Anchored

With the release of Husband Material, I’ve just finished a website overhaul. And in the process of reworking my website, I felt it was time I had a tagline. For non-writers, that won’t mean much, but it’s part of the backstory here. J

So, I prayed about it. And here’s what God gave me: Anchored in the King’s Affections

For over a decade, He’s shown me more and more of His heart as the Bridegroom God. He’s unwrapped the bridal paradigm for me, showing me how He sees His people as His bride and what that means. (Hint: it’s why He went to the cross.)

My passion is to share those truths with you, with readers, both on my blogs and in my fiction. Tying that passion with my love of the water is a very fitting representation of me.

So, what does it mean to be anchored in the King’s affections?

~ You pursue deeper understanding of the Love of God. Ask God to reveal His passionate heart to you. Dig into the Scriptures and read the Bible through the lens of love. (i.e. consider God’s love first and foremost as you read)

~ You decide to trust. Life’s not easy, and it’s rarely simply understood. Not only are we complex beings, but we live in an unpredictable, unexplainable world, under an infinite, all-knowing God. God’s the only safe harbor, the only safe foundation, the only safe anchor.

~ You cling to Him. Being anchored is the sense of being tied down to something that won’t change. Wind and waves can come, but you’re not going anywhere. God’s got you. And You’re clinging to Him. Safe.

So, join me, won’t you, in becoming anchored more deeply in the King’s affections.

Husband Material

Releases 7-22-11

Who would know better than God the kind of man who would make good husband material?

I used this idea in my latest writing endeavor—a “dollar download” entitled Husband Material. The short e-book will release this Friday, 7-22-11.

I don’t often bring up my writing life here, but didn’t want to miss an opportunity to share the good news with you, dear readers. My calling is to show people the love of God through writing, both here on this blog, on my other blogs and in my fiction and non-fiction writing.

If you enjoy reading this blog, you may enjoy reading my fiction as well. Check out the summary for the story:

Wyatt Hansen has no fears about commitment, but only three years have passed since his beloved wife died, and he can't bring himself to break their annual dinner date—that is until he meets restaurant owner, Lara Farr.

Lara doesn't have time for romance; she has a business to run. At least that's what she tells herself so she doesn't have to admit that commitment scares her. But Lara's business is failing, and it just may take a miracle—or marketing analyst, Wyatt Hansen—to save it.

Can Wyatt rescue Lara’s restaurant, help her overcome her fears, and prove he is good husband material?

Whatever you read, I pray you are edified and that God is glorified.

With warm wishes for all His best in your life,

Annette

Saved the Best Till Last

When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!" (John 2:9-10 MSG)

Jesus is our Bridegroom.

The Bible admonishes us to avoid getting drunk with wine, but rather be filled with the Holy Spirit. (see Eph 5:18) So, the Bible compares the experience of encounter and communion with the Holy Spirit (who brings real joy and fulfillment) with imbibing with alcohol (counterfeit joy).

This is a literal story from John chapter two, but there are some parallels, some symbols for today. Now, peek at the verse again.

The host could be likened to a church leader or a pastor who is in charge of gathering the congregation and meeting their needs (by delegating responsibilities, etc.).

The Holy Spirit is the “wine.” We enjoy Him, drinking deeply of His goodness in the presence of God.

God gives believers a well of living water that flows from the inside out. (see John 4:14) And something happens when we encounter the Holy Spirit that goes beyond the effects of water (which are very good) to the effects of godly intoxication (including true freedom, healing, breaking out of our stuck places, and so much more). 

He brought me to the banqueting house,
      And his banner over me was love. (Song of Songs 2:4 NKJV)

(banqueting house literally means house of intoxication) 

Jesus is the Bridegroom. He sends the Holy Spirit to us. (See John 16:7) When we commune with God, we can be filled with the Holy Spirit (spiritual “wine”).

And, using Jesus’ description (esp. Matthew 24) and other biblical prophecies as our guide, we can deduce we’re in the final days of the church age. (Though, of course, only God knows the day and the hour of the Rapture—see Matt. 24:36).

Now, read John 2:9-10 again:

When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!” (John 2:9,10 MSG)

I read in that an invitation to go deeper. To commune more sweetly with the Lord these days and that we have an unprecedented opportunity to experience Him like no one else in history. (Consider the principle of  Matt. 13:16-17.) That's partly due to the bridal revelation God is releasing for His people right now. We're the Bride and we can know Jesus as Bridegroom. Ours is the first generation where this truth has been released on a broad scale. Not only has this truth been revealed, but people are receiving it as truth and experiencing God as the Lover of their souls in a new way. (If you haven't yet, ask Him. He'll show you.) And, there is more revelation to come as God reveals God to our hearts, awakening us.

So, let’s draw ever nearer to Him. He is the priority of our days, of our life. Keep Him first. Delight in Him. Get close enough to watch Him move in your circumstances. And drink deeply of the Holy Spirit.

Praying Zephaniah 3:17

Oh, how God delights in us and longs to share our time, our lives. He's near, so near. 

Love today’s verse. I’ve shared it in two translations with prayers between. Join in!

The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.  

 (Zeph 3:17 NKJV)

Oh, Jesus, let us hear You singing over us. We’ll sing worship in response with open hearts.

Oh, Jesus, quiet us in Your love. Hold us close.

Jerusalem will be told:
"Don't be afraid.
Dear Zion,
don't despair.
Your God is present among you,
a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs.” 

(Zeph 3:17 MSG)

      

Oh, Bridegroom, delight us with Your songs!

(Choose a phrase above and pray it back to Him. How He loves to hear your voice!)