Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

When all the Israelites heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the house of David. — 1 Kings 12:20

Jeroboam was pleased to lead the Israelites, but he was not confident that he would keep their allegiance if they went back to Jerusalem to offer the sacrifices. He did not trust the people and he did not trust God. After seeking what turned out to be bad advice, Jeroboam made two golden calves. And in order to keep the Israelites close to home, he set up two places of worship, putting one golden calf at each location — Bethel and Dan.

He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” — 1 Kings 12:28b

Jeroboam had the audacity to give these two man-made idols credit for all that God had done for the Israelites. He built shrines on high places, and he installed priests who were not Levites. He created a new festival, and the Israelites came to these high places in Bethel and Dan to give their offerings to the idols Jeroboam had created. Once more, the people of Israel walked away from God, choosing false gods over the one true God.

BETHEL

If Bethel sounds familiar to you, let me take you back to Genesis 28. Jacob had left his family to visit his Uncle Laban. He had just tricked his father into giving him the blessing of the firstborn that was meant for his brother, Esau. His father, Isaac, sent him away to marry one of Laban’s daughters, and so he left the life he knew and traveled toward Haran. On his way, he found a place to set up camp and he stopped for the night. He was alone, and yet he wasn’t. While he slept, Jacob had a dream about a stairway and he heard the voice of the Lord renewing the same covenant He had made with Abraham and Isaac. That same special relationship was now available to Jacob.

“Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” — Genesis 28:14-15

Jacob named the place Bethel, which means House of God, because the Lord had spoken to him there (Genesis 35:15). This place was special — a place where God would now be worshiped because He had so faithfully made his presence known to Jacob. King Jeroboam took this holy place that had been dedicated to the Lord and built a shrine to a golden calf in its place. He boldly desecrated a place that had been set aside for God.

DAN

The town of Dan was on the northern tip of Israel. It had once been known as Laish, that is, before the tribe of Dan arrived. The tribe had been allotted eighteen towns to claim as their territory in the land of Canaan. But they had trouble taking possession of the land, and so they chose an easier space to occupy. They captured the town of Laish, slaughtered all of the people who lived there, and made it their home. This place represented the weakness and laziness of a people who had been given so much by God, but who settled for less than all God wanted to give them.

With Dan on the northern edge of the land Israel occupied, and Bethel just north of Jerusalem, Jeroboam could provide easier access to places of worship than traveling to the city of Jerusalem, where God had commanded his people to make their offerings to him. He boldly offered God’s people the opportunity to worship false gods closer to home instead of worshiping the God of Israel in Jerusalem, and they gladly obliged him. He boldly sinned against God, more focused on beating Rehoboam than he was on glorifying God.

The position of king was an honored seat of authority. Jeroboam could have placed his trust in God, showing humility for this opportunity to reign as king, but instead he chose a competitive spirit. He created a new religion, new places of worship, and a new festival. He chased after the next shiny thing instead of following the traditions God had put into place. He worked hard to keep the eyes of the people focused on him, rather than focused on God.

What false god is the church chasing after today because it is easier than doing it God’s way? Are we so caught up in trying to outdo other churches or leaders that we have lost sight of God’s calling? Are we worshiping the created over the Creator? Is God glorified when his people hop from one church to another in response to the churches’ gimmicks and marketing? Are we watering down the gospel in order to please others?

Father God, we give you our attention. May we serve you in the church to which you have called us; may you be glorified every day by our authentic desire to point others towards you. May our worship be authentic, and may we be used in the lives of others. Point out any false gods we have allowed to draw our attention away from you. May we make the most of this leadership opportunity you have given us by trusting in you every step of the way — whether the crowd is cheering or walking away. Amen.

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 9:29 – 11:4

It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. — Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

King Solomon ruled over all of Israel for 40 years, but his body grew old and after he took his last breath, he was buried in the city named after his father, David. He left his son, Rehoboam, many words of wisdom, as well as the throne of Israel. Solomon had experienced the fruit of ruling with wisdom, but he had also experienced the humiliation of living with the consequences of his foolishness. He knew that popularity can disappear as quickly as it rises; one day everyone can be cheering for you, but the next day they will place their hope in a new leader.

All of Israel gathered for the new king’s inauguration. WIth this change in leadership, they saw the opportunity for a better life. The leaders asked Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that King Solomon had imposed on the people. They promised their loyalty to the new king if he would choose to be less harsh than his father.

SEEKING ADVICE FROM THE GODLY

King Rehoboam asked for three days to make a decision regarding the manner in which he would lead the people of Israel. He went to the older men whom his father had used for counsel, and he asked them for their advice.

The older counselors replied, “If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” — 2 Chronicles 10:7

This model of servant leadership did not appeal to King Rehoboam, so he rejected the wise advice of the godly and built a new team of advisers made up of his childhood friends.

The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” — 1 Kings 12:10-11

Rehoboam followed the advice of his young friends. He spoke harshly to the people, refusing to listen to the leaders of the tribes of Israel. But leading with arrogance backfired, and the people of Israel walked away from their king, leaving Rehoboam with only the towns of Judah to rule. He sent Adoniram to restore order, but the people of Israel stoned him to death. So Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem to mobilize an army. The Lord told him not to fight against his relatives, so Rehoboam accepted his losses and continued to rule over the tribes of Benjamin and Judah.

The wicked are trapped by their own words,
but the godly escape such trouble.
Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.
A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted. — Proverbs 12:13-16

The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following. — Proverbs 14:28, MSG

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. — Proverbs 15:22, MSG

Father God, give us wisdom to act in your love and with your grace. Humble us so that we lead as servants, willing to put the needs of our team ahead of our own. Thank you for those you have placed in our lives who are available for godly counsel, and for their words of encouragement and support. May we recognize bad advice when it comes, and may we glorify you in all that we say and do. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 10 – 12

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. — Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Life is beautiful, and part of that beauty comes with the changing seasons. Summer will officially arrive this week with its heat and high humidity, and there is a new buzz of activity across the community from farmers markets to summer concerts. Families can be seen out riding their bikes, and the sounds of laughter and lifeguard whistles can be heard by the swimming pool. But summer does not last forever. We are only weeks away from stores filling their shelves with back to school supplies. Soon fall will arrive with all of its yummy smells and community festivals.

Like the changing of the calendar, life comes with its seasons. As we look back, we see how our life is broken into intervals. Friendships come and go, jobs change, and life looks slightly different from one chapter of our lives to the next. College years, young adulthood, new parents, growing careers, youth sports leagues, summer camp, vacations, graduations, weddings, funerals…We blink and we go from having a newborn in our arms to having the chaos of coordinating family schedules to having the silence of the empty nest. One chapter ends and another begins, and there is beauty to be found with each turning page.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. — Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Last year brought many changes to my life. I had a daughter move away to go to medical school, a daughter get married, and a daughter finish college. We moved to a new state, started new jobs, and began a new chapter. Scott gave me a book by Patricia Heaton titled My Second Act and it changed my perspective about facing a new day. While in some ways it felt like I was losing my purpose and life as I knew it was coming to an end, this book helped me realize I was just entering into act two of a story that is far from finished. There are still new characters to be introduced, memories to be made, and a storyline to be developed.

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. — Ecclesiastes 11:4

Ecclesiastes has the potential to change our perspective on life. Every time we make our way back to this familiar book of wisdom, we are given the opportunity to step back and see how our life has evolved from season to season. It is okay to grieve the chapters that have come to an end, but I believe God wants us to look ahead with hope. Every chapter of our lives has come with its unique blessings, and this next one will also. So rejoice in where God has you today, and allow him to use you. Live with the expectation that your favorite memories are still ahead of you; live with the confidence that this earthly life is nothing in comparison to the joy we will experience for an eternity when we place our hope in Christ Jesus.

Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless.
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 healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. — Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:1a

Life is meaningless, but find satisfaction in it. This life God has given you is a gift — find new ways to show your appreciation for each opportunity He gives you. Yes, the day will come when our earthly chapter ends, but our life will not. When we take our last breath of humanity, we will experience Jesus like never before. One chapter ends and another begins, and there is beauty to be found with each turning page.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 7 – 9; 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. Or sometimes we hear the question — Why do the wicked prosper? When we watch a godly person battle cancer or a child die suddenly and seemingly without purpose, we find ourselves asking, “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. — Ecclesiastes 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.

And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!

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. — Ecclesiastes 8:9-17

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.

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. — Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

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. — Ecclesiastes 11:5

…rejoice in every day of life. — Ecclesiastes 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. — Ecclesiastes 11:9

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. — Ecclesiastes 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 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, but know that there is no joy in choosing sin. There is joy in trusting God – fearing and obeying a God who loves us and knows everything about us.

It is what it is, so trust God. 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 4 – 6

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless — like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. — Ecclesiastes 2:11

I must confess I have had moments when I have asked God what the purpose is in this repetitive life. I have found myself wrapped in self-pity and despair, 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?

In 2011, we moved to Dallas. 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 backyard. 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, and I dreaded the coming loss of my job.

In 2012, 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 Texas friends. I was mourning the loss of the role of the pastor’s wife and struggling to feel at home in our new church. I was surrounded by gifts from God, yet had my Ecclesiastes-moments of feeling sorry for myself. I grieved what I did NOT have.

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

God is SO good and 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 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!

It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 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. — Ecclesiastes 5:18b-20

Last year, we once again packed our belongings and moved to Kansas City. We hugged our family and friends, and we moved 300 miles away. This time, I made the conscious decision to find joy in this next chapter of our lives. I looked back and saw how each season of our life was full of God’s blessings, and I decided to look ahead in anticipation for the evidence of God’s goodness in what would become our Kansas chapter. It does not mean that I don’t have moments of feeling a little homesick for what used to be, but I am trusting that God is good and that life in the center of God’s will is great.

Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. — Ecclesiastes 6:10

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 – to trust you with yesterday, today, and tomorrow. May life be about pursuing your perfect plan rather than chasing after the wind. Plant eternity in our hearts and give us eyes to see the grand scope of your plan. May each day be lived for the glory of God. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 1 – 3

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” — Ecclesiastes 1:2

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 succeed 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. The more wisdom he gained, the more grief he experienced; the more Solomon knew and understood, the more he grieved the realities of life. 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

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

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. – Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Today is a great day to recognize God’s blessings in our lives. Even though there is trouble and sorrow in this world, the evidence of God’s provision is everywhere. He is preparing a wonderful place for us to spend eternity with Him — more beautiful than we can imagine — but He is also blessing us with people and opportunities that bring us joy now. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. Let’s find the beauty in today, recognize the beauty in yesterday, while living in hope for tomorrow.

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? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

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. — Ecclesiastes 5:10-19

God, we want to stop before our day gets any farther and thank you for all you have done for us. Today we recognize all the pleasures you allow us to enjoy in this life, and we want you to know how grateful we are for your loving generosity. Although the pleasures of this world are temporary and cannot be compared to the riches of Heaven, we see that they are gifts from you — blessings straight from the hand of God! May we never lose sight of the source of everything good in our lives, and may we never lose sight of the things that are eternal because we have become too wrapped up in the things that are temporary. 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, 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 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. When we walk into the garden where God’s people are gathering, we can find God in their presence.

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. It is forgiving and 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 your 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.

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 3-5

There are many different interpretations of the beautiful, poetic story told in Song of Songs. Taking it at face value, you might think it is a love story about a man and a woman. This passionate young couple is in love and enjoying the sexuality given to them by God. We can see that God created us to love in this way.

Now consider the possibility that this book written by King Solomon is about 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. But relationships require attention and care; they cannot be ignored or taken for granted.

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 and there is fruit in our ministry, 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. Picture it. His left arm will support your head, giving you rest when you are weary or comfort when you are mourning. His right arm will embrace you. You will feel the arms of God loving you and holding you 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 to experience intimacy with Him. When we look at ourselves, we may see how our experiences and choices have darkened us, but He lovingly calls out, “Come away with me, my fair one!”

He is calling out to you this morning. Take notice of the obvious love of your God!

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 1-2

I love a good story. 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 has a sincere desire to grow closer to the One she loves. His name is Jesus.

At first this woman focuses simply on enjoying the one she loves and what He can do for her; her attention is on 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.

There are many interpretations of Solomon’s writings, but I love the perspective Aletha Hinthorn provides in her book Receive His Love. So as we read through this love story, let’s consider Song of Songs as a young woman’s journey to intimacy with Christ, and see what God 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 I have experienced under the sun has left its scars and dirt on me; exposure to this life has darkened me. Where are you going, Lord? I long to be with you today, participating in your work rather than working in someone else’s fields. I desire to give you all of my love rather than share in the desires of this world.

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 my Lord 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 the Savior. He looks beyond my scars and sees my beauty and potential.

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.
How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful!
Your eyes are like doves.
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 you prepared for me this morning — this place of rest. 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.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22-24

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 ready on your lips.
I am teaching you today—yes, you—
so you will trust in the Lord.
I have written THIRTY SAYINGS for you,
filled with advice and knowledge. – Proverbs 22:16-20

The book of Proverbs lists thirty sayings to help us live life wisely and in a way that glorifies God. Grouping them into general categories, we can see them reflected in the words of Jesus.

BE WISE IN HOW YOU TREAT THE POOR. Do not take advantage of their financial needs for your own gain. It matters to God how we treat them. Do not cheat your neighbors. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death, and do not pretend you didn’t know about their injustice.

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” — Matthew 19:21

BE WISE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. Choose friends that are a good influence on you, avoiding those whose habits would be unhealthy for you to pick up. If you choose to be around those who are angry all the time, you may find yourself becoming an angry person. Don’t waste your breath on fools who despise your wisdom. Don’t cheat your neighbors. Be wise in your parenting and do not fail to discipline your children. Continue to listen to your father and respect your mother. Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble (24:17).

“Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 19:19

BE WISE WITH YOUR MONEY. Do not make a financial commitment that is beyond your means, even if you are trying to do something nice for someone else. Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit (23:4). Wealth can disappear in the blink of an eye.

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” — Matthew 6:24

BE WISE IN YOUR EMPLOYMENT. Those who show themselves to be competent and produce quality work will get bigger and better opportunities.

“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.” — Matthew 24:45-47

BE WISE REGARDING THE PLEASURES OF THIS WORLD. Do not get so caught up in the cravings of this gluttonous world that you fall into its trap. Do not desire the delicacies of this world more than you desire what God has for you. And don’t desire what the stingy do not want you to give you. Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord (23:17). Do not hang around with those who love to get drunk, or feast with those who eat excessively. Avoid the lure of sexual sin. Don’t envy evil people, or those whose words are always trying to stir up trouble.

The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. — Luke 8:14

BE WISE. Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge (23:12). Speak what is right. Take time to listen, and keep your heart on the right course. Get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment, and pass on your wisdom to your children. Build your home with wisdom. Don’t step into conflict without first seeking wisdom and guidance from godly advisors. Your future will be bright if you crave wisdom like the sweet taste of honey. Fear the Lord.

“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” — Luke 7:35

Father God, give us a heart that craves your wisdom. May we be drawn towards you, instead of craving all this world tries to sell us. May you be glorified in our relationships with others and in our growing relationship with you. Thank you for all we have learned as we have studied the book of Proverbs. May your words come to our mind when we need it most. We love you, God. Amen.

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways. — Proverbs 23:26