"The Parable"

  In keeping in line with what commentators say, the point of agreement between most, is the fact there is no reference to God within the writing; additionally, according to the observation, there is no reference to this Book mentioned in the New Testament writings. As previously mentioned, if this book was found outside of the content of The Bible, it would more than likely be considered nothing more than secular in nature.
  As I mentioned yesterday, the description of the "Simple Shepherd" story has grabbed my attention. Not just because it involves, "One True Love," but because there is something that is familiar in the way the "young maiden" is drawn away and captivated by the romance. And, to make matters even more interesting, yesterday I heard several messages that went hand-in-hand with where I think this is going.
  The most important thing we have to hold onto in our relationship with God, is that we have been justified in Christ; nothing matters more than that! There is nothing we can do to change what God has done, because God has the final say in every situation; and if God sees you as righteous, then, there it is, you are righteous! He loves you no more or no less than He always has, no matter your current condition!
  Additionally, I heard a portion of Pastor Jon's teaching, as he shared something that his wife told him, which was part of his message in what it means to Know your spouse. He was sharing how we can really learn what that actually means by spending time with our wives and reading God's word together, as one; sharing that meal together is the most important meal of any day! In her private time, as she was meditating upon the term, The Joy of the Lord, she had something that was revealed to her that she needed to share with Jon; that it was more than the Lord giving us joy, it was His joy over us that gives us strength!
  No matter how much you might think that you love God, you can never ever love Him as much as He loves you...

 "When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21) NLT