 (NKJV)

Whatever bitterness she carried, Naomi remained pleasant enough and retained enough faith to be a testimony of the Lord's goodness to her daughter-in-law Ruth. Ruth's impassioned plea to attach herself to Naomi, Naomi's people, and Naomi's God is among the Bible's most beautiful and oft quoted pieces of poetry (Ruth 1:16-17).

That attachment proved to be salvation for both women. Boaz, the godly man of faith who would redeem them from poverty, explains the means of salvation and blessing for all people of all time in his words to Ruth:

"The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge."
~ Ruth 2:12 (NKJV)

If Naomi received more than bargained for in leaving the shelter of God's Promised Land, then Ruth received more than bargained for in entering it; she received not only the home and prosperity she might have hoped for, but also the husband and son she might only have dreamed for.

Those who attach themselves to Christ are never outside His oversight. Our hearts may wander to the very fringe of the shadow of His wings, into the place where worldly concerns and their accompanying anxiety penetrate the edges of feathers that cover us. Our greatest fears may catch up with us.

And if we see ourselves as going out full and returning empty, then return we must—allowing ourselves to be gathered into the nearness of our Lord's heart, which beats love and prosperity for us, far away and above "more than bargained for."

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave You, God, whom I love. Most High God, I ask that You please, please work in our hearts so that we will give in to Your desire to gather us closely under Your wings, to the place of Your most complete coverage.

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 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Enough Pain

This post is for the current series on the theme "Enough!"

If any aspect of obsession with the Bible one day drives me over the brink of sanity, it's sure to be my identification with biblical characters and their angst. Did any novel ever crafted draw a person more deeply into the point of view of another human more than the psalms? Does any modern devotional book bring the face and heart of God closer than the books of the prophets?

The more I read and study about the beloved people of Scripture, the more my heart is moved with empathy and love for these brothers and sisters of mine, with whom I will spend eternity.

In reading through the Bible again this year, I just started Jeremiah. Never before did reading Scripture impart more dread. Because I know what's coming. I can't bear to enumerate this man's afflictions. At least Job had a happy ending. The book of Jeremiah concludes with the book of Lamentations, as if he hadn't already recorded enough pain.

However high a threshold for pain one develops, a certain point pleads "enough pain"—that place where the soul begs a person to close eyes and ears and call in sick-of-heart.

Then said I:
"Ah, Adonai YHWH!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth."
But YHWH said to me:
"Do not say, 'I am a youth,'
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you," says YHWH.
~ Jeremiah 1:6-8

Though prophets are seen resisting His commission, YHWH always prevails. The occupation of speaking the Lord's mind comes with an irrevocable calling, a prohibition on personal agenda, and no upper limit on the potential to suffer humiliation, contempt, and pain.

Then Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country."
~ Luke 4:24 (NKJV)

Jesus lived the life and died the death of the Prophet extraordinaire. His consummate act was to open wide His hands and offer Himself to God and to us without restraint.

The very least I can do is plunge ahead and suffer again with Jeremiah. The very best I can do is daily offer myself as a living sacrifice for Jesus and declare, "Never too much for You!"

"Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain …
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You "
~ Lyrics from "Lifesong"
written by Mark Hall and recorded by Casting Crowns

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Hour Was Late

Image source: deplicque.net

When I was little, we waited until the hour was late to clean up—until my dad's car pulled into the driveway. We feared him enough to scurry upon sighting him, yet wanted to have our fun until the last possible moment.

Then those who went before and those who went behind cried out, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" ... And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple, and He looked around at all things. But since by this time the hour was late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
~ Mark 11:9,11 (author)

Jesus entered Jerusalem and the temple on Sunday. He had cleansed the temple once before, with a whip, at the beginning of His ministry. (John 2:11-17) His return to the premises as King ought to have filled greedy oppressors with fear. Shouldn't they have known better than to come back and set up shop again after an overnight opportunity to stay away?

Jesus used no whip this time, and His actions were anything but impulsive. No doubt the moneychangers and merchants were furious and were more numerous than the lone figure Who drove them out Monday morning.

But something in the patient wrath of King Jesus disarmed their own wrath.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise You;
With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.
~ Psalms 76:10 (NKJV)

The King has already made an appearance in our lives. How long shall we have our way before the "Hosanna!"* on our lips which asks for a Savior is accompanied by **"Come have Your way among us—we welcome You here, Lord Jesus" which asks from the heart for Him to be Lord of our lives?

The Lord's eyes see all. He is patient.

But the hour grows late.

* Hosanna is translated, "Save us, Lord."
** Quoted lyrics are from the song "Hosanna" by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
© 2006 Integrity Music
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.

Getting Personal

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If Elohim will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father's house in peace, then YHWH shall be my God."
~ Genesis 28:20-21

Age seventy-seven Jacob has always known his mother's favor and lived amid his father's wealth. His mother sends him away from family—purportedly to obtain a wife, though he in fact runs for his life. Jacob becomes a homeless man without riches or companionship. His life previously covered by his forefathers' faith, he now has no God.

Things look like they couldn't get much worse.

But Jacob discovers his need for a personal God, and invites YHWH to act in his life—to become "my God."

He's in the perfect place for things to get way better.

Lord YHWH, You're not known for acting in small ways. Can You understand why we sometimes hesitate to throw open the doors for things to get personal? Please help us do so before we must come to the end of ourselves.

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.

Wages of Sin

"Sin would have fewer takers if the consequences were immediate."
~ Unknown

Wages of Sin

"If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity. And he shall bring to the priest a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering."
~ Leviticus 5:17-18 (NKJV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
~ Romans 12:1 (NIV)

The first five books of Leviticus detail the sacrifices to be made for a multitude of reasons, sin being primary. The section concludes with the offering required when a person sinned and didn't know it.

Despite good intentions, sin is still sin, and sin must be dealt with.

Sin was very, very expensive under the old covenant. Using the best animals of the flock or herd in sacrifice for sin would be like us sacrificing something important to making a living—computer, tools, work clothing. If committing a sin meant forfeiting your cell phone, how long would it take to get your attention?

Yet more was lost than the monetary value of an animal. To demonstrate clearly that the wages of sin is death, an animal's life was snuffed out. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22 ESV) In the course of 1500 years of sacrifice, millions of animals were slaughtered to point to the ultimate blood sacrifice Jesus paid at Calvary.

Because sin's eternal cost has been paid, we can sometimes forget sin's ongoing cost here in temporal realms of this life. Not only does each sin bring its related consequences, it robs us of spiritual life and closeness to God.

The wages of sin is still death.

Ironically, the way to avoid sin is also death—death of self. It is when we daily offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, laying down our own will, that we truly live.

Father in Heaven, we belong to You. You have purchased us with the precious blood of Your Son, the Lamb of God. Please help us to freely give to You whatever we hold dear. Please help us believe that You always offer us something greater.

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

Day Eleven: Way (path)

"The Twelve Days of Christ" series looks at Psalm 119's twelve Hebrew words for God’s Word, and a connection to the church for each one.

"Life is not a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely ...
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
'WOW! What a Ride!' "
Bill McKenna

Day Eleven: Way (path)
derek: masc noun, a road; a course of life; path, journey, way
from darak: verb, to tread; to walk; to press something with one's feet

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
~ Psalms 119:37 (NKJV)

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
~ Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~ John 14:6 (NKJV)

Yesterday's 'orach is the Hebrew word for 'way' with a slight emphasis on manner. Today's derek comes from a verb for treading, and refers to the beaten path.

In the study of the way God puts before us, I cannot help but think of the melding of God's sovereignty and man's free will. God lays out a path. We have the choice of whether or not to take it. There may be times when our choice to take another path leads to great loss, as when King Saul's disobedience cost him the monarchy.

There are other times when the Lord may step in, and compel obedience by unpleasant methods, as He did when He sent Jonah to Ninevah. Arriving onshore as fish vomit does have a persuasive affect on human will. And the disobedience of man does not frustrate the sovereignty of God.

But how much better to walk in God's perfect will, and choose His way immediately. Abraham left his homeland and chose a path to a land of covenant. Paul had planned to turn to eastern lands, but obeyed the Spirit's directing him west with the Gospel, and thus the church took root in Europe rather than Asia. Jesus is The Way to the Father, and walked a path to Calvary—that was not His will—to give us life.

What is the way the Lord puts before you? Are there worthless things down another path which look more appealing? Will you trust His way to be His very best for you?

Father, please forgive us when we whine about the path You set before us. Please turn our eyes away from the direction we covet. Please lead our hearts to better know You, so we will better trust Your plans for us—plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.

#encouragement
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from nydailynews.com of Pete Rose slide into Ray Fosse, 1970

The Sound of My Groaning

"I will love the light for it shows me the way,
yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars."
~ Og Mandino

A Prayer of the Afflicted, When He is Overwhelmed
and Pours Out His Complaint Before the LORD.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, And let my cry come to You...
My heart is stricken and withered like grass,
So that I forget to eat my bread.
Because of the sound of my groaning
My bones cling to my skin...
He looked down from the height of His sanctuary;
From heaven the LORD viewed the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoner,
To release those appointed to death.
~ Psalms 102:1,4-5,19-20 (NKJV)

In the beginning was the Word ...
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
~ John 1:1-4 (NKJV)

The Sound of My Groaning
#encouragement

In being afflicted, overwhelmed, and stricken, what is the sound of groaning?

It is surely different for each of us. To be in such agony of spirit that we forget to eat, to sob with such violence that our ribs cling to our skin, to feel our hearts withered like grass—this about sums it up for me.

Throughout my life, I could not remember a time of being angry at God or thinking Him cruel. I certainly cried out "why" more often than He should have tolerated, but I suppose I accepted that if He is God He must be good and may do as He wishes. (Only inexplicable grace can explain this attitude.)

Then came a time of pain and rejection like none I'd ever known. Like a stormy sea, it buffeted me mercilessly as I rode its waves and clung to faith. I was sustained by the hope of light as I waited for the clouds to clear.

But the relentless storm finally prevailed. I grew weary and felt my hold slip as sorrow billowed over me. I felt the coldness of anger. I succumbed to the cry, "Oh my God, how can You be so cruel?"

As the thought was given the substance of words, its hideous form became instantly apparent and I shrunk back from it with rejection. Faith is the assurance of the unseen, and faith assures me that my God is not cruel. Faith extinguished doubt, I felt the Lord hear my groaning, and release was mine. I quit trying to ride out the storm and slipped into a loving Father's waiting arms. The pain did not stop, but I found His presence and comfort in the midst of the suffering. I hurt, but I did not hurt alone.

So cradled, I found peace in the eye of the storm. In the darkness of night I gazed into His Heaven and saw the glory of stars such as the glory awaiting me. In the Word I found strength to face the storm wall which would pummel me yet again—I gained endurance to face the raging winds of dark clouds until they cleared and the life of light was again mine.

Light is always waiting.

"He is good. Only good."
~ Betsy ten Boom, at Auschwitz concentration camp,
from the biographical movie "The Hiding Place"

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

Send Me On My Way

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
~ Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know what prayers to offer nor in what way to offer them. But the Spirit Himself pleads for us in yearnings that can find no words ...
~ Romans 8:26 (WNT)

Send Me On My Way

Along the way of my journey toward Heaven, my prayers are much like this song—my words to God come out in pieces that sound like nonsense of which only the Spirit might make sense.

But underlying the music to which I often dance is a clear message to the One Who directs my life: "Here am I! Send me on my way. I go wherever You say with joy."

(With thanks to Wendy for turning me on to this song. :D)



send me on my way
by rusted root

on my way
on my way
on my way
on my way

I would like to reach out my hands
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young
well pick me up with golden hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young

(2x)
I would like to hold my little hand
how we will run we will
how we will cry

(7x) send me on my way (on my way)

I would like to reach out my hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young
well pick me up with golden hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
you know what they say about the young
well

(2x)
I would like to hold my little hand
how we will run away we will
how we will crawl away
send me on my way, on my way

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.
"Send Me on My Way" lyrics © 1996 The Island Def Jam Music Group

How Much Salvation Do You Have?

"In Christ the best is always yet to come.
Always. No exceptions. Forever."
~ John Piper

How Much Salvation Do You Have?
#discipleship

And all the children of Israel complained. "... If only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword...? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?" ...
[But Joshua and Caleb said]: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.' "
~ Numbers 14:2-3;7-8 (NKJV)

Don't rebel like those people who were tested in the desert... We see that those people did not enter the place of rest because they did not have faith. The promise to enter the place of rest is still good, and we must take care that none of you miss out.
~ Hebrews 3:8,19-4:1 (CEV)

This event from Numbers occurs after the Lord has displayed unquestionable might with the ten plagues and parting of the Red Sea. For sixteen months, the Lord has provided bread, meat and water to the Israelites. Now faced with the Promised Land's prosperity (yesterday's "Goodness of the Grape"), they choose to fear the unknown rather than trust the I AM.

So they declare it preferable to either die in the desert or return to bondage. Doubt in God's power and goodness costs them the pleasures He had waiting for them. The children of Israel have experienced salvation from slavery, but lack of trust prevents them from being fully free.

Christians likewise pass through three places to experience full freedom: bondage, desert, Promised Land.

Two variations of the Hebrew noun for "salvation" are yasha and yeshua. [Yeshua is also the Hebrew name of Jesus.] Yeshua is the act of rescue or deliverance. Yasha is a wide or open space in the condition of safety and freedom. It is the difference between standing next to unshackled chains outside the dark dungeon's door, and dancing barefoot across the beach in glorious sunshine.

Whether Egyptians or Hell's damnation threaten, the prudent person steps out in faith to accept rescue from bondage. But the desert of mere survival is no place to remain. The Lord offers a wide place of rest and abundant life for those willing to trust that He overcomes all we fear.

If the Christian life feels like a confining desert wasteland, freedom isn't found by looking back at bondage as not-so-bad. Moving forward into the Promised Land is a simple matter of saying, "Lord, wherever You lead I'll follow, whatever You ask I'll do"—trusting His goodness and might.

Do you know the abundant life of full surrender?
Do you trust Jesus for both narrow rescue and wide freedom?

Lord Jesus, Adonia Yeshua, thank You for deliverance from bondage. Thank You for leading us to the wide place of freedom in Your new life. Thank You for being utterly worthy of our trust.

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
(John 8:36 NKJV)

Much thanks to Bridget Chumbley for hosting today's Blog Carnival on Trust on One Word at a Time.

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.
Prison photo from makethewallstransparent.org
Beach photo from lifewaydental.com

Dod-iy / My Beloved

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

Dod-iy / My Beloved
(pronounced: "dohd-EE")

Now let me sing for my Beloved my love song ...
~ Isaiah 5:1 (author)

His mouth is most sweet,
Yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved,
And this is my friend ...
I am my beloved's,
And my beloved is mine...
I am my beloved's,
And his desire is toward me...
Make haste, my beloved.
~ Song of Solomon 5:16; 6:3; 7:10; 8:14 (NKJV)

Song of Solomon is in the Hebrew called "Song of Songs." This most beautiful, most sensual, most romantic love song is indeed a song above all others, composed as God's very Word.

The ballad may—nay, must—be read two entirely different ways to be appreciated. (It helps to use a translation such as the NKJV which identifies speakers, based on the gender and quantity of Hebrew pronouns, which are otherwise unclear in the English.)

One first reads this short book as the account of King Solomon and his Shulamite bride, named by him only as "My Love." Scripture's portrayal of consummated romance is the model for wedded lovers of all times. The poem never ventures into the graphic illustrations characteristic of our culture. It instead draws upon evocative imagery which piques the imagination. The kiss with which everything begins is described in the words "Your lips, O my spouse, drip as the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue ..." (4:11)

But such imagery is not what elevates this poetry as the Song above all other songs. Ready to take romance up a notch?

The fuller understanding of Solomon's love song requires a second full read, identifying "My Beloved" as the divine Bridegroom. The king and his bride are an allegory of the King of kings and His blood-purchased bride, the church. Song of Songs is poignant revelation of Christ's all-consuming love for us.

This most excellent romance expresses things such as how we see ourselves ("do not look upon me, because I am dark"), and how our Beloved sees His bride ("Behold, you are fair, my love!") He lingers over every part of her, noting every detail (4:1-15; 7:1-8)—even as the Holy Spirit seeks to touch every part of our lives.

Surprising details include the bride's ability to captivate her Bridegroom with her mere glance ("My sister, My spouse, you have ravished My heart with one look of your eyes"), and even overwhelm Him with her gaze ("Turn away your eyes from Me, for they overwhelm Me"). Her detailed description (5:10-16) of the One she calls "My Beloved" demonstrates a long study which has taken Him in completely. When His bride describes the King to others, they are compelled to seek Him out, that they might look at Him for themselves (6:1).

The entire protrait is not of submission to a Husband's dominion, but of a bride surrendered to her Lover's delight in her and of her delight in Him. I have attempted to say enough to capture your interest, without spoiling Song of Songs for your own read. The best is left to be discovered.

I close with a last observation. The passionate zeal of both human and divine romance is depicted as nothing less than the very "flame of YAH" (8:6)—tomorrow's final name in the series.

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

Eliy / My God

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

El-iy / My God
(pronounced: "ale-EE")


A Psalm of David
When He Was in the Wilderness of Judah.
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water...
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
~ Psalms 63:1,6-8 (NKJV)

We know too little of hunger. We flippantly say "I'm starving" to express that we're hungry enough to feel it. Worse, we randomly say "Oh my God" with little or no thought of the need for God.

David was a warrior often in the field, and twice a fugitive (fleeing first from King Saul, and later from David's son Absalom). He would have often known true hunger. Though David lacks even water in the Wilderness of Judah, he confesses a greater thirst for God in his soul. His very flesh longs for God, implying a depth of need which becomes a physical ache.

David does not here call upon Adonai his Master, nor upon the Lord of Hosts to deliver him from enemies, nor as Elohe-nu, "Our God" (as the Jews address the Lord in corporate prayer and when blessing Him for the food He provides). David cries out to the One he calls "My God"—the same name used by Jesus in His greatest hour of need. Whatever the needs of his starving body, David needs God more. The name is most personal.

The longing of a soul can often overtake the needs of a body. Writers say "we can't not write" because our souls have a longing to express in words things which cannot be contained. We stay up late and get up early and wake up at odd hours thinking of writerly things. We forget to eat. The need to write is felt more keenly than the need to breathe. We're understandably thought an odd bunch by those close to us who do not share our drive.

But writers aren't terribly unique. Any person has a longing of the soul which is usually the last thing thought about before sleep, the first thing thought about upon rising, and a frequent object of thought throughout the day. It will inevitably pop up in conversation. Discretionary hours and money are dedicated to that passion. To identify a person's god, simply look at the most prominent recipient of that person's talent and talk, time and treasure.

Our talent, talk, time, and treasure are not consistently God-centered unless we realize David's personal need for God within our souls.

We may have confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior. We may have heard Him declare Himself "The Lord Your God" (yesterday's post). We may have then received Him as "The Lord Our God" because He has made Himself ours.

But it is when we in turn surrender ourselves to Him that we know God as David did when he cried out, "Oh God, You are my God."

In such a defining moment we fulfill the longing in our souls that finds its satisfaction in God alone.

There comes a time in every heart a time of real decision
When we reach the point of choosing how we will live our lives
All our hopes, all our dreams will rise up from that moment
The moment we surrender and choose to follow Christ
He's been waiting all our lives to hear us say
I am yours, Lord, take my hand and lead the way
When you believe He's all you need
That will be your defining moment *

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved. * Lyrics of "Defining Moment" by NewSong © 2000 Reunion Records

El Elohey Yisrael / Mighty God of Israel

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

El Elohey Yisrael / Mighty God of Israel
(pronounced: "ale el-oh-HAY yis-rah-ALE")

Then Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac ... I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant ... Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him ..."
~ Genesis 32:9-11 (NKJV)

Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not overcome him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you prevail as a prince with God and with men and endure."
~ Genesis 32:24-28 (author)

Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan ... And he bought the parcel of land ... Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.
~ Genesis 33:18-20 (NKJV)

If you're in a hurry, come back to this post later. The full story behind this name is nearly as long and complicated as the life of the man Israel, better known as Jacob.

Twenty years before Jacob uses the name "Mighty God of Israel," he'd fled his homeland to escape his murderous brother Esau. YHWH then appeared to Jacob and promised to multiply his descendants and bring him back home. The encounter with God terrified Jacob, who vowed that if YHWH fulfills this promise, YHWH shall be his God (Genesis 28:10-22).

Already in his seventies, growing up in the company of his grandfather and father Abraham and Isaac, now hearing God speak to him personally, it seems Jacob ought to be ready to choose YHWH among the pantheon of gods available to worship. Yet it will take another twenty years, four wives and eleven sons before God brings Jacob to such a place.

Jacob is now in his nineties. He again flees, this time to his homeland from his father-in-law Laban, this time with an abundance of family and wealth, this time at God's direction. Laban overtakes the company to confront Jacob, who evidences a measure of faith in his reply, “Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” (Genesis 31:42)

The title "Fear of Isaac" is noteworthy. As a youth Isaac lay bound on an altar under his father Abraham's knife, a sacrifice to God. Whatever else Isaac conveyed to his son Jacob, it was evidently fear of such a terrifying God. This is the God to Whom Jacob now desperately turns, acknowledges as the Source of all the undeserved mercy and truth he's known, and begs for deliverance.

The same God is about to confront Jacob face to face.

God manifests Himself as the Angel of YHWH. Jacob wrestles with Him throughout the night. He persists even when his hip is displaced, even when the mighty Being insists Jacob release Him. Jacob endures, refusing to turn away from the pain and struggle, unwilling to release God (now that he's got a hold on Him) until he receives a blessing. The blessing is a new name: Israel, or literally, "prevails as a prince of God."

Jacob goes on to not only be delivered from Esau, but to be blessed by his brother. The lives of his descendants are preserved, and he receives the land YHWH promised him.

Jacob is finally ready to commit himself. He builds an altar and uses this name to worship: El Elohey Yisrael (Mighty God of Israel). In doing so, Jacob testifies to the power of this God Whom he has encountered so personally, declares Him as his own God, and accepts the blessing of a new name.

Have you heard for many years of this terrifying God Who allows suffering, seemingly without cause or explanation? Has He spoken to you? Have you wrestled with Him? If so, now that the two of you have had a hold on each other, have you acknowledged His greater might and fully submitted yourself to it? Have you declared Him to be your God and accepted that you are His prince or princess?

If so, you may call upon Him as "Mighty God of ____________ [your name here]."

(And when you find yourself again wrestling with Him, do you endure until you prevail and are blessed?)

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

Surrender

Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: 'If you surely surrender to the king of Babylon's princes, then your soul shall live ... you and your house shall live." ... And Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah, "I am afraid ... lest they deliver me into their hand, and they abuse me." But Jeremiah said, "... Please, obey the voice of the LORD which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you ..."
~ Jeremiah 38:17,19-20 (NKJV)

But the Chaldean army ... captured him ... Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes ... Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with bronze fetters to carry him off to Babylon.
~ Jeremiah 39:5-7 (NKJV)

Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid..." So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
~ Luke 5:10-11 (NKJV)

We fear the word "surrender," for it means to give control over to another.

Jeremiah pleaded with King Zedekiah to surrender to the Chaldeans, and therefore to the Lord's will, so that he and his children would live—"so it shall be well." Zedekiah named his fear, that he would be abused. Fear prevented his surrender and obedience to God. He not only lost the preservation of his sons' lives, but his worst fear came to pass as well.

We are little different. The Lord asks us to surrender to Him—surrender all we have, surrender all we do, surrender all we are. We fear what it might cost us. We forget that we stand to preserve or even gain far more.

How foolish that we hesitate to surrender, in fear that we will lose control over what the Lord asks of us, when we in fact hold so little (if any) control at all. Each surrender relinquishes little more than an illusion of control, yet acquires spiritual life in ever greater measure.

Beloved Lord and Master, there is no greater blessing than what comes in surrender of ourselves to You. Your love and goodness are too great to justify any fear. Please move our hearts to yield to Your touch upon our lives and receive You and Your life in ever greater measure.

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

Know the Lord

"But this is the covenant that I will make ... I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," says the LORD.
~ Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NKJV)

"I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice,
In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the LORD."
~ Hosea 2:19-20 (NKJV)

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own... My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."
~ John 10:14,27 (NKJV)

It is reported that the best shepherds know their sheep well enough to identify the name of each one in the dark by their feel and voice. When several flocks share a sheep pen, the shepherd calls out his own sheep, and only those sheep who know his voice will respond to his call. Pet owners likely appreciate such tender intimacy.

The Lord not only calls Himself "Shepherd," but boldly describes His intimacy with His people on a whole other level. He beckons throughout Scripture, "Know the Lord." Both the Hebrew yada and the Greek ginosko (an intensive word form) mean "to know," and define the physical intimacy between man and wife.

It doesn't get any more intimate than this.

The use of "to know" in such a context is not mere metaphor. To know the Lord is to surrender ourselves to Him. It is to come to a place of knowledge from which there is no going back. It is to feel His Spirit's presence within us and know joy in the experience. It is to receive the seed of His Word and bear Him fruit.

Know the Lord.

Beloved Bridegroom, how humbled we are by the bride price of blood You paid to obtain us as Your own. How majestic are the sweet whispers of Your Spirit to us. What a wonderful God You are to not only create us so fearfully, not only save us so mercifully, but to allow us to know You so intimately.

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

WHATEVER, Part II

"Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But be sure of this: if you kill me, you and the people of this city will be guilty of killing an innocent man, because it is the LORD who sent me."
~ Jeremiah 26:14-15 (GNB)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it ... But even if he does not ... we will not serve your gods."
~ Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
~ Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)

The Lord is Lord, and whatever He says is good to do. Submission to Him isn't difficult (in theory), if one acknowledges the perfection of His love, His wisdom, and His desire to bless via everything.

The next level of surrender stretches faith beyond human reason. Can faith allow that whatever another, definitely not perfect person does is also within God's control and part of His will? Does faith believe that the Lord will accomplish His purposes when others fail me, use me, hurt me, hate me, betray me, reject me, abandon me?

Jeremiah and the three youths in Babylon were unconcerned by the death threats of murderous kings. God's servants readily surrendered themselves to whatever these evil leaders might do to them. Their faith was great enough to know that the Lord yet controlled their destiny.

Is present era leadership evil? However the Lord leads our specific response, behind it must be the attitude which says God is still earth's sovereign ruler, and we can face whatever.

Most High King, under the shadow of Your wings is complete refuge. Our lives are in Your hands, to do with them whatever You desire. Please give us peace and faith in Your love. Please strengthen our hearts to accept whatever You allow in our lives, even through evil men.

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

WHATEVER

And I answered and said, “So be it, LORD.”
~ Jeremiah 11:5 (NKJV)

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
~ Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’ ”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Whether saved or unsaved, happy or discouraged, I believe human response to God can always be summed up in the word “Whatever.”

If rebellious, we will say it with a sneer and disgusted snort, head tossed back, incredulous that anyone presumes to suggest what we should do: “What-EH-ver!”

If resigned to God’s will, understanding that He is God and we are not (and thus we must accept His will, no matter how painful or distasteful), we sigh heavily (perhaps sniffle) and mutter, “WHAT-ever …”

If we accept how very infinite is our Father’s love for us, and how much He longs to bless us if we will but believe He means all for our good, we can receive every single situation or word from Him with a nod and a smile (maybe a laugh), and say, “Yes, Lord. So be it. Whatever You say I will do. Whatever Your will, I accept Your good purpose in it.”

Joy in the Christian walk is found when one knows the proper way to say “Whatever.”

Ah Lord God, Your love and wisdom are beyond comprehension! We do not understand why You do what You do. Please assure us that we do not need to. Please increase our faith and love for You in and through every situation.

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

On a personal note: I'd deeply appreciate your prayers. I will attempt to meet with my brother John tonight. Please pray God will make possible our meeting, and soften my brother's heart so I might tell him face to face that I love him. Thank you!

Seek the Kingdom

"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
~ Luke 12:31-32 (NKJV)

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalms 37:3-4 (NKJV)

I love my life with the Lord.

Before I started walking with him, I was young and single, successful and doing as I pleased. I looked great on the outside but was a complete mess on the inside, operating under the illusion that I had control of my life. I was thoroughly miserable and had no clue why.

Then I gave the Lord my life. I'm now young in heart and married, struggling to succeed at writing and doing as my family pleases. My house is a manageable mess—but I look great inside and out because I am thoroughly loved and know it.

I no longer want control of my life, because God does so much better with it. He gives me an expense account (some years more generous, some years less so) and provides high-cost additional training without me even asking. I love my job—seek His kingdom and delight in Him.

And because my delight is found in Him, it is an easy matter for Him to give me Himself, the desire of my heart.

My Lord and my God, You've not ordained an easy path through this world for us. But You give us Yourself and our needs. How can we desire any more? Please draw us to read Your Word and pray—to better know You, better love You, better trust You, better serve You. In hours of trial, I beg You to lead us to seek the kingdom of God.

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

Gates of Zion

The LORD loves the gates of Zion
More than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are spoken of you,
O city of God! Selah
~ Psalms 87:2-3 (NKJV)

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
~ Psalms 24:7 (NKJV)

Thus says YHWH: "Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest? ...
Into this [place] I will look:
Into one who is poor and of a broken spirit,
Who trembles at My word."
~ Isaiah 66:1-2 (author)

There are various interpretations about the exact meaning of the name Jerusalem. I'm inclined to go with "headwaters of peace." Jerusalem represents Christ's bride, and her ultimate destiny is as the source of waters of complete peace where the Prince of Peace makes His throne.

The gates of Zion are as the gates of the human heart. Our King of Glory waits for us to fling open every door within and surrender to His full possession, that He may enter in as Lord. Though His throne is in heaven, the place He most desires to dwell is a humble heart filled with love.

King of Glory, Your majestic throne in heaven is holy and surpasses every place of earth. How is it that You desire to dwell within us? Please move us to yield to Your Spirit, who makes us holy and fills us with love for You, that You would find Yourself at home in our hearts.

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

Become a Christian

King Agrippa said to Paul, "In this little you are persuading me to become a Christian!"
~ Acts 26:28 (author)

For Herod feared John [the Baptist], knowing him to be a holy and just man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he did many things, and gladly heard from him.
~ Mark 6:20 (LITV)

"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
~ Mark 8:34-36 (NKJV)

Paul spoke compellingly to King Agrippa, whom historians describe as mild and unsuspicious, without hostility to Christians. John the Baptist evidently convinced Herod to do many things. Both kings listened agreeably to their preachers. Both stopped short of turning to God in faith.

It's been said that three kinds of people come to church: the curious, the convinced, and the committed. The first come if it's convenient. The second are sufficiently convicted to become a Christian. The third are compelled to do whatever Christ asks, wherever it leads, at any cost.

To become a Christian isn't about showing up in church to listen agreeably to the preacher. It shouldn't be about going only a step further to become converts—genuine believers willing to settle for the basic salvation package. The premium plan costs absolutely everything. But only in full surrender to Christ do we now know and enjoy the fullness of kingdom riches.

Oh Lord our God, You give us the death and blood, the life and love of Your Son. We could be content with no more, yet You bid us to boldly ask for everything. Please help us understand the sacrifices You ask of us. Please reveal to us the much greater rewards You are giving in their place.

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

Sweeter than Honey

He will speak to this people,
To whom He said,
"This is the rest with which
You may cause the weary to rest,"
And, "This is the refreshing";
Yet they would not hear.
But the word of the LORD was to them,
"Precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
Line upon line, line upon line,
Here a little, there a little."
Isaiah 28:11-13 (NKJV)

How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding.
Psalms 119:103-104 (NKJV)

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
For your love is better than wine...
Your lips, O my spouse,
Drip as the honeycomb;
Honey and milk are under your tongue.
Song of Solomon 1:2; 4:11 (NKJV)

Two of my children delight in Mommy kisses. Two still tolerate them fairly nicely. The youngest, nearly four, usually loves my kisses, but has moments when he pushes away. Then there are kisses between my husband and me. "Sweeter than honey" only begins to describe those.

To receive God's Word is to receive kisses from One who passionately loves us. I have a confession: when I hit the keyboard combo to open my computer Bible, or turn the cover of my study Bible, my heart beats faster with anticipation. I easily get lost, amazed later at how much time has gone by. The Lord's kisses are more than refreshing, and way sweeter than honey.

Others see a Bible and think, "precept upon precept, line upon line, blah, blah, blah." To them I say, you really don't know what you're missing. Give God's Word a closer, slower read.

Word of God made flesh, Your love is intoxicating—better than wine, better than the finest delicacies, better than anything this life offers. Please give us hearts that long for Your words, gladly receive Your words, and continually think of Your words.

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