What is itIT WAS A LOVE STORY THAT MELTED MY HEART
I UNDERSTOOD WHY IT DID IN PART,
SEEING THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY,
BUT THE SONG OF SONGS HAS LIFTED THE VEIL
AND I SEE SO MUCH MORE NOW
This is the true story of Beatrix Potter, the creator of the best-selling childrens’ series: Peter Rabbit. Beatrix was a spinster who was not valued in a time when women were not supposed to have a career other than marriage and mothering. No man saw Beatrix as lovely — and no man ever asked her to dance — that is, until her editor, Norman Warne, came into her life. He saw the beauty, the potential, that no one else saw — and his love drew that beauty out. In a scene so tender, he asks her to dance, and then takes her hand in his and leads her in the dance.
Do you see? We do not comprehend the love of Christ for us. He first loved us, and He sees what beauty can be in us if we follow His lead. We do not understand the character of God. As Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet you have not known me, Philip?” Matthew Henry says, “How affectionately he speaks “O thou fairest among women!” He calls her his love, his friend, his companion.” And as in Ezekiel 16, He discovers her, covers her, and makes her beautiful. Henry writes: “It was comeliness which I put upon thee, said the Lord God, for we were born not only naked but polluted.” But He loves, He covers, He makes us beautiful — and how beautiful the church can be when she responds to His lead in the dance of holiness and love. Watch that scene here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHaZ16TSRuA
I know my heart was moved in part because Norman reminded me so of my dear husband, Steve, who believed in me, sacrificed for me, saw me somehow as beautiful, and led me into a closer relationship with the Lord. And of course Norman’s early death tore me apart. When I watched the following theme song of Miss Potter sung by Kate Medula, I was, indeed, overwhelmed with emotions: the joy of having been loved like that, the sorrow of having lost that love. But I also saw Christ, who will never die. Christ is beside us, He invites us to dance, He takes our hand in His, and He teaches us to trust even when the cold winds blow. Each of us can have that now and forever in Jesus.
Watch and let the music fill your heart with His love:
I am so anticipating what this week’s study in The Song of Songs will do in your heart. If you have just joined us it’s not too late — we are barely getting started. Just follow the instructions in the link in the banner above.
Sunday/Monday
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
Monday/Wednesday Bible Study
For those who have just joined us, (Like Chelsea!) The Song of Songs is poetry, so there are repetitions, as in a song. This week we will leap ahead to Chapter 4 to see an important theme, but we will go back to journey through what we have not yet studied.
We have been seeing powerful evidences that The Song of Songs (also called The Song of Solomon) is first and foremost about Christ and His love for His Bride, and the love of His Bride for Christ. There is an application to marriage, but it is looking through the wrong end of the telescope to begin with us.
We must begin with the Lord, and then the earthly application flows downstream from that height to our lives here below. Many of you have commented that you don’t understand it, but this study has helped you love your husband more. Mike Reeves explains in the beginning of his talk this week why it is that when we fall more deeply in love with Jesus, we love others more. This also shows me why The Song of Songs must begin with Christ and the Church, and then flows downstream. (Our own Anne’s son was married yesterday — and we can pray that for them.)
When we try to bear the fruit of the Christian life on our own, we fail. For apart from Him, we can do nothing. We must begin with Him, or the grapes in our Vineyard will not be good.
A SONG OF MY VINEYARD
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
4. Read Song of Songs 4:1-15
A. A vital theme in The Song of Songs is His love for her. Read the opening 8 verses of chapter 4 and give your overall impression of how He feels about her. Is this a marriage based primarily on duty or on love?
B. What does He call her in verses 9 and 10 and what significance do you see in each name?
C. How does He describe her love in verses 10-11?
D. How is this garden different than the garden in Isaiah 5 according to verses 12-14?
E. Here is the BIG QUESTION. Why, is this garden so good?
5. Read Song of Songs 4:16-17
A. What do you think the north wind represents? The south wind?
B. Listen again to Kate Medula sing and to these lyrics: “Cold winds may blow…” What comments do you have? How might you apply this?
DON’T MISS THIS
Last week our own Diane said, “It is acceptable to revel in our beauty from the Lord.” This is so like what you will hear in the audio from Mike Reeves. Here is just a piece, but an important one. Just as we are to ask the Lord to search our heart and see if there be any wicked way in us, we should ask the Spirit of God to search our “garden” and see if there be any choice fruit in us, and then revel in it, for it is from Him. As Mike Reeves said, people tell him he is kinder than he was once, and he says that is true, and there is no pride in that, for all the glory truly goes to the to the Vine and to the One who tends His Vineyard.
6. What choice fruit does the Spirit show you in your garden? Share here in praise to the Lord!
THURSDAY/FRIDAY MESSAGE (BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD)
I know this message is a bit hard to hear, and you really need to sit with it, but OH you will be blessed if you do. I keep listening to it — it is so rich. Download it first! Here is the link: Mike Reeves – Sibbes The Love of Christ 2
7. What notes do you have?
Saturday:
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
246 comments
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
Dancing is a favorite hobby of mine. Dancing can be a way to communicate your love (I love that about it)….. How I don’t think I have ever felt love like that. I cried on the song. Is this a new movie? I haven’t heard of it before. I love the old fashioned-ness of it.
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
I guess I have tried stepping back from myself being in control, and allowed Him to be the lead in my life. It is hard and I don’t know how it has really worked, but I think it is the right thing to do. I am becoming a person who is more pleasant to be around when I stop controlling and give Him the space to work in me.
Laura Dancer-Oh how we have seen this in you: I guess I have tried stepping back from myself being in control, and allowed Him to be the lead in my life.
And the changes in you so encourage me because I see His love in you-changing you and you are loving others more.
Ooooooh rebecca! You have italics! Did you do in word or use the HTML commands? How do I do it? 🙂
Laura-dancer: Reading your comments feels like looking out my window at seed that has been sown and seeing a lovely daffodil pushing its way up. This was so rich:
I am becoming a person more pleasant to be around…
Your garden is bearing His fruit.
Laura, I agree with Rebecca’s reply to you and you hit on something big (for me, too) – how much more pleasant I am to be around when I’m not trying to control (I’m still working on it:))
You sure have made great strides in this and we have been witnesses!
About the movie – I learned about Miss Potter on Dee’s blog; it’s not new but I purchased it and it’s a favorite one for me and my daughter-I think you’d love it!
love this Laura-dancer, our sermon was on 2 Peter and the virtues of the Christian life–as Dee said–you are growing before us and it inspires me.
“I guess I have tried stepping back from myself being in control, and allowed Him to be the lead in my life. It is hard and I don’t know how it has really worked, but I think it is the right thing to do. I am becoming a person who is more pleasant to be around when I stop controlling and give Him the space to work in me.”
I can relate to this too. Learning to let go of control to me is like a baby learning to walk for the first time. I am wobbly, sometimes stumble, fall, or quickly grasp back a hold of control in fear of falling and failing. Yet at times I find the freedom in standing in HIM, rather than holding onto control. It’s exhilarating, refreshing, and renewing to me all in one. Almost to good to be true, it’s hard to not look back and let go, so I can go forward to what God has for me, especially in this area. 🙂
Hi Laura-d…are we going to see your dance(s) from when you visited your Mom?…I’m eagerly awaiting…:) How is your Mom doing?…any word on how the doctors are planning to proceed with treatment?
hi nanci! Thanks for asking about mom 🙂 she has three “spots” on her cerebellum that need “zapping” with radiation so she started that last Thursday. Hope she will be done by next week. I think she is getting radiation on the awful wound as well because they think it might be the reason it isn’t healing (possibly the cancer is in the bone of the coccus?) anyway, I don’t get a lot of info these days :(. With school starting I am ridiculously busy.
The video is on my sister in laws iPad and she for some reason hasn’t sent it to me. I will do my best, just not sure how to share. Maybe when I get it Dee can help me with that. It isn’t from a great angle either so I don’t know how it will look. I guess people can use their imagination 🙂
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
This is just beautiful. The dance stood out to me and his intense-ness as he looked into her face-it was hard for her to look into his face his love was so intense, yet she took his hand and let him lead. So reminded me of the intense love Jesus has for me-He led her gently but his face was intensely gazing at her eyes.
Then watching the video with Katie Melua singing the song…I was brought to tears! Dee I can so see why this is your favorite movie and how he reminds you of Steve-how beautiful!
I love that intensity too. Oh.
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
Oh my. I am overwhelmed at the combination here–I loved miss Potter (this is inspiring me to watch again soon!). The dance–coupled with this “Do you see? We do not comprehend the love of Christ for us. He first loved us, and He sees what beauty can be in us if we follow His lead. ” We must be taught. We must submit, and allow Him to lead. I must admit I do not know how to live this dance with Him–He must lead me. And He does. He calls to me, He draws me to Him, He covers me. So thankful.
I’m so not surprised you loved Miss Potter, my friend.
I’m not sure why some comments are not posting — such as mine — but will check with David tomorrow. Want him to have a Sabbath!
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
Watching both of these videos started the tears flowing….so tugs on my heart…this is the love I think I/we yearn for. Beatrix was not valued for her talent as a writer in her time. I love how Warne saw the beauty, the potential, that no one else saw and his love drew that beauty out. I like what Rebecca brought out how he gazed intently at her but she had a hard time returning his gaze. She looked unsure of herself-could he love me? – perhaps that was the question going through her mind.
Warne leads her so tenderly, so sensitive to her response.
Then how this leads us to ponder, “We do not comprehend the love of Christ for us. Jesus invites us to dance. He takes our hand in His and He teaches us to trust even when the cold winds blow.”
Dee, I love your words about Steve…but the sorrow, too, to have that love and lose that love. All of this is a beautiful opening.
Susan — yes — I caught that “How could he love me.”
Thanks for your warm comments too.
Susan, I thought about you this morning-how your story of longing to be known and truly loved, and how Jesus rescued you, and opened your eyes that He is your covering. It is beautiful that we can experience His love now, and in the future-face to face.
Susan, I thought the same thing, that she could not believe he really cared for her. She was so untrusting it looked liked to me.
I absolutely love the love story of Miss Potter. I can’t listen to it right now as it will bring tears and I need to be alright for a meeting I am going to in a little while. Emotions are too close. Thanks for those who prayed for me today. I made it through church, though most songs brought me close to tears. I was able to keep functioning and doing the things I needed to do (Sunday School, choir, Bible Study signup coordinator). One woman asked me about Krista and I was able to share a bit with her. She has been through an abusive marriage and acrimonious divorce with a supposedly Christian person who was even a pastor at one point, so she is very sympathetic. Thanks for praying for a friend for me, Chris. I do have a close friend (as well as my husband) with whom I can share all my deepest pain.
Dee, I haven’t received my usual email of this week’s Bible study so went online to find it. Has this happened to anyone else?
I no sooner sent the comment above about not getting the Bible study email and received this “You recently signed up to follow this blog’s posts. This means once you confirm below, you will receive each new post by email.” I confirmed. Presumably this will fix the problem. Thanks.
Diane,
I saw your prayer request this morning..and just saw this update..Oh how hard it must be being a pastor’s wife when you are going through such deep waters. It sounds like Jesus came to you through that sweet sister.
Oh Diane…I admit I have no idea what it would be like to be a pastor’s wife, but I’m thinking there are “expectations” of you – it must’ve been so hard to keep it together and handle all of your responsibilities at church on Sunday. But I am relieved that you had that lady in church who can understand your pain and reached out to you by asking how things were, and for your friend with whom you can take-off the mask and be real and share your pain. I will be keeping you in prayer, Diane.
Diane (and Krista), I am sorry…Krista (and your family) continue to suffer assaults rooted in the evil one (Krista, put up your shield as best you can… ). I didn’t see your request for prayer from late last week until last evening (I was at my sister’s for the weekend). I will continue to pray for all of you…may the Lord’s peace flood this situation.
Diane, I have been out of touch from all you ladies but I’ve continued to pray for you and Krista and all the ladies. God knows the need at hand, but I will be lifting you and your family up in prayer, even more.
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
When my husband and I were first married, almost 20 years ago, we took ballroom dancing lessons. It was my idea. I thought it would be “fun”. It was fun, but mostly it taught me much about myself. I didn’t see it then, but when I look back, my controlling ways would be embarrassing but are funnier to me now that the Lord has opened my eyes more to it all. I knew the “right” thing was for my husband to lead in dancing, and the instructor kept reminding me…but I could not stand it! I thought he was too slow, too clumsy…I tried whispering what he was supposed to do next—I was obnoxious!
In the last several years, I have felt like I’m in dancing lessons, again, but this time with my Lord. How often I try telling Him what should come next…and oh, ‘aren’t You going to…’, as if maybe He forgot what He was doing. But He has been patient with me, and more recently, through physical and emotional pain, I have been humbled. Not scolded, but reminded of my place—as the student. I need Him to teach me this dance. And so He has taken my hands, tenderly. He grasps them tight when I think I want to pull away and He holds me up when I am weary and want to quit. I don’t know all the steps, and I don’t know what music is coming next. Sometimes, often, that unknown scares me. But I have to look back at His face, His eyes, and remember that He knows all of the answers, all of the steps, and He leads me.
Really spieled here, sorry! Need to get this in my word doc for the rest 😉
“it taught me much about myself”; “I knew the “right” thing was for my husband to lead in dancing, and the instructor kept reminding me…but I could not stand it! I thought he was too slow, too clumsy…I tried whispering what he was supposed to do next—I was obnoxious! ”
Wow, this really spoke to me, I keep reading it over and over, like it’s God speaking to me…the very thing Im having a hard, slow time doing…letting go of control. I honestly can so see myself in your answer. I long for the joy, freedom to be less in control, and just trust, trust God and the husband He gave me…the husband who loves me so much. Some days I just sit and think, how does my husband even put up with my impatient ways and snappy tongue, that I so loath in myself. Fear of losing control, and it drives me into a negative spin…wow. Im being real and honest here, it has taken a while to even admit that to myself, let alone women I hardly know. Women I fear that will judge me and not see my heart. Women, for the most part, I have feared my whole life. I know that sounds really odd, but not having a mom growing up, made me feel less than normal or adequate around others who had a mom, or great relationships with their moms. I had neither. So I felt really out of place. I still find it hard to go to women functions, but its amazing…God puts me in places that I have no choice but to be in women functions…and a lot of times I feel like Im going to have a panic attack. But slowly, God is taking that fear away, and making me realize we all have our own fears, and we all share a lot of the same fears. But HE wants to take those fears away. Im slowly releasing the fear and control. I know I have been hearing God for a while on this, and this is just confirmation…my husband is a horrible dancer and I love to dance. So IM quick to lead and get upset when my husband does not dance well…oh I love God….so in my face this morning, but with humor and His love. Thanks so much for this post. I hear God saying…told ya so….lol. Sitting here laughing right now, my kids must think Im crazy…lol
oh Staci–this is one of those posts where I wish I could just pick up the phone and say ‘let’s go on a walk!’. SO SO relate to your words. Wow. Even the part about trusting other women–a struggle for me all my life. LOVED what you said here “I long for the joy, freedom to be less in control, and just trust”–oh that is my daily prayer and I will pray it for you as well. That we may trust enough to close our eyes and be led! Staci, you really are a gift here. I see how He is using you to speak to each of us in unique ways. You fit here, and I am so thankful He has brought you to us–He indeed “led” you 🙂
Staci, I am so glad you felt comfortable enough to open up and share with us. We do, indeed, see your heart, and one thing that is so edifying and safe about this “place” is that no one is ever met with judgment. You are right when you say that we all have our own fears and we share a lot of the same fears. I am also glad you are here and I love getting to know you better!
Staci, welcome and thank you for being so open with your post. The ladies here are all so loving, that I’ve missed the blog and see all that is going on in their lives. Dee is a wonderful kind and generous gift from God. He is using her wisely and she is following His lead. Just today on Chris Fabry Live they were talking about Grace and who has given it to you and what did you do that you really didn’t deserve it, or who you have given it to. It really was a good program and one worth listening too if you can find it on line.
Elizabeth, this is a beautiful post…I’ve read it through a few times, too. What a perfect metaphor-how you took ballroom dancing lessons and tried to lead your husband. I love how you describe how you have been “not scolded, but reminded of my place – as the student”. Oh – how we all need that gentle reminder.
Elizabeth, you got me all choked up and laughing at the same time. Not a good combination while eating a sandwich…lol. You all are such a blessing to me. This bible study was definitely given by God…yes. I wish I could pick up the phone too and call you or better yet just go for a walk. I will walk with you in Spirit and pray for you as well. It’s a beautiful day here, already been outside doing yard work praying this morning. Hugs my friend/sister!
oh Staci–now I’m smiling–thank you–this brightened my foggy-headed school-is-way-too-early-self! Love picturing you on a beautiful day in Holland. Yes, walking together in the Spirit sister 🙂
This is beautiful truly Elizabeth
Oh Elizabeth this post made me laugh and feel sad all at the same time. Thanks for posting and always being so honest with them.
Elizabeth-lol! I loved your ballroom dance story. 😉 I also loved how you connected that memory to how Jesus is leading you in dance lessons now-such a great contrast! I also picked up on fruit-the fruit in your garden before-you tried to produce it and it wasn’t beautiful, but the beautiful fruit He is developing in your garden now! You don’t know all the steps, and don’t know what music is coming next and even though it is scary you hold onto Him-look at HIs face and trust.
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
“Beatrix was a spinster who was not valued in a time when women were not supposed to have a career other than marriage and mothering. No man saw Beatrix as lovely — and no man ever asked her to dance”. Before church this morning, I wanted to see this week to see if I could “catch up” from last week a bit later and just pop back in this week (happy to see that Dee answered that one directly), but when I read this I started to cry knowing that I understood all too well the feeling of “not valued” by people. Interestingly during church this morning, I also felt the “not being worthy” sentiment when they were talking about reaching people. Although my perspective is probably skewed by experience, it seems like both myself and my children are not worthy enough to see or reach to help no matter where I am. Most of the time I ignore it and try to look past it, but for some reason today it hit a little closer to home. Perhaps this is part of the reason I struggle so much with feeling completely loved by The Lord. Today I was reminded that the Shulammite overlooked by people, just part of the background, was seen, noticed and completely loved by the King.
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
While I listened to the song, I had a picture in my mind of dancing with the King, a little girl in a pretty dress with my feet on the feet of the King as He swirled around and led the dance. I think I will hang onto that picture for a while. I feel that the Lord has been wooing me, being more obvious (or perhaps me seeing it more) with this study (even though I missed last week) and the looking at the Song of Songs differently. I still am struggling with truly comprehending the love of the Lord for me, but I feel more and more loved by Him. Just now even as I sit at my kitchen table, I kinda felt like He bent down and kissed by forehead and smiled at me.
Mary — so so glad this is getting to your heart and reassuring you
Mary–love reading your emotions, how you are open to sensing Him lead you despite years of feeling overlooked. I smiled when I read your last sentence ” Just now even as I sit at my kitchen table, I kinda felt like He bent down and kissed my forehead and smiled at me.” praying you hold on to that, and your picture of dancing with the King
Your response to Jesus bending down, kissing your forehead and smiling at you, made me smile!! His love is so contagious. Love how He is wooing you.
I have a glaring stand out from the video! It was Miss Potter’s face as she put her hand in his and began to dance. There was reticence, even fear as she began. Is that not us as we place our hand in His! This spoke to me so deeply! How the enemy wants to keep me there, but Oh how beautiful the dance. How it lifts my heart and the hearts of others as they watch!
There is more but this is the first thing
And in the first video, she never looks into his eyes, until the end.
Anne, that is what spoke deeply to me, too…her expression, how she couldn’t quite look at him (I wondered if she wondered something like “How could he love me?” or “Is this really happening to me?”) I also noticed her hand awkwardly placed on his shoulder, like she was afraid to hold him-it just kind of rested awkwardly there. And yes – how the enemy wants to keep us there…unsure, not trusting, not believing.
Sunday/Monday
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
The Dance…this whole week I will love. For I love to dance and this really speaks to my heart.
One thing I missed so much when I gave my life to the Lord, dancing…for I was a avid goer of the club scene. Just for dancing, not of all the other hang ups that go with the clubs…
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
This whole bible study has wooed me. I hunger for the Lord more and HIs word. I now look at the Word as His love story and letter to me, instead of a list of does and donts from God. It’s beautiful. I see God’s love and beauty more outside of what I made God to be. I see ‘outside the box’ so to speak. I have fallen in love with Jesus once again, my first love. It’s beautiful!
staci, I have danced for 43 years; nearly my whole life. Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, belly (!), etc. The most meaningful dancing I have ever done is when I learned to be a “liturgical” dancer. Now I mostly dance for Him, and get so much out of it compared to all the other dances I know. Don’t give it up! It is beautiful when He is involved 🙂
Thank you Laura, I love watching dancers praise God in church. I have seen it so beautifully done. It would just make me weep as I long to dance before the Lord.
Laura, this made me smile…belly dancing (!) Okay – I am trying to reconcile the belly dancing with your photo here-the outdoorsy nature woman! You are a multi-faceted woman:))
Staci — may I say what a delight you are?
Tell me again, if you’ve already told us, where you live.
Thank you Dee, I live in the Netherlands (aka Holland). My husband is Air Force and we have been stationed here for over 2 years, we just found out this past week we are headed to Germany in June. We are so excited, we love Germany and it was the base we wanted before here. I am so in love with this study, I have told a friend of mine about it, she now wants to know more about doing this study. 🙂
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
He dug it up, cleared it of stones, planted the choicest of vines, and built a watchtower over it. He built a winepress also.
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
Bad fruit.
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
To be judged; between him and his vineyard.
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
He will take away it’s hedge, break down it’s walls, so it will be trampled and destroyed. He will make it a wasteland.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
The vineyard is the nation of Israel and the vines are the people of Judah.
Great answers, Laura-dancer!
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
Jesus is wooing me and now taking the lead in helping me to cling to Him as of late. Instead of other things-to trust Him to be my comfort and security and as He is showing me His Love in the Song of Songs oh my.. He is helping me see more and more how the things of this Earth fade-are worthless, especially compared to His beauty-oh. What could be more rapturous than staring back as His intense gaze on me? He is really coming to me in His word in the Gospel and unveiling Himself in a way He hasn’t before. He is Leading me in the dance, step by step.
I think of Miss Potter, how Norman led her in the dance but He wooed her to that point..God’s timing in my life amazes me.
We sang this a few weeks ago at church and it’s been in my thoughts with this week’s lesson. It’s different–
folk-ish/celtic-ish? I can SO hear Rebecca singing it beautifully!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzEjbqs9-Ko
“Dance, Dance”
Lord, I cried out, I cried out to You
You answered me in Your mercy
You’re anger was fleeting
And now I will dance in your favor all my life
So dance, dance my soul
There’s no reason for you to weep
So dance, dance my soul,
Make music to your King
Let my heart sing for you
And not remain silent
Let heart sing for you
Turn my weeping into a dance
Interesting that you would post this song, Elizabeth. As I’ve pondered my answer to #2, I was thinking of Psalm 30, “weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning”. And “You turned my wailing into dancing…”
Susan–that just gave me goosebumps! I love how He’s speaking to you. Love to you~oh, wish we could go on a long walk today too 🙂
Elizabeth, LOVE this song! I love how you bless me often and are mindful-SO like Him. I listened to this song yesterday and it wold be sweet to be able to sing it.
BEautiful song!
not sure how to get my reply in the right place–but that “annon.’ above to Staci was me–forgot my name–that’s how foggy-headed I am!
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
Something that helps me today when I may be doubting His love or that He is really working in my life, is to go back and remember something He has done for me in the past. When I first came on the blog during Dee’s God of All Comfort Study, I was grieving the loss of my nephew. In one lesson, Dee had us in Psalm 30, and she wanted us to “read as a lover reads, savoring the word pictures”. I tried reading it a few different days, and always got stuck at the part, “You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” I just could not experience the rejoicing that was supposed to come in the morning, after the weeping.
One reason I was stuck was because when I would read the verse about dancing, I just saw myself dancing alone, and it didn’t make sense or touch my heart.
Dee had also taught us that we could make a decision to praise Him, even when we didn’t feel like it. So, one evening, I opened up to Psalm 30 and tried again. This time I began to praise and thank Him, even though I didn’t feel like it. This time was different. When I came to verse 11, I had a beautiful mental picture of Jesus, my Bridegroom, dancing with me, and it “clicked”…I was not left alone to wail and mourn, to be desolate and alone. I wasn’t meant to dance alone. Then, the beauty of verses 11 and 12 came…”YOU turned my wailing into dancing; YOU removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” – Jesus clothes me in a beautiful, white wedding dress-the clothes of His righteousness and He dances with me, His bride, and as we dance, “that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.”
I need this reminder today also because I can be a complainer and forget to be thankful and grateful. My heart should be singing to Him all day long for removing the ugliness of my sin-that sackcloth, and clothing me beautifully and dancing with me.
Laura posted Sunday that as she releases her control and allows Him to lead in her life, she is becoming a more pleasant person to be around when she stops controlling. This has stuck with me. I could substitute approval for control (though I have that, too). With His help, I pray that I may step back from seeking and trying to gain the approval of everyone around me, and that I may be a more pleasant person to be around when I stop trying to get approval and affirmation. It makes me so self-focused and I know it is unappealing. For this I so need this study.
Susan I am so glad how God led you. I am praying you become a “confident filly” (I’m working on next week’s lesson) as you realize you are so loved, you are not dancing alone, you are His Bride, His sister, His friend.
There are so many great posts here about dancing and releasing control. Keep posting, everyone, you are a great encouragement to me. We all need to go for a walk or maybe even rent a hall and teach each other how to dance. Wouldn’t that be a lot of laughs. Loved your posted song, Elizabeth. We had a lovely evening out last night at a friend’s birthday party and jam session where there were guitars, banjos, even a bass fiddle with lots of singing and laughing. It was a great stress reliever.
I also love to dance. My husband and I joined a square dance group a few years ago as a way to be more involved in the community and it has ended up being great fun and a great unintimidating way to connect with non-church people.
Like the mobile friendly site. I read this on cell yesterday. Home just long enough to sleep last night and leaving again for a couple of days. Will be reading even if I can’t post. I can see how Jesus is taking the lead, wooing me — encouraging me to keep a Sabbath rather than working all the time. Still step on His feet though.
Still step on His feet : )
Love how you are growing, Renee. And love your sense of humor! “Step on his feet”! LOL!
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
This stood out to me: “. Henry writes: “It was comeliness which I put upon thee, said the Lord God, for we were born not only naked but polluted.” But He loves, He covers, He makes us beautiful “
I can imagine this as a mother, caring for a demanding needy baby, how I loved that sweet sleepy time of rocking after a baby had been bathed and fed, the pure sort of love I had for my infants. I can imagine that God feels that sort of affection for me, but moving that picture into a romance is still not sitting easy in me.
I am feeling easier today about that though, less inclined to be dejected, more willing to be led?
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
Again a hard picture for me, I avoid dancing. No one ever ‘taught’ me. I have no rhythm : ). Dancing makes me uncomfortable.
I often feel guilty at social occasions where there is dancing, Bill danced before we met, but now doesn’t, he says he doesnt like to anymore, but feel he has given it up for me.
But in the spirit of the question, I do feel a growing trust in Christ, that I can step out and do things in an effort to glorify him. And that even if I mess up, he can redeem that too, I don’t need to be perfect. I am going to be one of the leaders of our women’s fall study, we are going to be reading A Praying Life by Paul Miller. I read it last year at Elizabeths recommendation. It has helped me to let go of much of the anxiety of ‘praying wrong’ and to think of prayer as a conversation in a relationship which has been a balm. So while I am a bit nervous about the study, I also am looking forward to it. This will stretch me.
It is so great that you are co-leading a women’s fall study. This is great. Praise the Lord. He will use you. You have such a humble, teachable,caring spirit.
You will do so well as a leader, Chris — and what a great book!
Chris, I’m loving this post because we again have something in common. I do not like to dance at all. I was so glad that my son was being married in a church that doesn’t allow dancing 🙂 I have been feeling guilty about it since my husband likes to dance and wants me to dance with him at weddings. I usually agree to 1 slow song and that’s it.
Dawn, yes another similarity 🙂
We usually dance one slow song too, sometimes I wish I had not pigeonholed myself as a non dancer.
I am full of regrets.
Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
I thought the Amplified Bible was useful here:
“And He looked for justice, but behold, [He saw] oppression and bloodshed; [He looked] for righteousness (for uprightness and right standing with God), but behold, [He heard] a cry [of oppression and distress]!”
I think it is easy to think about others here, rulers and nations who oppress and take advantage of others.
It is harder to look at this as a personal thing. Maybe I am not keeping slaves or oppressing others outrightly but how am I turning a blind eye to these things? Content to think this does not apply to me. God clearly was distressed with those he sought to bless and provide for. They were not mindful about the things that mattered to him. I don’t want to be blind, I am praying to see how this applies to me.
This was me, Chris, I forgot to add my name & email
Sunday/Monday
1. What stood out to you in the above and why? – in Ezekiel 16, He discovers her, covers her, and makes her beautiful. Henry writes: “It was comeliness which I put upon thee, said the Lord God, for we were born not only naked but polluted.” But He loves, He covers, He makes us beautiful — and how beautiful the church can be when she responds to His lead in the dance of holiness and love – This jumped out at me so much. How God does not see what we see of and in ourselves. He loves us unconditionally all the time. I think that since God created us to look the way we do that when He makes us beautiful it’s not a physical beauty but an inner heart and soul beauty. This has also helped me to see that I need to do the same with others, a hard task at times this will be for me, but I need to see the inner beauty not the outer beauty and take God’s lead in the dance of holiness and love. Dee what bitter sweet memories this was for you, to have a love so deep with Steve and to have lost it only to gain a more intense deep love from God.
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance. – Just the presence of Jesus in my thoughts, my actions and my reactions shows me the relationship between me and THEE is growing stronger, especially when I get out of the way and let Him lead me and guide me.
Julie,
This is SO good-I think that since God created us to look the way we do that when He makes us beautiful it’s not a physical beauty but an inner heart and soul beauty.” -Oh yes, you nailed it: His beauty!! :)))
Julie, it’s so good to see you here again! Love too what you point out about inner beauty–and seeing that in others…to see as Jesus sees..
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2? – He sang for his love one and cleared it from all debris that was in it.
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2? He found bad fruit even though he planted good vines
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3? – That he tried everything he knew to get good grapes. He was beside himself that there was only bad fruit.
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6? – He will not attend to it any longer and let it wither away and die.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7. – The people of Israel and all those that did nothing but complain and were not happy with what God did do for them. They only remembered the suffering they want thru, but forgot that they were still alive.
Julie, have missed you and glad to have you back! How are things at home?
I’ve missed being here and hanging out with all of you. I think about you all a lot. Things are the same. Waiting for my step son to move out, his daughter was also living with us but moved back to Georgia (she missed it) so I have one room back to being a spare. It’s just time for us (me and my husband) to have a break from it all. I’m ready but he doesn’t seem to care about the stress it’s causing in my life or at least it comes across that way. Thanks for asking Susan.
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
I really like the “Miss Potter” story…I saw it a year or so ago. I enjoyed seeing Beatrix go from a woman unsure and timid, to someone who truly followed her heart with confidence and a little grit.
Dee’s question…”Do you see?” stood out to me…
“He invites us to dance, He takes our hand in His, and He teaches us to trust even when the cold winds blow. “…Do I see?
“He first loved us, and He sees what beauty can be in us if we follow His lead.”…Do I see?
“He loves, He covers, He makes us beautiful”…Do I see?
Oh, that I might see clearly…that I might be acutely aware of the blessings upon blessings from His hand…His love, His providence, His patience…
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
The Lord is reiterating my need to “trust”… to trust in Him. The message is coming through in a variety of ways…devotions, bible reading, Christian music, etc. I can relate to the many comments regarding “control” and the difficulty in relinquishing it.
David…the new mobile friendly format is wonderful…thank you for your efforts!
Nanci–love your pondering ‘Do I see?’….great reminder to ask that ALL day long. I so easily miss seeing Him. Seeing His hand in all that is around me, seeing His love, His eyes…
What stood out to you in the above and why?
Like many others I noticed the hesitancy in the dance. But, unlike others, I thought the initial invitation was accepted quickly. He put out his hand and she quickly placed hers in his. The promise of something she had dreamed of? And then the reality of it scares her. To face intimacy (for in that time an embrace, even just dancing, would be very intimate, yes?) and realize how uncomfortable it can be? I know that I desire what is promised and I quickly say “Yes, Lord!” I take His hand, eager but then as I realize how intimate this will be (Lord, you love me? Even this part of me? Even my mistakes, Lord?) I waffle, unsure. Intimacy/true vulnerability is scary (for me anyway!).
2. The Lord has brought me to a very vulnerable place, and he has shown me over the last two years who ai had become (shameful). Laura-dancer I empathize with your statement. Allowing God to be in control and suddenly I’m a nicer person to be around! God uses me more, too. He is slowly rebuilding me after being completely broken. Bittersweet has a new meaning in trials of life, yes?
Jill — I loved the way you described that — eager then scared! The promise of something hoped for — then the reality. So good. And welcome!
Welcome Jill!
Welcome Jill!!
I suppose by now you all know I always have a tune running in my head….and today (based on the conversation) I can’t get this Shelby Lynne song out of my mind. It is kind of like the Nora Jones tune (dual application); however, musically it really appeals to me. I love the first few words…”I’ll be courageous this time, won’t turn to stone”…as I read all the comments about dancing, I suppose it does take a measure of “courage”. Dancing brings with it a definite sense of vulnerability….I think we see that depicted on their faces in the movie clip. I love the innocence of it all, we do not see a lot of that in our society today. She seems unsteady because I think (perhaps) her body is overwhelmed by the depth of her love. I have discovered that dancing (in the feminine sense) is much more fun when we are led…almost effortless!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCOSHK_3T0Q
Just want to say Dee that I love the new format. So much easier to get thru. Thank you and all those involved.
Thank you, Julie. I know there are new things about it we are all learning — but I do believe it is better and I’ve been told it is important to be mobile friendly.
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted the choicest vines.
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
He built a watchtower and cut out a winepress. Watchtowers were used to keep watch for the enemy and guard against. Winepresses are symbolic to God’s judgement, almost like the separation of wheat and tares.
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
Not sure what you meant on this one?
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
He will take away the hedges (which was used for protection to keep things not wanted out) and break down its wall. He will make the vineyard a wasteland. He will command no rain for it.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
The vineyard is the house of Israel and the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. He looked for justice but saw bloodshed and for righteousness but heard cries of distress.
My comments are not posting and when I typed them out in the white box, I hit save and return and it deleted all my answers?? So had to retype and resubmitting. So sorry if this post twice?? Im having problems with the new site??
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted the choicest vines.
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
He built a watchtower and cut out a winepress. Watchtowers were used to keep watch for the enemy and guard against. Winepresses are symbolic to God’s judgement, almost like the separation of wheat and tares.
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
Not sure what you meant on this one?
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
He will take away the hedges (which was used for protection to keep things not wanted out) and break down its wall. He will make the vineyard a wasteland. He will command no rain for it.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
The vineyard is the house of Israel and the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. He looked for justice but saw bloodshed and for righteousness but heard cries of distress.
STACI — If you continue to have problems, e-mail David (David@deebrestin.com) It is going to take us a bit to learn — but we will. Don’t want that to keep happening to you!
4. Read Song of Songs 4:1-15
A. A vital theme in The Song of Songs is His love for her. Read the opening 8 verses of chapter 4 and give your overall impression of how He feels about her. Is this a marriage based primarily on duty or on love?
All love here! No duty whatsoever that i can see! He knows everything about her physical being; all the details.
B. What does He call her in verses 9 and 10 and what significance do you see in each name?
He calls her sister and bride. Sisters have a common mother and father. The bride cones from another source, but is joined with the groom in marriage.
C. How does He describe her love in verses 10-11?
He compares her love to images of food. He talks about her love being delightful and creates word pictures with food; milk, honeycomb, sweetness, wine, fragrance, spices.
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
He set it up on a fertile hillside, He dug it up, cleared it of stones and planted the choicest vines. He put a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well.
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
He found bad fruit.
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
What more could he have done than he already did?
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
He will take away it’s protection and it will be destroyed, he will make it a wasteland. He will command the clouds not to rain on it.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
The vineyard is the nation of Israel-the vines are the people of Judah that He delighted in. The fruit He looked for was justice but He saw bloodshed, for righteousness but He heard cries of distress.
4. Read Song of Songs 4:1-15
A. A vital theme in The Song of Songs is His love for her. Read the opening 8 verses of chapter 4 and give your overall impression of how He feels about her. Is this a marriage based primarily on duty or on love?
This is based on love-He is enthralled with her and adores her-“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, there is no flaw in you.”
B. What does He call her in verses 9 and 10 and what significance do you see in each name?
My sister, My bride-WOW…I will give it a shot..I think ‘my sister’ means she is like Him, and bride means they are one. (To me this screams another clue that the Song of Songs is primarily of Christ and the church.)
C. How does He describe her love in verses 10-11?
This blew me away..it is the same way she described His love in Song of Songs 1!! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice. Her lips drop sweetness, her fragrance is like the fragrance of Lebanon. Wow, this screams that He is covering Her-they are one..she is like Him.
D. How is this garden different than the garden in Isaiah 5 according to verses 12-14?
This garden has choicest fruits and is a beautiful garden whereas the garden in Isaiah yielded only bad fruits-it was rotten.
E. Here is the BIG QUESTION. Why, is this garden so good?
Because Jesus tended it! She was enthralled with Him yielding to Him letting Him tend it instead of trying to produce a beautiful garden herself. Since they are one-they have the same Father and she is His bride covered by Him-she will yield to Him but when the foxes come in He will pursue her and woo her back to Him-He will prune her garden and make it beautiful.
I guess the ‘sister’, ‘bride’ thing along with Him saying her love is more pleasing than wine is striking me for some reason. She is sealed with Him-she is like Him, and He cultivates, nurtures and keeps her garden and from it are the wellsprings of beauty, of life, of His choicest fruit. If we are truly His, He will finish the work He has started in us and the foxes that we allow in-he even turns that around for His Glory.
John 15 just came to mind!
Rebecca — GREAT INSIGHT –he is describing her as she described him because she is becoming like him!!!
I am struggling today, I feel really negative. I am praying and speaking truth to myself , but quickly find my thoughts derailed. I had weird dreams again last night. So I needed to thank you Rebecca for your answers to this part of the study. Particularly your answer to E was a help to me this morning.
dear Chris–oh, you were on my heart this morning even before I saw this–will continue to pray for you my friend. Give yourself the freedom to rest in His grace–please be gently to yourself, you are so tender, and so loved.
Chris, I will be praying for you that God lifts you up and you feel His presence, His arms wrapped around you tightly.
Chris, So wish I could hug you right now. 🙂
joyce–you have been on my heart “extra” lately–praying for you–hope you will let us know how you are really doing with your son’s move, and all that you struggle through
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
The Lord took special care; He prepared His vineyard with all that was needed and went to even greater lengths for its best possible benefit (e.g., planted it with the best vines)…He had great anticipation of what it would produce (i.e., carved a nearby winepress).
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
Bitter grapes
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
He provied all that was needed for the vineyard to flourish and produce “good fruit”…there was no reason for anything else to result, yet despite all His efforts and care the vineyard produced “bitter fruit”.
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
The vineyard will receive no further care…He will allow the elements and nature to wreck its havoc on the vineyard. He will allow its destruction.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
opression and violence
4. Read Song of Songs 4:1-15
A. give your overall impression of how He feels about her. Is this a marriage based primarily on duty or on love?
He is entirely taken with her…He is enchanted with her beauty…His strong desire is that she be with Him…He thoroughly enjoys her presence.
I see nothing of “duty” in these verses, only immense love.
B. What does He call her in verses 9 and 10 and what significance do you see in each name?
“my treasure, my bride”
He values her greatly; she is unique, special, and precious to Him…she is His “treasure” and only His…”my bride”.
Nancy,
I loved this part of your answer to 4-A: “His strong desire is that she be with Him…He thoroughly enjoys her presence.”- I think this is really strong..He is enthralled with her oh yes-but He is also delighting in being with her-in her presence-and she His.
4B…I posted my answers before going back to read others answers/comments…I see that the NIV, RSV, NRSV translations are “my sister, my bride”…the New King James is “my sister, my spouse”…I typically use the New Living Translation, which has “my treasure, my bride”…I will have to rethink my answer in light of the “sister” reference…bummer, I really like the NLT…”treasure” seemed so nice…
Thanks for the update on your Mom, Laura-d…she is one strong lady! (I didn’t see a “reply” on your post, otherwise I would have replied in the appropriate place.) Take care during these crazy busy beginning days/weeks of school. How is Sarah doing?…September 24 is only two weeks away…:)
Nanci, the reply link is next to the date at the top of each post.
sometimes the reply doesn’t show; especially when you are three deep in a comment 🙂
I’m on the road LONGING to comment on your comments but internet is SLOW. So I must wait!
I’m on the road LONGING to comment on your comment but internet is SLOW. So I must wait!
Sometimes I love a translation or paraphrase and then find out it wasn’t quite accurate! But I have trouble letting go — so your response made me smile.
Hi nanci,thankyouforaskingaboutsweetSarah.Iamtryingtorememberhowniceofasummerwehad…..
1. What stood out to you in the above and why?
Dee’s words “and He sees what beauty can be in us if we follow His lead”. I read this phrase and felt the tears. This small voice saying, “Will you follow my lead? I know you want to. Ask me. Ask me to lead and then let me.” There are times that God whispers softly in my ear. This is one of those times.
It has been a really rough year. I have crawled on my knees most of the year before the Lord. But I have been fighting and angry, angry at all of what seems to be injustice. Today, God is saying to me, “Will you let me lead? If you do, if you really do, then you can relax because I have got this. Start trusting and you can start smiling again. Learn to laugh and dance again, Diane. Let me lead. Look into my eyes. I love you. You are beautiful to me. Trust me.”
Oh Diane. This is so hard! Especially the injustice! Especially when your family suffers. I am praying for you and I am so filled with hope for you, for Krista, your grandsons and even her husband. God will do! Yes, look into His eyes!
Diane–I have tears! OH–cling to this–cling to what He is telling you now, that whisper–I have prayed so much for you to have peace–I will pray for this trusting to “Learn to laugh and dance again”
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
Oh my, Elizabeth. That hymn is spot on. My Savior leads me. He leads the dance. That is so cool.
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
…
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
I have known this song all my life but tonight it is alive.
Diane my heart aches for you and your family I will be crying out to Him for you and your family. Times like this we question WHY but can only try and wait on Him to answer.
Diane, I almost picture you like Daniel and his friends in the fiery furnace, and there appeared the form of One like the Son of God walking in the fire with them. You have been right in the fire, but He is right in there with you (and Krista). He is protecting and covering you. How beautiful His words to you, personally-just for you, just what you need to hear…hope, reassurance. Continuing to pray for you and your family….hold onto His words to you.
Diane — I have thought often how hard what you and Kristin are facing must be. I would struggle so. I’m so glad you like the DVD’s for Idol Lies. Let us know how it goes in your church!
Diane. Let me lead. Look into my eyes. I love you. You are beautiful to me. Trust me.”
Love this!
2. Think of a way that Jesus has taken the lead in His relationship with you, either in wooing you, or, in recently leading you in a dance.
This will sound kind of strange to many people, but not to those here I’m thinking. When I think of my dance with The Lord, it is not so much a feeling, as it once was. Back then I would sit in my quiet time praising Him and my heart would swell with the sense of His nearness. Now we are different together. Things are more tangible and the feeling is different. Perhaps He wanted me off of the feeling and onto the tangible so that my fear would subside and faith grow. For instance, I have no eye for color yet He puts a color before my eyes that thrills me. I see it in the sky then see it on a paint swatch and paint a room. It is beautiful, but don’t take it too far. Time for something new. I go back to the paint swatches, see something I like and paint. Months later I am driving in my car and see those two colors in the sky and it is His voice to me. He speaks the language of beauty and I am sorry because many do not understand it. That is our dance.
Sorry. There is more. Dee I so appreciate your help in seeing this dance. Wedding preparations were this way. He provided either a tangible thing or an idea and when I followed through I found peace and beauty. He allowed brokenness which seemed devastating to me but when I trusted Him with it, He showed me how it happens and how He can make it work, how He can bring beauty from ashes and I am filled with hope.
Anne–this is all so rich, I want to linger on it more but so much already grasped me–” so that my fear would subside and faith grow”…and the colors–oh, it sounds a bit funny, but even in reading your words, I felt a “dance” a waltz-like rhythm of turning, trusting, stepping in faith, and turning back again to Him–a living dance. thank you for this
Anne is it beautiful what He is doing in your heart — and you expressed it so well.
It was probably mentioned already, but I just noticed that if you mouse over someones avatar it shows a larger picture. So cool!
6. What choice fruit does the Spirit show you in your garden? Share here in praise to the Lord!
The Lord has brought me through some deep valleys in the past couple of years. Times of suffering that I have not enjoyed. Lately I have been sensing a newness. I am enjoying my work and my coworkers again and although 2 of my former friends won’t speak to me (I see that as a reflection of their weakness, not mine as I have done all that I can to reconcile and now I am at peace to let it go), I am reconnecting with other coworkers. I am finding pleasure in doing tasks for the team as a whole instead of limiting myself to only helping those that are helping me or are pulling their own weight. I want people to see the hope of Christ in me and not be one of those people of whom people say “…and she calls herself a Christian!”
Dawn I’m so happy that you have found peace in this situation and have been able to move on. God can now work on their hearts and change it all around for you.
Dawn, this is so wonderful to hear, because you shared many times how painful your work situation was, especially with the co-workers you suffered rejection from. I am so pleased for you that new relationships with other co-workers are blossoming and that you are enjoying your work again!
Wonderful testimony about God at work, Dawn! And thanks for telling us about the avatar — so much to learn in this new website!
4. Read Song of Songs 4:1-15
A. A vital theme in The Song of Songs is His love for her. Read the opening 8 verses of chapter 4 and give your overall impression of how He feels about her. Is this a marriage based primarily on duty or on love? – He loves her so much, he complements her, he wants to be near her, he wants her to love him as much as he loves her.
B. What does He call her in verses 9 and 10 and what significance do you see in each name? – In the Message Bible he calls her my friend in verse 9 and than in verse 10 it’s my dear dear friend. By this reference I think he feels that she is much more than just his wife or bride, she is his friend the one he can come to and confide in and who will be there for him.
C. How does He describe her love in verses 10-11?- Her love is better than anything else God created.
D. How is this garden different than the garden in Isaiah 5 according to verses 12-14? – the garden in Song of Songs is flourishing with all good things created by God its alive and full of the presence of God, the garden in Isaiah 5 is dead and unyielding its dried up and unresponsive.
E. Here is the BIG QUESTION. Why, is this garden so good? – Well I an not completely sure on this one but I think because the garden in Song Of Songs is full of Gods creations and goodness. They are listening to His ways and following His lead. They are letting Him be present and in control of the garden.
Very good, Julie: They are listening to His ways and following His lead. They are letting Him be present and in control of the garden.
‘ Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my lover come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.”
(Songs 4:16)
It is difficult for the Soul to lose the height of comfort reached, even though all her sacrifices are like tiny beads slipping through her fingers in comparison with the divine reward of His love. The good works the Soul does for Him are not what delights God, but her herself when she remains in Him. The Bride answers to her Beloved: “Whatever wind is blowing: dry north, burning my garden, or gentle south breeze, whatever hardships enter my life, I say – Come, my Beloved, the garden belongs to You only. I will follow You wherever You call me. Let my life be like a table generously laid for You and Your friends.” ‘
I have been very taken with the artwork from Aleona Isakova, above is the description of the artwork on the website given. I love in the scripture she ask for the Lord to blow on her garden, like a kiss from Him. ‘that His fragrance may spread abroad’~ to me represents His love spreading and going with her. The fact that she is God’s chosen fruit too…just beautiful.
“It is difficult for the Soul to lose the height of comfort reached, even though all her sacrifices are like tiny beads slipping through her fingers in comparison with the divine reward of His love.”
~This one line, I must have read over and over, it kept jumping out at me. I see myself thinking my control is my comfort and all the sacrifices of keeping control keeps be stable, sound and grounded, but in reality it is like tiny beads slipping through my fingers. God saying, let go of that control, it does not compare to what God’s love will do for me…let go and trust Him. All my sacrifices and good works mean nothing if Im always controlling them and not trusting God.
“The Bride answers to her Beloved: “Whatever wind is blowing: dry north, burning my garden, or gentle south breeze, whatever hardships enter my life, I say – Come, my Beloved, the garden belongs to You only. I will follow You wherever You call me. Let my life be like a table generously laid for You and Your friends.”
~to me the above is God asking me to let go and let Him, trust Him…I guess I find it hard to trust when I have had so much distrust in my life…I know God is all perfect and all loving…it’s almost like Im learning to walk again with the Lord, oh how I can not wait to dance and run with Him, one day at a time.
http://deebrestin.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/awake-north-wind-and-south-wind-aleonart.jpg
Staci — such treasures from the artist’s website. Thank you!
D. How is this garden different than the garden in Isaiah 5 according to verses 12-14?
This garden seems more personal, like he is caring for a single person; a loved one. The Isaiah garden is not as personal; it says it is the nation of Israel; not a singular person.
In Isaiah, he is not happy with the “love,” in SoS he is very pleased with his love. The Isaiah passage is negative and the SoS passage is more uplifting and positive.
E. Here is the BIG QUESTION. Why, is this garden so good?
I guess because it is between Jesus and the church, not a nation and it’s people? Like the people, when left alone to themselves couldn’t handle themselves properly, and God looked for good but couldn’t find it. He only saw bad.
In the case of the lover in SoS, she is quiet, shy, and hard to convince that she is beautiful. She is humble and God loves this about her. He loves her demeanor here.
Having several problems with the site: (like the “look” though :))
Have to retype my name and email each time even though I am using the same device.
Should I be using some sort of “app” to view the mobile site? I normally type the address in my web browser and am ok on my cell phone. I’m not having the same flexibility now. Can’t explain with an example right now?
I get the word “BLOG” at the top, and a few “lines” that I think should take me to the rest of the site. They don’t.
Some comment don’t have a reply.
I edited my comment and saved. It said it was saved and then I went back to view it and it wasn’t. It took me back to the top of the entire comment list, not to my comment. It wasn’t saved. I went back to the edit and it said saved. I went back to the site and it was saved. Confusing, kind of delayed I guess?
Pictures sometimes show and sometimes don’t.
Laura, Im having the same issues with the site and I wondered if its because I use a Mac? I did the same, saved my comments and then they were not there??
staci, copy your answers before you submit; then you will have them to paste if you lose them 🙂
5. Read Song of Songs 4:16-17
A. What do you think the north wind represents? The south wind?
The north wind is the trials-the hard times in life and the south wind is the sweet times in life-both ordained by God in his mysterious sovereignty.
I looked up Matthew Henry’s commentary on this and thought it was interesting..Kind of ties into this. He said both winds are the Holy Spirit-the North wind is conviction and the South wind is comfort. So I was thinking when the north wind hits-times of trouble-that is a time He weeds our garden and there are gentle convictions via the Holy Spirit, and His comfort (the south wind) helps us yield. Really this flows together beautifully-both winds! In the sweet times in life that He gives-we are convicted not to rest in circumstantial peace-to desire comfort from it, but to desire His comfort for His love is sweeter than wine. So there is gratefulness that comes in the sweet times but we know He is sweeter. I think really there is comfort over all in knowing He is blowing both winds to tend our garden-to make us like Him..
Beautiful, can I ask, am I missing something, I read everyone reading on Matthew Henry’s commentary and where would I find that? I love that analogy…on both winds, he uses both, wow conviction and comfort, who would have thought the two go together…but makes sense when it comes from God…beautiful.
Staci, try this link to Matthew Henry http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/song-of-solomon/song-of-solomon-4.html
I just googled his name and the list of books in the bible came up to choose from.
Rebecca, this is really good. I thought it was referring to the Holy Spirit, the North winds being trials and the South, warm winds the rest period. Thanks for posting the commentary.
Thanks Julie!
Thanks for this incite about the winds, Rebecca! It gives me food for thought.
*insight
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2?
First He chose fertile ground. He dug up the soil, cleared away all the stones, and planted it with the choicest-the best, vines. He built a watchtower in it-for protection-and made a winepress (in anticipation of the good wine that would be produced).
B. What did He find when He came into His vineyard according to verse 2?
He came looking for good grapes but found only bad fruit.
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3?
He asks those living in Jerusalem, the men of Judah, to “judge between Me and My vineyard”. In other words, whose fault is it that there are only bad grapes? It is clear that He did everything right when He planted and cultivated the vineyard. It’s as if His lament is “What went wrong?”
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6?
He is going to allow the vineyard to be destroyed. He will take away its protective hedge and break down its wall. This once fertile place will become a wasteland where nothing but briers and thorns grow. It will be dry as He will not let the rain fall on it.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7.
The vineyard is actually the children of Israel, the men of Judah (who were supposed to be the “garden of His delight”). The bad fruit is the way they treated each other – with injustice, killing. I am thinking that the widows, the orphans, and the poor were the ones that God heard “cries of distress” from? They were not treated rightly.
3. Read Isaiah 5:1-7
A. How did the Lord care for His vineyard according to verses 1-2? He refined it, and built it up to do well.
B. What did He find when he came into His vineyard according to verse 2? *only* bad fruit
C. What is His lament, according to verse 3? “what more could I have done!” (This says a lot when spoken of the all abled God!)
D. What will He do according to verse 5-6? He will remove his protection and his blessing.
E. Describe the bad fruit in verse 7. bloodshed and distress (which describes the Middle East trials).
4. Read Song of Songs 4:1-15
A. Read the opening 8 verses of chapter 4 and give your overall impression of how He feels about her. Is this a marriage based primarily on duty or on love? Definitely love! He is smitten! What I find interesting is that she comes across as gorgeous! Perfect, in his description. But I am not naive enough to believe that she has no defects! I am sure she is beautiful, but it also speaks of how he sees her, sees the good and focuses on that instead of the bad. (How oft to we refuse to dance with the Lord because we lack the beauty we believe He deserves to dance with!?)
B. What does He call her in verses 9 and 10 and what significance do you see in each name? My sister, my bride. The thing that speaks to me is “my”. She belongs to him and he wants her.
C. How does He describe her love in verses 10-11? Again, he is smitten and is focusing on the positives!
D. How is this garden different than the garden in Isaiah 5 according to verses 12-14? As others have touched on, I think that this is the same God giving the same care to His garden. But in SoS there is submission and requited love from the bride. In Isaiah there is only selfishness (bloodshed and distress). With trust (submission) the garden produces “choice fruits”. Lord, help me to trust you for choice fruits instead of trying to make my own fruit!
E. Here is the BIG QUESTION. Why, is this garden so good? because it aligns with God’s will and therefore works best. =)
5. Read Song of Songs 4:16-17
A. What do you think the north wind represents? The south wind? I never realized before the symbolism here! Very neat.
B. Listen again to Kate Medula sing and to these lyrics: “Cold winds may blow…” What comments do you have? How might you apply this? I am reminded of Phil 4:11 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…” and James 1:2 “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”
6. What choice fruit does the Spirit show you in your garden? Share here in praise to the Lord!
God has used very painful and difficult circumstances in the last two years to completely tear me down and now He is building me up. Through uncharacteristic submission and a peace in the storms of life He has begun to show me true love. Both from Him to me (though that is a still far fetched but life changing concept…) and from me to others (His love through me). Praise be for His grace and mercy for while the pain is never easy or pleasant, the fruit and closeness on the other side is sweet.
Jill — such a good testimony and answers about the garden.
B. Listen again to Kate Medula sing and to these lyrics: “Cold winds may blow…” What comments do you have? How might you apply this? – I think this song is uplifting, giving hope that even though the North winds may blow, God is there with us, He is right behind us following us ready to take the lead at any time. This song Hold On from 33 Miles came to mind and thought it fit in pretty good here.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qW95hekG-Y4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqW95hekG-Y4
I’ve been there a thousand times,
I’ve felt the rain like a thousand knives.
And it hurts,
I know it hurts!
I’ve been there like a fighter plane,
Tryin’ fly my way through a hurricane.
And it’s hard,
I know it’s hard!
Don’t be afraid,
You’ll make it through,
Just call out to me and I’ll come running to you!
Hold on, hold on!
When the current pulls you under,
And your heart beats like thunder.
Just give me your hand,
And hold on, hold on!
Until the storm is over,
And I’ll be fighting for you.
Just give me your hand and,
Hold on!
I’ll give you hope, I’ll give you faith!
And if it’s dark, I’ll light the way,
For you, for you!
By your side, until the end,
Until you’re standing tall again!
I’m here, I’ll always be here.
And if the tide, sweeps you out to sea,
When your strength is gone, and it’s hard to believe!
Hold on, hold on!
When the current pulls you under,
And your heart beats like thunder!
Just give me your hand,
And hold on, hold on!
Until the storm is over.
And I’ll be fighting for you,
Just give me your hand!
Ooooo so…
Hold on, hold on!
When the current pulls you under,
And your heart beats like thunder!
Just give me your hand.
And hold on, hold on!
Until the storm is over,
And I’ll be fighting for you!
Just give me your hand,
And hold on, hold on!
What a lovely song Julie….the words really get to me…thanks for sharing that.
I rented MIss Potter.. :))) Can’t wait to watch it!
I was thinking I wanted to rent it to rewatch, too! Haha. =) can I just come over to your house? 😉
jillwithaj, 😉
Elizabeth, thanks for your concern. I’m doing good with Ttrevor moving away, because he’s happy with his new job and his girlfriend there. (I was ashamed to tell everyone that they are living together:( I have been alittle down, but nothing unusual. I’m just following along, reading comments and praying. I rented Miss Potter to watch also…I’ve never seen it. Thanks for your concern.
Joyce — you are so loved here and you pray so for us. We want to know how you are doing so we can pray for you!
Joyce, Just keep loving and praying for him. Don’t be ashamed to share with us. Praying for you, sister.
Hi Joyce, I’m glad you checked-in with us…when you are absent, you are missed! Like Dawn said, don’t ever be ashamed to share with us…we all (ourselves and family members) have struggles. Love you, Joyce!