"We love each other because He loved us first." 1 John 4:19
My Take Aways
Something Old:
God is the lover of my soul. He pursues me. He loved me first. He chose me.
Something New:
Some commentaries disagree on the writer of Song of Solomon.
Something to Do:
Yield to God's pursuit of me.
27 Comments:
Good evening, Wendy. Prayers going your way as you leave to minister to the women at Camp Jacob.
It was surprising to find the entire Song of Solomon in one reading! That was tough to pick. In reading the commentary this portion caught my attention:
"Song 4:12-5:1 The Song of Solomon is a very wonderful and mystical book. Many people in reading it see nothing more than an erotic love song and a romantic piece of literature. In reality, however, it is much more than that, for it deals with the issue of marriage -p articulary marriage between Jesus Christ our King and us, His bride. And when it is read and studied in that context, it can be tremendously impacting and very encouraging.
"....Do you know what tickles my heart and makes me smile as I read through this book? Never once does the king say to his bride, You're lovely but maybe you should think about changing your hairstyle or You're lovely but you could lose a few pounds or You're lovely except for the length of your nose. No in every chapter the king affirms his bride.
This Song is Jesus speaking to you personally. He's not saying, "I'll love you if you try and do better." He's saying "I'm in love with you right now." Most of us believe that Jesus loves us generically. He has to - after all, He's Jesus and He loves everyone. But that's not the message of this book. The message of this book is that He loves us individually and is in love with us radically. Oh that we might see ourselves the way He does - washed by His blood, sanctified by His Spirit, loved, really loved by Him." (Courson, OT vol 2
Now if only I can remember that throughout the day. We are loved just the way we are. Wow.
Wendy - Thank you for unpacking this chapter for me today. I've never actually read it, and as I read it today, I enjoyed it - I love the figurative language, but I wasn't sure what to make of it or what the application is to my life, but I loved what you had to say about Jesus pursuing us and loving us first. And...Welcome to VA!! I hope you have a great weekend. I'm glad you reminded us that you don't have it all together on your vlog today. I have 4 loads of laundry that I did last weekend but never got around to folding - that may be a record! G & P - Thank you for the commentary - I enjoyed reading that as well.
Well, ladies - school's out for me!! My 4th graders graduate today, work week next week and then it's officially summer in my house. It's been such a busy week that I haven't had time to listen or read comments, but I have kept up with the Bible each morning. Hoping that I'll have more time now... I hope you all are doing well - I look forward to catching up! Have a great day!
Kate in VA
I wanted to share this song with you. As I was reading the readings this morning I noticed the words in Song of Songs 8:6,7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3spvQYlB-I&feature=related
~Theresa
Wendy, I love the picture you drew of Jesus pursuing us. I so want to be wanted!
G&P, I love your point. Isn't that how we get so off track - we forget that Jesus loves us each specifically and individually?
My last pastor said that Song of Solomon actually had two interpretations - a literal one and the more symbolic one of Jesus and the church. I think that the literal one, at least in part, is pretty straightforward, but I know there's lots more to it. I tried looking up some of the online commentaries, but honestly the old language bugs me. I understand it but don't like talking around everything - just say it already! I might see if I can get a Courson commentary from the library - I can't afford to buy one right now - but if anyone has any other insights or specific information on this book, I'd be interested! I've never read the whole thing before - I missed it last year - and I'd love to know more about Songs.
'Field trip' with the kids, a neighbor, and her grandson today, and then a picnic with friends tonight. Off to get ready!
Good morning, GIG's,
Wendy, you have spoken directly to my heart yesterday and today. And I got teary during your introduction today about "not having it all together". Life is hard, in big ways and little ways, so we do the best we can with His help and grace and peace. And we do that by staying in His word and working FIRST on our relationship with Him. Wendy, you are such a shining role model of doing just that! Thank you for helping me grow my relationship with Him. You have changed my life, because through you, He's FINALLY got me!!
Travel mercies to you, Wendy, and prayers for Him to touch all the Virginia women you will minister to this weekend.
Friends, I'll be spending the day helping The Bride cope with a weather forecast for heavy rain on Sunday that will require moving her outdoor wedding ceremony and pictures indoors, boo hoo! Short of a miracle (I can still hope) we won't be needing the lovely paper parasols I bought to shade the lady guests. I need to go out today to buy a couple of great big umbrellas. Then at ll:00, The Bride is treating me to a facial. Ahhh!
A blessed day to you all.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Good Friday morning,
The end of another week of wonderful readings and amazing insight. I was thrilled to hear you talk about Jesus pursuing us and T thank you so much for the Courson commentary. Learning that Jesus loves us for us, in the moment, individually. That is one of the greatest gifts that can be given.
Have a great day,
Mary Ann
michelle
your words brought tears to my eyes! there is nothing that i love to hear more than a person being joyous about their relationship with Jesus. knowing that i can be a small part of Jesus "finally having you" is an honor.
thanks friend.
i use the pens you gave me everyday as i write in my notebook. i think of you.
You mentioned how God pursues us with special people in our lives...A special friend invited me to join your study, and because of her invitation, at least 20 others have come to be part of this study! Thank you for being obedient to share from your heart, as you minister in so many ways, by travelling, speaking, and just being so transparent. God bless you and yours.
I remember reading this Book last year and thinking, hmm, - this Book is in the Bible for a reason – God’s inspired Words, meant for our ears, to know Him better. What wisdom can we learn from these chapters? What does it mean? There continue to be controversies or differences of opinion re: the exact meaning. I took it from a simple view though…LOVE...LOVE…and more LOVE…God is all about loving!
God’s love and passion for His people.
Jesus sacrificed for us by dying on the cross because of His love for His church.
And, then God loving us so much that he arranged for us to not to be alone. Song of Songs praises the joint love between a husband and wife; it highly esteems married love. This beautiful dream-like poem of love paint’s a picture of true love between a man and a woman as – they meet, they date, and then finally, marry. A beautiful relationship planned by our creator!
Daily, our love for our Father just keeps growing as we come to know Him better, and become more intimate with him…and as we wait with expectancy for that first glimpse of Him when He welcomes us home.
The Words to the song, T. I loved, thank you for sharing the link. “Come be the fire inside my heart.” Just thinking how much He loves us, and what He did to get us at this point that He is our focus, He is the one we live for. That is why this group is so special; we all have Jesus as our lover. He is our everything. He predestined us to be adopted as His through Jesus Christ. And, then He did not stop, until we finally got it! This makes my heart swell just thinking about it. I want my heart swelling for Him. I want to know Him more today.
Thank you, Lord for pursing me, - now I will be pursing you for the rest of my days! I’m in love with Him, Jesus…the lover of my soul!
Wendy – wishing you peace as you enjoy spreading His love this weekend.
Michelle, aaahhh rain. The weather is controlled by God. This must be a better forecast from His viewpoint. We won’t let the enemy still one moment in the next couple of days. Enjoy your facial, sweetie!
Enjoy Him today, Lori
I SO love seeing you "face to face"! Know of my prayers for God's annointing as you travel this weekend. Girl, He is using you so mightily!!!
Check in with me. I need your prayers for a new project. :)
I love you dearly!
Until God found me, I was empty and was looking for love in all the wrong places. I married my husband and it was still a selfish love. then God reached out to me and loved me as I never had been loved before. He became my Savior and the lover of my soul when I was 29.
My love for my husband and others was changed forever and I am so thankful and grateful...Now I want my children to seek after Him and look for love and satisfaction and their identity in Him...
and the phrase "not to awaken love until the time is right" stuck with me in my reading. That is what I want for them in their human relationships with their future spouses.
Grace and Peace loved the insights from the commentary.
Michelle...praying for you and all the details of the wedding this weekend! Enjoy your facial! Grace, peace and joy be with you all this weekend!
Kate, happy summer!
Amy, enjoy your field trip and picnic! Sounds like a great day.
Theresa, thank you for the song it is beautiful.
Wendy, enjoy VA and your time with the women at Camp Jacob---God be with you.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Michelle in VA
I haven’t gone into the readings or vlog or anything yet today, but I just wanted to comment about a note from yesterday.
Susie, reading about your family just tugged so much at my heart.
My son (age 23, youngest) is also struggling with alcohol. In his senior year and out of high school he chose friends that led him down the easy fun path. He also had a series of tragic deaths of friends, which made him an easy target for fear and despair. It is so hard to read proverbs, because we are living out these verses about fools and friends and drinking, and see such truth and wisdom in them.
His maturity is so delayed, and I think this is a result of alcohol. He quit going to college this year (2 weeks before he was to complete a degree), because he lost focus and followed along with a bad friend, who stole and totalled his car. It went downhill from that night. He is at a personal low, with a minimal job, no health insurance, living in a yucky apartment, going day by day barely able to make ends meet. As a mother, this is so heartbreaking, but we can’t “save” him anymore. He admits he needs help with his alcohol dependency, but he has yet to choose to take those steps. He is still the "fool" proverbs speaks of. Oblivious.
I remember you mentioning awhile ago about how Ryan wants a car, and so I urge you to give much thought and prayer to this. Our son is now taking a bus, biking or getting rides from friends, because of his circumstances. He doesn’t have an alcohol offense, but he does in our book because of his lifestyle. And we are so relieved and thankful that he doesn’t have a car to drive. I just don’t want you to have to suffer additional pain from Ryan’s choices behind the wheel. We are SO thankful that God has protected Michael from hurting anyone or himself, and we recognize his series of events as a huge blessing! We pray about how to help him move on in his recovery.
Yesterday’s verses, Prov 23:29-35, were so painful to read. If any one has words of wisdom for moms who love their sons and long for their recovery, help! Prov 17:25, “A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who gave him birth.” I am struggling with this bitterness, and trying to forgive him for the pain he has caused. I know there is an amazing young man hidden behind this shell of despair. I know God has His timing, and everything is already written in our lives, but it is so hard to not feel joy in our relationship right now. The waiting. The praying. Is it ever enough?
Morgan, months ago, at the beginning of our son’s troubles, you gave me a message of hope, and I always appreciated your caring words. Dearest Suzie, I just thank you for sharing your struggle, because you are not alone! We are here for each other.
So, I have never read Solomon's Most Wonderful Song, and I am excited to be out of the Proverbs, that make me feel like a bad mom. I am hoping to be uplifted and on a happier note next time!
Blessing you all,
Jacque
Jacque and Susie,
From one mom to another: I have no words, just ((((HUGS)))) to both of you. Will be praying for their eyes to be opened. The story of the Prodigal Son is in the bible for a reason - to give parents hope that when these kids get to their lowest point, they will turn back. Praying that the turning back happens soon.
Jacque-
Thank you for sharing your story about your son. Yes, Ryan is now living at home he had a drinking driving accident at age 17 a few months after getting his licence he lost it. But, now 5 years later he is borrowing our cars to go out.
He has taking classes on the Old Testament but I cannot get him to follow the directions! the Proverbs that would be so guiding. He is the 3rd of my 4 kids. We gave Kelly a car after she had a relapse of the cancer in her lungs which gave her something to look forward to during the surgery and recovery. My son has never forgiven us, feeling we were unfair to him.
My older 2 kids are both so very responsible. Ryan had severe asthma as a little one and peanut allergy so going to school was a constant worry at lunch but it pales in comparison to cancer diagnosis that was so metastatic. He just cannot see this.
My husband, and even I at times feel we should tell him to move out. I am just afraid that would worsen his lifestyle.
I hope everyone can pray for these young son's who are not following the best advise, pearls of wisdom, guidance for life found in the Proverbs. The Bible is full of so much wisdom if we could only concentrate and follow without distraction of alcohol, women(men) and money. It truly is devastating for a mom.
Promise me, O women of Jerusalem,
not to awaken love until the time is right.
This struck me as a thought, perhaps it is best for young women to wait to give their love until they are secure, complete in their studies and maturity. Sweet Kelly had her first boyfriend, and break ups. So painful, so distracting perhaps waiting would be best.
I have read Songs of Songs before but never realized it very well could be the love of Christ perusing us. Now that I heard Wendy it does I can certain see this view, and I like it.
Thank you all for so much support with my son. And the hug from Grace and Peace.
With hope,
Susie
Wisconsin
Thank You Wendy for sharing. Thank You for leading us all closer to HIM everyday. The whole Proverbs 31 group has been the biggest source God has used to change me, love me and continue to work in me and others. Praise You Jesus.
Grace and Peace, Lori and Theresa Thank You all! :)
This blog is so special and I thank the Lord for this special group of women...You are real and honest.
Love and Prayers for all.Debra
Sweet Susie & Jacque, You are beautiful & inspiring mom’s, - know how much we are lifting you up in prayer. Also, you are favored – God has picked you to go through this trial. As you pray for Michael and Ryan - God will reveal Himself to you in BIG ways. He hears your prayers, He knows your desires. You will witness mighty miracles as he works through them. Through these growing up trials you are clinging to God, and that is His desire. To be so close to Him, that your relationship grows even more intimate. Also, God is so loving. He is not letting you go through this alone…He has placed you here with us to encourage you along the way. Refuse those thoughts that the enemy places in your mind. You are daughter’s - princesses of the Most High! He loves both of your son’s more than you even know. His eyes will not leave them. We will pray that He will pursue them back to Him…remember just how much he loves us! He never stops loving us.
Psalm 141
O Lord, today we are calling out to you. Please hurry! Listen as we cry to you for help! May you accept our prayer as an incense offered up to You. Take control of what Michael & Ryan say and guard their lips. Don’t let them drift toward evil or take part in any act’s of wickedness. Don’t let them share in doing things like those who do wrong, do. Bring the godly to surround both of them. Place men and women with strong character on their paths. Let these godly people show kindness to these young men. If they correct them, don’t let them refuse it. Hear my prayers dear Lord as we constantly pray that Ryan and Michael will not be apart of any wicked deeds. Keep them away from sex, drugs, & alcohol. We look to you today for your help, O Sovereign LORD. You are our refuge. Keep these sons’ from the traps their peers have set for them and from the snares of those who do wrong. We pray that if any girl tries to entice them, that they would escape and return to you, dear LORD. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.
Hugs, Lori
Hi friends! I spent my noon walk/prayer time lifting up my sister believers. I prayed specific, special prayers for Ryan and Michael.
Genesis 28:15 states:
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you".
God promises to bring these young men back. I prayed for God to bind satan and pull him back from Ryan and Michael. I prayed for them to find courage and strength to see their bondage for what it is and to ask for help.
It is so difficult as a parent to witness our kids in pain and making bad choices. I pray that you, Susie and Jacque, can find true love in your hearts and that God will wash any bitterness and anger and frustration away before they take root.
I will continue to pray.
I found an interesting commentary on the Song of Solomon. I am now going to re-read it when I get home tonite. This book is divided into 3 sections: 1)the courtship (1:1 - 3:5) 2)the wedding (3:6 - 5:1) and the maturing marriage (5:2 - 8:14)
It tells of 2 dreams the woman has. In the first she loses Solomon and searches the city for him; the guards help her find him, and she is so happy she clings to him and takes him to a safe place.
In the 2nd dream the woman rebuffs her husband and he leaves. Overcome with guilt, she searches again but this time the guards beat her instead of help her (symbolic of her pained conscience). Things end happily as they reconcile.
The commentary also states that there is foreshadowing of Christ's love for His church. 2:4 describes the experience of every believer who is sought and bought by Jesus.
In closing he states that we should take away a postive feeling about what marriage should and can be. It should be celebrated, enjoyed and revered.
With these points in mind, I can't wait to get home tonite and re-read!
Praise Him!
Morgen
Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments. I am learning new things everyday.
I have a prayer request for my daughter, Ashley. She is 17 and is handicapped. She is unable to talk and right now is having trouble eating. Just seeing me get her food ready makes her sick. The dr. is doing tests but we sure could use prayer for healing and wisdom. Her twin sister, Amber, passed away 8 years ago from complications with her stomach(she had the same syndrome as Ashley). thanks everyone!!
Trusting in Him, Debbie from OR.
Susie and Jacque, my heart aches along with yours. Our son is making choices that are not God honouring as well, and I feel your disquiet. God loves our young men, and He will not let go of them. All the experiences they are going through, are all necessary to draw them to Him. But the waiting is so hard, isn't it? These aren't the dreams we had for our little boys when we first held them.
Lori, what a beautiful prayer, you have such a way with words. I copied parts of it into my journal and I will be praying for Ryan and Michael as well. Our son's name is Dylan, if you would like to add his name as well.
Yes, I felt like I had failed as a mom as well, while reading the Proverbs. I truly wished I had been in the Word much more when my children were young. But, here we are today. God can make beauty from ashes.
Praying for all the requests here today, from an overcast Ontario,
Franny
Jacque and Susie, I'm on the other end of this parenting thing - my kids are still very young - so I don't have the wisdom and experience of so many of our other GIGs. Reading your thoughts made me remember an article in the P31 magazine, though, written by one of the speakers who had 'wayward' children. She said that since you feel so helpless to watch your children struggle and the only thing you can do is pray, she met with a prayer-warrior friend for an hour each week and together they prayed specifically for their children. They shared any new developments from the past week, drank tea, and prayed together. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to see them on the wrong path, but maybe putting something specifically in your schedule, in addition to your regular prayers, would bring you some peace? Just a thought ...
I'm praying for both of you and for your sons ....
Amy
Franny, It’s not my prayer …smile…I used the words from Psalm 141.
God’s Word is powerful when we put it into our prayers. Dylan will be added! All year long I have felt burdened for the unsaved husbands, it is so hard for us to be the Spiritual Leaders, along with other responsibilities…but, God only gives us what we are capable of, ladies! But, the past couple of months, I have felt very heavy for the children as well. Satan will attack, and if he can’t get at us, surely he will go for them. He will do anything to divide the family and get us to lose our focus on God. Thru the sufferings, we can just show Satan, that they will bring us even closer to God! Remember, it’s privilege to be picked on to endure a trial! Through this, we cling to God, and we see Him, we truly get to Know Him more intimately. Daily, we stay in His Word, and we anticipate His voice. We pray for wisdom. And, we praise him and thank him for everything! His strength WILL renew us, it really will!
Debbie in OR ! A verse I read this morning came to mind when I read your post just now: “He sent forth his word and healed them” (Ps 107:20). Praying for the doctors to receive special wisdom from God. For favor and God’s perfect will for His daughter, Ashley.
Love u all! Lori
God, thank you for hearing us as we lift our prayers up to You. We will give you the Glory in everything.
Amy - WONDERFUL idea!
Lori
ps i have a special friend, that meets on purpose with her blood sister, the two of them enjoy tea, & pray over all of the children in their two families! I loved this when she told me about it!
My prayer friend who was a gift from God, and I linger after Bible Study to update each other on new prayer requests. I know how soothing this has been to me, to know someone is praying along side me. God brought Brandee and I together also, to pray over each other daily. He's also sprinkling other friends along the way that have been special gifts made by Him. Praying is powerful!
Susie, Jacque and Franny, I am praying for your sons to be delivered from evil, and that you will not let satan's attacks on your children to cause you to despair. That is just what he wants.
Lori, thank you for wording a wonderful prayer using Psalm 141, which I have prayed aloud, in Jesus' name. Susie, Jacque and Franny, here is a HUG across the miles for each of you. May you soon have praise reports to share with us, even if it's just a little progress, a little ray of hope and light about your sons.
Debbie, here is a HUG for you, too, dear Sister. My heart ached as I read your story. May our God give the doctor's the wisdom to help Ashley. And just as a thought, my daughter has just completed a Master's in Speech Language Pathology and worked with Alternative Augmentive Communications. Computers are programmed to "talk" for those who cannot speak themselves. Have you ever heard of this? If you're interested, I could ask my daughter for some web sites or other resources for you. I am praying that Ashley gets her appetite back soon.
Allie, how did the doctor's appointment for Ryan go?
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hey Michelle, I would love the information that you offered. My email is on my blog. Thanks, Debbie
Hi Michelle,
Ryan saw the GI specialist yesterday. The doctor ordered more blood and stool samples for him. They're trying to figure out why he doesn't have any appetite. In other words, they still don't know. But he questioned about the post-strep he had a year ago where lead Ryan had to take antibiotic for a year. He is actually doing some more testing in that area which is infectious diease and immune system. We're having a difficult time to try to get him to gain more weight. Thank God, his dizziness is getting less and maybe one blackout a day. This is much better than last week. So we know he is improving.
We also went to see a chinese acupuncturist who specialize in immunology and Nutrition. He seems to know exactly what he is going through. He was highly recommended by a good friend. At this point, we don't see any conflict between the western and the eastern medicine.
Please continue to pray for his weight gain and his spirit be uplifted. It is very hard to see him so sad. It breaks my heart. Even though I know God has His timing. I don't doubt that at all. I need His strength everyday to help us to go through another day.
All of your prayers had been giving me strength. Thank you Lord for placing all you in my life.
Alice
Oh Wendy - you have made me laugh out loud. I have said the phrase "all that and a bag of chips" for years - and have never heard anyone ever say that. I often add "with guacamole on top" as a South Texas gal - but still, I just laughed today. Thank you for that. And yes, YOU ARE ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS. Your devotion to Our Father, this vlog, and your family is a true blessing to all of us. I think I speak for all of us - we find true wisdom, love, and peace through you and your teachings.
Lori - you are a gift to all of us - and your written word is amazing. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
For the young men on the prayer list, I pray. I have a 17 1/2 year old son, who thankfully, has chosen the right path so far. I also have a 15 1/2 year old daughter who also is currently following and loving the Lord. I continue to pray for them that they see the enemy before he strikes, and that they follow the Lord as He guides. I pray for these young men as they journey through life that they may see the love of the Lord and feel the peace He brings.
Continuing to pray for all the prayer requests - especially those difficult stomach issues.
Thank you all so much for your wisdom, guidance, and love for the group. We are all truly blessed to be a part of this amazing study.
oh ladies, I am so praying for your sons :)
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