Though deeply religious, the Wesley brothers struggled with insecurity about their salvation. It wasn’t until they read aloud Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Galatians that they understood the concept of grace. Charles Wesley said, “My heart was so full of love and grace I burst into tears.” It was Wesley who wrote the lyrics to “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.”
Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
Oh, receive my soul at last.
The exact phrase “Jesus, Lover of my Soul” is not found in Scripture, but the concept surely is. Isaiah tells us the Lord rejoices over us as a Bridegroom rejoices over his bride. The Lord likens Himself to a bridegroom throughout Scripture, but perhaps most positively and clearly in the Song of Songs.
I wonder if those who refuse to see this portrait also miss seeing how deeply and intimately they are loved by God.
This week and next, I want to tell you Maggie’s story, a young neighbor of mine who delights my soul. Our families have been “kissing cousins” in cabins along the lake for four generations. Here is the adult Maggie with her parents, two of the most giving and serving people I know.
Several summers ago, Maggie came flying over to see me, bursting with excitement because she had come to know Jesus, the Lover of her Soul, during her freshman year at college.
“Dee, I have to tell you what has happened to me!” Then she told me how, through the influence of CRU at Butler University in Indiana, she had come to Christ. She had grown up in a faithful church-going home and was active in the youth group. She said, “I know the gospel was preached at my church, but this year my ears finally heard it.”
I have been astounded at how she has grown in these last four years — she is more mature than many believers who have known Him for decades. I know God is going to use her mightily, for she has lessons to teach us all.
Sunday:
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul?
Monday: My Dove Is In The Clefts of The Rock
Repeatedly in the Song, the Bridegroom calls his bride a dove. She is pure, but she is timid, needing to be convinced of His love, which He keeps doing, until by the end of the Song, she is coming out of the wilderness “leaning on her lover.” Early in the Song, she is hiding in the cleft of the rock.
My daughter Annie’s children rescued a baby dove this summer, which had fallen from its nest. They cared for her gently, feeding her with an eye dropper, cooing to her, keeping her safe. Now she trusts them and tamely flies from one child to another. Download and watch this 15-second video:
Dove_4377
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves?
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think?
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you?
C. How often does He hear your voice?
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp)
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove?
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why?
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in?
Tuesday: The Power of Community
The Wesley brothers discovered the gospel in community, through the reading of Luther’s preface to Galatians. A fire was lit and spread. It is often through community that we grow. Maggie had loved the community of her high school youth group so she decided to join CRU, one of the few Christian groups on campus that were meeting during Covid. There, Maggie was drawn to Caroline, whom she described as radiant.
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant?
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him?
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you?
Wednesday: The Wilderness May Turn Us Toward Him
Maggie was born with a golf-sized tumor under her tongue. It turned out she had a serious, aggressive cancer and spent a good part of her childhood in the hospital with chemo and multiple surgeries. She suffered, as did her whole family, for they were knit to her. They were determined to do everything they could to rescue their precious girl. Many prayers, countless days at the hospital, and diligence. I remember my husband was amazed at how clean her mother kept her toddler’s “chemo” port. He told me, “That is not easy to do with a toddler, but Helen has done it.” Here is Maggie as a baby, having lost her hair due to chemotherapy.
Here is Maggie as a child (on the right) at a camp for kids who have survived or are endeavoring to survive cancer.
When Maggie was born, her parents had to sign a release so the surgeon had permission to remove her tongue if necessary to save her life. Now Maggie says, “The Lord saved my tongue so I could share the gospel and bring Him glory.”
The suffering of children is tough to understand. Tim Keller said that although people often question why a good God would allow us to suffer, it is also true that for many of us, what pressed us into the Lord the most was our suffering.
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture?
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness.
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5?
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result?
Thursday: Discipleship
Recently, I read Michael Lawrence’s book “Conversion” on the importance of discipleship. There are so many “nice” nominally Christian people, both young and old, but they don’t have an intimate relationship with the Lord. Are they saved? Only God knows, but many will be surprised on Judgment Day when He says, “I never knew you.” As Lawrence says, God doesn’t want nice people but new men; not sincere, but saved; and not decisions, but disciples.
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19?
14. What does discipleship look like? Are you involved in doing that? If so, how?
Caroline must have seen something special in Maggie, for she discipled her all four years at her University. One year, Caroline and Maggie went through the gospel of John. One day, while Maggie was sipping a smoothie in the union and reading John, she came to John 9, and suddenly all of her suffering made sense. Maggie was overwhelmed to see this purpose for her suffering.
15. Read John 9:1-5. What do you imagine ministered to Maggie?
Maggie said: “That sealed the deal for me because He had such a purpose for my life – for His glory, not my own.”
Friday: This Is My Comfort In My Affliction, for Your Word Has Given Me Life
In one of his last interviews, Keller noted how often Psalm 119 taught the value of suffering, how it presses us into His Word, and how His Word sustains us.
17. How was suffering a tool that God used to draw the psalmist to Himself in each of the following passages? Write down any insights God gives you from meditating on these verses.
A. Psalm 119:25-28
B. Psalm 119:49-50
C. Psalm 119:67 and 75-76
D. Psalm 119:92
E. Psalm 119:133-134
I will return to Maggie’s story next week; I was overwhelmed by what she shared with me. She has graduated from college and is finding ways to give God glory that I know will inspire you, as they have inspired me. To give you a taste, she has found fellowship not just in church, but also in a running group designed to reach Generation X and Millennials called “Run With Christ.” It’s such a good idea, especially to reach young males who seem to need to be doing something together to bond.
Saturday:
18. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
My Story
I was born with a golf ball sized cancerous tumor under my tongue, and I grew up in the hospital
amidst surgeries and years of chemotherapy. After treatment, I always felt different than other
kids, until I met a community of loving, supportive, and accepting survivors at Camp One Step,
and became friends with kids just like me, including Hopie! Now as a 19 year survivor, I'm
blessed to enjoy a full life outside of the hospital where I love biking, baking, running and
working in customer development for my job! I continue to raise awareness for childhood cancer
because sadly so many friends' lives, like Hopie, have been taken too soon. Thanks for your
support!
all suffering can lead us to press into Him. Here is Maggie as a little girl at a “cancer camp.” (She is on the right)
186 comments
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week.
~ The gift of time with two young granddaughters that I had not seen in several months.
~ Small steps of forgiveness and reconciliation with one who is dear to me. (One who has grievously cut ties since last fall.)
~ This scripture from Isaiah 9:6 “You are my wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul?
I love this rendition of this song by Fernando Ortega, It helps me slow down and ponder how He loves.
Jesus, Lover Of My Soul – Fernando Ortega
And this old hymn holds such comfort. This is a beautiful rendition. There is a brief explanation at the beginning of this link that tells the story of the man who penned these words.
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say #147
The first verse says,
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto Me and rest;;Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon My breast.
”I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,
And He has made me glad.
Thank you Nila for sharing both those songs. Fernando Ortega is a favorite of mine. And the selection “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” is such a beautiful arrangement and with the accompanying musicians performing so incredibly well. What a worshipful experience to listen to both.
Thank you for these songs, Nila. Your songs last week had a wonderful impact on my soul and the souls of some dear friends.
Oh, Nila, these hymns are both so lovely. I love the Celtic feel of the presentation of “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.” Thank you for sharing.
How wonderful Nila to have the gift of time with your granddaughters…what a precious gift from the Lover of your Soul💝.
Nila, I, too, love Fernando Ortega. Gift of time-that is what I want to give to my family and friends as well, and to cherish what I still have with them. As I grow older, I feel that time seems to go by faster. Oh that I may number my days and gain wisdom…Psalm 90:12
Oh, this whole post is beautiful, Nila! From the small steps in forgiveness and reconciliation of a dear one who has grievously cut ties to the two hymns you referenced. I love this!
Yes, thank you for these beautiful hymns and your testimony. My heart is encouraged.
Thankful that you were able to spend time with your grandchildren and for small steps of forgiveness and reconciliation. This is huge. Praising God for His faithfulness. So good to see your posts, always, Nila.
These are beautiful hymns. Thank you Nila.
Dee,
I posted here early this morning. Initially it showed up. Then it disappeared??
If it doesn’t reappear I will attempt to re-post.
Kind of puzzling.
Thanks for alerting me, Nila. I found it. Links often trigger a flag as people wanting to sell things have links. Such a good post too.Thanks.
Thank you Dee. Sorry for the trouble :\
Very minimal trouble! Love your links!
Sunday:
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week. – This past Sunday to Wednesday about 15 people from our church went to Black Mountain, NC where we put on a VBS for middle eastern kids while their parents grew in their relationship with Jesus. Some of these kids were missionary kids and some were actually from places in the middle east. It was a joy and a blessing to be able to tell and show the kids about Jesus and to see them eager to learn and answer questions. It’s a small, sensitive time and caution is needed for the safety of these families, but the presence of God is always there. It’s fun to see other countries hungry for God and eager to grow their relationship.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul? – I can relate to your young friend. I grew up catholic so I always knew there was a God but never really had a strong relationship for him. Once I gave my life to him my eagerness and fire didn’t come for a year, but once it did, I never looked back.
Such a sweet time with these precious children.
Great way to experience the Lover of your Soul…giving of your self and time to minister to these children and in the beautiful, quaint place of Black Mountain!
VBS is such a wonderful ministry! Glad you were able to be a part of one, Julie!
What an opportunity, Julie! And I loved hearing a snippet of your testimony of your conversion.
What a wonderful ministry!
I LOVE VBS! I feel like I learn so much when I participate in our church 😉. I’m sure you were a blessing to these children.
Sunday:
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week.
—Experiencing God as the Lover of my soul most often happens when I am alone with Him. Primarily in my early morning time of reading his Word and praying is when and where I sense his Presence and gain insight and instruction from Him for my daily living. Also I experience Him in corporate worship at my church especially during the time of worship music and singing. Often the music itself and the words of a song draw me closer to Him.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul?
—First of all for me to experience Jesus as the Lover of my Soul I have to believe it. It requires my putting my faith in the truth that He truly personally loves me unconditionally for who I am. And it takes the Word of God by his Holy Spirit to speak that truth deeply into my soul because for a long time my soul didn’t believe it. The enemy had me convinced I just didn’t measure up and I had always felt less than others.
The Cross is a key factor to understanding the depth of the love of God for me personally and for all others.
Romans 5:8 speaks to that truth
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:8 NLT
Also Roman 8 is another place in scripture that outlines the depth of God’s love for us. It is such rich application if this truth.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 NLT
Great verses, Bev. Love your thought of putting faith in the Truth that He is our Savior.
Bev, loved how you experienced the Lover of your Soul this past week and I agree with Patti…great verses! Thanks for sharing.
Bev, I love worship songs, too! We sang, “Hear the hallelujahs roar” this morning, and I imagine what it would be like in heaven someday!
Oh, how heart thrilling this post of yours is to me, Bev! Your testimony of needing to believe His love and then the Scriptures to back up the certainty of His love – just speechless to ponder!
Amen to all of the above!
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week? ~Nila’s shared song was such a blessing to me that I sent it on to a friend, Trish. She loved it so much that she passed it on to a friend, who had lost her adult daughter a few years ago and she was now seriously ill; and she loved it so much and she remembered that she wore her record player out, playing it when she was growing up in the 70’s. She also said “oh my heart just burst with love and joy. This was one of my favorite songs!” From Trish:Can’t love our Maker and Mansion builder enough!”
~ Blessings working with the people who teach the classes I take.
~ Just today~ a dear friend, I worked with years ago, who was a huge support when I started my business many years ago, contacted me. I had been looking for him for a few years and it was a gift of joy soul that he is still living and well, and happy with his family.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul? Jesus cares about the details of our lives, even when we might not feel that He is present. Nila’s gift of song spread joy to many. It shows the importance of sharing and community of like minded souls. How the songs she shared touch many hearts.
So good Patti, “ Jesus cares about the details of our lives, even when we might not feel that He is present.” I needed to hear this, thank you🙏 .
Patti, what a testimony of joy being multiplied through the sharing of Nila’s song. I love our blog here!
I’m so happy to hear a little lilt in your voice again, dear Patti! How sweet to read the ways His love was shown to you this past week alone!
This is so good:
“It shows the importance of sharing and community of like minded souls. How the songs she shared touch many hearts.”
Sunday:
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week.
Two good friends reached out to me with encouragement and made me feel I was seen.
Watching the hummingbirds and their antics by my feeder…amazing creatures made by our amazing Creator!
Seeing the joy my husband has when making things from wood.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul?
I feel so fortunate to of had an example of His love from my parents and my husband’s parents. My parents gave me a good foundation and my in-laws built upon that and through both I was given the confidence of Jesus being the Lover of my Soul.
Sharon, “I feel like I was seen.” Isn’t it amazing how just a word from a friend can make us aware of how much God loves us.
I love the simple but profound ways you felt His love for you, Sharon, whether it was a hummingbird, seeing the joy of your husband creating, or the encouragement of a friend. You are very loved.
Love your entire post, Sharon. It is wonderful to have a friend who makes you feel “seen”. As we age, it is easy to feel invisible in this world. Love the sweet blessing of the hummingbirds, your husband creating and the blessing of godly parents and in-laws. Jesus is the lover of our souls!
Dee, when I clicked the video for Monday it says “nothing was found.” 🤷🏻♀️😔
I got the same thing when I clicked on the video.
Thanks for alerting me!!! I tried again and think it works now if you download it first. Let me know, please.
I still couldn’t get it to work…maybe I need a computer?
Hmmm — I don’t know how to fix it then. So sorry. If someone does get it to work on a laptop, let me know.
I couldn’t open it last night but I could today on my phone. Precious.
Yay!! It worked…so sweet❤️
Sunday:
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week.
It has been a very busy three-week period for my husband and me. I have been physically tired, but the Lord continued to give refreshing sleep day after day-just enough to keep going. He loves me.
Song: Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here, Trusting in the Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear…”
As we were wrapping the three-week stint, I noticed my garden was parched. So, I braced myself to do some watering yesterday. My hose was broken, so that meant carting buckets to the garden. I started wondering if it was wise for me to do that, knowing it was getting late and the MO weather was pretty muggy and stifling. I was ready to just wait till the morning. With no forecast of rain and the week looking like even hotter days, I knew I needed to do something. I decided to wait.
About supper time, I heard a slow rustling noise. And what do you know! It was raining! Both my husband and I were surprised. By the time it was over, we had 0.70 inches of much-needed rain. I stood on our little porch, cried, and gave thanks to the lover of my soul. He loves me!
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul?
I don’t think I have thought much of Jesus as the Lover of my Soul until I did your study, Dee, “He Calls You Beautiful”. The penny has dropped! Since then, a slow-growing understanding of how He is so well up in me. And for it to be so personal. He has millions of children, but He is all to all in a personal way.
I love this song I found from Song of Solomon Ministries https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w09fQneRCIc&t=70s “Lover of my soul” lyrics by Jonathan McReynolds
What a beautiful story of the rain He sent for your parched garden and your own heart! I love you, Bing, and you were a blessing to me personally when you reached out to me to see how I was doing and if I was going to the True Woman conference. I am so excited to be going and I so much wish you were too! If anybody here is going, please let’s look each other up!
Amen to Missy! Oh, How I love the way our Father touched your soul with rain for your garden. Refreshing your body with good sleep and refreshing your soul and your garden with rain. And you, in turn, blessed Missy with your message. God is using this blog to also refresh each of our souls with love for one another.
I love how God blessed you with much needed rain. Sleep is so important. I’m glad that you are getting the rest that you need.
Oh Bing, I can so relate to your watering story…I know the relief I feel when it rains and I don’t have to water. God’s water is so much better and has a super fertilizer in it! This was definitely a kiss from the Lover of your Soul.
Thank you for this song Bing. I had never heard it 🙂
I can’t wait to read more of Maggie’s story! What a sweet and beautiful girl! I’m so thankful God saved her tongue to sing His praises and showed her the reality of His great love for her! How precious that she came running to you to tell of her conversion! I love this!
I so much wanted to do the Bible study blog with you ladies last week for it is a subject I dearly love – contemplating the Lover of our souls. I do remember Isaiah 38:17, “…You have, in love for my soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind my back.” What love!
When I was in my early 20’s, I was drawn to a little book by Hudson Taylor entitled, “Union and Communion with Christ, a devotional study of the Song of Solomon.” Hudson Taylor, missionary to China many years ago, has been a life-long example to me. It was this little book that opened the eyes of my heart to the beauty and wonder of the love of God for a sinner like me. Hudson Taylor taught me how to read it and understand it in that light and I can never even start to think of this dear book as only a marriage manual. Oh, but it is a marriage manual – the marriage of the King of the Universe with the likes of me. I so much love that Dee also shares that passion for the true deeper meaning of this treasure book.
Neither one of my adopted children seem to understand true salvation. I have earnestly sought to impart to them the meaning of grace and that there is nothing us poor sinners could ever hope to do to merit His forgiveness and Heaven. Yet, they stumble over this repeatedly, telling me often of how they are trying to do good to go to heaven. The other night at the dinner table, my young son said, “I think I can pray for dinner tonight because I’ve been a pretty good boy today!” (No small feat!). But my spirit sighed within me as I reminded him that we have no right to come before a holy God in prayer even on our best days. We only come in the name of Jesus, our perfect Substitute.
Yet today, my son and daughter invited a little 9 year old neighbor girl to church with us. My daughter said, “She needs to learn about Jesus.” I was amazed at how my children spoke with the little girl on the way to church. They specifically told her that people cannot earn their way to Heaven, but they can only trust what Jesus did on the cross. I pray God will make this not only a truth to memorize and repeat, but that it will become a reality in their hearts even as it was for Maggie.
Much love to you all as we begin a new week!
I love your heart for Jesus and the children.
I love this about your kids! The penny will drop in God’s time.
Oh, Missy! I love your entire post! Your children do hear in their hearts! I love how they invited this little girl to church and told her about Jesus and trusting Him! Much love to you dear Missy! Love this : I do remember Isaiah 38:17, “…You have, in love for my soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind my back.” What love!
What a great testimony from a child. And thanks for pointing out that verse from Isaiah!
I often find it fascinating how, as humans, we find ourselves vacillating from true faith to doubting our faith. That is true of me. It is always good for me to be reminded of God’s truth. I do love the story of your kids inviting the 9-year-old neighbor. The penny will drop one of these days, Missy, for your kids and mine. Love to you! Philippians 1:6
I love how reading Hudson Taylor opened your eyes to see Him as the Lover of your Soul. My Mom had children’s books with great pictures and stories about the ministry of Hudson Taylor that she read to us as children. The way my Mom read them would have us on the edge of our seats and she would always stop at a climactic part! I always enjoy seeing you here and reading the outpouring of your heart…continue to keep you in my prayers.
Missy,
Thank you for this beautiful and heart-felt post. So encouraging.
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week.
I was nervous about a meeting we were going to have on Saturday, with our daughter, so she could see her kids. To be honest, I would rather poke my eye out than go to NYC… I know that is harsh, but I am just NOT a “city girl” at all. Plus, there have been some very harsh things said and done to me and my husband, by her and her husband, in the last few months. So, I prayed. Lord, please hold my tongue. Lord, please help my husband be calm. Lord, please soften her heart. And on, and on…..We arrived around noon on Saturday and spent about 6 hours with them. We went to the Transit Museum, where the kids learned about the origin of the subway system in NYC. It was really interesting! and Cooper said, “It was the best day of his life!” So sweet. We played in a playground, rode a real subway to the Staten Island Ferry (and back), and hung out for a bit in their apartment. It was actually a good day. Thank You Lord.
The Lord continues to bless me by prodding me to quiet my mouth, follow God’s law, and at all times, BE KIND. Thank You Lord for the resources You have given me (Dee, Nancy Demoss Woglemuth, and others) to help me understand.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul?
My first thought is that I don’t really know, or feel His love, as you are suggesting here. I speak/read/believe the words, but do I really feel it inside? He is ALWAYS with me, I know this. He shows up so often and I am blessed. I know this also.
Yay, for a good day. I get the anxiety over preparing for such a visit where there has been hurt in relationship. And I get the knowing intellectually about God’s love but not feeling it inside. I think that is what comes with the pain in this world-I struggle to feel loved when hurting so much. As the song shared by Nila says, “I heard the voice of Jesus say, come unto me and rest. Lay down oh weary one, lay down your head upon my breast. I came to Jesus as I must, so weary and so sad. I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.” His living water is what keeps us alive and revives our souls in these trying times. He is this dark world’s light and I love his answer to your prayer for a good day. Psalm 5:3 “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
♥️
Praising God for this good day with your daughter and her husband, Laura! He was with you. So good to hear that the kids had a great time! I love that God can answer our prayers, even when we don’t know if we can feel His presence. Thank you, Lord.
Huge answers to prayer, Laura!
Laura, I always love your “realness.” And your response is to bounce back to God’s truth to remind your soul of how God loves you and your family. Thankful as you said, that you prayed to be able to hold your tongue and chose to enjoy the time spent with your daughter.
I’m so glad that your visit went well, Laura. I pray that your daughter and her husband will take a more mature approach to the situation.
Laura, Do you live in New York State? For some reason I though you lived out west. I live 4 hours north of NYC,
Cheryl Ann! We must live near each other. I live in southern NH! About 4 hrs from NYC.
I live halfway between Albany and Binghamton, NY, about 4-5 hours from Manchester. Wow Laura, we are practically neighbors!
Laura,
So grateful that you had a surprisingly good visit with your daughter. It is a significant step in a good direction. I pray for more. I have similar circumstances and your post here encourages me to be careful what I say and to choose kindness. Thank you!
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week. I have difficulty sleeping due to my hip pain, when I have used this time to pray and meditate on the love Jesus has for me, I always feel a sense of calm and relaxation and it helps me to fall asleep. He has given me His grace in allowing me to be able to stay home from work while I await my surgery.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul? It wasn’t until I started this bible study that I truly got the concept of Jesus being the Lover of my Soul. I know that every good thing that we enjoy and desire on this earth is just a foretaste of what we have waiting for us in heaven. The fact that we have needs and desires that are continuously unfulfilled in this life just points to a place where we will be completely fulfilled.
I love that your response to pain and loss of sleep is prayer. And your answer to #2. I’m looking forward to that place of fulfillment.
Such sweet prayer time, Dawn. I agree with you and Chris on #2. How I look forward to the place of fulfillment in Him.
Dawn, I, too, loved that there is a place of fulfillment for us in heaven with Jesus. This earthly life’s pleasures are just a faint echo of what is to come.
Sunday:
1. Share a few ways you experienced the Lover of your Soul this week. The Lord provided a beautiful week of swim lessons for 8 of our grandkids and our 7 year old son, here at our own pool. All the kids learned and grew in their abilities and my little 5 year old granddaughter got to test out her skills when she was without a life jacket and fell off her float. She immediately started paddling to the edge of the pool. She cried hard because it scared her, but I cheered her on for putting to use what she had learned. In the end she was proud. We also had a beautiful church service with music and preaching that all came together, and then communion as well. It was beautiful and a reminder of the love Christ has for me.
2. What thoughts do you have on the above — on Jesus being the Lover of your Soul? I just love the story of your neighbor girl. Finding the love of the Lord after such heart ache and sickness, and that she now wants to share this with others. Just wonderful! I‘m looking forward to learning more of her story.
This is such a sweet story of your granddaughter and her swim test. Love that she succeeded and felt good about her self. I know that Jesus is my life vest!
I see a metaphor in crying and swimming! We are scared but when we do it are so happy.
Chris, what a wonderful way to spend the week with your grandchildren and son. God is good.
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves? The most well known story with a dove is from the flood story in the Bible. Noah sent out the dove to see if the waters had receded and when it came back on the second trip with an olive branch, it was known the waters were receding and God’s punishment was over. The symbol of a dove holding an olive branch is a symbol of peace to this day. The dove also is a symbol of the Holy Spirit as when Jesus is baptized.
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think? In the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff -it seems that doves nest in rock. This is a place of safety from predators.
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you? To come out, so he can see her face and hear her voice. He wants to know us and have relationship.
C. How often does He hear your voice? I hope every day, all day.
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp) I love this idea. I have a Psalm devotional gifted to my husband and I from our son. Maybe we could start this tradition to help us feel more connected.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove? The dove is referred to as the perfect one. Doves were used as a sacrifice for sin.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why? Only through Christ’s sacrifice can I be flawless to the Lord.
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in? There are many we discussed last week: He doesn’t really love me, he has abandoned me, he will not help me, I am not good enough.
Chris, I love your answer to C. ” I hope every day, all day. “ There are times I have to remind myself that He is always with me. This song reminds me of our El Roi. He is omnipresent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYPL_WErm8U&t=13s My Lord is near me all the time by Cliff Barrows
Chris, amen to Bing. I also re;age to your answer to 5c~ I am not good enough. I struggle with that.
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves?
Doves are known for their gentle temperament and peaceful nature. They are tolerant of human and comfortable around them.They avoid conflict and are not known to be aggressive. They are known to be symbols of peace, love and hope. Doves are gentle. They choose sheltered places for their nests. In the Bible, the dove is mentioned as a sign of peace and rest. In Psalms, the dove is a symbol of blessing and prosperity
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think?
The dove is in the clefts of the rock of the Rock. I wonder if she is shy or if this represents a place of safety, as under God’s wing.
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you?
Let me see your form, Let me hear your voice. Christ wants to see me and to hear me speak to Him.
C. How often does He hear your voice?
I pray often, and I try to always pray prayers of Praise, before I pray for the things I feel I need. Yet, my mind can quickly wander. My prayer is that I can behold Him and behold His glory, so that I can see Him more clearly. It has helped me to listen to Tim and Kathy Keller speaking on prayer.
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp)
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove?
My perfect one. He likens the dove to His bride. Pure, beautiful in His eyes, without blemish, filled with pure love. With Jesus, my sinful self has been turned as white as snow in His eyes, so He sees me as I can become, only through the sacrifice of Jesus.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why? I only feel flawless in the sight of Jesus, because of His life, death and resurrection, for He has taken the punishment for all of my sins. I need to thank Him for this daily, because I still see my sinful self and know that without Him, I am a crow, yet in Him, I become a dove. I Praise Him and want to behold Him deeply in my heart.
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in?
Our fear that we are not perfect enough, the evil one reminds us of our tendency to sin…we need to ask God’s forgiveness and walk in the light. Our path determines our trajectory of the future…do we just ask forgiveness and go on sinning or is there a change of direction in our life. We need to walk in His light and stay only on that path. Love this reminder of His forgiveness from the hymn..It is Well with my Soul
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
1. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves?
They are monogamous. They are good at parenting. The bleeding heart dove was first found in the Philippines! Symbol of peace and tranquility. Can live up to 20 years!
From the Bible,
In OT: a dove is a symbol of a future for Noah and his family, and Genesis 6:11 to 9:19
In NT: a dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16-17
In the Psalms and other OT books, I thought it interesting that a dove to David was a symbol of mourning and of seeking peace amid our weakness, a metaphor of the characteristics of the believer.
I thought this was good from the Biblestudytools.com, “Part of the beauty of creation is the meaning God instilled in certain elements of it. The dove carries deep meaning. One showed Noah that God had not abandoned him to live on a boat forever. David saw in the dove a reflection of his own mortal frailty and his need for God. The Spirit expressed itself as a dove in a moment of God’s glory manifested on earth. Doves remind us of ourselves, and our relationship with our Creator in a way that has resonated for thousands of years, since the flood, and will until the return of Jesus Christ.”
Thank you, Dee, for this research assignment!
I didn’t know doves were monogamous! Perfect.
Amen to Dee! Love that doves are monogamous 🥰
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves?
There are 45 varieties.
The “mourning” dove is NOT the “morning” dove. Interesting in why it’s called this.
Doves are gentle.
The mourning dove coos with its wings, not its “voice.”
Different doves like different habitats. Some in trees or wires. Others on the ground.
Pigeons are really doves.
Doves are peaceful and represent different things in different cultures.
How interesting- coos with its wings. As a child I slept overnight at my grandparents where they retired on a private lake. In the morning, I was allowed to sleep until I woke up on my own. I very clearly remember hearing mourning doves as the first sound when I awoke. It was always the most peaceful sound to me and still is to this day. We have many living on our property and I do love to stop and listen to them in the morning. I did not know about the spelling of their name until I was grown. My grandma diligently took one of the four children for my mom for a weekend pretty regularly after our car crash, while my dad was recovering. I didn’t know how to respond to the emotions of that time then, but find I still grieve that time in my life today when I am reminded of it. I love that the dove has such meaning and significance in our faith. My brother and his wife had doves released at their outdoor wedding. I thought it was so beautiful. I had never seen it before and never since.
My brother and his wife had doves released at their outdoor wedding. I thought it was so beautiful. I had never seen it before and never since.
Wow.
Monday: My Dove Is In The Clefts of The Rock
Repeatedly in the Song, the Bridegroom calls his bride a dove. She is pure, but she is timid, needing to be convinced of His love, which He keeps doing, until by the end of the Song, she is coming out of the wilderness “leaning on her lover.” Early in the Song, she is hiding in the cleft of the rock.
My daughter Annie’s children rescued a baby dove this summer, which had fallen from its nest. They cared for her gently, feeding her with an eye dropper, cooing to her, keeping her safe. Now she trusts them and tamely flies from one child to another. Download and watch this 15-second video:
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves?
Oh how I love doves…have many that visit my yard and enjoy their cooing and gentle nature. They are a common symbol of love. Doves stay with their mate until one of them dies, the one left behind will find another mate. They are slow to react to danger as I have seen a hawk pick them up in my back yard and fly with them to the fence to get a better hold on them with their talons. I have also seen a hawk drop one in my yard that when it fell broke its neck and died. Yes, I cried both times, especially as I buried the one that died. All I could think of was the mate that was left behind. They build nests that are very flimsy and sometimes when the mother or father is startled will knock the egg or baby out of the nest while trying to fly away. That may be what happened to the one your grandchildren rescued Dee.
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think?
Hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff.
For protection and shelter.
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you?
He asks to see her face as it is lovely and hear her voice as it is pleasant.
He wants to see me, hear my voice and be my protector.
C. How often does He hear your voice?
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp)
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove?
“My perfect one.”
I look at this from the perspective that they mate for life…they found the “perfect” one.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why?
Only because I am made righteous through Christ’s blood on the cross.
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in?
I’m not worthy.
Although I do think that if we don’t address the sin in our lives, that will keep us from running to Him too.
Oh, I love that you have those precious doves in your yard. It would break my heart too, to see the hawks get them. I love the sound of their cooing.
Monday: My dove is in the cleft of the rocks
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves? Doves are found on every continent but Antarctica. Some species are social, feeding in groups, and some are solitary. Breeding behavior varies, although most species are monogamous season after season. In some cultures they are symbols of love, purity, peace, and hope.
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think? He says she is in the clefts of the rock, secret places of the stairs (broken rock and holes that resemble stairs). She is hiding herself, maybe from modesty or a sense of unworthiness?
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you? Twice he asks her to rise up and come away with him. Jesus wants me to come away with Him, spend time with Him, talk to Him, rejoice in His love for me.
C. How often does He hear your voice? Not nearly enough. I find that I am feeling disconnected somehow, even though I know He love me and hold me in the palm of His hand.
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp)
God hunt: This is just what the Holy Spirit has impressed upon me. I recently started using Keller’s devotional The Songs of Jesus and read the entire Psalm each morning, the focus on the day’s verses. I am playing the CD that accompanies Dee’s study book on Psalms each night at bedtime. How it thrills me that I am being led to do just what is needed before even reading the above.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove? My undefiled (KJV). It’s appropriate because his dove (me) should be keeping herself pure, her love (mine) should be for him (Jesus) alone.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why? No, I do not feel flawless. I feel beautiful and loved.
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in? You have so much to do, the Bible isn’t going anywhere, you can spend time reading later. It’s too late in the evening to pray, you’ll just fall asleep, wait til tomorrow.
Loved your answer to C and how God moved!
Love your God Hunt, Cheryl. I also love The Songs of Jesus and Dee’s Book on Psalms! So good!
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think?
Hiding on the rocks behind a hill. She is shy?
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you?
He asks for her to come out so he can see her. Not sure…it’s SOS!
C. How often does He hear your voice?
I’m guessing always.
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant? Those who look to God are delivered from their fears and radiant, their faces never ashamed. Hmmm. This makes me ask some questions of myself.
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him? I suppose it was the Young Life leaders that I would call radiant. I was drawn to the club nights and went by myself after my good friend, who invited, me stopped going. They were full of enthusiasm and so excited each night. They put their hearts into singing with us and acting out skits, and always a prayer at the end of the night. I was hungry for this and ate it up every week. I went on a spring break trip with them and then a summer camp. I always felt at home with them. I felt cared for and loved beyond the surface. They cared for my soul.
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you? Oh, yes. My family of course and my two friends, who I have met with for prayer for probably 20 years. We also started a small group of friends our age and love to meet with these friends, but don’t see them unless we make extra effort between small group in the fall/winter/spring. I need to set up a summer meeting if we can. I love to meet with them because we do talk about our faith and the Lord working in our lives. It is so sweet when we are comfortable to share in a vulnerable place and then love on each other. These are the friendships that keep us going in hard times. In fact, I’m reminded I need to pay a visit to one who has been battling skin cancer this summer. My husband was asked to pray by her husband and I would like to encourage her.
I just learned of something in our family that I cannot share, but am asking for prayer for my heart to handle this well. I’m hurting for them and as a mother. I know the Lord is already at work healing the hearts of those involved, but this is one of those things that can last a lifetime, as our actions cannot be undone. Only the Lord can heal our hearts and forgive our sins.
Oh, dear Chris, I will pray right now. Father, we thank you that you are the God of all healing and redemption. Lord, you know the situation and the hearts involved. We know pain from our actions can take years to heal, yet You know all of this Lord. I pray that You will touch the hearts and souls of all involved and that You will bring repentance, redemption, forgiveness, healing and reconciliation to the members of Chris’s family. Dear Father, we ask for peace, wisdom and direction for all of Chris’s family. May they each one go to You for good counsel. May healing come quickly. In the Name of Jesus, I pray.
Dear Lord, I pray in agreement with Patti. Please give Chris an extra measure of grace to be a light in this trouble. Amen.
Thank you, both. I’m praying Isaiah 41:10 today and looking for his strength. As my husband reminded me, our God is bigger than anything we face here on earth.
Oh, Chris I will be praying and stand in agreement with Patti’s prayer over you and your family.
Oh Lord, please help Chris and her family member to understand their situation with clear eyes and to react in a way that reflects You. You are in charge and have the plan. We know this to be the truth. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Chris, praying for God’s intervention and redemption of this situation. God is our ultimate healer.
Thank you, all. The Lord is good.
♥️
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant?’
Looking to the LORD.
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him?
I love this wonderful story of all Maggie. Thank you for sharing her journey, Dee. A close friend in high school, and I talked about God a lot, especially when we had sleepovers, but we were not mature enough at that time, to truly talk deeply about God’s Word. Both of our families were Christians~ she went to the Catholic Church and I went to a Protestant church.
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you?
Yes! I text and talk to several strong Christian friends every week. I am so thankful that we have always stayed in touch with one another. They each live far from me now, but we pray for one another, stay in God’s Word and share meaningful verses.
Fun to look back and see how God placed believers in our young lives.
I am so thankful He placed you in my life, dear Dee, at Samaritan Bible Study with Clarice. Thank you, Lord.
Monday: My Dove Is In The Clefts of The Rock
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves? – They eat primarily seeds and not insects. They will eat weed seeds which help with overgrown lots; they stockpile their food and save it for later. They can store their seeds in their crop, and it forms the rounded breast that they have; they are twelve inches long and have an eighteen-inch wingspan; these birds mate for life. I love this, God’s perfect union is from the bird that he used to find land after the flood. I find this interesting, that they stockpile their food. God used the dove after the flood and his words says we don’t need to worry about what we eat, but yet they stockpile their food. We have two mourning doves by our home that are trying very hard to build their nest for the next generation.
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think? – His dove is in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff. I’m not really sure why but reading the whole chapter I wonder if she is waiting for the right time. To be his plan and not be out of step. She wants to be obedient and wait.
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you? – He wants to see her face, hear her voice. Oh my, this is good. God doesn’t want me to be silent, he wants to hear me tell my story and see me before him in prayer and thanksgiving.
C. How often does He hear your voice? – Sadly, not as much as he should. I’m getting better to seek him more in the morning and cry out to him as needed throughout the day. I need to have a better habit of searching for him, so it becomes more natural every day.
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp)
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove? – The next phrase is ‘my perfect one’. From what I found while researching the mourning dove is that they mate for life. They find their mate and do not leave; they are together as one. So in these verses, he knows that his ‘dove’ his mate is the one that is for life.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why? – I do, but I need to remind myself of how he sees me which is different then he sees me. I have been created in His image and everything and everyone that God creates is perfect in His sight. As they, God doesn’t create junk.
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in? – I think the biggest lie is from the enemy that we aren’t good enough. That we have made too many mistakes, and God will never be able to forgive us. The enemy makes us feel ashamed and unworthy of being with Him.
Julie, your answer to C. is so true~the enemy makes us feel unworthy and tries to remind us of old sins, that Jesus does not focus on.
3. Do a little research. What can you learn about doves?
I learned that doves are passive, gentle birds. Easily flushed or startled by perceived threats. Their first instinct is to flee rather than fight when encountering predators or disturbance.
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think?
She is hiding because she is afraid. Maybe afraid of being exposed and then rejected. But at least she is afraid. No wonder our Lord tells us so many times in scripture, “Do not be afraid.”
That is true about how often He says “Don’t be afraid.”
Lord tells us so many times in scripture, “Do not be afraid.” Thank you for this great reminder, Nila. I need to write some of those down.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove?
I checked several versions and found “my perfect one,” “my undefiled one,” and “my flawless one.” I suppose it is appropriate because they represent a virgin of sorts? I did read they are a symbol of purity in many cultures.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why?
No way! I have been extremely flawed at different points in my life. That would suggest I have not sinned, which is not true.
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in?
No time, no interest, judgement from others, other responsibilities, value, etc.
I think He is telling her that in Him she is a white as snow — so, flawless!
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you?
Yes. Two in particular. We have journeyed many years together over all kinds of terrain and in all kinds of weather. Mutually life-giving. Life can be disorienting at times and these two women have often helped me re-orient.
The book “The North Face of God” by Ken Gire likens our closest friendships to mountain climbing on a sheer vertical rock of a high mountain. We are roped together for safety. Sometimes a sudden storm will come upon that high mountain and leave one of the climbers completely disoriented. Since the climbers are roped together they can call to each other and remind each other that they are not alone. We need each other .
This is a wonderful description of a journey of friends. Thank you, Nila!
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant?
Looking to the Lord will make a person radiant!
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him?
Probably my young friend Aly. Aly was filled with the Spirit. She is a missionary now and has been for the last 15 yrs. She would spend time at church at night when I was home grading papers madly. I never knew how she fit it all in, as she was a teacher of science with me and had work just like I did. She was smart and kind.
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you?
I do. My best friend Laura (ha!) who is 2000 miles away, and two good friends who live near me. The two near me have been distant, but recently one has had a scare with her health and reached out to us. Funny, I just thought of this now…I had been lonely and God has provided rekindled friendships as well as new ones too. Thank You Lord!
I love reading how God takes care of each of us, bringing those into our lives, just when we need each other. And many friends never know how instrumental they have been in bringing us closer to Jesus!
Tuesday: The Power of Community
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant?
Looking to the Lord for help. Trusting that He will answer our prayers and free us from our fears…no shadow of shame will darken our faces. Therefore we will be radiant with joy!
I woke up this morning listening to lies of the enemy. I turned my listening into speaking to the Lord, turning my eyes upon Him and His truth, crying out to Him and He did answer me. I know that if I had continued listening to the lies, a shadow of shame would have darkened my face. BUT, looking to the Lover of my Soul for help turned that into radiant joy…Praise God!
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him?
Yes, my grandfather, Andrew Uhlinger. He was a missionary in the Congo for 48 years and his life impacted me as a young child. He lived out the gospel in his day to day ministry…a gentle and loving man which was evident by how the people he ministered to loved him in return. I got to know him even more when I helped him take care of my grandma after they retired…such a selfless man.
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you?
I have a friend here that I’ve known for years who has recently reached out and has been an encouragement to me. We’ve always looked out for each other but haven’t spent a lot of time together. I feel she senses my pulling away and so I appreciate her sensitivity to that. The few times that we do speak, the conversation always goes to how we’re doing spiritually . God is doing a work in my heart and I know He’s using this friend.
Love your missionary stories, Sharon. And your testimony.
Amen to Dee, dear Sharon! I love your testimony and always love hearing about your life!
I love your post, Sharon. That feeling of being able to turn from lies and knowing such a kind grandfather and a dear friend. How sweet.
Tuesday: the power of community
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant? Looking unto God, praising and magnifying Him together.
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him?
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you? I don’t, and that has been a yearning. I have found that I am the one who seeks others out and encourages them. It seems that I am the one always reaching out to others, but no one really reaches back. This blog is where I have shared most intimately, because you all want to know my heart. Your encouragement and honest sharing is a blessing to me.
Oh, Cheryl! I so love what you share. It is so rich, honest and deep. It is pure joy to see the loving and caring hearts of all our friends on this blog. Truly, a huge blessing in my life.
Cheryl, I am blessed by your ministry of encouragement to others. Keep doing it, as I know that some people seem to have trouble reaching out to others. i have talked to other pastor’s wives and most of them have told me that they have very few people who would reach out to them because of their “position”. I am glad that you have found kindred spirits here. You are a blessing to me as well. I pray there will be somebody who will reach out to you and be that friend you yearn for.
Cheryl, I am glad you are here on the blog and I pray for you to have a person in your life close by who you can share intimately with, and fulfill that yearning.
Amen to all Cheryl!
Cheryl Ann, I understand the struggle of not really having any true friends who are close. I also have that yearning. I do want to know your heart and you are correct…this blog has been a life saver for me 😉
Tuesday: The Power of Community
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant? – Seeking out the Lord with our issues of fear so that He answers us and delivers us from all fears.
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him? – The first person that thought enough about my salvation, to speak about it was the realtor we used to find our home (my first husband and me). She was a Christian and wasn’t afraid to make that fact known. I ended up working for her once I got my real estate license but was not a Christian yet. We would all gather in the morning at the office and pray and fellowship together. Our business cards had Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart printed on them. We would pray with our clients and over their deals and each folder all the time. It was where I gave my life to the Lord and started to grow closer to Him.
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you? – Yes, I have some that will call or text and lift me up when they know that I’m struggling in some way. My friend Helen will send me a song that touched her or a devotional that helped her. It’s such a blessing to get those when you aren’t expecting it. It definitely brings the presence of God in our lives to light.
Oh Julie! I love how the Lord works! Love the story of your realtor and how your relationship with her was life changing! Praise God! What a woman of God.
Julie, your story with the realtor reminded me of Tim Keller’s book,” Every Good Endeavor -connecting your work with God’s work.” Our work matters to God, and He can use us in our workplaces. Thanks for sharing!
“We would pray with our clients and over their deals and each folder all the time. It was where I gave my life to the Lord and started to grow closer to Him.”
Wow!
4. Read Song of Songs 2:14
A. Where is his dove, and why, do you think?
His dove is in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside. The cleft is a place of safety and security. It is a place away from predators. It is a refuge.
B. What does He ask of her? What do you learn about Christ’s feelings for you?
He asked her to show her face and to hear her voice.
C. How often does He hear your voice? I take for granted that He hears my voice often, but did not think of it as sweet to him, and my face, lovely.
In a recent sermon, Mark Vroegop encouraged us to read a psalm aloud when we feel disconnected from the Lord. I believe this is why many godly men and women make it a practice to pray psalms aloud day and night. (Bonhoeffer, Keller, Graham, Tripp)
Yes, the Psalms are a go-to book for me. They speak of my heart’s desires and condition.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:2-4
A. Again, he calls her his dove – what descriptive phrase follows it? Why is this appropriate for a dove?
“flawless”. A dove is often a symbol of beauty and is often associated with love and peace.
B. Do you feel flawless in the sight of the Lord? If so, why?
Only when I remember what Jesus has done for me. His blood has covered my earthly imperfections and lack of beauty.
“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” – Hebrews 10:14
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” – Colossians 1:22
C. Again, this is a picture of her being timid, reluctant this time, to let him in. What lies do we believe that keep us from running to Him or letting Him in?
That I am not good enough, that I need to do something, that I am not worthy of Him.
6. According to Psalm 34:4-5, what causes a person to be radiant?
Those who look to the Lord are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.
Caroline asked Maggie if she had heard of the gospel. Maggie thought: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
7. Was there someone like Caroline early in your Christian life? What do you remember about her or him?
Yes, several people were instrumental in my early Christian life. One was a missionary with Young Life. She exuded gentleness and kindness. Then a friend from New Tribes-she was knowledgeable of the Bible. Then a friend named Deb, from The Navigators. Deb was staff with the Philippine Navs when I first met her. She radiated peace and strength, and beauty. She reminded me of Elisabeth Elliot in her grasp of the Word and its application in life. A very intelligent woman who used her gift to lead many women to Christ. Deb lost her husband, Craig, to cancer. They have adopted 2 African children whom they love as their own. She is a dear friend still, and I think of her fondly.
8. Do you have a few close friends who, out of the overflow of their hearts, often talk about the Lord and encourage you?
I am thankful for my few close friends, Julie ( a pastor’s wife and teacher also), Barb (my spunky, almost 90-year-old friend, Cheri (my praying friend), and my husband, Richard.
Wilderness: The wilderness may turn us towards Him ~
This Michael Card song from many years ago. It is called “In the Wilderness”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssI7iudTwm8&list=RDssI7iudTwm8&start_radio=1
I do love Michael Card. Somehow this song with its light and happy tune seems like it doesn’t go with the sad and difficult trial of the wilderness and yet, when we know the outcome of the wilderness-coming closer to Him…it does.
Thank you for this link, Nila. This so speaks to my heart, as I have traveled a wilderness road the past two years. The Lord is always faithful. How I Praise His Name.
Thanks for sharing, Nila.
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture? There are so many….the Israelites going into the actual wilderness after being freed from Pharoah and slavery. Joseph being thrown into a pit by his brothers and becoming a slave, enduring so many hardships for years and years. I could go on, but you asked for one.
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness. To re-establish relationship and help her forget her idols.
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5? After being in the wilderness with Him, she is close to Him, “leaning on her beloved.”
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result? When hard things come, as they did yesterday, I find myself hurting and sad and asking why -I need to go to scripture and ground myself in the word and in prayer. The result is always a closer walk with Him and a softer heart for people. Sometimes I wonder how much softer my heart needs to be, how much more courage, how much more strengthening? I am weary of heartache and yearning for that paradise where there will be no more tears. Come soon, Lord Jesus.
Father, I know you see Chris and her tears, and ask for Your presence to be so palpable to her. In Jesus Name I pray
Amen to Dee’s prayer for you dear Chris. May you sense the Lord’s presence in a very real way today. May He give you His peace.
Thank you, again for more prayers. He has answered and given me hope for at least one specific prayer that I prayed just last night. There are many heartaches at present and I get overwhelmed, but I know he is not. Forgive me for being discouraged.
https://youtu.be/04uKAWKEoG8this song, The God Who Sees, by Nicole C. Mullins, fits well with the wilderness theme and was what I needed today. 🤍
Chris, I have always loved Nicole Mullen’s “The God Who Sees”. I listen to it when, like you, I am in a wilderness. I hope, like Elijah, you will hear his whispers and be given the strength and courage to move forward amidst your present heartaches. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
Thank you again for the prayers, each one. And thank you for that great verse, Bing. A good reminder to me. I need to memorize this one. I think I begin to fall into this feeling of helplessness and being abandoned when hard things come because of the time in my childhood when my family was in the tragic car crash. Though I was taken good care of by my grandparents, my whole family was in the hospital and I did not see them for weeks-I don’t even know how long. I felt very alone and scared. I’m still navigating the fall out of that time in my life-seems strange as it was so long ago. Verses like Philippians 4 are key to healing my heart and mind. Reminds me of Tim Keller and his interview where he said he read a book during his cancer struggle that helped him spiritually, and here he thought he had believed to the degree he would in life, but there was more.
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture?
God led the Israelites into the wilderness. He wanted them to depend on Him, He desired for them to be obedient to Him and to trust His way. He wanted to humble them, so they would see that He was the source of their needs.
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness.God wanted a renewed relationship with her. God desired to be her God, her provider, her husband and did not want her to worship the false gods of Baal.
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5?
We will become His beloved, His betrothed, His bride.
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result?
I am still in the wilderness time, yet I have a more intimate relationship with Jesus, I have even more trust in Him, day by day. I am praising Him constantly, even in the lonely and painful times. Some days are still hard, I will never be the same, but that may be good. I see Him providing for me, in ways I could not imagine. I am letting go, pressing in, and trusting. I am developing better prayer habits, memorizing more scripture, searching the scriptures. I am slowly finding community. He reveals my path slowly. I can reflect on the past two years and see His hand in every day.
Love your thoughts on #12, Patti. “…in the wilderness yet intimate with Christ…pressing in, trusting…seeing His hand.”
You are such an encouragement to me, Patti.
So wise, Patti: y. I am praising Him constantly, even in the lonely and painful times.
Wednesday: The Wilderness May Turn Us Toward Him
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture? – The person who jumps out at me is Paul. How he went from stoning Christians and even approved of the stoning of Stephen and of other followers of Jesus to hearing the voice of the Lord on the road to Damascus where he was converted. He then went on to being one of the major followers of Christ to spread the Good News.
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness. – Is it so she is away from all distractions and worldly ways. So God can cleanse her heart and mind and replenish them with His Word?
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5? – When we hear Him and allow him to remove our sinful ways, He will be walking with us until eternity. We will be like that lost sheep that was found.
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result? – I think the most recent is when Joe’s PSA numbers started going up. I started worrying and doing the ‘what ifs’. But then I stepped back and gave Joe and everything to the Lord and His peace came over me.
Julie, love this: “But then I stepped back and gave Joe and everything to the Lord, and His peace came over me. “
wednesday: wilderness
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture? Gomer in the book of Hosea, Moses when he fled from Egypt, story of the prodigal son, Israel in captivity in Babylon
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness. My first example, ha, since I recently completed Forever in love with Jesus. God led her into the wilderness to remove distractions, spoke comfort to her, gave her hope, drew her back to Himself, snf remove the idols from her memory.
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5? The woman leans intimately upon her husband, her love, provider, and protector.
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result? Today, as I waited while my husband had a medical procedure to implant a device in his heart (not a stent). We arrived at 11, and it was to have been at noon but was delayed until 1:30. Should have taken one hour; it took two hours. He did not return from the recovery room until 5pm. I had prayed this morning before we left the house and was not anxious. I was not anxious for the first two hours and so started to read a novel. In the first chapter the main character receives a bookmark with a poem reminding her not to worry and take on burdens or cares, but to rest in the Lord. As the hours went on for me in the waiting area, whenever I started to feel anxious I turned to the Lord in my mind and sang (silently) Christian hymns and choruses (I’ve been thinking lately of the choruses that are parts of Psalms). The result was that I did not become upset (what is happening?) or overwrought (asking the receptionist constantly) or panicked (who should I call, do I need someone with me now?). God was my constant companion and comfort.
What a blessing while you waited, Cheryl.
Sounds like the Lord had you reading the right book, Cheryl.
Cheryl, I love how faithful God is when we bring our burdens to His feet. Thank you for sharing this right now. It has been a difficult week and I so need Him with one of my children today. I am placing this adult child at the feet of Jesus right now.
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture?
I guess the best example I can think of off the top of my head is Joseph with all his brothers and his final blessing, which he ends up helping his family.
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness.
She was a “valley” of trouble.
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5?
She is coming in from the wilderness and leaning on her lover.
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result?
I have had quite the desert time with a couple of situations. In one, I am trying to obey and things are going well. in the other, I struggle to obey, and things are not so great.
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19? Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
14. What does discipleship look like? Are you involved in doing that? If so, how? Discipleship is first believing the gospel for yourself and after baptism, seeking to disciple others and continuing to learn all that Jesus taught and apply it to life. We do this here on the blog and I do this with my family and small groups. We study God’s word each day and seek to live that out in our lives.
15. Read John 9:1-5. What do you imagine ministered to Maggie? Maggie realized she was to glorify God with her life. This hard thing that happened to her was to glorify God.
I had not thought about our lives as being a prat of discipleship, Chris, but you are so right. It’s quite a responsibility to think that other believers might be following our example.
The suffering of children is tough to understand. Tim Keller said that although people often question why a good God would allow us to suffer, it is also true that for many of us, what pressed us into the Lord the most was our suffering.
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture?
The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.
Elijah was brought to the wilderness to see the clarity of his calling.
Jesus to prepare Him for the cross.
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness.
So she can be cleansed of her idols?
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5?
We will come out of the wilderness leaning on the beloved (God). I see a woman being led by her Beloved out of the wilderness, radiant, joyful, thankful that he came for her.
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result?
2024 was a wilderness year for my husband and me. We both felt that God is leading us to a different work for the kingdom, and we have experienced pushback and a lack of support from some key people in our ministry circle. Here it is, 7 months to the new year, and still waiting. I am up and down on the emotional scale. Thankful for the Word and the fellowship here to keep me looking up and trusting the One who is in control and is always good.
Thank you for your great example of how to walk through he wilderness with grace.
thursday: discipleship
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19? Go and teach what they (we) have learned.
14. What does discipleship look like? Are you involved in doing that? If so, how? Discipleship takes commitment and TIME spent with the person who is either seeking or already a believer. It means being available to talk, teach, and answer questions, always pointing to scripture. I am involved now in leading a bible study group. We not only search the scriptures in the lesson, but I point them to other passages which show the cohesiveness of the bible.
15. Read John 9:1-5. What do you imagine ministered to Maggie? Jesus saying that the man was blind so that when he was given sight, God would be glorified. I think Maggie identified with that man, her healing became a reason to glorify the Lord.
I love that you are able to point out other scripture and how it all goes together.
Thursday: Discipleship
Recently, I read Michael Lawrence’s book “Conversion” on the importance of discipleship. There are so many “nice” nominally Christian people, both young and old, but they don’t have an intimate relationship with the Lord. Are they saved? Only God knows, but many will be surprised on Judgment Day when He says, “I never knew you.” As Lawrence says, God doesn’t want nice people but new men; not sincere, but saved; and not decisions, but disciples.
I like this: God doesn’t want nice people but new men; not sincere, but saved; and not decisions, but disciples.
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19?
Go, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity
14. What does discipleship look like? Are you involved in doing that? If so, how?
Discipleship is investing in the lives of others and walking hand in hand with them in their walk with God. This means, together, you study the Word of God and learn to apply it to life. It also means being with them in their joys and sorrows and living life together in the context of community. This requires time, effort, and other resources like finances, etc. Staying with them through the hard.
Yes, and I am glad that my husband and I have had the opportunity, especially nowadays, to disciple others. I enjoy reaching out to younger women and doing Bible Study with them. Lately, I have had opportunities to engage with the youth through music and the children’s ministry.
For the first time, I have started mentoring a young mom from our church. She requested this and I didn’t know what it would look like. So far, we are meeting once a month and talking about the challenges in her life and then praying. I’m wondering if we should do a study, but I think she’s involved in a study and I don’t want to ask her to do more with her busy house of little ones. Instead I think it’s best to support her with prayer and ways to fit spiritual discipline into her busy life.
What a blessing for her and you. Just having a mentor who will really listen and pray will help that young mom tremendously, Chris.
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19?
We are to go and make disciples of all the nations. We are to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I’m not sure to what the second part refers. I’m not an “authority” to baptize people 🤷🏻♀️.
14. What does discipleship look like? Are you involved in doing that? If so, how?
Discipleship might look like a leading people to Jesus. To give information to others so they want to know more about Him. I do think I am involved with this in that I don’t hide my faith. I tell students about it when appropriate. I tell friends I will pray for them, when they might not be believers. I have a few women who still dance with me at times, so I help lead them in dance worship.
15. Read John 9:1-5. What do you imagine ministered to Maggie?
I’m guessing that Maggie was stirred by the idea that we are supposed to take what we are given and use it to help others understand His sacrifice for us. In her case it was the cancer and her story. She can minister to others because she has been in the fire and still believes. She still has hope. She is a witness.
I liked your point, Laura, that Maggie has been in the fire and still believes.
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture? I think Maggie was lead into the wilderness for the benefit of her family and loved ones. Of course one of the most famous ones would be God leading Joseph into a life of slavery, imprisonment, and hopelessness.
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19? To go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.
14. What does discipleship look like? You come along side of people and make disciples of them. Are you involved in doing that? If so, how? I have done it more with my children, but beyond that, I don’t think that I have done very much.
15. Read John 9:1-5. What do you imagine ministered to Maggie? It was for God’s purpose that Maggie suffered these things, not because of anything Maggie or her parents had done.
17. How was suffering a tool that God used to draw the psalmist to Himself in each of the following passages? Write down any insights God gives you from meditating on these verses.
A. Psalm 119:25-28 the psalmist speaks of wanting life from the Lord, he confesses his sin and seeks to know the Lord’s ways. His soul melts away in sorrow, and he seeks strength in the word. As I navigate my sorrows, I know the feeling of my soul melting away. That is such a good description of the experience and the word is life-giving.
B. Psalm 119:49-50 Here the psalmist speaks of remembering the Lord’s promises which are life-giving hope in his affliction. I have been in this place where I was persecuted for upholding the right way. Knowing the word and that I stood in the way of its teaching was a comfort.
C. Psalm 119:67 and 75-76 here the psalmist admits to going astray and then being afflicted which led to keeping the word. He speaks of the Lord’s rules being righteous and his faithfulness bringing affliction and his steadfast love bringing comfort according to his promises. This makes me think of Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. I’m also reminded of a parent and child relationship, where the parent must teach the child the right way to behave and get along with others. Discipline must be administered faithfully with love. The Lord is good to lead us this way.
D. Psalm 119:92 Here the psalmist admits the consequences of not loving the law and following the Lord’s ways, which is to perish in one’s affliction. My husband and I have had a long road with regard to struggle in our marriage as we have sought to find the right way. We both came from families of divorce and had to seek the Lord and his word over and over as we muddled through the struggles in our marriage. I love that our church now has a mentoring program for couples. The program is advertised as Marriage is beautiful, marriage is hard-let us help. This is so true and how amazing that our church is there to offer hope and guidance to families. We probably could have been saved many years of struggle with this program.
E. Psalm 119:133-134 here the psalmist speaks of keeping step according to the promises in the word and letting no iniquity get dominion over him. We do fall into sin, but to keep it from having dominion-this is key. 1 Corinthians 10:13..he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Lately, I have been struggling with being annoyed by my seven year old. I know this is not right and struggle to always respond with patience and kindness. His trauma experience tends to make him very clingy and on high alert about absolutely everything. I keep praying for ways to handle this so I’m not treating him badly because I’m feeling annoyed. Sometimes I tell him plainly, I need a break-stop asking questions. I have made him a list of activities to do when I need time to do work where he can’t help me. I try to keep him busy. It’s challenging because he is at that age where everything he is thinking just comes out in a never-ending stream. He also loves to be in control and will often tell me no when I ask him to do something. This can be maddening when we are having a bad day. I find I’m often doing mental gymnastics to avoid confrontations. It is helpful to have his counselor and his OT therapist to seek out strategies, and the Lord to pray through this. I can see where an unbeliever would fall into sinful responses under these circumstances.
Love how your church was able to help you!
Dear Father, Thank You for the written word where we can go for help, comfort, and guidance. I ask that you would give Chris an extra measure of grace as he interacts with her son. I’m thankful that she is aware of the problem and is seeking to act in a loving way, not just reacting. I’m thankful she is a student of Your word and that she leans on You. I also pray for her son, that he would come to know he is loved in such a way that his insecurity diminishes. It’s so hard for little ones who don’t understand what they are feeling or how to express those feelings. Thank you for Your unfailing love and care of Chris and her family. In Jesus name, amen
Amen to Cheryl’s prayer for you, dear Chris.
17. How was suffering a tool that God used to draw the psalmist to Himself in each of the following passages? Write down any insights God gives you from meditating on these verses.
A. Psalm 119:25-28
The Psalmist is weak and sorrowful. He realizes God’s Word can help him break from this feeling.
B. Psalm 119:49-50
The Word is the place to find comfort. He remembers how God has comforted him in the past.
C. Psalm 119:67 and 75-76
Without the Word, I am a wanderer. I forget that I am commissioned to Him and His way is the best way. When I return to Him I am blessed.
D. Psalm 119:92
With God’s way I am joyful. I can’t understand how people without God in their lives exist and are joyful, when life goes sour.
E. Psalm 119:133-134
Evil will be present always, but if I rely on You I will be safe. Isn’t this so true?! But, we have to believe it in our hearts too. Otherwise, worry will creep in and take over. We can be taken over by evil so easily, we must be on guard.
Wednesday: The Wilderness May Turn Us Toward Him
9. Though this couldn’t have been the case for newborn Maggie, it is true that God may lead us into the wilderness to bring us to our senses. Can you think of an example from Scripture?
The one example that immediately came to my mind was Nebuchadnezzar as “bring us to our senses” stood out to me. Because of his pride God sent Neb to live with the wild animals for 7 years and he became a madman. God did this according to Daniel 4:25 so that Neb would learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses. Daniel 4:34 says, “After this time (the 7 years had passed) I, Nebuchadnezzar looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the One who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and His kingdom is eternal…”. Daniel 4:37, “Now, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and honor and glorify the King of heaven. All His acts are just and true, and He is able to humble the proud.”
10. Read Hosea 2:15-17 and explain why God led Hosea’s wife into the wilderness.
To bring her back to her husband…return her vineyards to her and transform her troubles into hope. So that she would give herself back to her husband as she did at first. To lead her away from worshiping idols.
11. He leads all of us through the wilderness in this life, but if we respond well, it will increase our intimacy with him. How do you see this in Song of Songs 8:5?
We can come out of the wilderness arm in arm with our Beloved.
12. Think of your most recent desert or wilderness time. How did you respond, and what was the result?
Speaking to my soul truth from Gods word and finding peace and joy in Him.
Neb. is a very memorable example. 🙂
Thursday: Discipleship
13. What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 28:19?
“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit.”
14. What does discipleship look like? Are you involved in doing that? If so, how?
Teaching/instructing others in following Christ and what He taught.
Yes, with my grandsons. Praying, reading His word and sharing the gospel with them.
Caroline must have seen something special in Maggie, for she discipled her all four years at her University. One year, Caroline and Maggie went through the gospel of John. One day, while Maggie was sipping a smoothie in the union and reading John, she came to John 9, and suddenly all of her suffering made sense. Maggie was overwhelmed to see this purpose for her suffering.
15. Read John 9:1-5. What do you imagine ministered to Maggie?
That her suffering wasn’t because of her sins or her parents, but to glorify God.
Friday: this is my comfort…
17. How was suffering a tool that God used to draw the psalmist to Himself in each of the following passages? Write down any insights God gives you from meditating on these verses.
A. Psalm 119:25-28 David turned to God and His Word. The Word is filled with promises that can help, strengthen, and support us in trouble or sorrow.
B. Psalm 119:49-50 Again turning to the Word, which is able to revive our spirits. How often does the Holy Spirit bring scripture to our minds in times of heaviness? In the high tide of grief, when I could not defend myself against the fiery darts, memorized scripture and the Spirit did battle for me, giving me hope.
C. Psalm 119:67 and 75-76 When I wander away from the Lord through sin or carelessness, He might use some kind of affliction/suffering to draw me back to Himself. I know that God is right and just, and that whatever befalls me will be work for my good and His glory. David was confident of this, vs. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
D. Psalm 119:92 Without saving knowledge of the Word. I don’t thin I would have been able to mentally survive some of my sorrows. My only hope is Jesus. It’s only in the Word that I can find One who is faithful and true, unchanging and eternal. He is the One who sustains me in all of life’s circumstances.
E. Psalm 119:133-134 Reading, studying, and OBEYING the Word is my only defense against temptation and the ways of the world.
Thank you for your testimony.
So good, Cheryl. Thank you.