Do not keep silent, O God!
Do not hold Your peace,
And do not be still, O God! ...
So pursue them with Your tempest,
And frighten them with Your storm.
Fill their faces with shame,
That they may seek Your name, O LORD.
~ Psalms 83:1,15-16 (NKJV)
"I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."
~ Genesis 3:10 (NKJV)
"You say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked ..."
~ Revelation 3:17 (NKJV)
Sin blinds both the best and the worst of us.
Those who do not know Christ cannot believe they need Him unless they first believe that their sin condemns them. They stand naked before God, who sees all. Their shame—whether understood or not—permits them no peace. And they have no clue what the problem is.
Those of us in Christ are clothed in righteousness, free of condemnation before God. But we still walk in sinful flesh through a world of sin. The Lord called some within His church "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked."
God forbid that we should be blind and know no shame for sin! The Lord asks His people to "humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways." It is tortuous to live amid our nation's sin, but repentance starts with us.
O God, please let us see ourselves as You do—beloved beyond measure, and still in need of washing. Even as You give us peace beyond understanding, please do not hold Your peace about sin which repels You. Break down strongholds! Let us be sanctified and pleasing to You.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to
BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Heaven's Court
God presides over heaven’s court;
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
"How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?"
~ Psalm 82:1-2 (NLT)
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it ... the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
~ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.
~ 1 Peter 1:17 (NKJV)
Judges are expected to impartially decide what is right and lawful. The judiciary determines if the work of legislative and executive government stands. A Supreme Court decision is as close to God's judgment as can be obtained on earth. Legal injustice is an ultimate frustration.
The same Hebrew word used for God is sometimes used for judges: Elohim. In heaven's court, there is only one Judge, to whom every human judge will answer. Though we often lament the earth's injustice, we need only be patient for the Judge of all the earth to render final judgment.
We do well to remember that our works shall also be judged before heaven's court. Though we need not fear of condemnation if we are in Christ, we should fear lost reward if we do nothing for Him in return, but squander His many gifts to us.
Our Father, we call upon You for Your mercy as we stand before You. We are unprofitable servants, and however much we may do, we have done what was our duty to do. Please motivate us to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ with all that is precious and enduring.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
"How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?"
~ Psalm 82:1-2 (NLT)
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it ... the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
~ 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.
~ 1 Peter 1:17 (NKJV)
Judges are expected to impartially decide what is right and lawful. The judiciary determines if the work of legislative and executive government stands. A Supreme Court decision is as close to God's judgment as can be obtained on earth. Legal injustice is an ultimate frustration.
The same Hebrew word used for God is sometimes used for judges: Elohim. In heaven's court, there is only one Judge, to whom every human judge will answer. Though we often lament the earth's injustice, we need only be patient for the Judge of all the earth to render final judgment.
We do well to remember that our works shall also be judged before heaven's court. Though we need not fear of condemnation if we are in Christ, we should fear lost reward if we do nothing for Him in return, but squander His many gifts to us.
Our Father, we call upon You for Your mercy as we stand before You. We are unprofitable servants, and however much we may do, we have done what was our duty to do. Please motivate us to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ with all that is precious and enduring.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Monday, March 30, 2009
A Still Small Voice
"Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!"
~ Psalms 81:13 (NKJV)
And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
~ 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV)
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
~ Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)
Surely one of the most pleasant activities between close friends is a shared meal. There are plenty of other ways to have a wonderful time with a loved one. But is anything more intimate than to sit face to face, dine together, and give one another your undivided attention?
Who more than the Lord deserves our undivided attention? In the midst of busy days it can be so hard to hear His voice. How important it is to sit quietly first thing in the morning, and at other times, and listen for a still small voice and hear one's Maker share His thoughts.
He has so much to tell us—most of all of His great love. He waits patiently at the door for us to push everything else aside and give Him our attention.
My Lord, how precious are Your thoughts! How great is the measure of them and of Your love for us. Please help us awaken early, alert and ready to listen to You. Please help us push aside all thoughts that would intrude upon us as we listen for Your still small voice.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
That Israel would walk in My ways!"
~ Psalms 81:13 (NKJV)
And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
~ 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV)
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
~ Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)
Surely one of the most pleasant activities between close friends is a shared meal. There are plenty of other ways to have a wonderful time with a loved one. But is anything more intimate than to sit face to face, dine together, and give one another your undivided attention?
Who more than the Lord deserves our undivided attention? In the midst of busy days it can be so hard to hear His voice. How important it is to sit quietly first thing in the morning, and at other times, and listen for a still small voice and hear one's Maker share His thoughts.
He has so much to tell us—most of all of His great love. He waits patiently at the door for us to push everything else aside and give Him our attention.
My Lord, how precious are Your thoughts! How great is the measure of them and of Your love for us. Please help us awaken early, alert and ready to listen to You. Please help us push aside all thoughts that would intrude upon us as we listen for Your still small voice.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
My Cup Runneth Over
Look down from heaven and see,
And visit this vine
And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted...
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
Cause Your face to shine!
~ Psalms 80:14-15,18-19 (NKJV)
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
~ Psalms 23:5 (KJV)
"Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink ...?"
~ Matthew 20:22 (NKJV)
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
~ Luke 22:20 (NKJV)
"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me." ... And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
~ Luke 22:42,44 (NKJV)
The significance of the grapevine cannot be understated. Grain represented survival. The olive and its oil represented light and health and anointing. The grapevine's fruitfulness and wine represented covenant and joy—but its cup was also associated with the most bitter sorrow and suffering.
Our inclination is to avoid sorrow. But in plumbing the depths of sorrow we also discover the heights of joy. "My cup runneth over" can refer to either place.
It is said, "God in His goodness has sent the grape / to cheer both great and small; / little fools will drink too much / and great fools not at all." When my cup runneth over—whether with faith's joy or sorrow—prayer and praise are lifted before God.
Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You. I gladly share my Lord's cup of rejoicing and suffering now. We anxiously wait, Lord, to again share Your cup, with You, in the Father's kingdom.
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
~ John 15:5 (NKJV)
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
And visit this vine
And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted...
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
Cause Your face to shine!
~ Psalms 80:14-15,18-19 (NKJV)
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
~ Psalms 23:5 (KJV)
"Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink ...?"
~ Matthew 20:22 (NKJV)
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
~ Luke 22:20 (NKJV)
"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me." ... And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
~ Luke 22:42,44 (NKJV)
The significance of the grapevine cannot be understated. Grain represented survival. The olive and its oil represented light and health and anointing. The grapevine's fruitfulness and wine represented covenant and joy—but its cup was also associated with the most bitter sorrow and suffering.
Our inclination is to avoid sorrow. But in plumbing the depths of sorrow we also discover the heights of joy. "My cup runneth over" can refer to either place.
It is said, "God in His goodness has sent the grape / to cheer both great and small; / little fools will drink too much / and great fools not at all." When my cup runneth over—whether with faith's joy or sorrow—prayer and praise are lifted before God.
Oh God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You. I gladly share my Lord's cup of rejoicing and suffering now. We anxiously wait, Lord, to again share Your cup, with You, in the Father's kingdom.
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
~ John 15:5 (NKJV)
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Exalt Jerusalem
O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;
Your holy temple they have defiled;
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps....
We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
A scorn and derision to those who are around us.
~ Psalms 79:1-4 (NKJV)
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
Let my right hand forget its skill!
If I do not remember you,
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy.
~ Psalms 137:5-6 (NKJV)
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
~ Revelation 21:2 (NKJV)
The crown jewel of Israel has been Jerusalem since the day David brought the ark into the city singing and dancing. Twice, to thoroughly re-order Israel, the Lord has taken Jerusalem from the Jews—or perhaps it would be more correct to say that He took the Jews from Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is central to the Lord's people and His plan of redemption. His purpose to exalt Jerusalem mirrors His purpose to exalt His church, whom Jerusalem represents. Whatever reproach Christianity suffers in the present era, it echoes all that has happened to Jerusalem.
God has forsaken neither the Jews nor Jerusalem. Jesus promised to never forsake His church. We shall again see God exalt Jerusalem, for the church's ultimate destiny is to reign at the side of our King as His bride.
Beloved Bridegroom, Your bride awaits Your return as You make preparation for her. By the power of Your Spirit, please complete Your work in us that we will finish preparation for You, beautifully adorned in holiness.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Your holy temple they have defiled;
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps....
We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
A scorn and derision to those who are around us.
~ Psalms 79:1-4 (NKJV)
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
Let my right hand forget its skill!
If I do not remember you,
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy.
~ Psalms 137:5-6 (NKJV)
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
~ Revelation 21:2 (NKJV)
The crown jewel of Israel has been Jerusalem since the day David brought the ark into the city singing and dancing. Twice, to thoroughly re-order Israel, the Lord has taken Jerusalem from the Jews—or perhaps it would be more correct to say that He took the Jews from Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is central to the Lord's people and His plan of redemption. His purpose to exalt Jerusalem mirrors His purpose to exalt His church, whom Jerusalem represents. Whatever reproach Christianity suffers in the present era, it echoes all that has happened to Jerusalem.
God has forsaken neither the Jews nor Jerusalem. Jesus promised to never forsake His church. We shall again see God exalt Jerusalem, for the church's ultimate destiny is to reign at the side of our King as His bride.
Beloved Bridegroom, Your bride awaits Your return as You make preparation for her. By the power of Your Spirit, please complete Your work in us that we will finish preparation for You, beautifully adorned in holiness.
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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