tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25386128574620220532024-03-12T16:14:38.067-07:00Net's Bridal NotesThoughts on knowing Jesus as BridegroomAnnette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-60358527583772226542017-06-17T15:16:00.003-07:002017-06-17T15:16:48.637-07:00Music Share: Fady GergisIf you're interested in some devotional music, check out pianist Fady Gergis out of IHOP-Kansas City. Here's his website link: https://www.fadygergis.org/<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's one of my favorites: Mary of Bethany<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBdKjFh5y_nxbL6XJHjld6vjSRRLchsBw4G7qd8v8cBkiRTSo4RlasIluEcou-Z-r8b5EEwFRBlNZilncdjT_d-iRKeYOILBHJxRUxpYRqohWVaN6KFMv1FZhGeQSULqCFxEqtEZns3A/s1600/rainbow+by+Rosemary+Ratcliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBdKjFh5y_nxbL6XJHjld6vjSRRLchsBw4G7qd8v8cBkiRTSo4RlasIluEcou-Z-r8b5EEwFRBlNZilncdjT_d-iRKeYOILBHJxRUxpYRqohWVaN6KFMv1FZhGeQSULqCFxEqtEZns3A/s320/rainbow+by+Rosemary+Ratcliff.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rainbow*</td></tr>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Rainbows remind me of God’s promises.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God knew before yesterday even began that He was planning a
double rainbow for us. First thing in the morning, He reminded me that rainbows
are a key element of my history with him. And He has provided these colorful
displays at key times in my life. So when He mentioned rainbows yesterday
morning, I started remembering those moments. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We had a stormy day. I’d been waiting for the right
combination of sunshine and moist air, but most of the day we either had downpours
from dark skies, or sunshine. Even hail. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then, late in the afternoon, the skies began to lighten. The
rains had just tapered off. We had a few minutes left before the sun slipped
over the horizon when a rainbow could occur. And it happened! The arc grew in
brilliance and was joined by another. A double rainbow reminding me of both God’s
words that morning and also His promises throughout my life. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What a gift. And with that, He draws me ever closer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What kind of love tokens has God given you lately?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*photo credit: "rainbow" by Rosemary Ratcliff from freedigitalphotos.net</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div>
Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-51357055375615078862014-09-11T09:06:00.001-07:002014-09-11T09:06:35.377-07:00The Undoing by Steffany Gretzinger<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvlBsnxjj6Naj1W_91B_llXNeO_ZkT-wPjqBuAdHf1natbEWDNWt8THngsSWu9MOEVppdzJ_T2-SRW7K8wZN_xJbwd0_lNyHhcU4a5SVt5x-vkqFS3lEX2862ztQCbLOJ-zCfVevjAkk/s1600/the+undoing+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvlBsnxjj6Naj1W_91B_llXNeO_ZkT-wPjqBuAdHf1natbEWDNWt8THngsSWu9MOEVppdzJ_T2-SRW7K8wZN_xJbwd0_lNyHhcU4a5SVt5x-vkqFS3lEX2862ztQCbLOJ-zCfVevjAkk/s1600/the+undoing+cover.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Undoing by Steffany Gretzinger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've enjoyed Steffany's music with the Bethel worship leaders and teams. So I was thrilled when news came out that she would soon release a solo album. You can find it on Amazon, etc. I can't get enough of it, especially certain tracks.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for encouragement, or a fresh flame in your relationship with God, this album will bless you. Check it out. Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-6646670167974714992014-05-13T17:13:00.001-07:002014-05-13T17:13:28.100-07:00We Dance (Official Lyric Video) - Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger & Bethel ...This song speaks to me! I love the holy intimacy of Steffany's music. <br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fFfw6OSbUwE" width="480"></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-76940808246383119932013-12-01T21:04:00.000-08:002013-12-01T21:04:36.430-08:00Little Drummer BoyJesus smiles at us!<br />
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I love this song at Christmas time. Check out Pentatonix's version of Little Drummer Boy:<br />
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<iframe width="410" height="200" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qJ_MGWio-vc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-26103851298668068832013-09-28T20:03:00.001-07:002013-09-28T20:03:27.697-07:00Come Awaken Love by Hunter Thompson<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9_UNwkLffVw" width="420"></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-34870748745444754932013-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:002013-09-09T13:20:18.712-07:00A Scripture Gem<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4VOAJpdCQk4NJ8NZ6MjdJgzWzfbCMHVNIGjN7bLlgxizRsYV6gievRC62EjQQWH3Mc0wMLR9VCt7IK9gXHtuc_OgaY6sSu8BAeKyMpXmbZO6DIJLyD7dACe6_kgfiLUcLN8wc4ER1L8/s1600/Calla+Lily+by+Rosemary+Ratcliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4VOAJpdCQk4NJ8NZ6MjdJgzWzfbCMHVNIGjN7bLlgxizRsYV6gievRC62EjQQWH3Mc0wMLR9VCt7IK9gXHtuc_OgaY6sSu8BAeKyMpXmbZO6DIJLyD7dACe6_kgfiLUcLN8wc4ER1L8/s320/Calla+Lily+by+Rosemary+Ratcliff.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">calla lily*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am my beloved’s, </span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And His desire is toward me. </span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Song of Solomon 7:10 NKJV)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus paid the ultimate price to make us His. We can have confidence that once we accept salvation, we <i>become </i>His. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And this verse shows us something far deeper: His desire is toward us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No room for all our doubts and the lies of the enemy in that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This verse is a feast for the battered soul. A truth to combat the lies, and a gift from the Beloved to us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: from freedigitalphotos.net: "Calla Lily" by Rosemary Ratcliff</span>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-45037147827642085862013-02-26T09:49:00.000-08:002013-02-26T09:49:00.224-08:00How Great is the Love!<br />
I'm moved today by the truth that we, believers, the bride of Christ, are the "joy set before Him" for which "He endured the cross, despising the shame and sat down at the right of the throne of God." (see Hebrews 12:2) That truth elevates us, doesn't it?<br />
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YOU are treasured.<br />
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YOU are cherished.<br />
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YOU are desired by God.<br />
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Makes me grateful, worshipful, joyful!<br />
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Worshiper Heather Hadley sings a response here. Worship along, beloved of God. He loves you!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CqcWrSh0LZI" width="410"></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-50196584090309122672013-02-16T17:33:00.000-08:002013-02-16T17:33:29.704-08:00Bridal Understanding, Part 2: How Everything Changed <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0mio1xII1ROinw3C4Isvf3E8qBKKnpyCY0SGPb2tzYx_oYhyphenhyphenW_8FG4HoaRbJjO4umWIQIhxjFS66DxewanJmo8PylkJMivJRI8IPM9P_i6iM48ZvkB0RR_UIbPu7ehR2BnBxfUDREYQ/s1600/moon+and+stars+and+clouds+By+Phiseksit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0mio1xII1ROinw3C4Isvf3E8qBKKnpyCY0SGPb2tzYx_oYhyphenhyphenW_8FG4HoaRbJjO4umWIQIhxjFS66DxewanJmo8PylkJMivJRI8IPM9P_i6iM48ZvkB0RR_UIbPu7ehR2BnBxfUDREYQ/s320/moon+and+stars+and+clouds+By+Phiseksit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon and stars at night*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Recently, here on Net’s Bridal Notes, I explained how God began to reveal His passionate heart to me a in whole new way, how my bridal journey with Him began many years ago. (See that post <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://netsbridalnotes.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-bridal-understanding.html)">here</a>.) Today, I want to share more of my story, since it may help you as you move forward into deeper intimacy with God. <br /><br />As I shared, God led me to a book that delved deeply into the idea of having a sacred romance with God—a guilt-free, passionate, powerful, life-changing love affair with God. Yeah. Those phrases seem too fleshly, too strange when talking about God, right? But He began to show me the purity of romance with Him. How? <br /><br />Time. <br /><br />During those years of awakening, my dear husband was working long hours. I had plenty of late nights alone in our room. Thankfully, at some point, God inspired me to use that time to pray aloud. Our children were in their bedrooms on the other side of the house, so I knew I could speak aloud and they wouldn’t hear me. So, I did. <br /><br />There’s something about praying aloud in a dark room, at the end of the day. Knowing no one is listening and you’re unlikely to be interrupted, you can get very real. You can truly open up and share your heart with God. <br /><br />I remember my journey into deeper intimacy involved one of those recommitment moments where I committed again to loving God first and choosing obedience. And I was determined to remain a student of the Word of God. <br /><br />So, with that fresh determination and commitment level, which may have been more for my sake than God’s (who knows?), I felt emboldened to approach Him. And I did. <br /><br /><b>A Moment of Deep Revelation </b><br /><br />One night, during a poignant time of out loud prayer, I remember Jesus revealing to me something I hadn’t truly understood. It was something I had considered, but He made the truth come alive. Suddenly, I <i>felt </i>it. <br /><br />First, a moment’s backstory: Bruce Marchiano is the actor who played Jesus in the Visual Bible Matthew series. Following that portrayal, he wrote a book about the experience. There were times he described Jesus giving him a taste of what Jesus Himself felt during a certain biblical account. Now, I believe this literally happened because I know God is personal like that and He could use Bruce’s portrayal to minister to or enlighten people with the truth. <br /><br />So, back to that moment of my prayer time. <b>The lesson of the moment was how very much Jesus wants to be with us. How He longs for time with us. </b>And as I felt conviction about shutting Him out of my day at times, I experienced a heart-rending pain, an ache, an intense insight about Jesus’s heart for me, His inexpressible longing for me. <br /><br />You know Jesus wants to spend time with you. <br /><br />Did you know how very, very much He wants time with you? <br /><br />More than words can describe. <br /><br />And that moment, as tears ran into my pillow, and I repented of keeping my distance, I had no idea how much my life would change. <br /><br />His gift of sharing that insight with me motivated me to pray. Motivated me to spend time with Him, to not shut Him out. That revelation changed my life, my prayer life, my heart. I began to see Jesus as passionate and tender in a way I hadn’t before. “Prayer” became communion, no longer a labor, but an enjoyable time, just between Him and me. A time of lover’s communion. I would find ways to meet with Him. My secret life of prayer awakened and I had tender, deeply personal, passionate conversations with Him throughout the day in the secret place of my heart. During that season, I was raising two very small children while my husband worked 60-80 weeks. So, it’s not like I had a lot of time. I was also in Bible college and running a home business. It was crazy. But, somehow, that’s when God chose to awaken my heart, and I spent any time I could resting between His shoulders (see Deut. 33:12). What a journey! <br /><br />What followed were more revelations as God began to share His heart with me. But that’s a topic for next time. <br /><br />Let’s pray: <br /><br /><i>Dear Beloved, there is none like You! You invite us to know You, to delight in You, to enjoy You and we can do so without any guilt whatsoever. We can approach you boldly. We can enjoy You without limitation. Except… sometimes I do feel held back. Maybe it’s my doubts or my fears, or maybe I never understood Your heart like I could. Help me? Show me? I ask for a deeper revelation of Your love this week. Show up and show me Your heart, I pray. Amen.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*Photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net. Photo by </span>Phiseksit.</span>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-50950634889943669712013-02-05T10:07:00.001-08:002013-02-05T10:07:18.145-08:00His Invitation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heart in the sand* </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hear this invitation this morning: </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Be My love. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And I respond: </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today. In my future. In eternity. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Always Your love,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net Picture by:</i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span>arztsamui</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i></div>
Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-68273161164036163062013-01-25T10:33:00.000-08:002013-02-16T16:48:17.009-08:00What is Bridal Understanding?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bride</td></tr>
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Are you looking for bridal revelation, in terms of the kingdom of God? It’s such a mystery, isn’t it? <br />
<br />
This morning, during worship (when God so often speaks to me—prophetic time!), it occurred to me that Net’s Bridal Notes blog has been geared toward those who may already have a bridal understanding. So, let’s back up a bit, and start at the beginning. <br />
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<b>What is Bridal Understanding? </b><br />
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In the context of this blog, and in the context of all eternity, a bridal understanding relates with knowing Jesus as the Bridegroom God, for whom the universe was created, and people were created to become His bride. In other words, God the Father wanted to give His Son a bride, so He created people through Jesus (the Word) for that purpose. But He’s God, so His limitations aren’t like ours. So, we’re talking a spiritual bride made up of all believers. With me so far? <br />
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<b>What About Romance with God? </b><br />
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I can’t remember when I first heard about the idea that believers are the bride of Christ. Or perhaps I read it in the Bible. But I didn’t hear teaching on it. Not right away. In fact, not for a while. In fact, I was so unsure about this idea that when God specifically led me to a book on this romance that God wants to have with believers (a spiritual romance, remember), I couldn’t embrace it. (pun intended) I opened the book He led me to and read about a passionate God who loves us in a way I had never imagined. Yes, I knew about salvation. Yes, I knew about the cross, the astonishing price Jesus paid to redeem His people so we could become the bride. But seeing those truths through the lens of romance? Wow. <br />
<br />
Some phrase in this book, some idea, some new concept made me close the book. I couldn’t keep reading. I set it aside. I went to bed, praying, asking, seeking. I didn’t want to be led astray. Remember, I didn’t have anyone to teach me these things. Scratch that. I did have Someone. The Holy Spirit. And He’s an awesome teacher. <br />
<br />
That night’s prayer was different than anything of my past. Different than the usual. My mind had been opened and my heart was about to be awakened in a way I had never known. Married over a decade by then, I could draw parallels and God began to do just that. But I’m getting ahead of myself. <br />
<br />
So, the next day, as I was still pondering the strange and wonderful and <i>strange </i>book sitting closed in the spare room (where I spent my reading time the night before), I was searching for a specific Scripture. I was in the middle of a Bible study or some such and could not remember the reference for the verse I wanted. I didn’t pull out a concordance, and back then we didn’t have Biblegateway.com, so I just opened my Bible. I knew I could find this verse if I searched for it. Armed with one or two words, I flipped pages and scanned my highlights.<br />
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<b>The Moment Everything Changed! </b><br />
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And slammed heart-first into a passage of Scripture so astonishing, so amazing, so un-doing, I couldn’t breathe. <br />
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Here was my prayer that day, before I found the Scripture that changed everything: <i>Lord, I don’t know if it’s real. I don’t know what to think about what I read last night. I do not want to be led astray. So if it’s off, don’t let me go there. But if it’s real, show me! </i><br />
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Part of me really wanted the doctrine to be real. I wanted this passionate love to capture me. <br />
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And that’s when I found it. In the afterglow of that prayer, God showed me this: <br />
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<i><b>“And it shall be, in that day,”<br /> Says the Lord,<br /> “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’<br /> And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’” </b></i><br />
(Hosea 2:16 NKJV) </div>
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My God just got personal. <br />
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<i>In that day… you shall call Me Husband. </i><br />
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Wow. That’s bridal! Still sets my spirit on fire. <br />
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I went back into my spare room, picked up the book, devoured the entire thing, and I’ve never looked back since. <br />
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Next time, I’ll share how my prayer life changed in light of the lens of this Bridal Understanding. <br />
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For now, a prayer for you, dear beloved of God: <br />
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<i>Oh, Father, only You can draw people to Jesus. So, draw me to You. Open my eyes. Awaken my heart to love. And teach me what it means that I am part of the bride of Christ. And Jesus, Lover of my soul, have Your way in my heart. Show me Your passionate love. Help me experience Your love at a deeper level. A fresh revelation of Your love this week. Amen. </i><br />
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So, what was the book? This little gem: <br />
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<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0785273425" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> (paperback) <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000SEOWJS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> (e-book)
Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-64083243615352772962013-01-21T11:08:00.000-08:002013-01-21T11:08:08.782-08:00God Takes Pleasure in His People!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Atp_iilblXUX-r6ncACUF-jxSy2txNWwBbKpx43zFUdHvvx4ZRmk0Py_5sU_PjMFyBebi5XpY_Uuwztxi2UqVmfywd3v-eIZpSvZqRRxftXyCSJbKBxunyaiM8ZN7_YfY-VZS3nMATQ/s1600/purple+water+lily+by+Keattikorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Atp_iilblXUX-r6ncACUF-jxSy2txNWwBbKpx43zFUdHvvx4ZRmk0Py_5sU_PjMFyBebi5XpY_Uuwztxi2UqVmfywd3v-eIZpSvZqRRxftXyCSJbKBxunyaiM8ZN7_YfY-VZS3nMATQ/s320/purple+water+lily+by+Keattikorn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple water lily</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-149-4" id="en-NKJV-16390">For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> takes pleasure in His people;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-149-4">He will beautify the humble with salvation.</span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-149-4">(Psalm 149:4)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Ps-149-4">The word "salvation" there is literally העושׁי yᵉshuw‘ah <i>-- Yeshua!</i> Jesus. We are made beautiful by Jesus. (see Romans 8:29) And God takes great pleasure in us. We are as lilies among thorns to Him. (see Song of Songs 2:2) </span><span class="text Ps-149-4">His heart is so gracious!</span></span><i><span class="text Ps-149-4"></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Ps-149-4"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="text Ps-149-4"><br /></span></i>
<span class="text Ps-149-4" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Keattikorn from www.freedigitalphotos.net</span></div>
Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-28373362271020350942013-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:002013-01-13T11:57:42.813-08:00A Prepared Bride<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqRKz6L4AkzKCw8AdhlssHGSiaYBLh9m5qsXsXD3oWlSh7QD9bLrbzfV4HB9HFOybvCi3Mq8LLlIS5fNntfD0q3iKmMlbGunCoaCS3n2-Xf2ASnJMoZHa0lL02ozx-iEcTQN5ZxCQdLA/s1600/bride+picture+by+Sharron+Goodyear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqRKz6L4AkzKCw8AdhlssHGSiaYBLh9m5qsXsXD3oWlSh7QD9bLrbzfV4HB9HFOybvCi3Mq8LLlIS5fNntfD0q3iKmMlbGunCoaCS3n2-Xf2ASnJMoZHa0lL02ozx-iEcTQN5ZxCQdLA/s320/bride+picture+by+Sharron+Goodyear.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">lily bridal bouquet </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are so many signs lately of Jesus’s return for His bride. And lately, He’s been reminding me we need to be ready. We can’t rely on anything we’ve done in the past to prepare us for today. No, we need current revelation, current fellowship with the Holy Spirit, current encounters with Jesus. Visitation.<br /><br />So, how do we get (and stay) prepared? <br /><br />· Oil of the Holy Spirit – (read: Matthew 25:1-13) Believers mustn't be caught without oil in our vessels. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit. The foolish think that just because they “used to” walk in anointing that they’ll be able to live distant lives (from God) and when/if they are called upon to serve or pray or lead worship they’ll have the anointing they need. But if you don’t have oil, you can only burn so long. There may be a touch of oil in the wick. Once that’s gone, it’s gone. People are creatures of confidence. If we lack it, we move cautiously, slowly. If we have confidence, because we’ve been with God and are prepared, we move boldly. We know we have oil. If you’re unsure, begin seeking God in a determined way. He’ll show you and while He does, He’ll fill you up with oil. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />· White garments of righteous acts – (read: Revelation 19:8) – Believers are called to behave in a holy way before God. Serve others. Care for others. We “prepare” ourselves. The “bride has made herself ready.” White linens represent purity. We served from a pure heart, a willing heart, a compassionate spirit. We had mercy on someone else when we could. God honors those who help the poor. By serving others, we stay prepared. We understand God’s system of reward. Only what we do <i>for </i>Him or <i>with </i>Him will matter in eternity. So, serve others as unto God. Love others. Let them see God in you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />· Holiness in order to see God – the pure in heart shall see God. (read: Matthew 5:8). One of the drains of our oil is unholy behavior. We can go straight from a powerful church service into a place of sin in our hearts. Oil leaks out. But if we choose a holy lifestyle and abandon unholy behaviors and choices (by the grace of God, which really takes hold once you fall in love with God), you will more easily approach God. You’ll be living a holy life. And the “pure in heart shall see God.” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What a promise!<br /><br />· Keep short accounts</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> – </span> don’t harbor sin in your heart (read: Psalm 66:18) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every single item above pointed us here to this one. We must keep short accounts. We must not willingly tolerate sin in our hearts. If we regard sin in our hearts (tolerate it, justify it, and dwell with it), we are distancing ourselves from God. Instead, we must search our hearts. Ask God for grace to see and grace to respond to His mercy by evicting sin from our hearts. Otherwise, God will not hear. Wow. That’s as serious as the admonition to husbands to treat their wives well or God will not hear their prayers. (read 1 Peter 3:7) Yikes. I want God to hear my prayers. I want God’s grace. So, we have a choice. We must confess (tell God) and repent from (abandon) sin. <br /><br />The best way to be a prepared bride is to be a person of God’s presence. Spend time with Him. Even remember He’s with you throughout your day. No matter where you are, engage with Him in the secret place of your heart. Share gratitude and prayer and communion with Him. <br /><br />I’m convicted by the items on this list. How about you? What will you do differently this year so that you may be a more prepared Bride of the Bridegroom, King Jesus? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: from www.freedigitalphotos.net. Photo by: Sharron Goodyear</span><br />Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-33647866145814759442013-01-02T16:34:00.000-08:002013-01-02T16:34:06.368-08:00Hunger for His Word<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhpalQwesOoMlCHAh3O8UqsBUeNcCjd2E8pqg2aBSjMCXGlHr2a8O_u0qzWmw5k6TH_jwfqkAe5svZA1ykJLOvhUmeZSQoJ_cyZ_5W5SG4Hi-4I3eAv2petbbcfsalM_uPpXpmhEVX3k/s1600/Bible+reading+photo+by+Janaka+Dharmasena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhpalQwesOoMlCHAh3O8UqsBUeNcCjd2E8pqg2aBSjMCXGlHr2a8O_u0qzWmw5k6TH_jwfqkAe5svZA1ykJLOvhUmeZSQoJ_cyZ_5W5SG4Hi-4I3eAv2petbbcfsalM_uPpXpmhEVX3k/s320/Bible+reading+photo+by+Janaka+Dharmasena.jpg" width="272" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bible reading</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyone else attend OneThing 2012 in Kansas City at the International House of Prayer? I did, but not in person. I watched the live stream over the internet. Yay, for technology. The media team does a great job with live streaming! So grateful to them. <br /><br />There is something unique and fulfilling about the IHOP mode of worshiping. Edifying. Even though I was watching at home, I still participated. <br /><br />And the teaching sessions were great! Many of Mike Bickle’s insights stand out, but one specifically: that a true believer naturally hungers for the Word of God. And if believers lose that hunger, they’re spiritually “sick” and need to get it back. <br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #783f04;">What masks our hunger and how do we get it back? </span></span><br /><br />Many things can deaden our desire for the Word of God: addictions, vices, other pursuits, lack of devotional time with God, busy-ness, etc. <br /><br />So, to get refocused we must set those things aside. That’s what is so great about a conference like OneThing. We can unplug, so to speak, and meet with God in a concentrated, purposeful way. <br /><br />And we can simply ask God to increase our hunger for His word. <br /><br />Sometimes, just getting in a worshipful atmosphere (or setting one by worshiping ourselves) induces hunger for the Word. <br /><br />As I watched the live feed, I noticed each worship leader had her/his Bible open on the keyboard (or in front of them). I love that! I worship like that. <br /><br />I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful for the grace to hunger after God’s word. Aren’t you? <br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #783f04;">He’s so personal. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #783f04;"></span><span></span></span></span><br />Open the Word. Read it. Discover nuggets for your life, for your walk, for your future. Let Him give you understanding about the past, about the situations you face. He will speak to you personally through His Word. He longs to. <br /><br />Read daily. Use a Bible reading plan, or simply start at the beginning (Genesis) and read to the end (Revelation)—a few chapters a day. Or, read wherever He directs for that day. God is not legalistic. I don’t think you have to follow a reading plan to be acceptable to Him (thank God, literally), but be in His word. Often. It’s food for your soul and renewing for your mind. It’s for your refreshment and provides fresh revelation of who God is. And the more we know Him, the stronger our love for Him grows. <br /><br />And if you are missing that hunger for the Word, know that it’s not His best for you. Ask Him to return the desire for His word. He wants to. <br /><br />And He will meet you there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit www.freedigitalphotos.net Photo by: Janaka Dharmasena</span><br /></span>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-22274520382630167032012-10-26T10:41:00.000-07:002012-10-26T10:42:01.020-07:00Closer!
I love this song: Closer by Amanda Cook, but sung by Stephanie Frizzel-Gretsinger. Here's a version from April, 2012. For a copy of the song, pick up the latest Bethel Live CD: For the Sake of the World.
This is the cry of our hearts: to know His heart! To experience Him!
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="250" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BIO_kXPBdT0" width="410"></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-88532892030677236852012-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:002012-08-14T00:01:00.803-07:00Worthy of It All!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Last week I shared about this awesome recent release album from IHOPKC's One Thing 2011 event. Had to share this one too! Worthy of It All by David Brymer (with I Exalt Thee).<br />
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Just adore Him! He's worthy!!</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008LCKPQ8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> (mp3 download) <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008ASG13Y" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> (CD format)</div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-25954179057171257592012-08-07T12:58:00.003-07:002012-08-07T12:59:24.242-07:00Never Gonna Leave Us Dry<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I'm really enjoying worshiping with the International House of Prayer Kansas City and their new release of One Thing 2011: Magnificent Obsession.</div>
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I love the promise of this song by Cory Asbury:<br />
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Worship is such a key aspect of our relationship with God, as well as our bridal relationship with Him. I'm constantly searching for new worship music to help me experience God's awesome presence. I watched some of One Thing live back around New Year's (end of December, 2011) on their live stream. A great resource! </div>
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Enjoy Him; He enjoys you!</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008LCKPQ8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> (mp3 download) <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B008ASG13Y" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> (CD format)</div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-27215183428236137142012-07-17T23:21:00.000-07:002012-07-17T23:21:23.486-07:00How He Loves!Let this song minister life and the love of God to you!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JoC1ec-lYps" width="420"></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-57609834699879804692012-07-10T11:16:00.002-07:002012-07-10T11:36:19.571-07:00God is not Discouraged<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyW8lY-2bbQRV_6TXDIV6I5LmH0fju29DXA8DZFnKbdnUZZFf91q2z_FdsN00WKKY8tkoTphhriR90Aif1Y_J985BZJjK3kOaphY7-PK6OQz2jWRWhnOGmx4DJLG84_ZGn9o3rL_QzBc/s1600/open+the+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyW8lY-2bbQRV_6TXDIV6I5LmH0fju29DXA8DZFnKbdnUZZFf91q2z_FdsN00WKKY8tkoTphhriR90Aif1Y_J985BZJjK3kOaphY7-PK6OQz2jWRWhnOGmx4DJLG84_ZGn9o3rL_QzBc/s320/open+the+door.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The bridegroom of the Song of Songs (aka the Song of
Solomon) spends the first full four chapters of the book wooing the bride. He
speaks tenderly to her. He adores her openly. He holds nothing back of his own
heart. This is a picture of Jesus as He woos you and me to come closer to Him,
to trust His love and respond to His love. To follow Him. To pray to (commune
with) Him.</div>
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And by the end of chapter four, she responds. Married now,
they can fully enjoy their love. God Himself rejoices as they do. </div>
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<b><i><span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Song-5-1">I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse;</span></span><br /><span class="text Song-5-1">I have gathered my myrrh with my spice;</span><br /><span class="text Song-5-1">I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;</span><br /><span class="text Song-5-1">I have drunk my wine with my milk.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text Song-5-1">Eat, O friends!</span><br /><span class="text Song-5-1">Drink, yes, drink deeply,</span><br /><span class="text Song-5-1">O beloved ones!</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="text Song-5-1">(Song of Solomon 5:1 NKJV) </span></div>
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This ecstasy is pictured in our powerful worship times with
God, our powerful prayer times with God, when the walls come down and we
recommit, we repent. We exchange deep love with God, heart to heart. </div>
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But look what happens right away…</div>
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Right away, in the very next verse, He is at a place again
where He has to try to convince her to open her heart. “Open to Me.” She’s “fallen
asleep” again. Slipped away from what’s really important.<br />
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Discouraging isn't it? You've probably experienced it. Great prayer night followed by the worst day in your history. But before we feel condemned about this natural pattern, let’s
take a look at this: </div>
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<b><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He will not fail nor be discouraged,</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
<span class="text">Till He has established justice in the earth;</span><br />
<span class="text">And the coastlands shall wait for His law.</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="text">(Isaiah
42:4 NKJV)</span></div>
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<span class="text">God does not become discouraged as we work
through our indifference. He just keeps wooing us. He will not relent. We will
not be left without a witness of His amazing love in our lives. He knows we’re
human. <i>Humanity was His idea. </i>The fact that we are all growing, we’re all
struggling (at times), we’re all either moving closer or slipping away is not
discouraging to Him. We get discouraged. But He doesn’t. So if He isn’t
discouraged about our weaknesses, we can cut ourselves some slack. Growth is a natural
progression. Again, this was His idea.</span></div>
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<span class="text">But... </span></div>
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<span class="text">When you discover you are slipping (or “sleeping”),
stir your soul. Get back to a place of intimate connection with God. Immerse
yourself into a prayerful season. Worship Him. Get to a prayer room (even if
only online where you can watch the prayer room live stream at <a href="http://www.ihopkc.org/">www.ihopkc.org</a>). Don’t settle for being “asleep.” </span></div>
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<span class="text">Draw near to Him and He will draw near to
you (see James 4:8), and remember <b>He doesn’t grow discouraged as we grow</b>. </span></div>
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<span class="text">He’s an ever-wooing God who has set His
affections on YOU. Respond. Receive. Learn to trust. Lean into that love, and
open to Him.</span></div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-67073671381166111922012-05-17T00:01:00.000-07:002012-05-17T00:01:00.290-07:00Loving Him As Best We Can<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7XuPTwXJaLlnYjbwLgr8s7E8Pg9eTqUNe62CDNJhAe4WjBgnNVsCLZuDtNxi4QHD0tP1J1xuVckqs1mBd-PdcAWH3mQ83Yu_G9VH3ImPun1CLj5uorhQlERi0A8uQSgIU1XmvWpqXMg/s1600/oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7XuPTwXJaLlnYjbwLgr8s7E8Pg9eTqUNe62CDNJhAe4WjBgnNVsCLZuDtNxi4QHD0tP1J1xuVckqs1mBd-PdcAWH3mQ83Yu_G9VH3ImPun1CLj5uorhQlERi0A8uQSgIU1XmvWpqXMg/s320/oil.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While doing my daily reading today, I came across this passage:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>One of the Pharisees
asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the
dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned
that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very
expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet.
Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with
the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to
himself, “If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known
what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him.”</i> (Luke 7:36-39 MSG)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Isn’t that a beautiful picture of worship? But when I read
the Pharisee’s words, I realized what he was thinking. He saw the (familiar??)
harlot doing a “sensuous” act. Now, I’m not talking about sexuality, but the
harlot would have been very versed in that, yes? So, what she did was come to
her Savior and love Him as best she could, focusing her humble attention on His
feet. Somehow she understood (before that night because her visit was
premeditated) that she needed forgiveness. She needed a Savior. And somehow she
understood Jesus is the Savior. That even while on earth (before the cross and
resurrection) He had the authority, the power, the ability, the generosity, the
kindness, the mercy, the grace to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forgive
sins</i>. And how she (we need) needed that. So, she brought perfume and
anointed Him. Now, a person with a different “trade” would have shown their
love a different way. (A sculptor, for example, might have fashioned something
out of clay.) I don’t believe she touched Jesus in an appropriate way. Jesus wouldn’t
have tolerated that. But she came and demonstrated her love for Him, her
gratitude, in a way that meant something to her, the best way she could. She offered her heart in a
personally meaningful way to her. This was her way of honoring Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s exactly what God asks of us. Each of us brings Him
worship in a different way. Each of us expresses our love for and our gratitude
to Him in a different way. Our hearts are to honor Him, yes? All we need to do is bring our sincerity and come
love on Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a fitting verse to this conversation:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
sacrifices of God <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> a broken
spirit,</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
<span class="text">A broken and a contrite heart—</span><br />
<span class="text">These, O God, You will not despise.</span></i><span class="text"> (Psalm 51:17 MSG)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He commended her in front of the judgmental Pharisee,
defending her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Jesus
said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” </i><br />
<br />
<i>“</i><i>Oh? Tell me.” </i><br />
<br />
<i>Two
men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other
fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts.
Which of the two would be more grateful?” </i><br />
<br />
<i>Simon
answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” </i><br />
<br />
<i>“</i><i>That’s right,” said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but
speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you
provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them
with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t
quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has
soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many
sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the
gratitude is minimal.” </i><br />
<br />
<i>Then
he spoke to her: “I forgive your sins.” </i>(Luke 7:40-48)<i><br /></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beautiful, isn’t it? He accepted her “form” of love,
receiving her affection no matter that it was “sensual” (involving the senses).
And because He saw her heart, that she recognized her need for a Savior, her
need for forgiveness, He forgave her. And then, He gave her peace:</div>
<br />
<i>That set the dinner
guests talking behind his back: “Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!” </i><br />
<br />
<i>He
ignored them and said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”</i> (Luke 7:49-50)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beautiful. So, bring Him your offering, whatever it looks
like and however you wish to humbly express it. He’s gazing at your heart and
will meet you exactly where you are and give you exactly what you need. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a Savior. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-5375082976552766312012-05-06T20:55:00.001-07:002012-05-06T20:55:06.538-07:00Wooing Season<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PxPoCjIei1-VqF-p51numi5wdLkSBaVDnAEeRdVdcVMpX8dakNuGEfQG8b9qSN2-Mwuj5kF3U0x3MBW7gPxux6OoYx6lQ4Ond6L3sZMb0Y9qhOgOwg9ibR-eP8dj42WIemabI4d3gJw/s1600/pink+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PxPoCjIei1-VqF-p51numi5wdLkSBaVDnAEeRdVdcVMpX8dakNuGEfQG8b9qSN2-Mwuj5kF3U0x3MBW7gPxux6OoYx6lQ4Ond6L3sZMb0Y9qhOgOwg9ibR-eP8dj42WIemabI4d3gJw/s320/pink+rose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s a new season. Can you feel it? God is wooing His people
close again. I’ve seen similar seasons come around before. The key is to
respond, to be “wooable” and draw close to God in this grace-filled hour. There’s
a great reward for those who cooperate. (Genesis 15:1)</div>
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I love this physical time of year (spring) because of all
the beauty and new life coming up. I love gardening and the smell of flowers. The
sight of a well-appointed garden blesses me. God created the beauty. It was His
idea. Knowing that, I feel Him nearer in those moments.</div>
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There’s a saying that we worship God with our actions.
Mowing the lawn can be worshiping God if we do it unto Him. I think it’s more than
that. Worshiping God—truly connecting with God—is opening your heart to Him and
feeling Him draw love out of you even while He refreshes you. It’s abandonment
with a sole focus on Him. (not another activity, like lawn mowing, going back
to my example) (Perhaps the better way to say it is that our lives are lived in
service to Him, but that’s the subject of another post.) Worship is abandonment to God.</div>
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Abandoning ourselves is both the call and the response of
the wooing season. He draws us. We experience the astounding pleasure of His
powerful presence, and we abandon ourselves. And as we abandon ourselves (which
is what He’s wanting/calling us to do), the pleasure persists, our hearts open, and
the cycle continues.</div>
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Best part of this whole thing is no one’s left out. </div>
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God’s wooing you. How will you respond? </div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-61284485762962378882012-04-19T11:27:00.002-07:002012-04-19T11:28:07.515-07:00"All Lovers of Jesus"I love music! Lately, it's been a pleasure to share the music that's blessing me here on Net's Bridal Notes. Here's a new song from Deluge speaking to Jesus lovers. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r_0pKsppz0I" width="420"></iframe></div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-23453873026570186332012-04-06T08:31:00.000-07:002012-04-06T08:31:30.742-07:00Good Friday and the Bride PriceThis Good Friday, I'm focused on the bride price Jesus paid, the sacrifice God offered, the amazing plan of our loving God. Jesus saw us, had mercy on us, came to us and gave His life in our place so we could know Him, love Him, see Him, and be forgiven. Hallelujah, what love! <br />
<br />
Here's one of my favorite passages from Ephesians 1 in the The Message: <br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>had settled on us as the focus of his love, </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>to be made whole and holy by his love. </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>He wanted us to enter into the celebration </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.</b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>Abundantly free! </b></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><i><b>(from Ephesians 1 MSG)</b></i></div>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-51557989403476458712012-04-02T10:39:00.000-07:002012-04-02T10:39:47.531-07:00Pour Out Your Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcecGzU_VhTHdLJFFZB01bStvVkmIxHaFm6Rp2CkEwD27NrtcCeick6jJltWdDhhC94Rgn6vEhCkuIURAb9M2WkmOLLjlrsOVJsaY12nVJNe8R8TeJlLDAbyNQ5htsZZpMeJ4kvRcFDA/s1600/pouring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcecGzU_VhTHdLJFFZB01bStvVkmIxHaFm6Rp2CkEwD27NrtcCeick6jJltWdDhhC94Rgn6vEhCkuIURAb9M2WkmOLLjlrsOVJsaY12nVJNe8R8TeJlLDAbyNQ5htsZZpMeJ4kvRcFDA/s320/pouring.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> Trust in Him at all times, you people;</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Pour out your heart before Him;</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>God is a refuge for us. Selah </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Psalm 62:8 NKJV)</div><br />
Our hearts are the garden of God. When we’re consumed with worries and stress, we’re crowding the space where God dwells. But when we pour out our hearts to Him, we free ourselves to focus on Him and have victory. He already knows what’s bothering us, but when we divulge those things to Him we unburden ourselves with the only Person who can truly help. <br />
<br />
Why not cast your cares on Him today and really share what’s on your heart? Get really honest. That’s what intimacy is—honesty, trust, heart-to-heart sharing. And once you’ve shared, listen. Chances are, God has some things to share with you too.Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2538612857462022053.post-74183805045884896892012-03-17T21:11:00.000-07:002012-03-17T21:11:21.595-07:00Resource -- Fictional Account of the Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKc7nk-5_OEZTJBjOUeBSeBdu8YhMS5-v7ky1y0bVdFSeGVtzQXx8dz8iN4MCkuV7hFGFntyj7-i-uBaMwr-MEuQjngGwbGQko4wgW1euKke25TpjnUAEw7RqYqXC0We5kEuu07czQB0/s1600/loves+sacred+song+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKc7nk-5_OEZTJBjOUeBSeBdu8YhMS5-v7ky1y0bVdFSeGVtzQXx8dz8iN4MCkuV7hFGFntyj7-i-uBaMwr-MEuQjngGwbGQko4wgW1euKke25TpjnUAEw7RqYqXC0We5kEuu07czQB0/s200/loves+sacred+song+cover.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>As a student of the Song of Songs, I've read many books about it. But I've never read a fictional account of King Solomon's relationship with the Shulamite, until now.<br />
<br />
Mesu Andrews' well-researched book <i>Love's Sacred Song</i> delves into the culture of the time while exploring the history around the Song of Solomon. I don't often recommend books on this blog. (I save that for my <a href="http://www.annetteirbyreviews.blogspot.com/">book review blog</a> where you'll find my review of this book.) But this time, I couldn't help it. Understandably, it's fiction, but if you're interested in learning about what might have happened, and learning more about the culture of the day, I'd recommend checking out Mesu's book.<br />
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I'm including the links below (print and e-book, in that order) in case you want to check it out.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0800734084" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=netsbo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B006G2YP2A" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Annette M. Irbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04248109874234508410noreply@blogger.com0