LAST WEEK I WAS WITH CHRIST’S BEAUTIFUL BRIDE
BEHIND PRISON WALLS.
THE CORDS OF DEATH ENCOMPASSED EACH ONE,
BUT GOD CAME RUNNING!
HE RESCUED THEM FROM THEIR STRONG ENEMY
AND THEY ARE SO GRATEFUL.
EVEN IF THEY NEVER GET OUT OF PRISON
THEY HAVE JOY.
SUCH A CONTRAST TO MANY OUTSIDE THE PRISON
WHO MAY THINK THEY KNOW HIM,
BUT THEY HAVE RELIGION RATHER THAN RELATIONSHIP
AND ONE DAY JESUS WILL SAY,
I NEVER KNEW YOU.
THE SONG OF SONGS IS A WARNING:
GOD WANTS RELATIONSHIP, NOT RELIGION.
ONLY CHRISTIANITY HAS A RELATIONAL GOD.
OTHER RELIGIONS HAVE A MONOLITHIC GOD OR WARRING GODS.
CHRISTIANITY HAS WHAT THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS CALLED
THE PERICHORESES.
- THE FATHER, SON, AND SPIRIT IN A JOYFUL DANCE.
- AND AMAZINGLY, HE HAS INVITED US INTO THE DANCE.Thank you so much for praying for me as I went into the Texas prisons last week. On most days I was in the Faith Dorms, an idea inspired by Karla Faye Tucker, the first woman to be executed in Texas in one hundred years. When she was interviewed by Larry King, he didn’t see how God could be the source of her joy.
With eyes shining, she said, “When you have done something like I have done and you are completely forgiven, there is a joy that has no lid.” She gave my friend Linda Strom the dream of discipling women in “faith dorms” right inside the prison and Discipleship Unlimited was born. Women who profess faith are accepted into these dorms 18 months and then return to the general prisons as missionaries. Not everyone accepted into the faith dorms are true believers, for sometimes it is hard to discern who are really His, especially if they know the “right words.” And yet God is sovereign, for even those who get in who are just “religious” and don’t really know Him, almost always come to really know Him. The living faith of the others is contagious. It is contagious to me — I so often feel lukewarm in comparison to them. I wonder, Could I lose everything as they have and have this kind of joy? (So many of them, I am convinced, will be in the front of the line in heaven, but I will be grateful to be a doorkeeper!)
Last week for the first time I went into the high security prisons — outside of the faith dorms where many do not know Christ. First we went cell to cell in “Cell Block One” where they are only allowed out of their cell one out of every twenty-four hours. About half of the women wanted nothing to do with us. I was contemplating why as some turned their backs to us, for I would think they would be so thankful for human contact. Why, Lord? Then He brought to my remembrance how our daughter Beth was when we tried to reach out to her after adopting her. She’d had twelve years of abuse in Thailand and had built a wall so as not to be hurt again. It took lots of time and lots of love for that wall to come down at all.
After that we were in an open room where “Cell Block Two,” a group considered a bit lower risk, were allowed to get out of their cells for two hours to come to “church” in a nearby windowless cement room. Yet when they filed in, many were expressionless, silent — like stones. How could we reach them? Then, as only God can do, He led me to depart from my script. I began by telling them the story about my daughter Beth. How as a newborn her arm had been cut off by those who were supposed to take care of her. How she had been cast in a field to die. How she was found crying and rushed to the hospital. How in the orphanage she had been abused in every way. She had what experts call “attachment disorder.” She didn’t trust anyone, didn’t want to attach to anyone, even those who loved her. When we tried to hug her, she jumped. She pulled her covers over her head when we went in to tuck her in.
I had their attention. I saw a few tears. Thank you, Lord, I breathed.
I told them that is what Satan wanted for them. To make them believe God wasn’t good, couldn’t love them — so that they would not attach to God. I told them He was waiting for them with open arms. He wanted to “kiss them,” to be their “good, good Father,” to be their “true Husband.” He wanted to heal them, to love them, to make them His own. Before my very eyes I saw the Spirit of the Living God melt them. Many of them have been so hurt, not only by childhood abuse, but by religion. Some “ministers” who come into the prisons shake their fingers at them, condemning them with religion. Religion kills but relationship brings life. That life giving gospel is what Discipleship Unlimited, the ministry I am so privileged to be a part of, brings to these women. And the women in their faith dorms are brimming with life.
To prepare your heart, watch this interview of Karla, the one whose dream we are seeing lived out, speaking about how forgiving others causes you to soar:
This is our last week on the introduction to the Song (and I know it has been a long introduction!). Next week , with the beginning of Lent, we dive into The Song chapter by chapter during Lent. I suspect we will have newcomers who will need mentors — and I’m counting on you to be there for them. You have been so wonderful that way! I cannot thank you enough. I also thank you for your input. I’ve changed so very much in these opening chapters because of you.
Sunday:
1. What stood out to you and why?
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study:
After my time in prison, I spent a day with my sister Sally and her husband John, for they live in Austin. John was a Lutheran minister and a professor at a Christian college when he was introduced to “Alpha,” an evangelistic Christian ministry. Alpha began in England and spread like a wildfire throughout the world, quickening souls in sleeping churches. John was highly critical of Alpha, and thought, This curriculum could be so much better. So John rewrote Alpha and sent it to the leadership of Alpha in England. Then he called them. A godly leader came to the phone and listened patiently to John. When John paused, he said:
“Frankly, sir, we have looked at your materials and you don’t get it.”
“Pardon?”
“Go back and watch the Alpha videos again. This time, don’t watch them for others, or with an eye to change them – just watch them for your own heart. Ask the Lord to help you see.”
John was shocked, but thankfully, humbled. Had he really missed something? He began watching the videos again. As he was listening to Nicky Gumbel winsomely share story after story about the reality of God moving in his life, John thought: This guy really believes this stuff. When he got to about the sixth video, he said, “everything that was in my head dropped to my heart.” He wept to experience the love of God and he wept for the years that he had shepherded others without really knowing God’s love. John went on to resign from his teaching position in order to be trained in England for six months by Alpha to take it to North American campuses.
There are so many like John. During The Great Awakening when a high percentage of the population was supposedly turning to Christ, Jonathan Edwards, the American puritan of keen intellect, was concerned. Edwards said, “No matter how much people may know about God and the Bible, it is no sure sign of salvation.” Unless we have tasted the goodness of the Lord, it may only be a creed in our heads. Edwards felt the Song was key in helping people see what Christianity truly was: relationship, not religion. In the Song, Edwards wrote, the “bride is incessantly infatuated with Him.” Edwards said “There is a great difference between knowing honey is sweet and having a sense of its sweetness.” How do we reach those who think they know, but do not? Jesus often used the power of a story to quicken hearts. And that, I am convinced, is why we have the Song. To learn that Christianity is not rules but relationship — the most intimate relationship.
3. Comment on the above. (Could I make it clearer — better?)
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside?
B. How were they different?
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you?
6. As an overview, and to prepare you to be mentors for Lent, we will read the whole Song this week and have you summarize the three love stages.
A. First Love — that wonderful euphoric time when you first fall in love. James Hamilton, whom you will hear this week says the Shulammite often imagines the time when love will be consummated, but it hasn’t happened. One evidence is that the Daughters of Jerusalem are present. Read about the first love time in Song of Songs 1-4. (There are moments of cooling even within this time, but basically she is in the first love time.) Summarize what you see.
B. Wilderness Love — that time when you withdraw from your bridegroom, not trusting him or longing for him as you did at first. Pain follows. Song of Songs 5:1-8.
C. Invincible Love — that time when even though there is pain, you trust the heart of your bridegroom and see fruitfulness in your life and in the lives you have touched. Song of Songs 5:9 to the end.
Thursday-Friday: Listen and Comment on this Sermon (2ND WEEK FOR THIS)
James Hamilton Song of Songs 2
7. Comments?
Saturday:
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
162 comments
1. What stood out to you and why?
THIS IS LIFE GIVING–SO POWERFUL!
“When you have done something like I have done and you are completely forgiven, there is a joy that has no lid.” Also, in the video, Karla’s mark of LOVE for others..His mark in her! His spirit in her. That is the difference between religion and relationship. Religion focuses on morality-it is pointing to self-desiring attention for the good we do..Relationship points to HIM..Him first, others second and us last- This flows out of us-but it is Him in us. He designed us to be in the dance of delight between Him, the Holy Spirit and Jesus..the Fall happened and He came to rescue us and bring us back to Him. It has nothing to do with rules and morality. We Love others because HE FIRST LOVED US-but only by His power in us.
I love how God changed Dee’s script-oh..and how He melted the women’s heart with His Love.
Oh Rebecca — this is what you have. Relationship! I was just thinking how when we have that, and DESIRE that, it helps us curb our tongues — and so much more. That changes us. I have seen you trust Him and stay silent repeatedly in hard situations because you so desire more of Him!
Oh my, Dee! Reading through tears of your beautiful week in the prisons. Love that your story of Beth was once again used in such a redemptive way – nothing is wasted in the hands of our redeemer. The painting spoke to me beyond words. Reminded me of a framed quote on my bedroom wall that says, “It isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass….. its about learning to dance in the rain.” And the platform that you provide here has given us a camaraderie and encouragement that is teaching me to dance.
Grateful.
Nila- I really like that quote, I have seen it before and it certainly speaks to my heart!
Nila — you remind me of Betsie ten-Boom’s words: “There is no pit so deep God is not deeper still. They will believe us, Corrie, for we have been there.”
And you as well!
So much of this week’s lesson has touched my heart! Thank you, Dee! I love basking in the knowledge and reality that true Christianity is about relationships and not rules. I’m so thankful that your BIL found a true relationship after all those years of having merely religion. What a miracle indeed! I’m also intrigued that the word “knew” is the same word used for intimacy in marriage. How that quickens my heart after Him! Why would He ever long to have intimacy with the likes of me? My own sister pointed out to me several weeks ago when I told her of your study that this same word is also used in Phil 3:10 and Mt 1:25 and Lk 1:34. I’m sure you already know these references but I loved it when she pointed it out to me after we discussed how some Christians do not believe in spiritualized the Song but only believe it is about the physical marriage relaionship. It is really sad that some Christians are missing out on intimacy with Christ and are content to have a superficial relationship with Him as long as they are rescued from Hell. Thank you for being a lone voice in the wilderness calling us to deeper love with Jesus. I am currently in Albania for at least 2 months to adopt my 15 year old daughter and bonding has been tough. I really resonated with your bonding struggles with Beth and take courage with how close you are now. It’s lonely in a foreign country at night for all this time but I feel so warmed this evening to read your blog and fellowship with my Lord and with my sisters in Christ.
Oh Miriam — every sentence touched my heart. How I pray you will be able to melt her with love. You sound like one who could!
Oh Miriam – so wonderful to come on and see you here! At church this morning we celebrated “Adoption Sunday”…..I kept thinking of you and praying for you!
Thank you SO much, Jackie! How sweet of you and encouraging!!!
Miriam, you have remained in my prayers! God bless you both, truly!
Thank you so much, Jill!!
Miriam, this is such a wonderful post. Oh that we may “know” Him. Praying for you as you struggle to bond with your adopted daughter. God is so good to encourage you by Dee’s testimony of Beth’s adoption struggles.
Thank you, Diane! What a blessing!
Miriam, I teach teenagers for a living….how hard it must be to bond with a fifteen year old. Does she/he understand the life in America? How different it will be? Do they have a common interest as you? I have no idea how close you are to teens (your background), but if you need to talk sometime maybe you can get my email from Dee? I’m not an expert, but I have had 4 children and taught public higher school for about 20 years. I know a lot about teens from experience. Meanwhile, I will pray.
Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts, Laura. I’ve been able to play a big part in raising some inner city kids from my many years of volunteering within their community. So, even though I’m single, I have lots of mothering experience. That’s not to say that I have a clue what I’m doing now with a 15 year old girl who doesn’t even speak my language and has been institutionalized her whole life. I argued with God big time against this assignment but He has assured me of His huge part in asking me to do this. I did not seek out this opportunity. I have missionary friends who have been mentoring these teen orphan girls for over one year. They were being placed on the street at age 15 in this country and I was asked to save them from this awful fate by adoption. It was not in my plan. I would always welcome any advice and wisdom from you as it sounds like you have a bunch of that!!! I sat with her today as she cried lots of tears. I wipes her tears and kissed her and held her but our language barrier prevents deep communication. Thank you so much for caring.
Miriam….so many, many thoughts flooding my spirit as I read what you have written. I would LOVE to share this with some specific people in my church…we have many there who have experienced adoption – both internationally and from within our own very troubled foster system the Baltimore area……I truly feel like you are becoming a special ambassador in following what the Lord has asked you to do. THANK YOU so much for your faithfulness in following Jesus!
I was stunned and amazed and INCREDIBLY encouraged that your daughter is weeping in your presence – my goodness, but TEARS are such a gift from our Father…..so indicative of a melting heart. I simply cannot think of a better picture of the love of Christ than you,Miriam, sitting in a cold, dark and ugly room…..holding a brokenhearted young woman. I know what you are meaning by saying that the language barrier prevents deep communication – but I think you are experiencing the very DEEPEST communication possible!
“Then the righteous one will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will say, ‘ I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ ” Matthew 25:37-40.
Miriam, You my sister are on the front lines right now-His Love is sacrifice..Praying, Lord may Your Love melt her heart. Thank you for Miriam-thank you for being her balm in a lonely place. We love you Miriam and are looking forward to hearing more of your journey!!
Thank you Rebecca! I’m so blessed by this fellowship of sisters! I wrote a bit on Laura’s reply. Bonding is tough work in a foreign country with a huge language barrier and only being allowed to sit in a cold dark ugly room. But God is greater than all of these man made barriers and his grace is sufficient if I will only allow it to be. So thankful for you!
Miriam, we are on the journey of welcoming a refugee family to our area. Language is definitely a barrier. We are hoping that the free app “Google Translate” and others like it will help some to overcome the language barrier. I hope you have something similar to aid you in your efforts to communicate with you adopted daughter. I appreciate your sharing your journey with us.
1. What stood out to you and why?
Oh, tears over your story about Beth and how the women’s heart’s melted. It is so wonderful that you were open to God’s leading to share Beth’s story with them. They have believed Satan’s lies, just as we so often do.
Yes, thanks, Diane! We are just like them!
2. The difference between relationship and religion: relationship is all about freedom and openness and sharing and growing and delighting in the other
5c. God expects and wants an intimacy with us that is deeper than anything else, indescribable really. Words fail to fully describe the experience of intimacy, and then to see that God wants the deepest of intimacy is nearly incomprehensible. And wonderful, for that is what my spirit cries out for.
6c. Friends ask what is so special about this pursuit of God you’re on. And you try to describe Him and find it lays flat on the page, but your eagerness for Him inspires others to want Him, too. You come to understand that He loves you not indiscriminately but uniquely. You start to trust that even when He seems quiet, He is close by and loving you.
8. I am taking away a serene confidence in His love and pursuit of me. Even though I am still ‘dark’, and at times slow to respond to Him, still He will never leave or forsake me.
I am still ‘dark’, and at times slow to respond to Him, still He will never leave or forsake me.
Yes.
Yes!
1. What stood out to you and why?
Beth’s story always touches me, especially remembering Steve’s love for her that melted her.
I identify with the women who would turn their back on a visitor… you just can’t bear the hurt one more time so you avoid the possibility of it.
Karla Faye Tucker has captivated me since the first time I heard of her … She is a flame that ignites faith in others.
Something she said reminded me of an image that has stuck with me through the years. A shower head coming from a funnel, God’s goodness being poured into the funnel intending to shower the person under it but a huge rock of unforgiveness blocks the way. God loves us no matter what but we can certainly get in the way of that message coming to us.
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion? So much to say about this but the thing that is standing out to me right now is self. Religion is still self-salvation. If I can do enough, say enough, get better enough and I will win the favor of God and be accepted. The emphasis is me and the hope is in me. Relationship with Christ is love, and submission to that love (this is positive!), getting to know Him, and if I really know Him and His Father then I know my hope is in them, my salvation is in Christ alone. The emphasis, the center, is on God and Christ, His Son, as a gift to me, for me, in spite of me.
Religion is also one-sided. I do the rules. Relationship is 2-sided. We talk, we communicate, He listens and speaks, I listen and speak.
My husband says: Religion is practiced, relationship is experienced.
Good differentiation!
And yes, Karla is a flame that captivates others!
Jill-excellent-short and sweet- contrast between relationship and religion!
During last week’s study Liz brought up the question of how a man feels to be called the bride of Christ and her husband’s comments. Last night I told my husband about this Song of Song study and asked him this question. When I asked him how it felt to be called the bride of Christ as a man, my husband said “I am not the bride, the church is” and he said “I have taken the position that the Song of Songs is about marriage, I don’t see it being about Christ and the church”. Any thoughts or suggestions??
I think you can respect his opinion that it is primarily about marriage even if you disagree. But even those who think it is primarily about marriage know it is also a pointer to Christ and the Church because Ephesians 5:31-32 says marriage points to the mystery of Christ and the Church. And as far as men being the bride, even if they don’t think the Song is about that, there are many other passages in the parables, the poets, the prophets and Revelation that show we are all the bride of Christ. But I’d be careful in a discussion to approach it with questions instead of statements — like asking him how he interprets some of those passages. For he probably understands his need to be in submission to God and to love God even if the metaphor is too much for him.
Liz VH – My husband is not a believer, so we don’t exactly get to have these kinds of conversations and my first thought was how neat it is that you and your husband DO get to speak freely of the Scriptures! Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is our teacher…..and trying to “talk someone into” seeing what we see therein is counterproductive. I would take a step back, take a deep breath and begin praying about what I may be seeing differently than my husband in the Scriptures……is your husband a reader? The man we are listening to on the blog, James H. Hamilton, has written a book called “Song of Songs….a Biblical-Theological Christological Interpretation”. Maybe your husband would take a look at something like that? Ultimately, I really feel like men will be more open to a Christological interpretation when pastors start preaching this again! Do you have good lines of communication with your pastor? It would be interesting to see his take on Song of Songs…..and perhaps as we women begin asking our pastors about the possibility of preaching on this….more and more men’s hearts will be melted with the Song! 🙂
Great point, Jackie. We can pray pastors will being to preach it Christologically!
Jackie-my admiration for you has flown higher. 🙂
Dawn, I’m late getting started this week, but when I came upon your post on #2, I loved it! Very good analogy about the machine!
For some reason, my reply is being posted before your post that I was responding to 🙂
1. What stood out to you and why? I loved the picture. I liked the way that everyone kind of swirled together. There is a definite center point yet they are all kind of blended around it and in it.
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
Religion is like the give and take that takes place a machine. Things work and only work in a process where everything runs smoothly. If something breaks everything falls apart and the machine no longer does anything; it’s dead.
A relationship is also a give and take. The difference is when something breaks in a relationship the other gives more and does what it takes to bring the other one back until things are running smoothly again.
Since we are human we are the ones who are going to “break”. In religion the break signifies the end because there is no “giving” on our part so there can be no “taking” either.
In a relationship when we “break” Christ is there picking up the pieces, pursuing us, doing everything he can to woo us back and get things running smoothly again. He always gives, he can never “break”. We show our love for him by pressing into him, loving him, worshiping him, obeying him. It’s not work it’s gratitude.
Dawn, I really like how you explained #2, the emphasis being on how we can do nothing when the relationship breaks down; it is Christ who is the remedy.
Dawn, this grabbed me, “It’s not work it’s gratitude.” Our actions (obedience, worship…) overflow from the heart, yes. Your machine analogy is good, too, the give and take … Thanks, Dawn.
Ditto to Susan — love the machine analogy, Dawn.
Dawn, Such a great analogy. Love this word picture. Thank you!
1. What stood out to you and why?
Oh Dee! Everything stood out! Beth, the women being so stoic, the story of Karla (since I lived in Texas during her incident and trial, the story always “gets” me), but mostly how God took over when you were talking to make sure they heard what He wanted them to hear. I know that feeling, even just yesterday! My partner and I danced in church and I asked the Lord to speak through us to the congregation. This was a particularly difficult dance for me and I needed Him to “take over” to get through it all. I asked Him to help me relax and enjoy the movement, and to rest in Him. He did! It was wonderful to have that “freeing” feeling.
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
Religion is rules, relationship is emotion.
Love hearing this about the dance yesterday Laura.
1. What stood out to you and why?
The joy of these women, the joy that Karla talked about in her interview with Larry King, “When you have done something like I have done and you are completely forgiven, there is a joy that has no lid.” These women have and know the joy of forgiveness and it has freed them though they are not physically free. I struggle so much with self-condemnation when I sin and I long to have that experience that they have.
I can picture the women in Cell Block 1 turning their backs…how discouraging that must have felt, Dee. How faithful God was to lead you to depart from your prepared talk and to use the story of Beth to help them understand how God longs for them, how Satan trys to keep them from attaching to Him.
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
Religion is kind of a slavish relationship in which you are afraid of God, of displeasing Him, of what He might do to punish you. It is fear and performance based, not love based. It can also puff you up with pride if you think you’re really something and you’re following all the rules and therefore, God is really impressed with you.
Relationship…the picture of God as Father and we are His children, or God as our Heavenly Husband and we are His Bride. Relationship is built on love and trust and knowing deeply my inadequacy yet He has chosen to make me the object of His love, chosen to care for me, to make me His special treasure.
3. Comment on the above. (Could I make it clearer – better?)
Another powerful story, Dee…I am curious as to what John thought was lacking in the Alpha curriculum and what changes he wanted to make to it?
A question I’ve never asked John, but will. I suspect because he didn’t really get the gospel, he thought it was too grace-based, but I don’t know!
Thanks for your encouragement too, Susan. And I pray for your tender soul to feel that freedom!
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
Oh my…as some of you know from FB, my mom suffered a stroke ten days ago and spent six days in the hospital. When sitting in a hospital room, in ICU, in the middle of the night with your mom and not knowing how it’s all going to turn out, God seemed so very far away. My mom was having such pain in her head and neck from the bleed in the brain, her blood pressure was too high, and I prayed that God would just bring sleep for her, but it didn’t come. “Where are You, God? Couldn’t You answer such a small request? I’m not asking for a big miracle here.” Later, I saw how I was like a small child who didn’t get what she wanted and was stamping her foot. The next day, I spent time with my son who had come home from college to see his grandma. He’s also going through a hard time. My husband had taken my daughter to her swim meet and Ryan and I had a chance to talk and to eat dinner together, just the two of us. As I spent time with him, a thought came that God was blessing me through this time with my son. I hadn’t had such a nice time and conversation with him for a very long time, as he’s away from home most of the time now and I have felt distant from him. He has been turning to me in the midst of his difficult time. When I hugged him, I actually got a response from him. God’s love comes in many ways and often through others. I was really struggling to have peace and calm in the midst of all this. I listen a lot to Chip Ingram podcasts, and last Tuesday I listened to one of his sermons on inner peace. I took notes and talked it through with God and prayed as Chip suggested, using Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I cried and cried and talked it all out with God. Something that Laura-dancer posted a couple of weeks ago has stuck with me, when she said, “Now that I’m a big girl…” I told God I wanted to be a “big girl” too, and grow in my maturity and faith. I was so anxious and couldn’t stop worrying about my mom every moment that I wasn’t there with her. I did experience His peace, which I am equating with His love. It is a good thing that He wants to give, His peace, because He loves me. Satan was really attacking me the one night I spent with my mom and it was one of her worst nights and I am convinced that the one thing he really wants is to make us like those women Dee described above with the stony hearts and to turn our backs on God and even be angry and disillusioned in our human relationships; to keep us from loving God and loving others and from experiencing God’s love and others’ love for us.
Oh Susan — thanks so much for recapping this all here. I often miss Facebook cause I have so many Facebook friends it gets lost. But I know I could type in the name. But this is so tender. Your confusion. Your tender time with Ryan. Your wanting to be a big girl. Love it all.
Thank you, Dee. I guess I am not technically “on Facebook”…I’m just in the little group of women from the blog where we share prayer requests.
Oh Susan, how you have thrilled my heart and spurred me on with your words here this morning! Such incredible nuggets of God’s wisdom woven all throughout from start to finish…..tears in my eyes as I read of your time with Ryan – I had been specifically praying for QUALITY time with Ryan for you throughout his time of sorrow and regrouping……just so sweet to see your joy in that. And yes, your precious mom. Surely we have all been in that place of crying out “Where ARE you God?? This is such a ‘little’ request!!!”…..and then yes……looking back and seeing so clearly that we have once again been “stamping our feet” and demanding what we cannot possibly understand. Just now as I was hanging clothes on my clothesline I was thinking on this with your mom….and again I was struck with how sometimes we truly need to see the enormity of what sin has done to us all. Not your mom’s sin, please don’t misunderstand…..but just the horrors of disease and illness alone that we all suffer from…..and feel so helpless in the wake of our loved ones’ suffering…..this is not Eden…..and not Heaven yet either…..this is not how God created us to live….but we chose to turn our backs on him and go our own way…..sin….and the cost is more than we can bear. How can it be that God Himself, Immanuel, came to bear it ALL for us on the cross???? We have a living HOPE of eternal life with our Savior….free of sin and sorrow, praise His Holy Name!!
Jackie, fond memory of my childhood is my mom carrying the laundry outside to the clothesline with her basket of clothespins…I used to help her sometimes (when I was being good:)) She had a special clothesline that her uncle had made for her; it was in the shape of a square and the lines were strung across so you had several rows. Not too many people hang clothes outside anymore!
How about that Susan? I think I now know a little bit more about why your mom was on my mind as I hung clothes on the line . :). Jesus never ceases to amaze me with the “connections” that we think are just incidental as we jot down our thoughts here….thrilled that it bubbled up yet another warm memory of time spent with your mom! And yes, I m a bit of a hippy child yet I guess- LOVE my clothesline time !!!!
My dear Susan, sorry your mom has been having such a tough time. I wish I could give you a hug just now. It is so hard to watch our loved ones suffer, to pray and not see healing. Yet, you pray, you wrestle with God (which is prayer in its most honest sense), you want to have a teachable heart. I pray with you that you will have the peace of God which passes all understanding. I pray that your family will see God in you and that God will bless you with little miracles along the way each day, as you walk down this hard path. May you come out of this wilderness leaning on the arm of your Beloved!
Susan, Tears as I read through your post. Grateful for that time you got to have with Ryan.
Susan, you and your mom are in my prayers this morning.
Susan, I just read this about your mom…..I’m so sorry I missed it ?; I havent been on fb much. I remember sitting with my mom in a rehab also a couple of years ago when she had fallen and hit her head. She had a sub-dural (?) hematoma and brain surgery. I remember my biggest fear was that they took her off her insulin and weren’t checking it as often as she would have. The night was so awful. I’m sorry you had to endure the worry and sadness of feeling like God wasn’t there. I’m SO glad you had the time with your mom. I will be praying for you and your mom.
Susan, I’m so sorry to learn about your mother’s stroke. However, it touched my heart to hear that the situation provided a time for you to bond more with Ryan. So proud of you that you can find Christ’s peace and love in the midst of the stress and turmoil! Loved the part about being a “Big Girl”! Praying for your Mom and your family.
Susan, The scripture from Philippians is so wonderful, and i pray for you to have the peace of God through this difficult experience with your Mom.
You are in my prayers, and I am happy that you had some time with your son and know the agony of seeing a son or daughter struggling.
Your sharing this story is so meaningful to me. thank you
1. What stood out to you and why?
That it was Beth’s story of brokenness that melted the hearts of these women. That God ordained before time you would be Beth’s Mom, she would suffer the trauma she had, she would learn, through love, to trust again–and that He would use her story to bring other lost children of His to Himself. God’s sovereignty, His weaving in this is amazing. There are so many facets to the picture–your willingness to yield to the Spirit and change what you had planned to share…but it touched me too, of the deep level of pain these women carry daily. The degree of feeling unloved, unable to trust–to imagine that the story of a young child (your sweet Beth), led them to Him. Amazing.
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
There are many distinctions, and I always like the charts that so well describe the many differences displayed. But very simply, what struck me this morning is that a key difference is the lack of repentance. Many of the outward signs can look similar–and some of the disciplines of religion are good things in themselves (for the wrong motive). The difference is heart level, and specifically, a lack of repentance shows the heart is living out of self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency.The hand is closed, tightly clinging to the things that we use to help us feel good enough, cleaned up enough, presentable. We cling to our good deeds, our “niceness”, and we close our eyes to the sin in our own hearts, using others as a measure of our goodness, our “better than-ness”. A repentant heart is broken, the only measure used is God’s holiness, and I see how far short I fall, the depths of my own depravity and my deep need. It is a vulnerable place, and requires great trust. The women in the prison had faced the mirror on their own souls and knew their need. They trusted Dee’s words were true. And only from that place of raw, exposed vulnerability,and courageous trust, can we enter into relationship.
Wow — you have a way of putting your finger on the heart, Lizzy. A lack of repentance.
And you are such a Barnabas! Yes, His sovereignty. For all of us!
Lizzy-yes. A repentant, ‘playdough’ heart. :))
Yes, Lizzy, “His weaving in this is amazing!” He makes it clear that He is with us all the way through!
3. Comment on the above. (Could I make it clearer – better?) John’s story makes me want to watch the videos and have the head knowledge drop to my heart. I know I have tasted God’s sweetness, but it is so incredibly easy to find myself unintentionally in approval mode. Even in forgiveness I feel this sense of obligation to “be good” in order to maintain my forgiveness status. God’s love is bigger than that! John’s story reminds me that it is not only right to seek Him above all things, every day, but it is sweet! It is GOOD. I guess I am in the slow group, where little nuggets drop down bit by bit but drop they do. I listen to preachers/teachers and am impressed the same as John, “These people really really believe this!” But more than that, they TRUST it. To believe the cliff is sturdy and safe to walk over and see the view is different than actually walking over and seeing the view.
Dee, the only suggestion I have is to add a year to “The Great Awakening” if it wasn’t for my history studies this year I would have thought it was some movement in my time that I had not taken notice of….
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week? God’s love goes with me, filling, warming, calming my heart as I go. He whispers calmness and perspective, He quiets my inner storms… I experience God’s love in creation when I look outside or go outside. But I will confess, I do not experience His love acutely unless I seek Him in His Word and in prayer, real prayer. He cannot be an afterthought or an obligation. When I seek His sweetness because of who He is (not for what He can give me) I experience deeper love, not because He loves me more, but because there is less of me.
Jill, Loved the way you put this: God’s love goes with me, filling, warming, calming my heart as I go. He whispers calmness and perspective, He quiets my inner storms… I experience God’s love in creation when I look outside or go outside.
I’ll add the year — thanks, Jill!
Jill, loving your whole post…I am also in the “slow group”. Strides gained in the area of faith just never come easily to me, and I also marvel at the seemingly easy trust of others. Also this, “When I seek His sweetness because of who He is (not for what He can give me) I experience deeper love, not because He loves me more, but because there is less of me.”
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
Last week I drove to one of my favorite places to hike (or cross country ski), alongside a stream in the nearby mountains. I spent the afternoon alone (but not alone), walking along the trail, just soaking up the beauty of it all. It was a way to “be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10) There was much unrest in my soul when I left my house and I was compelled to draw near to Him in this way. Author John Eldridge speaks of the need our souls have of beauty and that the more restlessness and pain we may be experiencing, the more beauty we need to help quiet our hearts. He also gave me a couple of songs recently that particularly bring rest to my soul.
Also, last week (Weds.) I received such a surprising blessing. I am employed by a well-to-do and very kind family as a private tutor for their children. I also give the mother guitar lessons. Last Weds. she and her husband gave me a beautiful new Martin guitar (I have wanted a Martin since I started playing guitar 43 years ago)! It stunned me, really. If you know guitars, you know that this is like playing a stradivarius, in a sense. It sounds completely beautiful. I feel like I’ve just been given a really good race horse and I only know how to trot or a really nice race car and I only drive 75 mph! Grateful. I had planned to take it over to show a very dear old (92) friend, but he passed away the day after I received the guitar. Willard played harmonica with such soul and we would periodically get together and “jam”. I’ve been asked to play and sing at his funeral Weds. morning. Once again needing the Lord to quiet my soul, to forget about myself and play and sing in freedom. (Laura, I was encouraged by the way you prayed about your difficult dance yesterday morning. Thank you.)
Nila — how wonderful!
Nila, how wondeful that you received such a thoughtful gift! Yesterday I had no choice but to pray because I knew I wasn’t quite ready to dance the way I would have liked to. That being said, I focused on the true meaning of our dance….to remind others to trust in Jesus. I knew He was there then. I’m so glad it encouraged you too!
Nila, just reading this on Wednesday morning. Praying for you now, that God will lead you as you play and sing at Willard’s funeral this morning.
1. What stood out to you and why?
I love the picture of the dance…I envision the central figures as those of the Holy Trinity; what delight it gives me to see others included in the circle; we are permitted to join in “the dance”…truly incredible grace!
Reading Beth’s story made me sad…to think of the abuse Beth suffered breaks my heart, as does all those innocents who are mistreated, enslaved, treated as property, robbed of human dignity…oh I pray for their freedom from bondage. So thankful that Beth found her “home” in the Brestin family.
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
Religion is about “shoulds” and “oughts,” action largely done out of obligation or for appearance sake. Religion is going through the motions, a quid pro quo arrangement, self-interest (i.e., what’s in it for me?). Relationship on the other hand is about a bond, interacting with the one or those we are in relationship with; it is about genuineness and authenticity.
So good to show the difference between “what’s in it for me” of religion with genuine caring of relationship. Also convicting!
Comment on the above. (Could I make it clearer — better?)
I think this is fairly clear. I felt sorry for John being humbled as he was, but I guess we all need that to move forward in our faith.
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
Well, the last several weeks have been exceptionally hard for me, in fact the hardest I have had in a very long time. God has shown mercy through a husband who has taken up my slack, friends who have lifted me up and prayed for me, through understanding bosses, colleagues who have stepped in for me, and the final cap was the calm and restful dance I participated in yesterday at church (mentioned above). Thank You Lord for fulfilling all my needs.
Laura, I so love that you dance! In our church visits over the years I have secretly hoped to find a place to endevour in this (I have never done liturgical dance but it so speaks to me). I loved the video you posted awhile back.
Jill, I have danced for 46 years now, but you don’t have to be a trained dancer to dance for God ?. If I recall, you are in one of the Carolinas? There must be a group near you because you are in the south! Just do it! You can do it!!
Laura, ? I am in Virginia. Don’t know why it didn’t occur to me to just look for a group (I thought I had to be a member of the church that offered it…)! I think I may. Thank you for your encouragement.
Yay Jill! No, you don’t usually have to be a member to dance with groups.
I was listening to the video interview with Karla Faye Tucker and heard her mention “February 3rd” as her execution date that had been set. I checked other websites and sure enough tomorrow is 18 years since she has been executed. 1998. My, but she has cast a long shadow! God has used her mightily to help other women in the prison systems. Praise the Lord!
How sensitive of you to check. Linda grieves every Feb 3rd. It was like having a daughter executed.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside?
They were all human. They may have come from the same cultures and regions. They had families, jobs, and daily life to attend to.
B. How were they different?
The he religious were the rule followers. They judged. The relationals were hungry to know more, in fact they fought to know more.
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you?
That Christ wants to know us as we are to know each other in marriage.
A. First Love — that wonderful euphoric time when you first fall in love. James Hamilton, whom you will hear this week says the Shulammite often imagines the time when love will be consummated, but it hasn’t happened. One evidence is that the Daughters of Jerusalem are present. Read about the first love time in Song of Songs 1-4. (There are moments of cooling even within this time, but basically she is in the first love time.) Summarize what you see.
I see two people who love each other immensely in the first two chapters. I love in the third chapter where she takes him to her mother to meet him!
“Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her who conceived me.”
Song of Solomon 3:4 ESV
Also, in the last chapter he mentions her veil. This must be the wedding ceremony!
“Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil.”
Song of Solomon 4:3 ESV
I also like when they both mention not trying to find love, rather wait until love finds you….
Having trouble pasting the correct verses here….I will add later.
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
Song of Solomon 2:7 ESV
And again,
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
Song of Solomon 3:5 ESV
Initially I thought it was him and her that said this, but now I realize it’s just her who repeats it twice. I’ve learned that in the Gospel when things are repeated twice, especially by Jesus, that they are very important to pay attention to.
So…I can’t put my finger on it..which is good. 🙂 Lizzy’s pointing out repentance is CRUCIAL. Maybe I am kind of going off on a trail but lately God is changing me through this study and my Chronological reading. I don’t beat myself up anymore for days before turning-at least I haven’t in a long time. I’m not sure why-but that is okay..I just know it is Him and that brings me unspeakable joy. The past few weeks I have asked myself this in waiting for my son’s diagnosis when I have had periods of worry and anxiety: Do I want this fret to have me, or do I want Him? Lord Help me! I am not beating myself up like I used to-NO..I see this trial-my wrestling with trying to control it with worry or other means- as Him calling me and others in my life to deeper places with Him..and what could be better?!?
So maybe He is giving me a growing confidence and freedom to fly with Him regardless of my circumstances? I have to say it is a PROCESS..Since He brought me here on the blog and I learned I had idol issues to now-and how many years has that been??? HE IS FAITHFUL and LONG SUFFERING-so GLAD-and He has a LONG way to go with me in breaking me and remaking me. And yes-our intimacy will not be perfect until we are face to face but we CAN fly with Him here on Earth!! Because He has made us HIS..WE CAN nestle under His wings and experience Him deeper and deeper here-For what is more beautiful? Flying free with HIM or the destruction worry, anger, frustration brings to our intimacy with Him and to us?
I don’t want this to sound like as of today-all is perfect and I am face to face now! :)) I hope it doesn’t!! I can’t describe it other than it Him daily breaking me..for today, tonight, an hour from now or 5 minutes from now my sin nature will cry out and I will get frustrated, worried, etc. I am saying there are little pieces He has broken off and made new in me over the years..the flowers in our garden are growing..My idols still resurface obviously-and the weeds still need to be pulled, but you know what I am saying!! 🙂
You do have some challenging circumstances so this witnesses to my heart dear Rebecca.
Rebecca–this is beautiful, your heart, once again, leaps through the screen to me, and I am blessed by your “flying” with Him 🙂
Rebecca, I love these glimpses into your deep relationship with Him…thank you for sharing. I believe we can all relate to that battle of giving into worry, anxiety, fear, frustration, or choosing more of Him instead. And yes, it is constant…every hour, sometimes every few minutes!
Yes! Rebecca, I too, know this joy! When you put all of your faith in Him, life here on earth is joyful. It’s not numbing…you find joy in every little thing that you do. It’s our job to recognize that; to pay attention to those times.
Laura-Yes-I see that in you! Through all the trials and valleys you have gone through with your daughter and your finances..how you have persevered in going to Him with humility and confidence-as you are in the Song too!! Your posts remind me He is so good-so faithful to open our eyes and melt our hearts giving us His joy-unspeakable. 🙂
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4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week? I am constantly aware of His love and experiencing it in a ‘walk-with-me’ sort of way. But how often do I sit still and turn to look God ‘in the face’ to truly allow Him to *see* me and allow myself to be loved and forgiven despite what is seen. Yes, He sees me all the time, but there is something in my manor that is busy and aversive, not quite looking Him in the eye, because if I do I am on thin ice and it all breaks apart and I can’t keep it together. Because the true knowledge of His deep love for me still undoes me, still humbles me, still brings me to my knees in disbelief. Because I am unworthy and there is no way I can earn or keep His favor. I just can’t do it. But He reminds me of grace as a gift and, you’re right I cannot earn His favor, He gives it freely, gives us grace to win us back. And then the song comes on, “You’re a good, good Father, it’s who you are, it’s who you are…and I’m loved by You, it’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am.” And the tears do come and don’t threaten as the possibility of them did, because these tears come from gratitude and brokenness being filled, not of impending doom that I feared if I should let go. Because in His arms, looking in His face He reminds of who. I. am. – His.
Makes me want to sing “Grace, grace, God’s grace” Love your post Jill.
Jill,
Yes – He reminds me of who I am when I see who He is.
Such a paradox of being broken and undone and being restored and safe. My husband shared some thoughts at a dear old (91) friend’s funeral yesterday. When we met this old cowboy 40 plus years ago, he was a broken man. A broken man that allowed the light of Christ to shine through. A broken man who left a legacy of allowing the pain of life to tenderize him and he drew many to Christ through his humble brokenness. Brokenness that was continually being filled even to his dying day.
3. Comment on the above. (Could I make it clearer — better?)
I like it as is, it seems clear to me. It reminded me of psalm 25:9 “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. “ I’ve often thought about that there is given a “prerequisite” to His teaching and showing us the way, and it is humility. I love this example, that until he humbled himself, and was willing to even look at it again (some would have been offended, and in pride, not). John’s humility, allowed the Lord to teach His way.
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
Really, through the outpouring of love and prayers from dear friends. A few in person, some through “cyberspace”—one, who said “praying that support and non judgmental caring will surround you”—I wept at that, it was exactly what I had wanted, needed to hear. I am, by nature, incredibly hard on myself, and I have spent years in that place. But I longed for “non judgmental” care, and didn’t think I could ask for it, but when she did for me, that so touched me, as from Him.
Lizzy-God is on the move-that you would be surrounded with caring-and non-judgmental! Such good news to hear!
I agree with Lizzy’s #3. 🙂 Honestly, there has been a few times I might have suggestions-but mostly everything you write is carefully crafted before the Lord-and seers to the heart. I agree with Lizzy’s observation that John’s humility allowed the Lord to show Him the Gospel- that it is all Grace.
Lizzy, that was so from Him.
Oh, I do pray for you to bask in His approval alone. I do see that growing in you — I sense HIs pleasure in you, dear one.
I am a silent reader of this blog. You cannot imagine how much God has spoken to me week after week and I am very thankful. unfortunately, I haven’t been able to listen to any of the song of songs sermons. (Problem with the link?)
Oh Anna — I was slow to approve you so I hope you see this. Welcome!
Try clicking on the microphone part of the link. If that doesn’t work — then google Kenwood Baptist Church and Jim Hamilton and their website will come up — you can find the sermon on the Scripture index. Here is the link to the church website: http://www.kenwoodbaptistchurch.com/about/leadership/jim-hamilton
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside?
They may have been side-by-side doing the same things. It says here that these religious people were prophesying, driving out demons, and performing miracles and they would have said that they were doing these things in the name of Jesus and through His power. Question: Was it God who was giving them His power to do these things; was He using them to accomplish these miracles even though they were lost? Or, did their power come from the evil one who was deceiving them and others?
Today, it would look like this…two people volunteering to serve the homeless, visiting the lonely in nursing homes, volunteering at children’s vacation Bible school, helping to build new homes for the poor. They are both doing good.
B. How were they different?
Only one group was doing the will of the Father in heaven. Only one group, when they said, “Lord, Lord…” was welcomed into heaven. The one group points to their good works as the reason they should get into heaven. One group, Jesus calls “evildoers”. Only one group is “known” by the Lord; the other group, Jesus says, “I never knew you.”
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you?
When the Bible says, for example, “Adam knew his wife, Eve…” it means more than the act of having sex; any two people can have sex, but God also said that “the two become one flesh”. That is “knew” in its purest sense. So…when Jesus says to the one group, “I never knew you”, He is saying that He is not one with them. In John’s gospel, Jesus talked about how He was one with the Father…”I in them and You in Me.” These people do not have the Spirit living inside of them, as Jesus also said in John, “But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you…On that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” So to be “known” by God is to be joined together with Him, to have His Spirit living inside of you, to be sealed by the Holy Spirit for all eternity, to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him. Marriage is a picture that points to all of this, but oh how the picture can be marred when there is a lack of intimacy in a marriage.
Love this “He is saying He is not one with them.”
I can’t wait to get to this question and Susan you did a great job with it!!
Oh Rebecca….what an on the spot picture of the COLDNESS of hearts not yielded to the Spirit. My stomach actually clenched up to read that one of those who came to “help” condemned you for needing help! Oh, how you have smitten my heart as I ponder some in my life right now who are needing a lot of “help”…..and that means my precious TIME…..which was never even mine to begin with! Your words here are this morning’s pause button – much needed as this day gets rolling. Beautiful, heartfelt sharing (which Susan often inspires, doesn’t she?? ). Also this makes me reflect how far the Lord’s mercies have carried you along this journey…..isn’t He faithful??? Faithful, faithful.
Susan – your “Question” captured my attention. Even this morning as I was reading in Exodus, I was marveling at how God allowed the Egyptian magicians to “mimic” everything Moses and Aaron were doing- to a point!! All throughout the Scriptures we do see that Satan has power – he WAS the most eminent of angels (Lucifer) before his great fall. And probably the most astonishing of all is looking at the book of Revelation and all he will do through the antichrist at some point in the future. We also know that he can appear as an angel of light – and that he will never cease in the battle that we all are a part of. Creepy really. BUT…..God’s sovereignty reigns over even how far Satan can go – I’m thinking of Job in particular as an incredible picture of this. How grateful I am this morning for the Sovereignty of God! His perfect love truly does cast out fear. Amen to that! (I realize I once more went down another track….but your question intrigued me! 🙂 )
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
When our youth pastor, who is cerebral like my son, met with us for coffee last week. How God is moving to wrap his arms around my son who has great questions and has gone through doubt and most likely will again. Our Youth pastor asked great questions-affirmed my son-and loved on him. He bought him via his phone -as we were talking- C.S. Lews The Screwtape Letters-and wants to read through it with him. Praying for humility for my son.
Rebecca-praying as I read this, that God would move in his heart and break through. What an encouragement from the youth pastor–praise!
Rebecca — God is definitely on the move! Answered prayers!
SO good to read this post and see how God’s love is shining in this youth pastor. What a blessing. So glad for every bit of encouragement you have during this hard time, Rebecca.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside?
They called Him Lord, prophesied in His name, casted out demons, and did mighty works. In outward appearance, they were “good”, helpful, busy!
B. How were they different?
Motive of the heart. They did a lot of “good” things, but they were dishonest, “workers of lawlessness”. Their good acts were done for their own gain—wanting to make a name for themselves rather than bring praise to Jesus. I know though that it isn’t always as blatant as that sounds. There is one who comes to mind now who sadly, I think, fits this description. She does more “acts of goodness” than I, but there is a sense that she is depending on these acts to justify herself, and there is a fear in her if she can’t meet an obligation—the fear that she isn’t measuring up. I think again of repentance,which yields true fruit: “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:8 Only when I admit that I can do nothing to earn my own righteousness, and I am fully dependent upon His, then my acts are real fruit, done only as an offering to Him, and my cry of “Lord” is one of reverence and truth, claiming Him as Lord over every breath of my life.
Scripture tells us to guard our heart: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (prov. 4:23). If we have given our hearts to anything before Him, to our own reputation, man’s approval…the acts done “in His Name” will be dead.
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you?
This is really powerful. It tells us the level of relational closeness that Jesus wants from us is the deepest layer of trust and vulnerability. He doesn’t just want good works from me, He wants my love! He wants my naked, exposed heart. He wants my messiness, my worries, my hopes. He wants me to trust Him with the un-made-up, untidy “me”. He wants me broken and poured out. He isn’t looking for someone who is prettied up and will ‘make Him look good’, He wants me—worn out from my own attempts to fix life, empty from trying to fill my heart with what cannot satisfy, dirty from futile efforts at cleaning myself. And He takes me in, not afraid to get my dirt on Himself, and He washes me, and He fills me with HIMSELF, to make me beautiful. That is the ultimate intimacy. I think I will continue pondering this one—this is my favorite question this week and I’m off to class now!
Lizzy — what a great answer. May we all allow ourselves to be with Him like this.
1. What stood out to you and why?
Karla Faye Tucker’s interview was so touching (brought tears), even though I had read Linda Strom’s book Karla Faye Tucker Set Free a couple of years ago. Such sincerity and honesty — and such faith!
2. How would you characterize the difference between relationship and religion?
Getting such a late start, I tried to skim through all of the comments (didn’t quite make it through). I agreed and benefited so much from all of your comments. I particularly loved Dawn’s analogy with a machine I would just want to add that religion does not evoke change in a person, but a relationship with Christ most definitely does evoke change.
3. Comment on the above. (Could I make it clearer — better?)
I think you wrote it very well. The content seemed clear enough to me. I’m not sure about this next thing I’m going to say — you can take it with a grain of salt (or maybe a pound). The second sentence seemed lengthy and full of commas. I wonder if it would help if you substituted parentheses for two of the commas:
During The Great Awakening when a high percentage of the population was supposedly turning to Christ, Jonathan Edwards (the American puritan of keen intellect) was concerned.
4. How have you experienced the love of God in the last week?
Oh boy! We have had a fairly stressful time in the last week. For 12 years we lived peacefully next to our wonderful neighbor, Helen. Then Helen decided she was getting to a stage in life where she preferred a more sheltered situation and moved into an independent living facility. In mid-November, we got new neighbors, a couple with a little Yorkshire. They wanted to put up a fence. We were understanding about that because of the dog. One day in November, the wife, a fence company rep, and I spent time discussing how the fence was going up. All was good. It took two months before the fence company got around to doing the job. When they did, I nearly had a stroke when I saw how it played out! They fastened the fence to the corner of our house, and we could no longer get to our air conditioner condenser, an outdoor faucet, or to clean our office window or the gutters. It has taken a long time for us to figure out that our builder set us up for this 12 years ago, and that our AC and the faucet are on our neighbors’ property. We and our previous neighbor had not ever figured out where our lot line was, and we didn’t care. The fence is legal, but it wasn’t so nice that they changed where it was going without telling us. The husband is a union rep and is used to battling with a big company. He is going about this like it is “all business.” Things are still up in the air. However, I have experienced the love of God expressed through our Association Board, particularly the president who has been very supportive. It is probably going to end up, however, that we are going to have to move the AC and the faucet. I have been speaking with the Lord all week on this subject! I can tell He is helping me put this into perspective. I am working as hard as I have ever had to do in regards to forgiving!!
Deanna — sounds like you are doing well in a hard situation at forgiving and being Christ-like. Prayers for you! And thanks for comments on that sentence! Good thoughts.
B. Wilderness Love — that time when you withdraw from your bridegroom, not trusting him or longing for him as you did at first. Pain follows. Song of Songs 5:1-8.
He goes away by himself?
She seems to have lost him in these verses. He has disappeared? They are apart. indont understand why she calls him her “sister?” She is professing her love for him. There is a strange part where she is talking about watchmen who beat her? why would someone beat her because she is looking for her mate? I don’t get this.
I went to the bible hub commentary to try to understand…..
Matthew Henry says it represents us forgetting about Christ and Him knocking to awaken us. We make excuses. He is weary of waiting and we need to rise above our self-indulgence. He ends up leaving, which in turn makes us long for Him. The watchmen are trying to wake her up to by getting her to realize she needs to pay closer attention to Him.
Where is it that you think he calls her sister? Sometimes it is hard to know who is speaking — I have something that will help next week.
Would love peopls thoughts on the watchmen beating her.
In SOS 5:2, she is telling that her beloved had been on the other side of the door and said “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one.” I think in this case “sister” is another term of endearment like all of the others in that sentence.
When she had treated him in a cool way and had delayed in opening the door, he departed. Then she went out into the night alone to hunt for him. In Old Testament times, moral women did not go out alone at night. My understanding is that the watchmen took her to be a prostitute, and that is why they abused her.
I could be mistaken, but I like that He calls her my sister-for to me that indicates this is indeed Jesus Christ-This being included with my darling, dove and flawless one makes me sense the Trinity here-she being brought into the Trinity-for my sister doesn’t fit otherwise. Perhaps we could apply Mathew 12:49 to this? Just thinking out loud. OF course I haven’t looked at any commentaries yet but should.
She is quoting him in Song of Songs 5:2 — that’s why you were confused, but he is calling her sister
Thanks Deanna! This makes sense.
Dee-I still think the Watchmen were men from her church-maybe elders, leaders-but I could be mistaken. I wish it weren’t so but abuse in church still happens today. Heart breaking.
It could be abuse or discipline I believe — and yes, it is certainly true abuse happens. She is truly seeking but they may misunderstand.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside?
They both ‘speak loudly’ that they are his and they both ‘do’ good works.
B. How were they different?
Jesus has the heart of the one who truly knows Him as opposed to the one who claims to know Him but doesn’t. Her motives of serving and sacrifice are for God alone..it flows from being willing to be broken and remade, from abiding in Him. His fruit flows out of her and when she serves and loves others it is sincere-not duty oriented and not for herself or for others to ‘see’ her, or for others approval.
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you?
I SO love Lizzy’s answer and so I am dittoing her! He wants our love to take flight-to soar. He wants to be our satisfaction. Being ‘one’ with Him-as Lizzy described-oh..vulnerability, nakedness, surrender, trust, delight..God did indeed create sex as a metaphor of our one-ness with Him. As we become more like Him on the inside-He radiates on the outside making us beautiful.
I am also seeing another aspect of being One with Him..His body is my body and my body inside and out is His. We are one and so finally, at 51 years old, :~/ I think it is important to take care of my vessel too- for He made it and cares deeply for it too. Moderation with food and daily Exercise helps SO with not bending toward depression and it is helping me keep my thoughts from wandering away from Him-can’t explain how-just glad He designed us this way and grateful He is helping me in this for my natural bend IS indeed to run to comfort and bend away from Him-I could bend away any second now-grab a huge pie and lay around watching tv instead :))) that is how messed up I am!! So I need Him. Any bend toward Him is Him in me-YES..I am SO grateful HE LOVES ME!
!. What stood out for me?
The testimony of Karla as the forgiveness extended to her changed her life and the joy she has in Jesus.
I had my first experience ministering to women in prison 1 week ago- great timing, Dee, for your special teaching here.
My heart was overwhelmed at the needs and the youth of these women. I was with 2 others and we distributed Gideon New Testaments and shared one on one.
The hardest was a girl in lock up who tearfully told me this was her first day ever in prison. I was able to pray for Jane and give her a Bible with the plan of salvation.
Most of these young women were open and grateful, but we had a captive group. The chaplain is so burdened because the AA and NA groups are ineffective. 5 women in the past year were released only to die of heroin overdose after. I am praying for them.
4. How have you experienced the love of God this week?
One of my several experiences ( in experiencing the love of God) this week was with a woman i am mentoring who is growing stronger in her walk with Jesus. As Linda and I worked on questions from the Set Free curriculum for overcoming all habits and addictions, we read the scripture and shared with each other. The differences between religion and relationship became a discussion and it is apparent that she has grown and her heart has been changed. I am so blessed by her joy and we are mutually benefitted.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside? B. How were they different?
They might be saying the same words, but those in relationship would be doing the right things out of gratitude and love. The Lord is more concerned with our walk than our talk. Jesus exposed people who just said all the right words but were not in relationship with him. Our relationship with Christ is what will count on judgment day.
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you?
The word “knew” was used particularly throughout the Old Testament to indicate that a man had sex with a woman. The couple having sex would be the closest physically possible. He was knowing her inside and out. As an aside here, I think it is interesting that it is always expressed as the man knowing the woman, but never of the woman knowing the man, or even that they knew each other.
God wants the very deepest and closest relationship with us, and he literally does know us inside and out. But in the process, we get to know God in a deeper way all the time.
I am here. Have been silently scrolling. I can’t write much, but I need to say this.
I stand in awe of the women who have been brought together here and while I could say so much about so many of you, THIS week, I have been absolutely stirred in my heart by the hearts of love and compassion evident in:,
Dee: Your time in the high security prisons brings me to tears. Even though I read the intro on Sunday, now that I am typing this out, my tears are still surfacing. I personally have never gone so far from my comfort zone to do something so near to God’s heart as prison ministry. You bless me so much. And Jackie: in the storms of your own personal life with so much on your own plate, I know that you also, take time to minister to those in jails/prisons. This dedication humbles me. And then this week, to hear of how Miriam’s time is going in Albania as she does the hard, hard work of meeting and loving and bonding (haltingly though it may seem) with this precious young girl. And to hear more news of Diane’s partnership with others in helping to resettle a Syrian refugee family. OH…..my heart is warmed and challenged and filled with all of the above. It is such a true privilege to be a part of this amazing fellowship. I think of so many of the rest of you dear sisters and I only know bits and pieces of how you reach out to people in your lives. I probably never thought, at my age, that I would be “meeting” so many God-inspired ‘movers and shakers’ in so many different places and feel so close to them, while I live my fairly quiet life in snowy Minnesota. And what a blessing it is to do so!
Oh Wanda-I agree..I agree! I am blessed, moved and spurred on by my sisters here. It is amazing how God is moving among us.
Sweet note of encouragement from Wanda.
C. Invincible Love — that time when even though there is pain, you trust the heart of your bridegroom and see fruitfulness in your life and in the lives you have touched. Song of Songs 5:9 to the end.
These two are incredibly in love with each other! Others look on and don’t understand;
“We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for?”
Song of Solomon 8:8 ESV
i especially like this verse in his description of her:
“How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O noble daughter! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand.”
Song of Solomon 7:1 ESV
Maybe my thighs aren’t as bad as I thought they were…..?
At one point she seems to get sucked back into her former life:
“I went down to the nut orchard to look at the blossoms of the valley, to see whether the vines had budded, whether the pomegranates were in bloom. Before I was aware, my desire set me among the chariots of my kinsman, a prince.”
Song of Solomon 6:11-12 ESV
She then returns to be with him again.
The analogies are funny in these verses (to me). He says she has good teeth!
“Your teeth are like a flock of ewes that have come up from the washing; all of them bear twins; not one among them has lost its young.”
Song of Solomon 6:6 ESV
Better turn to Matthew Henry….
These verses describe Christ in all His beauty. MH says even those not familiar with Christ will understand His image through these verses. That makes sense to me. We are created in His image.
Those who want to know Christ must seek Him early and diligently. Christ’s church is compared to a garden; He tends to it, He picks the lilies:
“The death of a believer is not more than the owner of a garden plucking a favourite flower; and He will preserve it from withering, yea, cause it to flourish for ever, with increasing beauty.” He takes delight in His people. I love this thought!!
i have to finish this summary later; starting to snow and going to get 4-8…..gotta go to work.
Laura-:-) I particularly liked your thigh comment. 🙂
oh yeah! Jewels no less!
6. As an overview, and to prepare you to be mentors for Lent, we will read the whole Song this week and have you summarize the three love stages.
A. First Love — that wonderful euphoric time when you first fall in love. James Hamilton, whom you will hear this week says the Shulammite often imagines the time when love will be consummated, but it hasn’t happened. One evidence is that the Daughters of Jerusalem are present. Read about the first love time in Song of Songs 1-4. (There are moments of cooling even within this time, but basically she is in the first love time.) Summarize what you see.
I have tons of notes of new things i saw..but to summarize: She is over the moon thinking about Him-every aspect of Him..HE moves her inside and out-He is all she can think about. His beauty and fragrance all over her-inside and out-and she claims none of it for her own for it is all His fragrance making her fragrant-She doesn’t focus on herself but on Him..I see shouts of passion from both He and She as they communicate their desire for each other. Her passion for Him attracts her friends to Him and makes them desire Him too.
Okay, I can continue because they canceled school! Yay! first snow day!! Time to catch up on my work now ?
Continuing with the Matthew Henry commentary:
6:4-10 All the real excellence and holiness on earth centre in the church. Christ goes forth subduing his enemies, while his followers gain victories over the world, the flesh, and the devil. He shows the tenderness of a Redeemer, the delight he takes in his redeemed people, and the workings of his own grace in them. True believers alone can possess the beauty of holiness. And when their real character is known, it will be commended. Both the church and believers, at their first conversion, look forth as the morning, their light being small, but increasing. As to their sanctification, they are fair as the moon, deriving all their light, grace, and holiness from Christ; and as to justification, clear as the sun, clothed with Christ, the Sun of righteousness, and fighting the good fight of faith, under the banners of Christ, against all spiritual enemies.
We are to separate from the world; become more spiritual. The world will not understand.
The word “shulamite” means peace and perfection (in Christ).
Of chapter 7:1-9, MH says, “(we) adorn the doctrine of God their Savior in all things.” Christians spread the Word. “Christ takes delight in the assemblies and ordinances of his people; and admires the fruit of his grace in them.”
7:10-13: we should have communion with Christ. We need to work at it; early in the morning, even while traveling. we should not bother with any earthly things and we will have joy.
I love this: “it is all from Him, therefore it it is fit that it should be all for Him.”
8:1-4; we need to be as Christ’s sisters and brothers; intimate. We should not deny it and not worry about being despised for it.
8:5-7; believers are brought up, by the power of grace, from the wilderness, or from sin. We must lean on Christ and we are protected. We can repel any sinful behavior on earth as long as we focus on His love.
8:8-12; The church should pray for the Gentiles who don’t know Christ; pray for weak believers. His teachings and work are compared to a solid building with a strong cedar door. The strong walls are the foundation and cornerstone. The door represent the gospel, which is encased within the fortress.
8:13–4; this is the closing where the bride (church) waits patiently for the return of Christ. Meanwhile she continues to be faithful in actions. We look forward to death and judgment without fear.
whew! That was hard….very summarized. Hope it helps someone! The commentary is from biblehub.com. I can’t imagine how he got all of that out the poetry!
ahhhh — snow days!
As we approach Lent, eager to get your thoughts on the Jim Hamilton sermons. Thumbs up or down?
thumbs up for me!
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
A. How might have those who were in relationship and those who were religious looked the same from the outside? According to these verses the both call, “Lord, Lord…” Meaning they know who He is (as do the demons…). They also prophesy in His name, and cast out demons in His name, and do mighty works in His name. I find it interesting here that they seem to be bragging. They are claiming all the big things and sort of being demanding in saying, “… but, but… Look what we did in your name! Mighty works and big things…”
B. How were they different? In these verses those that actually knew Him did His will. Those that did not know Him are relying on what they did to get into heaven rather than relying on what He did. They want what He can give, those that know Him just want Him. So apparently mighty works in His name are not necessarily *always* a part of His will. Both those that knew Him and those that did not did mighty works in His name…. This reminds me to be diligent in discernment…
C. Challenge Question: The word translated “knew” is the same word that God uses to express sexual intimacy between husband and wife. What does this tell you? That to truly know God there must be intimacy and that there is more to sexual intimacy than the anatomical act if God uses it for a metaphor. In fact I think the intimacy comes first with the act being the “follow through” of sorts, the fruit that comes from intimacy…? Also if sexual intimacy is intended to be in a committed covenental relationship then to *know* God there is to have commitment and covenant.
My initial notes on the sermon are a little splotchy, so I’m going to try to get a chance to listen again–it is RICH. I struggled a little in the beginning, there is so much,but I am glad I stuck with it because from the middle to the end was my favorite part. When he talks about how the King’s words have broken through the barriers–first the emotional barrier of her insecurity about her appearance, He breaks through to her with His sincere praise. Then the physical barrier of the wall, and again His words break through to her “arise my love…” all of that struck me. The way He woos. I liked too when he talked about protect against the foxes (v.15), the King and Bride need to communicate with one another, seek to understand one another. And ultimately, the King depicted here shows us how Christ has overcome the barriers, wooing and reconciling us to Himself. Reminding us too that at the right time, God’s plans will come to pass. We must trust His timing. The ache of waiting is eased when I cling to, I am His, He is mine.
You exemplify the joy that comes through persevering. You broke through!
Brenda from Milwaukee, WI
Lenten Bible Study
Charmaine Huey Nashville, Tn
Welcome, Charmaine!
Charmaine, so glad you joined us here!
Welcome, Charmaine! I think you are going to love it here.