Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 19; Psalm 5-6, 11, 16-17, 20

I am worn out from sobbing.
All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.
My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.
Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.
May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified.
May they suddenly turn back in shame. – Psalm 6:6-10

I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!” – Psalm 11:1

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. – Psalm 16:1

WE SERVE THE GOD WHO PROVIDES AND THE GOD WHO STRENGTHENS.

As we look at what happened after Elijah faced off with the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, when God provided the fire and when God provided the rain, we see that Elijah is once again in need of God’s providence and strength.

Ahab’s wife Jezebel was very unhappy when she heard the prophets of Baal were dead and she vowed to kill Elijah. Elijah ran in fear from his enemy, becoming so discouraged he prayed that he might die. But God provided once more for Elijah – He provided sleep, food and water. Then He provided strength saying, “Get up and eat some more, for the journey ahead of you will be too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7b).

GOD DID NOT SPARE ELIJAH THE JOURNEY BUT STRENGTHENED HIM FOR WHAT WAS AHEAD.

“The journey ahead will be too much for you.” This journey would take 40 days and 40 nights. His destination: the mountain of God. God was about to provide one more thing for Elijah – His presence.

When Elijah arrived, God asked him a very important question: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah was seeking God and God gave Elijah the opportunity to say exactly what he wanted God to do for him. Then God gave Elijah the most precious of gifts – time in His presence.

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. – 1 Kings 19:11-13

And now, as Elijah stood in His presence, God asked once more, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And for the second time, Elijah answered, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty…and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (19:14)

This reminds me of the many times I have complained to God that I am going through a difficult time in spite of the fact that I have served Him. I have in essence whined to God unnecessarily. God knows our heart and He knows when we have been faithful and when we have not.

HE DOES NOT ALWAYS SPARE US THE JOURNEY, BUT HE IS ALWAYS WILLING TO STRENGTHEN US FOR WHAT IS AHEAD.

Another great verse to memorize: 2 Chronicles 16:9 – The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

I encourage you today to find time to enter into His presence. Imagine God asking you, “What are you doing here?” What will you say? What do you want the God Who Provides and the God Who Strengthens to do for you today? It’s time for me to finish my morning coffee and do the same.

“O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone.” – 2 Chron. 14:11a

The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him…whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him…Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul…They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. – 2 Chron. 15:2,4,12,15

My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you.
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:5-8

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. – Psalm 5:11-12

In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from harm…
May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed…
May the Lord answer your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. – Psalm 20:1,4,5b-8

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 18; Psalm 4, 65, 68

By the time we get to 1 Kings 18, Israel has experienced three years of drought. The drought has now caused famine – as was the situation with the widow God used to provide for Elijah. The people of Israel were running out of food and at a point where they were ready for some relief from someone. This was part of their problem. They were not just looking for relief from God. They were looking to other sources than the God who provides, something we are guilty of at times.

LOOKING TO SOURCES OTHER THAN THE GOD WHO PROVIDES

So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. – 1 Kings 18:20-21

The people of Israel were pulled between the things of this world and the One True God, just as we are. Right before their eyes, a battle ensued between the false prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah. Each side had everything they needed to prepare a sacrifice – everything but the fire they were to ask their god to provide. As the prophets of Baal tried hard to produce something from a false god unable to give them what they needed, Elijah mocked them with humor:

“You’ll have to shout louder for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be awakened!” – 1 Kings 18:27

IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP!

There is a battle ensuing before our eyes – a battle between serving a world that daily lies to us saying it has everything we need to find true happiness vs. serving the God who is able to provide all we need. We need to see the ridiculous humor of trusting in the world for what we need. We need to see God respond in a powerful way as the people of Israel did and then respond as they did.

Now, as you read this, remember they were at the end of three years of drought. Water was in short supply and used sparingly, yet Elijah asked for water to be poured over his offering and the wood. They used so much water that it ran around the altar and even filled the trench. Then Elijah called upon the God who had provided for him over and over again. Elijah prayed with confidence that his God would provide again (1 Kings 18:30-37).

Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord – he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!” – 1 Kings 18:38-39

Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer…
You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him…
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord. – Psalm 4:1,3,5

TRUST GOD WITH YOUR SACRIFICE

God, I lay my life before you as a sacrifice. God who provides, please send fire down from heaven to burn up my sacrifice along with the wood (the things of this world I use to try and start my own fire), the stones (the heavy burdens), and the dust in my life (the corners of my life that need cleansed). Lick up all of the “water” or things of this world that I have depended on for sustenance and leave me with only the living water that comes from you. Rain down on me. Show me even a small cloud in my life today as evidence that you are about to end the drought. Amen.

Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!”
So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.
Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.”
The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.”
Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.”
Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!”
And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. – 1 Kings 18:41-46

THE DROUGHT IS OVER!

…When you marched through the dry wasteland, the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before you, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land.
There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people. – Psalm 68:7b-10

I pray you see the small cloud today – the evidence that the drought is over and God is pleased with your sacrifice. May you know God to be the God who provides generously and may that knowledge cause you to shout and sing for joy!

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our Savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.
You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.
You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations.
Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.

You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so.
You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops.
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy.
The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain.
They all shout and sing for joy! – Psalm 65:5-13

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12-17; 2 Chronicles 9:29 – 17:19; Ps. 91, 121

“At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.” These are the words of the Lord to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:13. God showed His strength in this way to King Ahab generations later as He took away all dew and rain for several years. But for Elijah, who was faithful, God provided.

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. – 1 Kings 17:4-7

SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WHAT GOD PROVIDES IS GONE?

Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you ever wondered when God’s overflowing provision in your life will end? Perhaps you question what is ahead or whether or not God will provide for you in the future, despite the fact that He is providing for you right now. When the brook God provided Elijah dried up, He faithfully provided another source.

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”

But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” – 1 Kings 17:8-12

Oh, but Elijah knew His God! He knew that he served the God who provides! God had already told Elijah that He would provide for the widow – that there would ALWAYS be enough! She trusted in Elijah’s words and made bread for him first, and what God promised came true – there was ALWAYS enough!

SO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WANT MORE THAN “ENOUGH”?

The widow’s son became sick; the son whom she was raising so that he could one day provide for her in her husband’s absence died in her arms. Can you imagine her grief and worry? Elijah took the child and did what most of us would do in this same situation – He asked God “Why?”

Elijah begged God, “O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” God heard Elijah’s prayer and the life of the boy returned and he revived! The child was placed back in the arms of his mother, who responded, “Now I know for sure…” (1 Kings 17:21-24).

NOW I KNOW FOR SURE!

Maybe that is why God allows events in our life that cause us to ask “why?” Like the widow, we need to know for sure that we serve the God who provides – that we can trust God for all of our tomorrows.

Think of all the times when God has provided generously for you. Stop and speak it out loud. Now think of the ways in which you need God to provide for you again. Are you in a situation where you find yourself asking God why He is allowing something in your life? The answer may be floating in your morning coffee – so that you can KNOW FOR SURE and so others around you can KNOW FOR SURE that you serve a God who provides!

So, next time God provides and then what God provided is taken away from you, what will be your response? Are you willing to let God take you on a journey that leads to the land of KNOWING FOR SURE? Can you trust God that there will always be enough?

I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. – Psalm 121, NLT

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me, I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” – Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 7 – 12; Psalm 73

Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?
Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.
Remember that nothing is certain in this life. – Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Why do bad things happen to good people? We hear this question asked often. This question is addressed in books and movies like “Miracles From Heaven” or “The Shack” or “God’s Not Dead”. Or sometimes we hear the question – Why do the wicked prosper? They are valid questions. When we watch a godly person battle cancer or a child die suddenly and seemingly without purpose, we find ourselves asking God “Why?”

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper?
But what a difficult task it is! – Psalm 73:16

King Solomon struggled with this same question and it is beneficial for us to follow his line of thinking and see where his journey for understanding took him. When we do not understand what or why, we can trust in the wisdom God gave to Solomon when he reached the following conclusion:

Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?…None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. – Eccl. 8:7-8a

I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other. I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless. When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know those who fear God will be better off. The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun…there is ceaseless activity, day and night. I realized that no one can discover everything, no matter what they claim. – Eccl. 8:9-17

The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad…Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who make promises to God are treated like people who don’t.

People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. – Eccl. 9:2-3, 11-12

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. – Eccl. 11:5

…rejoice in every day of life. – Eccl. 11:8

Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So REFUSE TO WORRY, and keep your body health… – Eccl. 11:9-10

Don’t let the excitement of your youth cause you to forget your Creator…REMEMBER HIM…

That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion; Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. – Eccl. 12:1-2,13-14

Remember Him, fear Him, obey Him… King Solomon is not giving his readers permission to participate in what the world defines as fun. When he says to “enjoy life”, he is not giving us permission to forget holiness and serve our sinful nature. Those who choose their own course, who are not careful to do what is good, have no hope. FIND JOY TODAY, enjoying every minute of it. There is no joy is choosing sin. There is joy in trusting God – fearing and obeying a God who loves us and knows everything about us.

Trust God. It is what it is. That seems to be what Solomon is saying. It does no good to worry about what will happen in life. Instead relax in God’s plan and enjoy what He gives you today, not worrying about tomorrow. Remember Him, fear Him and obey Him. There may be sinful people around you who seem to be having a better life than you, but you know where you will spend eternity. You know there will be a day when you give an account to God for everything you do in this life.

Remember Him and rejoice in every day of life. Don’t spend your youth worrying about what you have no control over. It is what it is, but that is okay because God is who He is and we can trust Him with whatever comes our way.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 1 – 6

EVERYTHING IS MEANINGLESS.

Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. The wise and the foolish share the same fate – they both die. All of our hard work, everything we have earned or acquired, we leave behind to someone else. We cannot take it with us when we die. Most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. This is meaningless – like chasing after the wind.

These are the thoughts of King Solomon after devoting himself to the search for understanding and exploring everything being done under the sun. He discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.

I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” – Ecclesiastes 2:1-2

I have to admit that Ecclesiastes is not one of my favorite books of the Bible. King Solomon initially comes across much like Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Eeyore. But, in the midst of Solomon’s cynical and negative rant, he offers us some great words of wisdom to live by. He teaches us how to relax in some of these negative realities and enjoy the life God has blessed us with.

EVERYTHING IS FROM GOD

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are FROM THE HAND OF GOD. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? – Eccl. 2:24-25

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS FROM GOD. – Eccl. 3:9-13

EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL

Another gift from God that Solomon highlights is our relationships with other people:
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help…A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. – Eccl. 4:9-12

Solomon’s words of wisdom continue:
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut…let your words be few…Keep all the promises you make to him…Don’t let your mouth make you sin…Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead. – Eccl. 5:1-7

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth – except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!…Hoarding riches harms the saver…We can’t take our riches with us…And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a GIFT FROM GOD. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. – Eccl. 5:10-20

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless – like chasing the wind. – Eccl. 6:9

I must confess I have had moments where I was more focused on what I did not have than on what I did have. Have you been there? Have you found yourself half happy and half mourning? Have you spent time dreaming about what could be instead of soaking in the blessings of what is?

Here is a great example from my life. In 2011, we moved to the Dallas, Texas area. I loved our new life! The Church was wonderful, the schools and community were great, and the food was delicious. God blessed us with a beautiful home with a small pool in the back yard. Life was good. But life in Texas meant we were far from family and that my job with Living Alternatives would soon come to an end. I loved our life in Texas, but missed family and friends in Illinois and dreaded the coming loss of my job.

Then, only 17 months later, God moved us back to Illinois. We were close to our family again and I was able to keep my job. God was richly blessing our family and we were happy, yet we were all missing our new Texas church family and friends. Even attending church was a struggle. For the first time in a long time, I was neither the pastor’s daughter nor the pastor’s wife. I mourned the loss of this role and struggled to feel at home in our new church. I was surrounded by gifts from God yet had my “Eeyore” moments of feeling sorry for myself and grieving what I did NOT have. How foolish of me! Let’s look at that verse again.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless – like chasing the wind. – Eccl. 6:9

God is SO good and God is SO generous! Why do we feel sorry for ourselves when we are surrounded by His blessings? Why do we fail to recognize the pleasures in life that come straight from the hand of God? God has made EVERYTHING beautiful for its own time. There is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy this time in our life! No looking back at what we have lost or looking down at what we are missing. Life is meant for looking around at all our blessings and looking up at the source of those blessings!

Lord, I thank you for the food I eat and for the people you have placed in my life. I thank you for the joy I find in working hard for you. Lord, when I start to have an “Eeyore” moment, help me recognize it and find my inner “Tigger”. Lord, forgive me for the moments when I have felt sorry for myself, when contentment was just out of reach.

Father God, we thank you for the many gifts you give us so generously. Forgive us for the moments when our focus is on what we don’t have, or our minds wander to what we wish our life could be. Thank you for the opportunity to learn this morning from King Solomon, in all of his wisdom. Help us to relax in YOUR plan for our life. Plant eternity in our hearts and give us eyes to see the grand scope of your plan. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 6-8

I slept, but my heart was awake, when I heard my lover knocking and calling:
“Open to me, my treasure, my darling, my dove, my perfect one.
My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”

But I responded, “I have taken off my robe.
Should I get dressed again?
I have washed my feet. Should I get them soiled?” – Song of Songs 5:2-3

The One who loves her more than she can even imagine is calling out for her to come to Him and she is counting the cost. Counting the cost – something we are probably all guilty of. God has created us for an intimate and personal relationship with Him, but we count the cost – do I have the time to spend with God, do I have the energy after a long day? We often find ourselves too busy or too tired to spend time with the Lover of our soul.

But when we consider how much He loves us…
When we consider how much He has done for us…
When we consider how he died for us…
When perfume is dripping from our hands and myrrh from our fingers (5:5)…
When we consider how much our salvation cost Him – His life – we run to the door!

I opened to my lover, but he was gone!
My heart sank.
I searched for him but could not find him anywhere.
I called to him, but there was no reply. – Song of Songs 5:6

There are times when we feel we have missed our opportunity. We count the cost and decide to seek Him. We call out but there is no reply. We feel like He is no longer there for us, like He is too far to be found. Know this, my friend, God is always here – always within reach.

My lover has gone down to his garden, to his spice beds, to browse in his gardens and gather the lilies.
I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine.
He browses among the lilies. – Song of Songs 6:2-3

In her book “Receive His Love”, Aletha Hinthorn describes the lilies as God’s people. When we walk into the garden where God’s people are gathering, we can find God in their presence. When we are searching for our God, a great place to look for Him is among His people as they gather together to be with Him and to call on His name.

There are two moments in this love story found in Song of Songs when the young woman experienced dark times. The first was when those who were supposed to protect her and care about her instead mistreated her (5:7). The second was the result of giving into temptation and allowing her desires to pull her toward temporary physical love instead of toward the eternal spiritual love God offers (6:12).

Return, return to us, O maid of Shulam.
Come back, come back, that we may see you again. – Song of Songs 6:13

Love is calling her back – love is healing and love is redemptive. Did you hear that? Love is redemptive…forgiving…full of grace.

Even among sixty queens and eighty concubines and countless young women,
I WOULD STILL CHOOSE my dove, my perfect one …
Oh, how beautiful you are!
How pleasing, my love, how full of delights! – Song of Songs 6:8-9; 7:6

I aroused you under the apple tree, where you mother gave you birth,
where in great pain she delivered you.
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave.
Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame.
Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it.
If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned. – Song of Songs 8:5-7

Oh, how He loves us! When you have wasted time counting the cost, He loves you! When those around you have left you scarred and hurting, He loves you! When you have fallen to temptation and need forgiveness, He loves you! He is jealous for you and welcomes you with grace in His eyes. Oh, how He loves you! You cannot waste time maintaining regrets when you step into the presence of a God who loves you THIS much – who is calling you to intimacy with Him. He calls you to dwell in the garden. He longs to hear your voice (8:13). Let Him hear your voice.

“You’re beautiful
You’re beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this You’re beautiful
You’re beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred
You are His
You’re beautiful
Before you ever took a breath Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed, There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above, You’re the one He madly loves
Enough to die
You’re beautiful You’re beautiful In His eyes”
[Beautiful by Mercy Me – mercyme.org]

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 3-5

Yesterday we began looking at Song of Songs from the perspective presented by Aletha Hinthorn in her book “Receive His Love.” There are many different interpretations of this beautiful, poetic story. I am comfortable with many of the existing views. We can look at this book from the perspective of a passionate young couple in love and enjoying the sexuality given to them by God, and we can see that God created us to love in this way.

We can also choose to read the book from a different perspective – to consider how much God loves us and how He provides intimacy when we purposefully spend time with Him. This relationship with God is different from, yet can also be compared to, the intense love of a man and woman. I can see that God loves me strongly and I can become passionate about my spiritual relationship with Him.

My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself – my own vineyard. – Song of Songs 1:6b

How often are we so busy doing for other people that we fail to take care of ourselves? We are so busy working in the vineyard – living life, maybe even doing ministry – that we fail to make time to slip away into the quiet God is calling us to.

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love,
the grapevines are blossoming. – Song of Songs 2:15

The grapevines are blossoming. We are growing in our relationship with God but beware of the foxes. Beware of the little things in life that creep in and prevent us from experiencing intimacy with God. They become distractions and they seek to ruin the vineyard. We become so focused on the foxes that we find ourselves feeling distant once again from God. We look around and wonder where He is. We have lost our focus and need to find it again.

One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover.
I yearned for him, but he did not come.
So I said to myself, “I will get up and roam the city,
searching in all its streets and squares.
I will search for the one I love.”
So I searched everywhere but did not find him.
The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds, and I asked, “Have you seen the one I love?”
Then scarcely had I left them when I found my love! – Song of Songs 3:1-4a

Where is God? We have all found ourselves, at one time or another, asking that question. We have faith to believe He is present, but we also have a strong need to feel His presence because of the severity of our circumstances. We yearn for His touch. We slip away to a quiet place and listen for Him, searching for comfort and peace.

When we seek God, we will find Him. When we search for intimacy with our Savior, He will come to us and provide a place for us to be strengthened and refreshed by Him. His left arm will support our head, giving us rest when we are weary or comfort when we are mourning. His right arm will embrace us. We will feel the arms of God loving us and holding us up in even the most difficult of situations.

Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men.
I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.
He escorts me to the banquet hall; IT’S OBVIOUS HOW MUCH HE LOVES ME.
Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. – Song of Songs 2:3-6

God’s love feels just like King Solomon described. It feels like being wrapped in the strong arms of your Father – it feels safe, warm and comforting.

My lover said to me, “Rise up, my darling!
Come away with me, my fair one!
Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone.
The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come
and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.
The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming.
Rise up, my darling!
Come away with me, my fair one!” – Song of Songs 2:10-13

Oh, how He loves us! He calls to us – come away with me! He longs for us to step out of the chaos and noise and experience intimacy with Him. When we look at ourselves, we may see how our experiences and choices have “darkened” us, but He loving calls out, “Come away with me, my fair one!” This kind of love reminds me of one of my favorite songs in Christian music playing today – “How He Loves Me” by John Mark McMillan and sang by David Crowder.

“He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us, oh,
Oh, how He loves us,
How He loves us all…”

[If you are looking for a good book on Song of Songs, I recommend Aletha Hinthorn’s book RECEIVE HIS LOVE – http://www.cometothefire.org/books/]

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 1-2

Stories – they are all around us. Sad stories, triumphant stories, tragic stories, funny stories, mysterious stories. I love them all but love stories are probably my favorite. Let me tell you a love story about a young woman who had a sincere desire to grow closer to the One she loved – Jesus.

At first she focuses simply on enjoying Him and what He can do for her, how His presence makes her life more wonderful. Then she discovers the indescribable joy of being loved BY Him. Her relationship with Jesus grows throughout the story as she realizes how much He delights in her and desires a relationship with her. She matures spiritually while on this journey to intimacy. She is no longer simply a worker for Jesus – she is now a devoted lover of Jesus. Do you recognize this story? It can be found in Solomon’s Song of Songs.

It took a long time for me to understand this book and, quite honestly, I was uncomfortable diving into its meaning. At the 2012 Come to the Fire conference, Aletha Hinthorn gave me new eyes and new ears of understanding for this beautiful book. There are many interpretations of Solomon’s writings but I choose to re-read these scriptures from the angle Aletha has provided in her book, RECEIVE HIS LOVE.

Let’s consider Song of Songs as a young woman’s journey to intimacy with Christ and see what He might teach us about the potential of our relationship with Him.

Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.
How fragrant your cologne; your name is like its spreading fragrance.
No wonder all the young women love you!
Take me with you; come, let’s run!
The king has brought me into his bedroom. – Song of Songs 1:2-4

Consider the meaning of the word “kiss” as receiving a word from the Lord, a word from His mouth. Now reread these verses. She longs to receive a word from the Lord. I can relate to that. I wake up each morning and enter into a private room with Jesus out of my desire to hear from Him. Time in His presence is like a “spreading fragrance” and I run into His presence each morning, longing to experience intimacy with Him as I cling to His words.

I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem –
dark as tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.
Don’t stare at me because I am dark – the sun has darkened my skin.
My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself – my own vineyard.
Tell me, my love, where are you leading your flock today?
Where will you rest your sheep at noon?
For why should I wander like a prostitute among your friends and their flocks? – Song of Songs 1:5-7

I look at myself and I see the dark nature that is mine when I live life away from my Savior. Everything under the sun that I have experienced in life has left its scars and dirt on me. Exposure to this life has darkened me. But where are you going today, Lord? I long to be with you, participating in your work today rather than working in someone else’s fields. I desire to give you all of my love rather than sharing my love and desires with what this world has to offer.

If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman, follow the trail of my flock,
and graze your young goats by the shepherds’ tents.
You are exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharoah’s stallions.
How lovely are your cheeks; your earring set them afire!
How lovely is your neck, enhanced by a string of jewels.
We will make for you earrings of gold and beads of silver. – Song of Songs 1:8-11

How beautiful! He looks at me – looks beyond the darkness of my past and sees the beauty of my future. He sees what He can make out of my life! He says – If you don’t know what to do and where to go, follow me! Those who follow after Him have left a trail for me to walk in. Those who have accepted the calling of “shepherd” have prepared a field in which I can graze and grow in my understanding of my Savior. The horse represents the beauty and strength that is within me. He looks beyond the scars on the outside and sees the beauty and potential He created inside of me.

The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume.
My lover is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts.
He is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms from the vineyards of En-gedi.

You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words!
The soft grass is our bed; fragrant cedar branches are the beams of our house, and pleasant smelling firs are the rafters. – Song of Songs 1:12-17

Lord, thank you for the couch – the place of rest – you prepared for me this morning. We met together and you found me beautiful. We met together and I found your love like nothing I can obtain in this life around me, like the myrrh and sweet henna blossoms. It is like something distant and beyond my reach that you graciously bring close to me.

A relationship with you, Jesus, is pleasing beyond words! You give me a comfortable place to lie and a firm foundation on which to build my life, while also giving me blessings to make this spiritual journey pleasant. Thank you for your “kisses” – for giving me a word from Your mouth this morning. My heart desires to hear from you and I am not disappointed. I drink in your presence like a delicious cup of my morning coffee.

[Aletha Hinthorn’s book RECEIVE HIS LOVE can be found at http://www.cometothefire.org/books/]

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 26-30

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a day when friends gather and celebrate their friendships. The day marks the death of St. Patrick, a man who dedicated his life to sharing the gospel with others. As a young boy growing up in Britain, Patrick was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland. After six years of this imprisonment, he escaped and returned to Britain, later joining a monastery in France. Now a bishop, Patrick received God’s call to return to Ireland and tell them about God. He used the three-leafed shamrock to teach them about the Trinity and was known for his generosity toward others. He could have been bitter toward the Irish, but instead St. Patrick sought wisdom from God and chose to extend friendship to the country that had only seen him as a slave.

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:5

I want that kind of strength. I want to become wiser and wiser, which will make me stronger and stronger. Receiving wisdom is not a “once and done” gift. Wisdom is a gift we continually ask for – a gift that continues to strengthen us as we experience new situations.

King Solomon has three more areas or situations in which he gives advice in his book of Proverbs. The first is regarding friendships

1.) THE VALUE OF HAVING A GOOD FRIEND AND BEING A GOOD FRIEND

A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need (17:17).

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
a wise person wins friends (11:30).

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends (17:9).

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends (16:28).

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars (18:19).

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (18:24).

Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts (19:6).

Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend (22:11).

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (27:9).

Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s (27:10a).

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (27:17).

My friends are so precious to me! I cannot imagine life without them. My friends make me a better person. But friendships can get complicated and sometimes we have to work through difficult situations in order to protect our friendship. It takes wisdom to know what to say and how to say it.

2.) THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL, NOT A FRIEND FOR THE WISE

Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise (20:1)

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
trying out new drinks.
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?” – Proverbs 23:29-35

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
Rulers should not crave alcohol.
For if they drink, they may forget the law
and not give justice to the oppressed (31:4-5).

3.) JUSTICE FOR THE OPPRESSED

As I read through these proverbs regarding justice, the issue of abortion comes to my mind.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice (31:8-9).

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve (24:12).

There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong,
a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family (6:16-19).

Father God, we thank you for the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Although not the easiest book to read, it is full of treasures to help us through life. Lord, will you please daily give us wisdom and make us stronger and stronger in you. We thank you for our friends and we ask that you bless our friendships. Give us wisdom in the choices we make and stir our hearts towards helping others. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21-25

King Solomon was given wisdom and he, in turn, introduces us to wisdom by personifying her. He continues with his analogy of life being a path. He gives us a visual picture as he shows us that she (Wisdom) is taking her stand at the crossroads, where we need her most. When we are at a point of decision and we need Wisdom more than we need our next breath, there she is. And this is what we can hear her crying out to us:

“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.” – Prov. 8:4-16

I love the visual this passage gives us. Can you see it? Wisdom is standing side by side with Good Judgment, Knowledge, Discernment, Common Sense, Success, Insight and Strength. Can you see this team of heroes staying strong in the fight against Evil, Pride and Arrogance? They hold the weapons we need to beat Corruption and Perverse Speech. They are available to us if only we will ask.

“I love all who love me.
Those who search will surely find me.
I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.
My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
my wages better than sterling silver!
I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice.
Those who love me inherit wealth.
I will fill their treasuries.

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
FOR WHOEVER FINDS ME FINDS LIFE
and receives favor from the Lord.
But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.” – Proverbs 8:17-36

What great words of Wisdom, literally. I want to follow the way of Wisdom. I want to listen to Wisdom’s instruction and watch for direction from God. To find Wisdom is to find life – that is a powerful concept to soak in. Wisdom helps us understand God, helps us see God for who He is and trust Him in even the most difficult of situations.

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:3-5