"Whose Blessed" -More

"He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem." (S.O.S. 3:10)

  Because God loves me, I am determined to be the best that I can be, to do whatever He might ask of me, and to make sure I pay attention! Yes, that is probably the simplest thing we can do, to pay attention; but it is also the thing we neglect the most, mostly because of distractions and our own will to do something else. Regardless of that, and as wrong as it might be, God still loves me! 

  This might be the hardest thing that I have ever tried to explain, because it just it too easy except, but very hard to understand. But! Isn't that something interesting to think about: But God, but He loves me, but He has this for me, but He did that; it all comes down to what God does, that matters, simply because He is GOD! He can do no wrong and everything He does is just right; right now, and in His perfect timing. 

  As we look at this, seemingly very heavy object, it might be better to think of it as having longer poles, like it requires more people to carry it than just four. Oddly enough, the part we are looking at today just does not quite match the object that we are talking about; it might match the road on which it travels, but it does not match or fit into the chariot or palanquin. That is unless you are speaking of the labor that went into making it!

  Yes, it is no doubt the Lord loved doing His Father's will more than everything else; but it is also no doubt that the Father's will was to demonstrate His love to us. This love we are speaking of is just that, one that sets out to prove itself; whether we are talking about love between a man and a woman, a man and himself, or God's love to His people; it is love that comes with action, even though it is a feminine noun! Simply put, if you love yourself, then you are going to do the things that treat yourself as being loved by you; as you will do to your friend, your lover, and your God.

  It's the word, "midst," that gives it this action, because it is between two or more persons. Add to that, the part about it "being paved," it does not end, nor has it reached conclusion; it is still being paved; the stones are still being put into place, because His love never ceases. What makes this even more difficult to understand, it is somehow for the daughters of Jerusalem; which is so incredible, it is just like putting on the garment that you get handed at the door...

"Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning all flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, theses are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." (Romans 9:4-8) 

"Whose Blessed" -Too

"He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem." (S.O.S. 3:10)

  Diving right in, feet first, let's take a little journey through the making of this chariot; or so it is known as, because whatever it is, it is the means to a glorious end! As previously stated, I have not ever studied this Book before, and I have most likely read through it dozens of times; but, I have never imagined doing this! It is like moving through something you do not have any clue where it is taking you, nor are the doorways clearly marked. To be perfectly honest, I can truthfully say that I am trying just to listen and let go, where or whatever that is, I seriously do not know.
  Anywho, the word for "bottom" is simple to understand, because it simply means the support; if you can envision what that might be, in this type of structure, it would be the base of the carriage, which would be what the poles are under, and then the pillars would be resting on to of this base. I know you might have seen this type of a structure before; it is very commonly seen in movies where they usually will have someone of great importance being paraded through the countryside; usually the royal princess or maybe a prince. If any part of the was made from, "the wood of Lebanon," then this would most likely be that part.
  Sure, this is a little more than just wood, as this clearly says, "the bottom thereof of gold," so we must assume it has some other meaning, like that it is wood that has been covered in gold. So, if silver is to mean, that which is acquired by money, then gold is meant to be something of brilliance or splendor; or as a measure of weight. I hope this is taking me somewhere, because it seems to be getting really heavy!
  I know this, that what Jesus did on the cross, He did it because of love; not sure what He loved more, the fact that He was doing the Father's will, or the fact that He was making use clean; but I know for a fact, that He was looking forward to the result! Isn't that why we do anything for God, for what the result will be when we are done? I don't even care if you are doing what you do for money, that is still the result you are looking forward to, getting paid!
  That said, the "covering" is the seat, the actual place that you might ride on, like a saddle; but this seat is "purple," a red-purple, to be exact, as compared to a blue-purple, which is totally different. Not sure if you are getting the picture, because it is carrying something very special...

"But God commadeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"Whose Blessed"

"He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem." (S.O.S. 3:10)

  We might be tangled up in this for a bit, as it is something I believe might need a little exploring into. If you think about it, and if you believe that God is All-Knowing, then you must agree with the fact that He knew before He created man, that He was also going to be saving man. Paul tells us in Colossians 1:14 -18, saying of Jesus Christ, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist: and he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."
  I know that is way too much information to consider talking about with one post, as is the information within the verse we have before us today. That said, there is just one point I wish to focus upon today, and it involves: "the pillars thereof of silver." As you might assume, pillars are upright and usually seen standing, unless they are knocked down; at which time they become fallen pillars.
  It might seem way outside the box, (no pun intended,) but the "silver" is not just the color of the metal or what the metal might consist of; it is the description of what the metal does and what it is used for: to purchase something, to pay for something; something of worth, like of a slave: "for he is his money."
  Whether you can see it that way or not, it is not just for us that He died! "Preeminence" is a word that represents superiority, surpassing all others; controlling power or influence over others. Long story short: To make man in His image, it required more than just making the man...

"What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jew only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Romans 9:22-26)

"Whose Image We are Made"

"King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon." (S.O.S. 3:9)

  To be frank, I was a little hesitant to go here, as there are many questions that this type of  message can bring up; the biggest question of all, is to the reason why God might push or even make a way for redemption, before there was even a fall? Not many like to go there, as it is not the kind of message that can be finished or has any sort starting point: How can you finish a discussion that you cannot even start?
  First off, this word, "chariot," is found nowhere else in Scripture; the best way to think of it comes from the root, To Run; but followed with, To be borne, To be borne quickly. Adding to that, is the definition of a panaquin or litter, which is a box like structure that usually carries one person, with usually at least four strong people to carry using poles; bearers they are called, to rest those poles upon their shoulders.
  Oddly enough, of all the footages that come to mind, I really don't recall seeing any running involved with this type of chariot; it is hard to even imagine it, except maybe in some cartoon or comedy. So there must be some other illustration to come up with; something a little more than just a box, with two long poles, and four bearers.
  You know, I don't know why, but for some strange reason, the Four Gospels comes to mind when I think of these four bearers. I wonder why that is, and why there were four standards that led the formation of the tribes of Israel through the wilderness. Better yet, what's up with those four beasts in the midst of the Throne, and round about the Throne? (Revelation 4:6) They seem oddly similar to the Banners that children of Israel used to arrange their camps in formation; A Lion, A Man, An Ox, and An Eagle. Also the strange creatures mentioned in Ezekiel 1:10 & 10:14, which look oddly the same as those mentioned in Revelation 4:7.
  Anywho; this is something of a rabbit hole; one I dare not get too far off into. But, I will say this little tittle: When God said, "Let us make man in our image," was in Whose image He had in mind, the image of Christ? Just a little food for thought...

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)

"Who Has Your Back?"

"Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night." (S.O.S. 3:7-8)

  Yes, I know it might not make a whole lot of sense, but it is a beautiful picture of what we could see, what we would see, if we could see the spiritual, that which is fighting for the hearts and minds of all those who being called into His kingdom. You have got to believe that there is a fight; not just this physical mess that we see and live in, but a spiritual battle that is happening all around this earth.   Time is getting closer, and the battle is getting more obvious; even though we might not see it, we can feel it, deep down in our soul. This is called, preparedness, which is a state of readiness; whether we are preparing for something we know or don't know, we are ready for that which we know is soon to be, and we are fearless!
  Make no mistake, because God will be glorified, whether people want Him to or not, He will be! And don't ask me how it will look, but the Bible clearly says: "I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knew shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:23)
  That said, we must know that this, "bed," which is a place for sleeping, or for sickness, is not just an object or piece of furniture, it is a state of mind; a place where you are at a certain time; even if that time is a time of uncertainty. You might not know this, but in truth, you are dead already; your old life is crucified with Christ, and you are a new creature that cannot be killed again! If you are born twice, you only die once; but if you are only born once, you will die twice!
  This "bed" to which we speak is also, "Solomon's," which absolutely means peace, or peaceful; in whatever state your mind might be, your place should be peaceful; not because you feel peace, because truth be told, sometimes it is easy to feel uneasy or fearful: but that you know peace! You know where you can find it, how it obtain it, and who it is that has your back! Even if your back might be turned to Him, you are still protected and His, forever and ever!
  Long story short: you cannot be unborn! I don't believe it is possible, I don't believe it can be done! There is absolutely nothing that can undo the New Life we have in Christ Jesus; it is not just a state of mind, it is not just a feeling: it is eternally secure in Christ: There is no turning back! As Matthew Henry puts this: "All the attributes of God are engaged for the safety of believers; they are kept as in a strong-hold by his power (1 Pt. 1:5), are safe in his name (Prov. 18:10), his peace protects those in whom it rules (Phil. 4:7), and the effect of righteousness in them is quietness and assurance, Isa. 32:17. Our danger is from the rulers of the darkness of this world, but we are safe in the armour of light."
  Whether you like it or not, He has your back, and it is no longer an option...

"Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (Romans 6:3-4) NLT

"Who Do You Know?"

"Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel." (S.O.S. 3:7)

  Just in case you weren't paying attention, there are things going on in this world that need to be watched and paid attention to. No matter what happens next, it is going to be God's will in the works, no matter what! I hope we can settle that in our hearts and minds, because there are days when I feel as though I am living in a big dream that just keeps pilled onto with more and more stinky stuff. I am serious when I say this, but if they try and tell us we need to start wearing goggles, I am going to start wearing waders!
  Anywho, this is pretty amazing stuff; that we could be so blessed and cared for, by none other than, the King of all creation! The whole point of this is about PEACE! The peace that comes from knowing God is not only for you, but He is working and doing things to work out everything to the good, no matter how things might appear or how much it might cost. He will not spare anything to make sure that His will is done, because He not only knows what comes next, but He puts the wheels in motion to make it happen!
  Oh, how much needless time we spend worrying about stuff, because there is nothing that does to change the situations; absolutely nothing ever gets done with worry! To be perfectly clear, this is more about something that is unchangeable and unmovable than it is about simple protection. I mean, let's be honest: what would you be most grateful for, being protected through the storm, or knowing that no matter what happens in or through the storm, you are going to end up in a better off or in a better place?
  This might be one of the most striking things I experienced as a new believer; that no matter what, I was being taken to something better; even if they slay me, I have a better place in Christ waiting for me! You must know, I was in jail at the time, but I did not feel as though I was locked up; I felt more free than I had ever felt before, because I was at peace and felt secure; which actually means, I felt sure, sure that I was watched over, sure I was protected, and was sure I was pretty much surrounded by the most powerful force in the entire universe.
  It really does not get much better than that...

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:31-34)

"Who Are You?"

"Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the powers of the merchant?" (S.O.S. 3:6)

  Fancy that, because there is something to be celebrated within this mortal being! As the Scriptures say: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26)
  I hope you know what this means, because, believe it or not, this is speaking of the born again man and woman of God! The illustration that it paints, is very similar to that which you might imagine you could see pictured of Jesus stepping out of that tomb, still smelling of the spices that were used to cover Him; bursting forth from the grave, as one that had been given unlimited treasure to spend; a Merchant of souls for the harvest!
  This is what takes place in the life of those that are born again; it is the ability and the capability to come forth into that which you know, but as a new creature; still fuming with the smoke of that old life, but perfumed with the spices of a new resurrected life; having an abundance of silver and gold, in the form of Scriptures and testimonies: a merchant in the business for reconciliation of lost souls to God!
  I am reminded of a parable Jesus told about the rich man that had a steward accused of wasting his goods. We find this very misunderstood parable in Luke 16:1-13; which is misunderstood because it paints a picture of deceit, but the deceit is that of taking back that which was taken, from an unjust employer, the devil! When we see the truth, this is exactly what is being birthed in our hearts, that the lie we have been deceived by for years, might be taken back, and the truth distributed to all those we know that have been robbed from the truth, by a very wicked and unjust previous employer, none other than the father of lies, the devil.
  This is that which we might call, A Resurrected Life; that which now not only knows the truth, but is living the truth, because it is alive inside of you! Matthew Henry uses that famous quote of Phillip's to the eunuch, as he asked, "Understandeth thou what thou readest?" And the eunuch answered: "How can I, except some man shall guide me?"
  You need to understand, if the Holy Spirit is dwelling inside of you, you will have understanding and you will be guided; you might not understand everything, or go everywhere you are guided; but you will be living a new life...

"For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just a God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you." (Romans 8:7-11) NLT   

"Young Women of Jerusalem"

"Who is this sweeping in from the wilderness like a cloud of smoke? Who is it, fragrant with myrrh and frankincense and every kind of spice? Look, it is Solomon's carriage, surrounded by sixty heroic men, the best of Israel's soldiers. They are all skilled swordsmen, experienced warriors. Each wears a sword on his thigh, ready to defend the king against an attack in the night. King Solomon's carriage is built of wood imported from Lebanon. Its posts are silver, its canopy gold; its cushions are purple. It was decorated with love by the young women of Jerusalem." (S.O.S. 3:6-10 NLT)

  There are some things that just are too complex and dignified to place upon any one individual or party; as is goes, there are several different views on what might be taking place and who this is that is "sweeping in from the wilderness." The closest connection is that it is the young woman, and she is being taken somewhere in the chariot of Solomon; most likely being taken to her wedding.
  Again, this is thought to be a song that can be illustrated on several different levels: some believe it is simply songs of the love between a man and a woman, with all of its passions and quirks; to be more specific, the point is that of showing how God has ordained the relationship between the husband and wife, and that it is meant to be passionate and sensual.
  As stated earlier, I truly believe God has placed everything within the Bible for us to be brought into a closer, more informed relationship with Him. The other two most popular beliefs, is that this is a song that can used to portray the relationship between God and Israel, or Christ and the church. In that regard, both of those are pretty much the same; the life of the church, with all of its ups and downs and spinning around, pretty much mirrors that of Israel and all of its generational issues.
  But, as things turn out, both of them turn out the same: SAVED! A glorious wedding party of great celebration and glorious promise; the likes of which no one can even imagine or explain!
  Whether you have been walking with the Lord for several decades or just a few days, you have got to believe that He is coming for His church any day now. For whatever reason, God has kept us in suspense for that specific day or hour; something I believe we need to realize if we are going to be ready and prepared for, without warning.
  If you are interested, the oil that is in those lamps could be expectation or anticipation...

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:28-31)

 

"The Third Song"

"As for you, Jerusalem, the citadel of God's people, your royal might and power will come back to you again. The kingship will be restored to my precious Jerusalem." (Micah 4:8 NLT)

  Summing up this Second Song is like trying the explain what might have went wrong to the end of a very difficult trial; it is just that, now we move on! Seriously, this is more that just a group of songs, six of them in all; it is about what we have been given in this relationship with a God that loves us, every last bit of us; from the very least, to the greatest, He has nothing but love for you, no matter what you have done or what you might currently think of Him.
  There are many ways to pretend that we do not need to be fixed; whether you are filthy rich, or you are content to be homeless, every single one of us are going to die. What matters the most, is where death takes you! Sure, you can also pretend that there is nothing after death; as many people are so accustom to do, and as many have done since the very beginning. Oddly enough, after the fall, Adam named his wife Eve, which means, "Mother of All Living." Not saying that to debate whether or not they died, because the Bible clearly says that they lived for so many years, and then they died; but to be sure where their soul went after, or even if there is a soul to be taken, we simply wait and see!
  Talk about a wrong end you might have waiting; any trial you might have now, might not look so bad after all; then again, it really does not need to come to that, if you simply put your trust in a God that actually loves you! What does it hurt? If you are looking for peace, there is more peace than you will ever need; if you are looking for joy, His joy is more real than any happiness this world could ever supply. And, if it is love that you long for, His love is unconditional and everlasting; love so big and vast, it is easy to get lost in it and never want to be found.
  As for this, "Young Women of Jerusalem," and what they might represent; they are not exactly good or bad, neither are they a friend or foe; a lot like religion might be, more like the law might have been; and maybe, just maybe, a little like death and dying will become. Then again, what do I know, I'm just trying to pass the time and waiting to see how it all turns out...

"But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness." (Romans 2:5-8) NLT 

"Hesitation"

"I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor wake my love, till he please." (S.O.S. 3:5)

  Not so fast, is the indication that I see; as it so happens, as the wind blows; a whirlwind of sorts, that is more than the average person can lay hold of, and without any handles to grab hold, or slow it down. And still, it might be a dream? Why not; if it has no way to slow it down, no stops or levers to make the dream sequence controlled or stand still, then that makes perfect sense.
  As much as I might like to, I cannot cleanse myself; no matter how hard I try, no matter how many times I repent; it is only by surrendering my life to Christ Jesus and making Him Lord, then and only then, will this uncontrollable ride make any sense! To put this in a little better perspective: We must not wait to get our life to be right, as if there are some issues or things we need to take care of before we are worthy or prepared to serve or be used by God; it isn't going to work, because there is only one way to slow that whirlwind down, and that is to simply jump inside and enjoy the ride!
  I know that this might be a little strange, a little out of sorts; but the point is not that we are ever going to be prepared or groomed for what God has prepared or groomed us for; it just doesn't work that way. If you come expecting a certain outcome or a prescribed journey, then you are going to be greatly displeased and discouraged. Any time we think that we have it all figured out or under control, we find out rather quickly, we are merely an empty pot of clay, needing to be filled!
  As I mentioned before, God's grace is overwhelming! Just as that mother eagle gets her young to fly, it requires us to be pushed out of the nest, to be forced into the dive, and to simply spread our wings...

"Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are." (Romans 3:19-20) NLT 

"El Elefante!" -dos

"It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me." (S.O.S. 3:4)

  I must admit, this is much harder than I imagined it would be. If we are looking for something that is easy, as if Jesus meant His yoke spoke to our yoke, then we are barking up the wrong tree; our yoke is hard, it is hard because it is ours, has always been ours, and it does nothing to make us feel safe or free. God's way is not our ways! If we are looking for the way to be made whole, then we have somehow missed the introduction; that announcement to the all the other guest, Meet the new man, born of God's Spirit!
  There is just so much of this that we can do on our own: Holding unto Jesus is by far the most important task that we have to do! Don't let go; keep on looking, finding, grabbing hold of, and taking Him with you, wherever you go! If I had to put a face to this elephant, it would be that of unbelief; not that we do not believe God can do something, has done something, or will do something; but that it is free, that I do not have to work for it, to make it happen, and that it is that simple, to simply believe!
  I'm sorry if this is a little bit unorthodox and not what you expected; but if there is one thing that I see lacking in my life, as well as in the churches today, it is the expectation that God still does things unexpected and out of the ordinary. If it is not normal, then it is not of God! Since when did we start limiting the power and the creativity of God?
  Where this matters the most, is not in ministry or in the physical or even in life; it is in our heart and in our mind that we must be changed; and it will not happen, but by His Spirit! We will not will it to happen; we cannot work at it, to somehow create the disciple enough to overcome, or even change our habits and our desires: it is 110% God that is going to change us! If you do not get that, or know that by now, you need to go back to square one: Rinse and Repeat...

"I have discovered this principle of life -that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." (Romans 7:21- 8:2) NLT   

"El Elefante!"

"It was but a little that passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me." (S.O.S. 3:4)

  Oh, if only there were some way to take back or rewrite some of what we do and say; I can only look forward to that being the experience we get to experience in Heaven, when every tear is washed away and we are able to express our love for God without anything creepy in to distract our worship and freedom we are truly able to know, once and for all! Until then, there are some things that are going to be heavy burdens, those things we carry around and moan over, time and time again.
  As for this elephant thing, that which is very small, but oh so big; you can make of it what you will, but the way I see it, it is conceived in us somewhere along this journey; it is very small because it is very hard to find; it is very big, because it causes much destruction and hindrance in our lives. In the whole, or hole, whatever it is that you are aiming at, it is totally and completely a product of our old nature taking or making a nest within the new creature in Christ.
  Without getting too carried away, as I usually have a tendency to speak out of turn, let me remind any of you that do not know, Solomon was chosen by God! To be, or not to be, whatever he was, or was meant to be, God chose him to be; which included everything he was, the good, the bad, and the ugly! That might be hard for some to swallow, but be that at is may, swallow it and digest it, because it is what it is, a fact! Was he the greatest example of a king? No, but he was the greatest example of Solomon, the man that God appointed for such a time as that, to be that which he was, and all of that which God allowed him to be!
  This is how it works; because in this life, there is none that is worthy or born free from the curse; except One, the Son of God; born of a virgin; THE KING of all KINGS! I hope you believe that, because it is of major importance! If, for some reason it is a problem for you to conceive, then it is probably something that you need to deal with, like right away! You don't have much time to make up your mind!
  This is the kind of elephant we must deal with, because that little thing is, is really a pretty big thing! More to come; to that, I am sure: "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7) It is just a little thing, but it has a very big trunk, of junk...

"There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps doing what is evil -for the Jew first and also the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good -for the Jew first and also the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:9-11) NLT

"Self-Discipline" -2

"The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?" (S.O.S. 3:3)

  Where is this city? Who are the watchmen? Interesting questions, but it is important that we see the context of what I believe Solomon felt when he wrote this, because it is extremely important for us to understand where this strange encounter is taking place. As to the weird question about Abel's offering, as it is referred to, and what inspired or compelled him to offer the firstling of his flock; the difference between the two is that of a spiritual need; as one comes needed to be cleansed, while the other comes to be blessed.
  As much as I imagine that it was myself who came to God, it is more than foolishness to believe I could do anything on my own. Left to my own devices, my life was spinning around in circles and had no clue what or who I needed to guide me; let alone, to know that I somehow needed to be saved! And if I did think I needed to be saved, what was it I though that I might need to be saved from?
  In the long and short of this, there is nothing any of have to offer unto God; nothing we have to show Him our commitment and our loyalty; and nothing that we have to increase His love for us, or even make Him change His mind over our situations. If you want to get right down to it, He is the one that offers everything to us: He offers us salvation, His mercy, His grace, and His abundant love; we are the recipient of everything, nothing we have is ours, but sin and sinfulness!
  Believe or not, but even our love, our superficial love, is based upon this or that, and is just what it means, on the surface: it can be put on and taken off as easy as changing your clothes! If we want to know real love, it is only through Him that we can experience what that love even begins to look like, because everything else is love that has no permanence!
  As far as this title goes, I think by now you might understand, self-discipline is almost as useless as anything else we might try to bring to the table! If you think that you have achieved what it takes, How is that been working out for you? You got all of those commandments handled and are you staying in line? Good for you, if you are; but I think there might still be one: Covet is to want something that is not really yours: Any guesses as to what that might be?
  Jesus spoke of this condition, I believe He refereed to it as jealousy, saying, "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:15-16) It is not all that hard to understand: we are blessed to just be part, to do our part, and to be loved despite the part that of us that is unlovable! Knowing that is the part that helps us enter His rest, which is where we need nothing, but Jesus!
  As incredible as it might seem, those watchmen are a distraction; as much of a distraction as it is for us to pretend that we have what it takes; because that city is the world: and the world offers nothing even close to what we need: Not even close...

"But now God has shown us a new way to be right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." (Romans 3:21-22) NLT

"Self-Discipline"

"The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?" (S.O.S. 3:3)

  Okay, so I guess we have some things to start talking about, as it is getting rather interesting. First of all, let me share some of my midnight madness, as much as I might be able; (again, no pun intended.) As I touched upon before, jealousy is a form of coveting, and to covet, whether you know realize it or not, is a gateway sin; it literally opens the door for us to dwell upon and plan things in our hearts, as well as opening our hearts towards hatred, abomination, and detestation against others, and even God.
  When we pretend that there is nothing wrong with us, and it is not up to us to change or be better, then there is where we become hardened and can totally loose control of any sense of logic or even compromise in understanding. This is not just a simple issue to solve, because the root is already been established; it can be cut down to a manageable or controllable size, but like a swatting tiger, it is always ready to be released.
  Please forgive me for my madness, but I feel as though I have been on a journey through several thousands of years of history all night long; beginning with the origin of sin, and the questions of why or how it gets so out of control. It is pretty obvious that the devil is called the serpent for a reason, but why it is that he does not need to stick around, that is the part that we need to understand. Once he gets us fixated upon something, we seem to have some mysterious ability to complete the task we started on our own.
  Right about now, you are probably wondering what in the world this has anything to do with what is being said within the context of this verse; as I too am beginning to wonder; but, oh my goodness, if we could only realize the power, wonder-working power we have been given to resist evil; to not give in to the temptation and to not dwell upon the sin. Such needless shame we bare! Did it ever dawn on anyone that maybe Able felt as though he needed a little cleansing, a little blood to wash away his sin? Please, pardon my departure...

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God." (Romans 3:10-11) 

"Take a Step" -Two

"I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not." (S.O.S. 3:2)

  Just a word of encouragement for any that might be seekers: Don't stop seeking, ever! Even when you do find the answer, the seeking does not stop there, because now it is time to seek out those to share the answer with!
  As to whether he hides His face, just so you know, it is not hiding; His Light is always just as it always is, but there are things that get in the way. We might not see His face, because He also can hide His face by allowing us to place something else in the way; you might not even realize that it is happening, because we tend to ignore the "elephant in the room," as if it is not really all that big of a deal.
  Pastor Bryan didn't get a chance to share something yesterday day because it started to rain, but one of the sins Jesus did not speak to the Rich Young Ruler about in, Matthew 19:18-19, was coveting. I am pretty sure it was going to come up, because it is the one sin we so often forget about, as if there is no harm and no foul in just wishing or longing for something that belongs to someone else. But the thing about what happens when we covet, it is opening the door to sin: It is in and of itself, a gateway sin! 
  Case in point, is Cain and his act of murdering his brother: he would not have hated his brother as he did, had he not coveted his brother's relationship with God and wished he had the same, but on his own terms! We can never ever think we know what is going on in someone else; what it is that they do and how they might deal with it, or even if it is something that they have concern over. Cain would have not been concerned about it, had it not bothered him in the first place; but it did, and because it did, he should have taken it up with God!
  Something I am very convinced on, that when we take a step towards Him, He will take two steps in our direction! Don't even think what you might be thinking, because it is not what you think. God is Light: and because He illuminates His Light, the ugliness in us gets brighter, to us. As strange as that might sound, it is what makes us feel further away from Him...

"Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (Romans 13:13-14) NLT

"Take a Step"

"I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but found him not." (S.O.S. 3:2)

  This might seem like something most ordinary people might do; you cannot find the one you love, so you go out into the night and try to find them. Interesting enough, this is more spiritual than it might appear. To see what I believe that the writer is saying, this is something that requires some effort, because you are not going to find Him in "the broad ways."
  Case in point, one thing that Jesus meant when He said to the woman at the well, "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews," was that worshipping God was not about a particular place. In other words, you do not pretend that God is over here or there, or that He has any sort of limits to where He might be found. Doing so, is more than foolish, it is a lie; something that the devil uses to trick our minds into thinking that we can get away with something, or do anything without God's knowledge.
  Let me clarify something right now: I am not so good at saying what I should; I know what to say, I just don't know sometimes how to say it. That said, there is a place where we should go, but it is not going to be a place that does not require us to step out into His light and to be exposed. When you are ready to actually worship God, you must come to Him with your life wide open and exposed; the broad ways are not going to cut it; you need to narrow it down to the absolute truth!
  You know, there is really something else this speaks into my heart about now, as I assume you also feel it has just spoken to you. When you hear the message that pricks your heart, don't pretend that it is something that is meant for somebody else; that is not being honest before Him, and you're not going to get anywhere with Him thinking like that!
  That is pretty much what Jesus meant, because anything that the Jews might have heard, if they thought it was from God, they assumed it was meant for them to listen, because they believed it was they that had the relationship with God. If you don't know by know, true worship requires that we come expecting God to show up and say something; whether you are singing, praying, or listening to a message, you are expecting that God is there with you! At least I hope you know that by now...

"This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shinning armor of right living." (Romans 13:11-12) NLT

"PEEK-A-BOO" - YOU

"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not." (S.O.S. 3:1)

  Just to clear the air, there are so many things that need to be said about that elephant in the room; first of which, is the fact that it is very small, yet amazingly big! Secondly, the thing that makes us less than what we are; something I hate to think about, but it must be dealt with, none the less. Faith, in and of itself, is only as good and as powerful as what you place your faith in, into, or upon; as strange as it might seem at times, He is always there, yet we sometimes fail to connect.
  The bed thing is pretty much the biggest clue, because when we go to bed, we usually expect to have something happen; as for example, I go to bed to go to sleep; most of the times I get to, but the deepest sleep I get is just before it is time to wake up. The other clue is night, as it is the time of many things that are opposite of day; which is and is not a cycle; which I guess depends upon a persons particular habits or hang-ups.
  Either way, these are the things we establish within our faith, faith in what we establish that God is, and how it is that we are to Him. Without getting to deep into that rabbit hole, I will simply say that our faith in God is something that must not be limited to what we are, what we can actually touch*, or what we can comprehend. That said, I believe that is where I see this "bed" thing is more really about what we expect, not just where we expect something to happen. Something that I expect we will uncover in a few more verses. (No pun intended.)
  Other than that, the "night" is more about darkness, something of fogginess, if you will; a time of doubt, or times of feeling very very alone. All of which are connected by faith, but with or without Him being found, our faith needs to be secure enough to believe that He is still there. Which is why He has given us His Word! I cannot over express the importance of God's Word! We must be a person that not only cherishes the Word, but that wants to get deeper and deeper into it, wanting to touch Him and to be touched by Him, all by the power of His Word.
  As to something that is sure, what is it that we have at our disposal that we can hold onto; what we can touch, and what we can dive into...

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing, by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

"PEEK-A-BOO"

"By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but found him not." (S.O.S. 3:1)

  Okay, don't be alarmed by this, but this is the title of today's message that I believe I heard God say; and then I did something I almost always do, I looked up the definition, and came up with this little ditty: "Peek-A-Boo is a game that helps develop object permanence, which is part of early learning. Object permanence is an understanding that objects and events continue to exist, even when they cannot directly be seen, heard, or touched. Most infants develop this concept between 6 months and a year old. If object permanence hasn't been developed, it will be "out of sight, out of mind" with any person or thing that is removed from the baby's vision."
  That shared, I do not believe that we are ever alone; even in our darkest and most unmentionable moments, God is more that capable of somehow still being present, in some way or another: this is what you might call, Being Omnipresent, which means that God is present everywhere at the same time. It might not be what you want to think about while you are being naughty, but it is a fact that you must come to terms with, if you are really expecting God to hear you in your time of need.
  To better see this fact, check out Ezekiel 8, because there is absolutely nothing we can do or say, or even think, that is hidden from God's sight! And yet, God loves us, even still! As a matter of fact, I am under the opinion, assumption, or illusion, that God looks for and expects only one thing from His children: to walk in faith, believing that He loves them! Nothing else really matters; not that stupid thing that you do; not even, believe it or not, not trusting Him; which is of itself a form of lacking faith. But that's probably the most wonderful thing about God's love, is that He overlooks that lack of faith, but focuses upon the small little seed of faith that is hidden deep inside of our hearts!
  I would like to take a moment to address something, something that we might call, the elephant in the room. It is first witnessed in the Garden, as the serpent is asking Eve, "Yea, hath God said, Ye, shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" I think the NLT gives it a little clearer meaning, because the question is not based upon what God said, but what He really meant by what He said: "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?" (Genesis 3:1b NLT)
  It is really not a question of whether or not we misunderstand what God says, it is more a question of our ability to believe what He says is sure, is it really sure! Does it continue to exist, or is it just a thing we can somehow control, like flipping a switch. I am one of these crazy Christians that love to wash myself several times a day; at least twice, but more like twenty; and just like that instruction on the side of the bottle, meant to gain the product maker higher revenue, we must rinse and repeat...

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone that believes -the Jew first and the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." (Romans 1:16-17) NLT

"Young Woman"

"One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover. I yearned for him, but he did not come. So I said to myself, "I will get up and roam the city, searching in all the streets and squares. I will search for the one I love." The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds, and I asked, "Have you seen the one I love?" Then scarcely had I left them when I found my love! I caught and held him tightly, then I brought him to my mother's house, into my mother's bed, where I had been conceived. Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." (S.O.S. 3:1-5 NLT)

  A little reminder, that chapters are much like turning a page, or opening of new direction or time of sequence or event. As one might wonder, is this just a dream, or did all of this really happen? So too, is the case in the lives of most every believer: Did I or did I not? Was it imagined, or did not He really change my heart?
  The characters that we see within this portion of Scripture have several different meanings; as it is, even the night is a character, as is the bed, and the city. Maybe a lot like, "Alice in Wonderland," if you will, where even the inanimate objects were alive and had the ability to help or hurt you. As weird as that might sound, but this is more real and more concerning than you might otherwise know.
  As to the point of not finding her lover, which is neither here nor there; the point is more about where she is at and not where He might be found! Jesus clearly said, "and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20b) It is certain that He is always, as He said; but to be perfectly honest, He is not always welcomed or asked to be around, not always, anyways! Depending upon our mood or what we might be busy with, it might be apparent that He would not stick around; and even if He was, knowing that He was, would most assuredly change your situation and your mood. Just saying...

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead in sin, live any longer longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him be baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:1-4) 

"Chapter Three"

THE SONG OF SONGS (Chapter Three)
"With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness." (Isaiah 26:9)

  I thought it might be right to bring this little bit of insight to the forefront of the conversation; not that we all have anything to fear, because the Lord is always near! As it is, we have His Spirit alive in us, regardless of when and where we find ourselves, He never leaves or stops watching over us.
  This is the time of definition; a period of soul searching, if you will, where the soul reaches out, as much as it can reach, to find a connection that makes it feel empowered and longing for rescue. As Matthew Henry says it, closing out Chapter Two: "She begs that he would not only turn to her for the present, but hasten his coming to fetch her to himself. "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus, Come Quickly. Though there be mountains in the way, thou canst, like a roe, or a young hart, step over them with ease. O show thyself to me, or take me up to thee.'"
  Regardless of how you might feel about everything that is going on in this world, you have to know and be convinced, that God is in control. Even though there might be heartache and destruction, this is not at all anything that is able to harm His church; even though the churches might be stricken by this world, the world, nor all the powers of hell, cannot destroy His church!
  Which reminds me of something I heard the other day, as a dear sister called and asked Pastor Mike what he thought about her making a Rapture Box. What a wonderful idea! Not only does it help us to prepare our hearts, but we get to leave something behind for those we love that might be left! Hopefully, it is not a box we prepare for ourselves; but just in case it is, I am sure it will be put to good use; especially once we see what the wrath of God looks like in person!
  Seriously, there is no doubt we are living in the last days. May I give you a little advice, if you are interested in doing a Rapture Box: don't address it to anyone in particular, simple state it is for those you love and care about, leaving it in general and open to anyone that might open it, or want to open it. You might include a little note, Open in case of my departure, or In case of my departure, Open this box! Even so, come Lord Jesus, come quickly...

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our leaning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

"Swept Away!"

"Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether." (S.O.S. 2:17)

  If you are familiar with the message about the covenant that God made with Abraham, then you are no doubt familiar with the place where that covenant was signed, and how it was signed. As I was thinking about this, it dawned on me how hard it is to love God with everything that is within me. Don't ask me why or what this might have to do with that; except that we have the tendency to want what we want, even though it is not what God might want for us.
  The basic premise is that of us letting God have His way in us, regardless of what we need or what we think we need, that His way is always best, even if it might seem the hardest. Not that this is all that there is to it; because, if you know how the covenant was signed, then you understand that the only one who signed it was God!
  The hardest part of this covenant we have entered into has been taken care of, because He has taken the part of our side of the agreement upon Himself! This is about that time when shock and awe are made part of the covenant; we have a part, and that is pretty much what it is: to be swept away be this amazing God of ours, who commands so much love, and yet gives us more of His love than we can ever even pretend to give back!
  You might be familiar with the term, "Come hell or high water," this is pretty much that term, but it has a twist; the twist being that it is God who carries out what must be done; and it is done "Come hell or high water." Be that as it may, this is what we must hope for and long for; making His will for our lives our priority, even if it might hurt a little or a lot; in spite of and difficulties or problems, we trust that God will get us through any and all of it, because He loves us!
  I think you can see what it means to fear God, because it surely does not mean to be afraid of Him! It is a lot like when Jesus said, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26) What it means to us, if we are not doing the work or putting forth the effort, then what is left is nothing but surrender...

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." (Romans 13:12) 

"Possession and Tenure" -Too

"My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies." (S.O.S. 2:16)

  As far as the church is concerned, we are all "the lilies" which He feeds among, literally, that means that He takes pleasure walking among His church. As Matthew Henry reminds us, "for he walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks." (Revelation 2:1) We should not feel any less important in the least as we consider ourselves as a member of the Body of Christ; it is more about us having a place based upon what He has made us to be, than us being who we are; which we will be fully aware of, once we are all gathered together in Heaven.
  Which reminds me of something I discovered when I was first born again: the church was a place where I felt fulfilled and where I belonged. It is where, I discovered unity and being a part of something much bigger than myself. We must realize how important it is to be part of the Body, because the lesser is no less than the greater, and every member is just as important as another. It is nice to be part of something that has something in common!
  Besides that, the "lilies" also speak of instruments made for worship or music. Whether we know it or not, we were created to worship God! We might not understand what that actually means, but it is a lot like the word "reverence" that Paul uses to express how the wife is to "reverence her husband." (Ephesians 5:33) It is a word that refers to someone that is struck with amazement, or of those that are struck by strange sights or occurrences; not exactly what you thought, but none the less, what you were created for, to be in awe of God!
  Don't loose that! Because it is what happens to us each and every time we realize how much He loves us; with all of our failures and iniquities, He loves us still, all the same! Be so very thankful  that you are part of such a diverse group that all have one basic thing is common: He is ours, and we are His: and He feeds among the Lilies...

"Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:5-11) NLT

"Possession and Tenure"

"My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies." (S.O.S. 2:16)

  There is something else we must come to understand, something that we must accept and make it our own: this is all His doing! Yes, I know, we cannot totally understand that, not yet; it is beyond our comprehension to understand, and just when we think that we do, our pride gets in the way of ability to completely accept it, let alone make it our own.
  How is your love for Him made sure? I know we are convinced that He loves us; us meaning the lost and sinners worldwide. But when it comes to us as individuals, what is it that makes us know He loves us for sure? Understandably, that is a question we can only figure out on our own; but there are some basic principles that are able to convince us one way or another.
  If you can say without a doubt that you know Him, that is a pretty good start; but it is not enough to fortify your relationship: the demons know Him also, and tremble, (James 2:19,) so it is not all that big of a deal to say knowing Him makes all the difference in the world.
  If you can practice doing certain things that prove that you are His, that too will get you noticed; but if it does not involve love, it is all for nothing and does not prove anything. To be perfectly honest, if we do anything to prove something, then it is something we are not really sure of; because love does not need to be proven, it just is and it remains!
  I know this might seem a little odd, but there is something else we need to focus upon other than our selves; as a matter of fact, the more we study ourselves and our actions, the more we will end up doubting who we are and what we are even capable of doing for Him. If we are really serious about finding out about our love for Him, then we need to put all of our focus upon His love for us...

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:31-34)

"Young Woman"

"My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies. Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, return to me, my love, like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains." (S.O.S. 2:16-17 NLT)

  So, as if this couldn't get any better, we have something of a riddle, if that is what you like; it is just a little thing to ponder, asking yourself, as Charles Spurgeon suggested: "Which is the greater miracle -that he should be mine, or that I should be his?"
  David Guzik mentions in his commentary, more than once, that Charles Spurgeon preached eight sermons on these two verses. There is quite a lot to look at, but I don't think I will be spending a week or so here; but, then again, that is really not my choice to make. Wouldn't you agree? I have got to admit, I would love to get a little taste of what Spurgeon had, that taste he received that didn't go away and seemed to continue to be added with flavor. I have heard it said over and over, that cows have four stomachs; which is why they take so long to eat what they chew; or maybe it's that they take too long to chew what they eat. No matter, it seems like a lot to chew!
  My hope is to be able to get as much as I possibly can from this, whatever that might be, it is not about quantity, but about the quality of what is being said. Does it work for today? Is it going to be enough to make a difference? Can I use it to further my relationship with Christ? These kind of questions and more, those are the things we need to prepare our hearts for, and they should be what we expect to happen!
  I cannot begin to tell you the number of times I have began to hear a message with an expectant heart, and got more than I expected. I remember one such message, one that I will never forget. I was dealing with a little financial issue, and it was a Saturday Men's Conference in San Jose. I was really needing God to take my mind off of my financial problem and put it on Him; and I prayed that He would speak load and clear into my heart. Pastor Damien told us to turn to open our Bibles and turn to a certain Scripture, and no sooner than I turned there, he began to read, and I was undone!
  Talk about being expectant, I could hardly contain my composure. It was not what was said that did that to me, it was how I accepted it into my heart. If you believe that this is God's Word, then make it His words being spoken into your heart, and own them as your very own. He never changes, and neither does His Word...

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." (Romans 8:29-30)

"Religiosity" -2

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." (S.O.S. 2:15)

  To tell the story, we must make it His! Plain and simple, there is no other way; yet that is what is so often missing from religion, it becomes more about us and less about Him. To make this something easier to comprehend, Matthew Henry has a few little examples of what these "little foxes" might be. The first of which is little things that "are an obstruction and prejudice to the interests of his kingdom in this world and in the heart." As he describes them: "though they are little, they do great mischief."
  In our personal lives, "those sins that seem little, for they often prove very dangerous." In the lives of the church, "to oppose and prevent the spreading of all such opinions and practices as tend to corrupt men's judgments, debauch their consciences, perplex their minds, and discourage their inclinations to virtue and piety."
  Without getting too carried away, there is no better way to say this, than to simply point to Jesus in every single matter of our faith! In Him is everything, and without Him we are nothing, can do nothing, and we are all about nothing, without Him! That is not me being critical, because it starts with a very little assumption, whether we are talking as an individual, or as a church, that we are somehow in control; as if the Lord has handed us the wheel, and given us the right to fly this thing on our own!
  That is pretty much the trap of religion: it starts out with very little changes in direction, that ends up becoming way off the mark as time goes on. That is all it takes! Just move the wheel ten degrees, and before you know it, you are totally up-side-down and headed into a state of destruction. Wake Up! Is the call from above to all that sleep the sleep of death!
  Don't ask me where that came from, because I think I might have had something rub off on me; or maybe I just needed little jolt or a tug, as smooth sailing usually requires...

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet preadventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)   

"Religiosity"

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." (S.O.S. 2:15)

  It just so happens, this is the only verse within this Book that I have highlighted in my Bible. Not quite sure when this was done, or why; but if I had to pick a time, it would have been between January 22nd and February 2nd of 1989; which was when I first wrote some important messages to myself at the beginning of this Bible. It was also the same time I was reading the book, Counter Attack, because I also referenced, "Polar Bear Alert, " within the note on January 22nd.
  For those that might not know what that means, it is a term Jay Carty uses to reference the verse from 2 Corinthians 10:5, which says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (NIV) I usually don't make it a habit of quoting the NIV, but it just seemed to fit. It fits because it uses "We" in reference to the fact that there is more than one of us, meaning that we must depend upon the Holy Spirit that lives within us in order to get things done!
  Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Helper, or Comforter, which is to be the way for us to overcome temptations and to find peace in times of utter hopelessness. Believe it or not, but things just are not going to be perfect all of the time; just in case you have not figured that out. But, we have something that the world does not even understand, because they cannot even begin to realize where it comes from; because it is not of this world!
  There's the rub...

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5)

"Young Women of Jerusalem"

"Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" (S.O.S. 2:15 NLT)

  As much as I hate to say it, but this might be the most mysterious thing I have ever heard; it is either something that is meant to be paid close attention to, or something that is to be ignored. Depending on who it might be that is talking, it can be a word of warning, or, as some might assume, a little encouragement to the relationship, to blossom together, not keeping secrets or failing to share any fears and doubts that might be in their hearts.
  If you are inclined to read this as a story of two people in love, then there are certain things that are not shared in the early stages of relationships. It might be unfortunate, but there are certain things that go unshared that are certain to complicate things later on; call those things baggage or family history, whatever you like to assume this might be, it is something that must be dealt with before a love is given a foundation; or in this case, a vineyard.
  The New King James attributes this voice to the maiden's brothers; while others, to the maiden herself. The New Living Translation makes this out to be the Young Women of Jerusalem; and you might all know by now, I have my doubts as to their motivation, whether they are for the relationship or whether they might want to harm it. One thing I know, man's heart is selfish and is always looking for the easy way in or out of everything, whether we are talking about relationships or just certain situations or circumstances, we always look for the easiest way to get our own way.
  If we are honest, the sins we don't want to give away are always the sins that we like; not that this is something the relates, but it is something of interest. Another thing I have learned over the years, it that we must teach ourselves to sin. Not that we need any help sinning, but to do it in a way that might make it okay, that is something we must work at doing; and the more we practice it, the easier it gets.
  As I said in the beginning, there will be many times to revisit certain Scriptures; as it is in any relationship, the strongest relationships are always based upon the beginning, the first love, if you will; that which sparked the relationship and that which first pierced our stony heart...

"For I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes -the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" (Romans 1:16-17) NLT

"He Gives Me Shelter!" -2

"O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely." (S.O.S 2:14)
 
  Just so you know, this is totally and completely new to me; not that I have not studied the Bible or taught Scripture before, because I have; but this is something I have wanted to do for a very long time: to explore a Book of the Bible that is filled with controversy and substance to stretch the imagination and the mind. Matthew Henry is a very good source for this, as he seems to stay focused upon the spiritual applications; something I believe many current teachers tend to stay away from, as it might offend or cause some in their churches to become uneasy.
  Which reminds me, "Religion Does Not Save Us!" Which were the spoken words uttered by Pastor John during his message Sunday morning; which he should have repeated and reinforced, just in case they did not hear it the first time. How easily we forget, but that first day was not based upon any sort of prayer, it was based upon an encounter; something you cannot get from reciting a prayer or taking part in any sort of ritual or religious experience.
  I was reminded of this certain thing this morning, and I became certain that it was so! Religion tries to tell you whether or not you are saved, whether or not you are worthy enough to be saved; if any thing is further from the truth, it is the thought we can be made right by doing anything! There is nothing that makes us right with God, other than the blood us Jesus Christ! So there, I said it; if you have any sort of problem with that, then take your case to God; see how that works out, because you will not be very happy with your results!
  I can't begin to tell you the amount of times I have heard the argument, "What about those that have never heard the Gospel? Are you saying they will go to hell?" If you, that means You, have heard the Gospel Message, then it is on you to make your choice: God is just, but just because you think that there might be someone else that has not heard, does not give you the right to pretend that you did not hear! You cannot unhear something; it's not even a word!
  We must believe that God loves us! That is the bottom line of all that this relationship is based upon; to know that He loves us and to accept His love with open arms and thanksgiving! No matter what you have done, no matter how much you cannot feel worthy enough to come to Him, you have got to see that His love for you is real and is freely given. It is that, and that alone which will give us shelter: to know that He loves us, that is the most powerful Rock that there is; there is no Other! If God could make a Rock so big that He could not move, then that would be the One...

"No power in the sky above or in the earth below -indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39) NLT

"He Gives Me Shelter!"

"O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely." (S.O.S. 2:14)

  The verse that comes to mind is Matthew 16:18, where Jesus declares, "That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." As many will try to say, Peter was the rock Jesus was referring to; but as many of us know, it was not the man, but what was said, why it was said, and how important what was said is; that that is the ultimate power of heaven, manifested in the flesh, to save all mankind, and defeat the powers of darkness forevermore!
  You can see it any way you like, but the way I see this, this is exactly the kind of attitude we should have to enter into God's presence: We should be as a the mourning dove, hiding for the shame and the bitterness of our iniquities, on so many levels; yet, in this state of feeling discouraged and afraid, He calls us out into the open and covers us with His light; His light that reflects off of His dove, an object now of spender and beauty. This is what it is like to come to the cross, where we lay down every sin; giving Him the right to wash us; not just our feet, but every single bit of us, from the inside out!
  Where ever you are in your life, this is the most important thing we can do; whether we are high on the mountain top, or in the lowest valley, this is where our Shelter is found! I wish I could say that the mountain tops were the easiest places to find Shelter, but those usually are not! Instead, it is on those mountain tops where we are most likely to create our own sort of shelter; something that makes us a little more sure of ourselves.
  This was part of a message yesterday at church, as Pastor John shared about how Peter thought that they ought to build three tabernacles there on the mountain where Jesus was "transfigured." This is what we do, as we try and hold onto the moment, trying to take that which is supernatural and of God, to somehow make it something that we can use on our own, whenever we feel we might need to use it.
  Oddly enough, it was Christ that was "transfigured" before them; whether it was their ability to see Him, or it was His ability to be change, it was still He that caused it to happen! Only Christ can change us, no matter when and where we are, it is only He that can change us; only He can call us out of the darkness and into the Light...

"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God be for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one -for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one- for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us." (Romans 8:31-34) NLT

"Young Man"

"My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely." (S.O.S. 2:14 NLT)

  Not to rain on anyone's parade, but there are some that still believe this is the Young Woman here, and that she is still day dreaming about her king; that he sees her and then calls her out from hiding. It is very possible in a strange sort of way, as there could be a little intimidation present in the way she might feel; after all, he is the richest man in the world, and his fame is known throughout all the kingdoms of the world; so why would she not hide herself, after all, it's only a dream!
  Be that as it my, this is beyond mere relationships that are expressed among two people in love; this goes beyond the simple dream that is easily explained as such, that does not count as much. If there is any hope for the hopeless, or any chance for the faithless, then there must be more to this love than the what we are capable of bringing!
  I heard Pastor Jon share about this place in heaven, a place where there was an inner court and an outer court. I am pretty sure that I have shared on this before; but it has been several years ago, so forgive me if I do not give it any justice. The bottom line to his message was about the difference between those that serve the Lord, and those that serve themselves here on earth; that in heaven there is a inner court for those that served the Lord here, where they are serving the Lord in heaven; and the outer court, for those themselves here, and where they serve others in heaven.
  There is no real proof on this, at least none that is that explicit; but there is more to God's love and those that receive it, than just a single thin line of whatever whoever says about it. There are way too many examples of failure and outright rebellion in the lives of too many in the "Cloud of Witnesses" for there not to be room enough, in whatever God has built for all His children; including those that might have squandered their inheritance.
  By the way, in case you might come to some sort of a surprise: them showing off here, is God's opportunity to show them off in heaven. Just saying...

"Who are you to condemn someone else's servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord's help, they will stand and receive his approval." (Romans 14:4) NLT 

"Covenant of Life"

"The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." (S.O.S. 2:13)

  A small issue arises, or should I say, needs to be dealt with; to some of us, this is the point of the journey where we weight the known and the unknown parts of the covenant; because the grace is pretty easy to understand, and the love is pretty powerful, but the life, Where is it? This New Life thing, it has breath and it has motion, but where is it going and what happens when it ripens?
  First of all, you have to realize that this has been the Young Woman speaking for these last 11 verses, 5 of which were the end of the First Song, 6 of which are the beginning of this Second Song; all of which are about coming to terms with this new experience and new identity she has been given. No longer considered blackened by the sun, or a slave to her mother's children, she is feeling the tug of what Newness brings; because it is not something that pushes you out, but it draws you in; as some in the know might say, "cattle are driven, but sheep are led!"
  Unlike this present life, filled with uncertainty and mischief, the life in Christ is certain and is filled with comfort; that is, sorry to say, if you have faith enough to believe that it is so. We are always just as close or far as we think we are from the certainty and comfort that we have available to us; because it is never gone, but it is always unreachable. That is the whole point of faith and why faith is never used up or seems to grow old; it gets stronger and stronger the more we put it to work!
  To put this into something easier to understand, we take a closer look at the, "Wedding Garment," the one that is given freely, but must be put on: It requires us to put it on, or it is totally useless and causes us to loose our invitation to the Wedding Party! Are we talking about salvation? I am pretty sure that we are talking about Life! Real Life, which is the life we gain in Christ; that is a Life not of this world and not connected to this worldly principle of uncertainty and mischief!
  This is about a New Life, and this New Life requires New Clothes.,.

"The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (Romans 13:12-14) NLT