Net's Bridal Notes

He Knows Us

2012-03-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Isn't it amazing how God, the Creator, knows us. Wants to know us. Invites each one of us to come to Him and commune with Him. It's staggering. It's beautiful. It's His bridegroom heart. Here's a song that exemplifies that truth. Enjoy!

My Dear

2012-02-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Recently bought this album and the whole disc inspires me. Very worshipful. But this song stood out. It sums up the bridal heart. Enjoy!

An Eagle in the Clearing

2012-01-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

The ice storm is over. And I have a new view from my office window. The view of more sky and less tree branch. The ice caked onto every outdoor surface. There that ½ to 1 inch of ice remained overnight. Weighing down branches and power lines. Some branches couldn’t hold up.

As I stared outside today at the new opening in my view at the dead trees in the distance (or dead-looking—it is winter), I asked God, “This is my new view. Why? Better view of the sunsets? More light?” I spend a lot of time in my prayer garden (the very area of this new view) in better weather. I do enjoy the sunny evenings as the sun descends on that side of the yard.

And as I waited, studying the new “hole” in the sky due to the lack of a few branches, I saw an eagle soar into view in that new opening. A bald eagle. So majestic. So capable.

We get eagles here from time to time; it’s a symbolic bird in my life. On a recent writing retreat, my dear friend and I found eagles soaring by and ran to get our cameras. On our climb back to our unit up the steep hill, I thought, I wonder if any of the eagles landed in the trees above us. (see photo) I’d never been that close (though the bird was about 40-50 feet up) to a perched eagle.

On my birthday a few years ago, God sent eagles to visit another of my friends and me. I’ve seen them during family picnics at the lake. Sometimes during very important “moments” in my life.

So, what do eagles do? They soar high above the ground. They soar. They have a view of the big picture. They’re “king” of the birds.

The Bible has lots of verses about eagles. I think I’ll do a study. I’ve quoted verses about eagles plenty of times.

One thing the eagle is doing for me today is drawing me closer to God. He sent that eagle in that moment. I’ve looked out several times since I first saw the huge bird and it hasn’t returned. It was only there during that questioning moment.

I think sometimes God clears the “clutter” so we can see Him better. Another lesson of the fallen branches.

May you see answered prayer today and know that God is working in your life! And may that evidence draw you ever nearer to the Bridegroom.

(photos copyright Annette M. Irby 2012 and Ocieana Fleiss 2011 respectively)

Call to be Closer

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

There’s a draw to prayer the last few days. Do you feel it? It's a call to come close to Him, to repent as needed, to agree with Him. Confess. To receive forgiveness and direction.

We can be closer to God. How?

~ Heed the call. When He draws you, go.

~ Follow His directives. Does He want you to act on something? Give? Forgive? Repent? Do it. Restore full fellowship with Him.

~ See His face and His heart, not just what He can do or give. Reminds me of Matthew 6:33—But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

~ Study His Word. Today I pulled out one of my old Bibles. Oh, the highlights and marks. I found Scriptures I’d underlined ten years ago this month. That’s a great feeling. I recommend marking dates in your Bible as you study. It becomes part of your known history. And shows you your own growth chart in God.

~ Pray.

~ Worship. Just adore Him. He’s worthy. And worship sets people free. This season, draw closer to Him. He’s drawing you. Get alone with Him.

There are things He'd like to tell you about the upcoming year, about your life, from His heart. Get close so you can hear Him. Rest your head against His chest, share your heart, and listen.

Longing for Him

2011-12-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

I can’t see Him from here. Well, not “Him,” Him, the tiny figure of a baby Him in the nativity set. There’s a wise man in the way.

The crèche sits on the stereo cabinet, stable, figurines, and all the other characters of the story (though the wise men were a little early to the party).

I long to see Him. Not a baby figurine. Him.

His face.

His glory.

I feel like the hungry visitors must have. “Sir, we would see Jesus.” (see John 12:21, KJV)

By coming as a baby, He made it possible for us to “see” Him, to have access to Him—no wise men in the way. Direct access to His teaching, the Holy Spirit, the Father.

From here, if I wanted to see the figurine, I’d have to get up, walk closer, step in front of the cabinet. Physically, we can’t literally see Him. Yet. But, you can “see” Jesus from wherever you are. Look up; He’s there. God is omnipresent. If you’re longing for Him, it’s because He’s drawing you. Oh, how He longs for you.

He’s using the gift of longing to woo you to Him. Cooperate. And remember one day, we will see Him. Face to face.

Seasons for Delighting in Him

2011-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

I love the sights, sounds, and smells of the Christmas season. Pretty lights, frosted sugar cookies, “Carol of the Bells.” Ahhh…

This morning, my thoughts went to the Bridegroom and how we celebrate His birth at Christmastime. In human relationships, there are certain days for celebrating our bonds, like anniversaries. The Christmas season can be such a time in our relationship with Jesus, (along with Easter). A time when we stop and reflect on all He has done for us.

Our God, by becoming human, made a way for us to know life, love, joy, hope, peace—all the things we associate with Christmas. He intervened.

Our Bridegroom’s sacrifice was premeditated. In the glorious corridors of heaven, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit saw our need. And Jesus agreed to be the sacrifice for the sake of His creation, for the sake of humanity, for the sake of His bride.

Christmas, when we commemorate Jesus’s incarnation as a human, is key for that plan. We’re celebrating the launching of that plan. We're made aware of the amazing love of God. The awe-inspiring, undoing, redeeming love of a giving, just, perfect, living God.

This month, pause amidst the snowflakes drifting down, or while the carols play, and just breathe in His love. Celebrate Him as The Gift.

Delight in your Bridegroom God.

Close

2011-11-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

Loving

Tender

Protective

Faithful

Your heavenly Bridegroom is near, and He will meet all your needs.

Hunger

2011-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

What do you do with your hunger?

A few weeks back, I was in my prayer garden, talking with God, communing. What drew me out there? Hunger. I could pray and discuss life with God without interruption. What a gift. And I know God was pouring out His grace because I followed through and met with Him.

While I sat there, rather still except for my busy pen scrawling on my journal page, several small songbirds dropped to the ground below the birdfeeder. Oftentimes birds sit on the birdfeeder and toss seeds as they choose which ones to eat (at least that’s what it looks like to me). So, there’s a nice patch beneath the feeder of a multitude of seeds. This patch is where the little creatures gather. And did it matter that I was less than ten feet away, a human, a threat? Nope. We co-existed in the garden together, all drawn there by hunger and desperate enough to get what we needed no matter what.

Everyone gets hungry. Our appetites keep us alive because they motivate us. Thirsty? Get some water. Hungry? Eat some food. Right? But sometimes we get confused. We think a soul-level hunger can be satisfied with a soulish act—like overindulging in food, entertainment, drugs. And those things may satiate our flesh for a bit, but they can’t satisfy our soul.

We were made to be filled with God’s Spirit.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is excess;

but be filled with the Spirit

Eph. 5:18 MKJV)

So, how do we get filled with the Holy Spirit?

Posture yourself: Pray. Get alone with God. If prayer is hard (i.e. you have difficulty concentrating or connecting with God in a genuine way), play a worship CD.

Read: Be a student of the Word of God and let it change you. Read a chapter or more a day. Set goals. Commit to reading the Bible every day.

Worship: A worshipful atmosphere lends itself to being filled with the Holy Spirit because God dwells in the praises of His people. He is near when we worship Him, and what’s more the enemy of your soul is far away then because he hates the presence of God.

The overall key is to pursue God and let God fill you up when you’re hungry. You can tell the difference. You know when you just need a snack, or when you need the Lord. I’ll give you a hint, if you’re heartsick, you need the Lord.

And the best part? He put that hunger there so you’d come to Him so He could fill you up.

Keep coming. Keep posturing yourself in humility, worship, prayer, and the Word.

He will satisfy you.

Jesus is Near

2011-09-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

I saw a post on FB recently that gave me pause. Here's approximately how it went:

“I’m closer than you dare to believe.” ~Jesus

Do you believe He’s close?

This is a delight for those of us for whom the idea of intimacy with God isn’t intimidating or frightening. I’m comfortable with God knowing my secrets. He gives me hope, and He graces me to change. He never heaps on shame.

I can lean into Him. The trick is to be aware of His nearness. Just stop everything. Close your eyes. Consider this truth: Jesus is near.

He’s near when we’re struggling.

Do you pray about the little things? I do. I pray about laundry and the weather. I also pray when troubles hit. And Jesus is very near every time.

He’s near when we leave.

Ever had a season of questioning and pain so deep you distanced yourself from God? Guess what? He isn’t put off by our questions. He stays nearer than we’d dare to believe.

He’s near.

No matter what, He’s close.

Dare to believe it.

Thanks for the Prayers

2011-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Recently my good friend sent an email saying she was praying for me as I recovered from an illness. Oh, those words are a soothing balm, aren’t they? Just knowing you’re not alone and someone cares can really help a person feel better. And as I responded with “thanks for the prayers,” it hit me, Jesus appreciates our prayers too.

O My dove, in the clefts of the rock,

In the secret places of the stairs,

Let Me see your face,

Let Me hear your voice;

For your voice is sweet,

And your face is beautiful.

(Song of Songs 2:14 NKJV)

He loves to hear from us. He can’t get enough of us. Right now, as I type this, He’s wooing me to break for devotionals. Just to come and sit quietly with Him, listening to Him, speaking with Him, singing to Him, reading about Him, loving on Him.

Prayer is so much more than bringing petitions by repetition. Prayer is communion—heart to heart with the God who created us, with the Bridegroom who longs for us, with the Friend who loves us, and with the affectionate Father who cares for us.

Prayer is life. Years ago, I prayed God would give me a vital prayer life. I wanted my prayer time to be filled with life and energy. God answered in so many ways. He gave me an energetic, living prayer life, but he also fulfilled another definition of “vital” in my prayer time—necessary for life. I spent hours in prayer and it became something I couldn’t live without. Still can’t. Vital prayer life. I asked, and He was very glad to grant my request for more of Him because God loves when we pray.

Prayer also moves the hand of God. When you have intimacy with someone and you ask for something, they’ll listen. They’ll prioritize you above others. You have special favor in their eyes. Cultivating intimacy with God brings such joy as you delight in Him and such reassurance when you pray. I’m not saying He’ll always answer immediately, and I’m not suggesting we gain some sort of perceived control over the omnipotent God. I’m saying there is joy in delighting in Him. There is freedom and sweet communion. Vital prayer.

So, if Jesus were to leave a comment after you posted your morning devotional thoughts, I think He’d say “thanks for the prayers.” Clicking off to go commune now. All His best to you, dear readers.

Loving God From Here

2011-09-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

So many times as I learn new lessons in life, shame tries to tag along. Like, why didn’t I know that already? Or why am I still watching God speak to this area or that area of my life? Why don’t I have all these things in line yet?

But guess what? God doesn’t condemn us for being imperfect.

Astonishing, I know.

In fact, even though we’re struggling, He’s got an invitation for us. An invitation to love Him from here.

Wherever you are, love Him from there. Don’t hold back just because you’re not perfect yet. Don’t let shame come on you as you learn new things or when you fail. Just keep loving God.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love. God’s invitation remains to love Him.

Trials or good times, love Him from there.

Never been this way before? Love Him from there.

Feeling far from God? He’s closer than you think. Love Him from there.

Self-doubts, inferiority, shame, regret? Let go of all that and love God from there. Like setting down a bushel basket so you can hug someone, set everything else aside and love on God.

No matter where you are, what’s happened, or what’s happening, love God from there.

Jesus Nourishes Us

2011-09-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,

just as the Lord does the church. (Ephesians 5:29 NKJV)

As our Bridegroom, Jesus feeds us. What does this look like? I’ll give you an example from my own life.

First, some of the givens. If we pray, He’ll meet us. He may not manifest His presence in a tangible way every time we pray (because He wants us to diligently seek Him), but He will feed us. He will give us something out of His Word to hold onto, to meditate on. He’ll meet us in specific ways. The other day, He directed me to begin reading Matthew and those first two chapters were chock full of applicable things for my life right now. Very specific ways that Jesus nourished me.

Second, we’re talking about how God meets the needs of our souls. We’re often so concerned with earthly things like the woman at the well who wanted fresh drinking water, that we miss that Jesus knows we need spiritual food and drink. He’ll meet that need. That’s what prayer, Bible reading, worship time, and meditation is all about. Getting spiritually fed.

So, to that example. You’re here reading a bridal blog. For many years, I have studied and written and sang about being the Bride of Christ and knowing Him as Bridegroom. So, over the years, God has led me to the feasting table full of various Bible studies, teachings, or worship leaders’ CDs so I could dive deeper into this study and fall more in love with Him. This week, He’s done it again. I’ve just found another resource to devour. Can’t wait to get started.

There are so many Bible study materials. And you probably have access to a Bible. What do you do to position yourself at His table? How does He meet you and give you good things to “eat?” What themes is He focusing on with you lately? In my life right now, He’s focusing on first love.

Aren’t you glad He nourishes and cherishes us? Let’s dive into what our personal God is feeding us. This food will change our lives.

The Kisses of God

2011-08-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sunshine and warm temps after months of cool and cloudy weather.

The gentle sound of wooden wind chimes in the breeze.

The glory of flowers in an inviting garden.

God knowing what I need, and meeting those needs. And beyond that, God knowing my heart’s desires and fulfilling some of those too.

Beauty blesses me. God knows that and surrounds me in His beautiful creation.

Music ministers to me, God meets me in it.

Cool water refreshes me; God offers living water too.

Are you aware of the kisses of God in your life? How does God personally minister to you?

The kisses of God have another aspect. When we read His Word, and His message comes alive, that is another form of kisses from God. We draw close to Him by opening His Word and praying, and He meets us there with something applicable to our lives.

We can kiss God back. How? Through worship. Sincere praise, sincere connection with God in worship is kissing God back. (blessing Him back)

Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth—
For Your love is better than wine. (Song of Songs 1:2)

Give In To God's Love

2011-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I love the ocean. Recently, our family visited the Pacific coast. Powerful waves rolled in, chasing us up the shore. Saltiness scented the air. The blueness of sky and sea stretched on and on, north to south, and beyond the western horizon. Experiencing the ocean woos me to God.

Our flower garden woos me to God. All I have to do is gaze through the window while I work, and I’m wooed. All those colors. And if I go out there, the fragrances and beauty surround me.

That’s why I love God’s presence. Powerfully He presses His glory on us, breathing His wind over us. He heals. He saves. He delights to redeem situations and people. His presence refreshes.

And though I can experience Him at the ocean or in the garden, it’s not a given. I have to be open to His presence while visiting those places. Now, in a church where folks are praying and as a congregation they’re open to God, you can be immersed in His goodness without much effort. Dive in after the others have begun hosting Him.

I think that’s why it’s challenging to experience powerful prayer on our own. In a group, it’s the combined confidence and faith that encourages our faith. But alone, we’re sometimes more skittish, like a lamb. Unsure. Unstable. Unaware of just how much God wants to overwhelm us with His presence, His goodness, His glory. All we have to do is say “yes.”

I want to remain woo-able. All my life. Every day. So God can use the simple moments to remind me of His presence, His love. So the awe of beauty can chase me back to God, Who created it. So the fragrance of jasmine and roses can cause me to lean on His chest, give in again and again to His love.

Are you open to Him? Are you woo-able? If not, but you want to be, take steps in His direction. Tell Him you want more of Him. Then, give Him opportunities to woo you. Visit a place that blesses you (like the ocean or gardens bless me). Pray there. Open up to Him there. And know this: He’s already wooing you. Remember this promise:

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8a NKJV)

Meet Me

2011-08-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Jesus, meet me in my work today
Meet me in my play
Meet me in the garden
And all throughout the day.

Help me keep my eyes on You,
Heart anchored to Your love.
And help me know You’re very near
Not somewhere far above.

Oh, and when we meet, breathe on me…

Fresh life

Fresh revelation of Your love

Renewed strength

I need you near

Meet me

Anchored

2011-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

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:

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

2011-07-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

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!)

It's Time to Commune

2011-06-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

I step into the garden.

He’s here… breathing. Waiting. Watching.

His smile, His warmth, His welcome

draw me

closer

Birdsong, floral scents, breezes, and sunshine

surround us

as we embrace

“I’m so glad you came.”

It’s time to commune.

The Secret Place

2011-06-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

O My dove, in the clefts of the rock,

in the secret places of the stairs,

let Me see your face,
let Me hear your voice;

for your voice is sweet,
and your face is beautiful.

(Song of Songs 2:14 MKJV)

Do you have a secret place where you meet with God?

The secret place can be figurative, or it can be a literal place—a prayer closet, if you will.

I love nature, so my favorite prayer encounters often happen outdoors. And summer is a great time for that—beach walks, garden visits, hikes. Doesn’t matter, so long as you’re communing with God.

I used to think that I always needed to bring along my journal, a pen and my Bible in order to get everything out of those moments I could. But there are plenty of times when I’ve felt the nudge to just leave my “Bible bag” behind and traipse off for a conversation with the Lord. Then I can dialogue unhindered because I don’t have to stop and write everything down. (Nothing wrong with writing it all down, by the way.)

Bottom line, is that it doesn’t matter where you pray, just that you pray. Read in the Scriptures wherever God directs and have a daily time of refreshing in God’s presence. The great thing about journaling is you’ll have a record of what God has been up to in your life. Just the other day, God nudged me to read from the beginning of my current journal (the one I’ve been writing in since March). Very eye-opening to see what He’s been up to in my life. And seeing that leads to thankfulness and thankfulness leads to communing personally with Him, which leads back to prayer. Which leads us back to the necessity of having a secret place.

But you, when you pray, enter into your room.

And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret;

and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

(Matthew 6:6 MKJV)

The Pleasure of Being Invited

2011-06-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

My youngest peered up at me, so excited. She’d been invited to her friend’s birthday party! We shopped for a gift, wrapped it up, RSVP’d, and awaited the special day. And then she attended, much to her joy and that of her friends’ who were also there. But her face, her joy at just being invited, delighted me.

You’ve been invited. Invited to know God personally, intimately—in a heart-to-heart relationship of love.

You’ve been invited to His wedding. Not only invited to attend, but it would be His pleasure if you were the bride at this most sacred occasion. His bride.

My husband and I will attend another wedding this summer for friends of ours. Seems this is the season for the 20-somethings to get hitched at our church. What joy! And no one wants to be left out of the celebration.

You haven’t been left out. God knows you want to belong, you need to belong. He’s drawing you. Can you feel it? Someone said something the other day, got you thinking about God in a whole new way, a whole new light. You haven’t acted on what you thought, but this just confirms it’s time.

So, how do you respond?

Say “yes” to God. Just tell Him what you’re thinking and feeling. Have a conversation, a dialogue. You could call it prayer. It’s the beginning of the best relationship you’ll ever have. Try praying this:

Dear Jesus, thank You for drawing me to You. I need You. Please clean up my life, forgive my sins, help me live for You. I believe Your sacrifice on the cross paid for my sins so I could go to heaven, so I could know You, so I could experience Your amazing love. Help me experience Your love. Change me. Heal me. Free me. Amen.

God has sent you an invitation to know Him. Isn’t it time you RSVP’d?

Cultivating

2011-05-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

The chilly temps have pushed off our gardening plans. Even local professional gardeners were warning against planting seeds too early, given our late frosts this year. (We had snow on 4/27.) But when the time comes, I’m going to need two things: fresh potting soil and a chance to cultivate the ground.

There are seasons in our spiritual walk with God. Seasons when we’re gearing up for a productive time, but are seemingly unproductive at the moment. Seasons when we’re taking things in, preserving energy, soaking in good worship atmospheres, teaching, and prayer. Not only does God not disdain these seasons, He ordains them. Rest was His idea.

Then there are seasons of high output. We’re serving in the areas He highlights. We’re giving, sacrificing, bearing fruit.

Then, He prunes—points to laying some responsibilities down so we can be super-productive in other areas.

Then, it’s time to rest. Responsibilities are winding down.

What about cultivating? If you’re feeling distant from God, it might be time to cultivate your heart’s soil (or ask Him to—He is the Gardener). How do you do that?

~ Pray. If you’re not praying for a block of time every day, begin that discipline again. You may not experience an immediate result. But God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

~ Read. Be a student of the Word, a lover of the Word of God. Ask Him to show you where to read and make a daily habit of not only reading His Word, but also meditating on His Word. Don’t be in a hurry. Let Him kiss you with revelation. The kisses of God (fresh insights, fresh applications to your specific situation, etc.) bring wonderful joy—like sunshine on prepared and planted soil. New life will come.

~ Worship. He. Is. So. Good. Worship Him. Delight in Him personally. Be specific. “God, I praise you for showing me that in Your Word,” or “God, I prayed about this/that and You answered!” Whatever’s personal. What has He saved you from? Where would you be without him? Those are all reasons to worship Him with gratitude and an open heart.

And as you do those things, you’re cultivating.

Cultivating isn’t just for the first planting, but comes later as well to mix in fresh fertilizer and break up the soil for better water absorption, introduce oxygen, let roots expand. So, keep the cultivation going.

How will you cultivate your growing relationship with God?

Oh, What He Gained In Us

2011-04-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted about Jesus’s sacrifice and what He gave up for us. As soon as I posted it, Jesus said, “Oh, but what I gained.”

Thus inspiring this week’s post. *smile*

“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Eph. 1:17-19, MKJV)

the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

What did Jesus gain?

Companionship—God is love and He has a lot of love to go around. In fact, it’s big enough love to cover the entire earth:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, MKJV)

Friendship –

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master does. But I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15, MKJV)

A Bride

Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."
And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." (Rev. 19:7-9)

“You have ravished my heart, My sister, my spouse; You have ravished my heart With one look of your eyes, With one link of your necklace.” (Song of Songs 4:9, MKJV)

“Turn away your eyes from Me, for they have overcome Me;” (Song of Songs 6:5a, MKJV)

The love and worship of a grateful people.

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness, in a desert by the way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried to the LORD in their distress, and He delivered them out of their troubles.” (Psalm 107:2-6, MKJV)

Says a lot about His heart that He wanted this post to follow last week’s post. Doesn’t it? I love Him for that.

Happy Resurrection weekend, dear friends.

Oh, What He Gave Up for Us

2011-04-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

I recently read this question: If Jesus knew He’d go back to heaven when He died, what did He really give up in sacrificing Himself? (or something to that effect)

Huh?

Got me thinking.

Well, heaven for one. Even for a time, this must have been an unimaginable sacrifice. We’ve never been there. Yet. So, we can’t even conceptualize what it meant for the King of glory to step down out of the holiest place, where there is joy, worship, a completely perfect and sinless atmosphere, and come to an unholy place, where sin has influenced everything from humanity to thorns in the ground; where there would not be worship; where pain and fear and violence reigned. Oh, what He gave up so we could taste heaven. How much He must love us.

Comfort. Besides the comforts of heaven, consider the comforts he did not enjoy here: a nice home (even a “place to lay His head”), a wife, a large family, people who loved him unconditionally, even just one human who understood Him completely. I bet you have someone who “gets” you. Jesus never did. Oh, what He gave up so we could know Him. He loves us so much!

Life. His death was so horrendous, so appalling, so indescribable, even The Passion movie is said to come short of offering a full description of what He suffered. You know what? I don’t care if I’d go to heaven after, I’d have to be motivated by something super extraordinary to suffer that way—especially if I had all the power of the universe at my disposal to bypass Calvary’s hill. What motivated Jesus to willingly shed His blood? To hang on the cross until His heart burst? Love. For you. For me. Oh, what He gave up so we could have real life, abundant life. How much He must love us!

You were the joy set before Him on the cross. You were the reason He came, sacrificing more than we can know, lived, and suffered a horrific death. You are the reason He rose again and made a way to know Him, to be saved, forgiven, have a clean conscious and a purposeful life. You. He gave up everything for you. How He loves us!

Open To Me

2011-04-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me." (Rev. 3:20, MKJV)

Do you ever keep God at arm’s length? Are you like me—with one hand you beckon God closer and with the other you hold Him at bay? And the percentage of “get away, get away, get away” varies with the percentage of “come here, come here, come here.”

Why do we do that?

~ Lack of trust. Perhaps we didn’t have particularly loving and accepting authorities as children and we’ve learned not to trust those over us.
~ Insecurities. (see number one above)
~ Fear of intimacy. (see that good old number one above)
~ Fear of failure. Somehow we’ve decided that after salvation, it’s our job to work hard enough to be accepted by God. We’re afraid of messing that up. We won’t be good enough. We won’t be faithful. We’ll fail and then where will we be?
~ Fear of rejection. But God will never reject us. (see Heb. 13:5)

But I’ve been challenged lately as God asks me to let Him into my day no matter what. Even my angry days. Ever have those? You’re not sure why, but you wake up irritated. Sheesh! What happened? Who knows? Where’s God on a day like that? He's right there. Are we letting Him get close?

How about your cave days? Do you have those? There are days when I’m actually not in a place to be social, emotionally I mean—cave days. Where’s God on your cave days?

What about sad days? Who knows why, but your heart aches all day. And you can’t really trace it to any instance in particular. No one has necessarily died. But you can’t shake the heartache. Do you hole up on days like that? Where’s God on those days?

The other morning, I flipped to one of my favorite Scriptures because it shows me Jesus’s heart for people:

"Open for Me, My sister, My love, My dove, My perfect one; For My head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night." (Song 5:1, MKJV)

He wants to be closer to us. He wants intimacy, to have us let Him into our tough moments. Needy moments are different. It’s easy for me to invite him into my fearful or needy moments. But the other times, not as much. But that’s where He’s calling me. Into intimacy with Him during the ugly moments. That’s what they are. Where I’m not at my best. Where I’m a mess. Where I’m imperfect. I’d rather keep myself from Him then. He wants to free me from those cycles of suffering.

So, it comes down to a choice: will I open to Him? Will you?

He's Singing

2011-03-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

I heard a favorite worship song this morning: Kari Jobe’s “Singing over Me.” Love this one. Did you know God sings over you?

“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)

Have you heard Him?

As I was worshiping this morning, I remember when I’ve heard Him singing over me. So personal. So clear. So disarming and endearing. So powerful.

What’s the connection between emotion and singing?

As a singer, I’ve thought a lot about how singers portray emotion. Emotion is what conveys the music and its message. But, as a vocalist, you have to know how to use emotion while singing. You don’t throw a lot of feeling into the beginning of a song. You hold back and let it build. What captivates us is when we believe the singer means what he or she says. Think of your favorite song. How does the singer hook you (besides "the hook")? Emotion.

Singing shows us a vulnerable side.

It’s all about the emotion.

So, this afternoon as I listened to a female lead sing over background male vocals, I noticed how “open” the men sounded. Not just their voices, which blended perfectly, but their hearts seemed open as they sang so gently, so beautifully, in keeping with the song. Another example is worship practice when we’re isolating parts and the guys sing tenor. Oh. C’mon. Beautiful, but strong. Humble and, dare I say it, vulnerable.

Like Jesus.

And like His singing. This amazing God, who is Love, sings with the ultimate open heart. Captivating us with his melody and words. Oh, to hear Him more often. Oh, to know these songs very personally.

So, how do we position ourselves to hear?

We have to listen. So often the busy-ness of life pushes Him out. We have to get alone. Focus. Step into His presence. Sing to Him. The two of you will create a duet.

We have to be tuned in. You can’t pick up a radio station’s programming without tuning to that frequency. 105.3 is not the same as 106.1. Right? The best way to tune in? Get into His presence. You’ve heard Him speak to you, now listen for His songs. I’ll say it again, the best atmosphere is His presence. Be a student of the Word, even the languages of the Word (Greek and Hebrew). Be a person of prayer. Be a worshiper. Keep a balance of these: the Word, prayer and worship. Soon you’ll know better what’s of Him and what isn’t. And you’ll discern His voice.

Our hearts need to be open. You can’t receive if your fists are clenched tight. God won’t waste His precious words on an empty encounter. A real encounter is what He longs for. Something life changing. Impactful. In order to help prepare the atmosphere, open your heart to Him. (But be on guard against the enemy who will also try to speak to you or bring up evil images.)

Jesus’s heart is ever open, ever vulnerable, ever tender. He wants to share His heart with you. Do you want to experience Him? Press into His presence. Ask. Open. Tune in. Listen.

He’s singing.

Privilege

2011-03-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

“Blessed is the one whom You choose, and cause to come near You. That one shall dwell in Your courts; we shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.” (Ps 65:4, ModernKJV)

What a gift that God draws us close to Him. He invites you to move closer to Him.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a)

When you accept His invitation, responding with a “yes,” He honors you and graces you with His goodness, His presence. That’s a privilege.

God is the Creator, the King of kings, the Perfect One. He is altogether lovely, beautiful, powerful, and kind. He is just and good, merciful and faithful.

What a privilege to know Him. To hear His voice. To share your heart with Him and know He cares and listens and can help. What a privilege to begin to understand His love, His amazing goodness. What a privilege that He draws us close, if we are willing.

Are you willing?

If so, just say yes to Him. Read His Word (the Bible), surrender your life and cooperate as He sets you free through experiencing Him. Attend a Bible-believing, preaching, living church. Worship Him. Let Him love on you. Be ever thankful for the privilege of knowing Him, of being near to Him.

"You Better Believe It"

2011-02-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

I watched a passionate verbal exchange between two actors the other night.

She has just proposed to him (oddly enough), and he’s acting all ridiculous, whiny and childlike. “All right, I’ll marry ya,” he says, finally. “Sheesh!”

“Are you sure?” She’s been serious the whole time.

Suddenly he gets serious. His posture changes. His tone’s about to change. One stride and he’s right here. “You bet your life.” And they kiss. The audience goes wild. Such a well-played scene.

Do you ever wonder if Jesus will rescind His offer of marriage? If maybe He’ll realize what a basket case you are (aren’t we all?) and how much time it’ll take until we’re even halfway ready to really be a faithful bride, and maybe change his mind. Even if most of your heart knows He won’t, do you ever wonder if maybe He might?

So, Jesus and I had an exchange the other night, only instead of Him saying, “You bet your life,” He said, “You better believe it.”

Playful. Passionate. But true words, huh? Believing He’s going to keep His promises gets us through the trials, through the waiting, through the doubts, through everything we’ve yet to experience this side of the heavenly aisle. Believing makes all the difference, soothes all the wounds, eases all the worries.

So, you’re standing opposite Jesus, mired in trouble, but hopeful. “Are You sure,” you ask Him. “I’m a mess.”

He strides close, leaving no room for doubts, no room for worries, no room for anything less. “You better believe it.”

Roses in the Window

2011-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I’m just drawn to the floral department. I love flowers! They brighten my life—I know, sounds schmaltzy, but it’s true.

It’s February here, and though there’s no snow and the dormant grass is green, I could use some color, so about three weeks ago, my daughter and I bought some primroses and put them in planters in the yard. (Since then, I’ve had to baby them a bit through a rare 25-degree night or two. Welcome to the garage, dear flowers. Hope you enjoy your stay.) But they add beauty to the yard, to the view outside my writing office window.

This week, God directed me to the floral department at the local grocery store. Ahhh, the aroma of lilies. Some might say it’s overwhelming. I LOVE the rich fragrance of lilies. But I wasn’t there for cut flowers (gotta save that opportunity for my husband come Monday *wink*), I was there for potted plants. Roses. Mini-roses in all their loveliness. Red roses. The symbol of love.

Now, when I come into my office, I’m reminded of God’s love for me.

Several years back, I read (and re-read and re-read) a book called A Kiss A Day by Jamie Lash. It’s a great devotional based on the first two chapters of the Song of Songs and our intimate relationship with Jesus. One day she centered on God giving us roses. I began to pray He would. What followed were several instances of Him giving me roses, including a friend who had an extra bare-root rose plant his family wanted to give away which produced several gorgeous, fragrant red roses.

In what ways does God engage with you personally? He knows my love language is gifts, so He gives me gifts. What does He do in your life to show you His love on a regular basis? He’s a Lover, you know. He’s always wooing, always demonstrating His love. Watch for it like I’m gazing on the roses in my window.

Marked by His Love

2011-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him." (Mark 9:7, MSG)

There are so many nuggets in this verse: “light-radiant cloud”—hmmm… God’s glory. Have you seen His glory? Sometimes His glory comes in a cloud while we worship. You can breathe it in. Oftentimes I’ve seen it, hovering, gracing us. I’ve felt His weighty glory press on me.

“from deep in the cloud, a voice”—God speaks. Oh, His voice. His words. His grace to speak directly to us. And because He knows us individually so well, He speaks in ways we “get.” What a grace! I love that He wants to speak. And though it takes time to cultivate a listening heart, tuned to His voice, it’s worth it. Prayer communion makes it happen. Be a student of the Word and press close. He will draw near to you as you draw near to Him. (see James 4:8)

“This is My Son”—God’s confirmation of who Jesus was/is. Let the questions be answered, let the debate fade away—Jesus is God’s Son.

“Marked by His love”—He has marked Jesus by His love. And He has marked us by His love. And He is marked by His love for us. “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands...” (see Isaiah 49:16)

“Listen to Him”—ahh, yes. The invitation to hear His voice. To do what He says. To commune with Him. And God is the One directing us to listen.

What a privilege to know Him, to hear Him, to love Him and be loved by Him, our Beloved.

Let Me Count the Ways

2011-01-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

I love You for Your kindness.

That You first loved me.

That You woo me and don’t ever let me go.

I love You for your tenderness.

And Your invitation to know You.

Your creation inspires awe in me.

So does the way You love me, faults and all.

Jesus, I’m Yours.

Wooed and Won

2010-12-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

It all began when I was a small child. God’s wooing. I heard the salvation message, I tried to respond. Something wasn’t clicking. Then, at church camp the director said you’ll know when you’re saved because you’ll be overcome by joy. Sitting on the bus on the way home, I prayed and accepted Jesus’s gift of salvation. Saved. And joy flooded me.

Fast-forward a few years. A youth group from an Assemblies of God church visited my grandmother’s church, bringing the Holy Spirit and an example of teens living for God with them. “Annette, I’d like you to ‘meet’ the Holy Spirit.” “Holy Spirit, have your way with Annette.” I fell in love with God after that as I spent hours in my room communing with Jesus.

I fell in love with Him again (also during a season of prayer) many years later.

Picking up my journals, I scanned them this year, pulling nuggets, reliving trials. Recognizing how God had moved in my life, changing me, wooing me closer.

I’m His. No matter what. There’s nowhere else to go.

I’ve been wooed and won by Jesus.

God's Passionate Love

2010-11-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

"Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son,

my child in whom I take pleasure!
Every time I mention his name,
my heart bursts with longing for him!
Everything in me cries out for him.
Softly and tenderly I wait for him." God's Decree.
(Jeremiah 31:20, MSG)

What a verse! Found this one Sunday morning some time while we were at church.

Isn’t it fun to sometimes insert your own name into a verse and believe the good news you’re reading is for you? I changed out the name Ephraim to Annette and then reworked a few pronouns to fit better.

“Oh! … my dear, dear one.” God calls us dear—we’re so precious to Him.

We’re God’s children. He takes pleasure in us. (This theme is all over the Bible—God delights in us.)

He speaks our names and then He longs for us with a deep passion. He wants to spend time with us, to hear us pray, to commune with us. (see Song of Songs 2:14 and Rev. 3:20)

He desires us. Wow. This theme is so strong in this verse. Have you ever missed someone so badly you “cried out” for them? What if God has an insatiable need to be near you, to experience you, your heart?

Softly and tenderly He waits for us. Hmm… like a kind Father, or like a patient Lover. This is our God, our passionate, loving God.

Homework: write this verse down in your journal with your name (and appropriate pronouns) and meditate on it often. Get even more personal with God. Ask Him to open this verse up to you—its themes, its truths about His heart toward you. Delight in His delighting in you. This is how we get free, healed, blessed. When God shows us the truth about His heart toward us, voices of condemnation are silenced. Timidity gives way to confidence. Mistrust gives way to abandonment. God’s heart changes ours.

This verse is an invitation to enjoy Him. Let's go!

God's Love Arrested Me

2010-11-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

God’s love overtook me today.

I was out running errands today when bam! the lyrics of the song “Where I Belong” by Cory Asbury connected my spirit with God’s desire, and His love arrested me.

Here are the lines that got to me:

I am my Beloved’s, and He is mine.
So, come into your garden and take delight in me.
Take delight in me.

Delight in me.
Delight in me.
Delight in me.

And it hit me. God delights in me whether I feel delight-able or not. He doesn’t condemn me for not having my devotional time on a crazy-busy day (like today). He doesn’t disown me for my mistakes. In fact, He invented this process whereby we are fashioned into His image. (So, He isn’t at all offended by it.)

God delights in me.

Same’s true of you.

Good news, isn’t it?

Expect More of God's Love

2010-11-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will.
Expect love, love, and more love!" (Jer. 31:3, MSG)

Isn’t that a fantastic verse? When I read it this morning, I was prompted to pray for three things:

1) the ability to recognize God’s love in my life
2) the ability to receive God’s love in a greater measure
3) that He’d enlarge my heart with a greater capacity to receive

(Those last two are closely related.)

Isn’t God’s love what we all long for? A greater experience of it.

God’s love is so astonishing, so mind bending, a fresh revelation has the power to revamp our lives, to heal our hurts and to free us from lies.

So, how do we pursue a greater understanding of God’s love?

Ask Him (like that list above).

Trust Him (sometimes His love won’t look how we expect).

Seek Him (spend time chasing after Him in prayer and while reading the Word—you can’t get to know someone if you never spend time with them).

Love Him (reach toward Him in love).

And now may God’s love arise in your heart as He shows you a deeper revelation of His awesome affection for you.

Amazing Heart

2010-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.” (Luke 12:37, NKJV)

This is Jesus speaking of Himself. He’s calling His own to be alert to His arrival. Makes my spirit perk up once again.

Then, He’s promising something else, from his oh so amazingly humble heart—He will serve us.

That undoes me.

Imagine it—Jesus, the King of kings, the One who holds the universe together by the power of His Word, will serve us. You and me, His beloved.

I think that’s why. We’re His beloved. He would do anything for His beloved. He has. He died for us. I have a feeling, too, that it’s His pleasure to serve us. Wow. Stunning, this example of cherishing. We are His bride and even as He cherishes us now, He will continue when we are with Him in heaven. (where I believe we’ll have an even greater capacity to experience it with Him)

His is an amazing heart.

How God Loves You

2010-10-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

...how GOD, your God, loves you! (from Deut. 23:3, MSG)

Those words minister to me. God is so personal. He’s been reminding me of His love and grace a lot lately. I am so thankful for this new season we’re in together.

The assurance of His love gets me through the long days, the tough days, the busy days.

The reminder of His love melts my heart.

The promise of His love ministers hope to me.

His faithful love carries me and assures me.

Take time to bask in His love today. Oh how God, your God, loves you!

Knowing You're Enjoyed

2010-09-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4, MKJV)

My birthday girl twirled round and round, a big smile on her princess face. She knew this day was all about her, and that she was loved. That glow on her little face said she liked the attention and the affection that came with it.

When I study the love of God lately, I feel enjoyed. Joy rises in my heart because I know I’m loved. And more than that, I begin to believe (at a deeper level) that I am enjoyed.

God delights in you. Do you believe it? How does believing that truth affect the way you live?

When you know you’re enjoyed by God, you . . .

~ stop vying for His attention
~ doubting His true affection for you
~ stop trying to earn his unmerited favor
~ get free from rejection issues

If you’d like to see how God enjoys you, pray. Ask Him to reveal afresh to you that He enjoys you. Then, read His Word and wait on him to reveal His goodness to you. He wants you to see and understand His heart.

And if knowing God enjoys you is a familiar truth to you, why not ask God for more? There's always more of Him to experience.

Tell Him You Love Him

2010-09-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

[Jesus] then asked a second time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:16)

If you will, this verse reads like an invitation for us to tell Him we love Him. That’s how it struck me this week anyway. Like any two people in relationship, one could ask “Do you love me?”

I think this speaks to Jesus’ passionate heart for His people as individuals. God can keep it all straight, all at once. He can have an intensely personal relationship with every single person on the planet at the same time without overload. He is God. And like the consummate Lover, He wants to hear us tell Him we love Him.

When was the last time you told Him you love Him? Not only for what He’s done, though that’s certainly where it starts. But for who He is.

Here Him whisper the question to you. What’s your answer?

Through the Lens of Love

2010-09-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Surprise us with love at daybreak;
then we'll skip and dance all the day long.

(from Psalm 90:12, MSG)

Isn’t that beautiful? I spotted that verse after my daily reading the other morning and immediately felt that God was speaking to me of His love. He likes to comfort us and minister to us.

In a recent DVD teaching series, we heard about God’s Word (the Bible) being God’s love letter to us. Do you read His Word as if it’s His love letter?

I once heard a teacher say he used a highlighter in his Bible to underline any passage that expressed God’s love. He went on a specific search for verses having to do with God’s love and read the Scriptures through that lens of love. Whenever he’d find a verse which demonstrated God’s love, he’d highlight it in yellow. He said Ephesians in his Bible was pretty much spray painted in yellow and just when he thinks he’s underlined everything, another verse would surprise him with God’s love at its core.

Why not read the Scriptures as if they were written as a love letter to you?

This may be a new perspective for you. If so, seeing the Scriptures this way may not come easily. There’s a secret to it. Here’s what you do: ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and tenderize your heart as you read. Don’t read too quickly, you might miss something.

Give it a try.

Nourishing and Cherishing

2010-08-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

I’m in the midst of a prayer experiment. You can join me.

I’ve been taking Ephesians 5:29 to heart.

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh,
but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord loves the church.

The Lord nourishes and cherishes His church.

The Lord nourishes and cherishes believers.

Jesus nourishes and cherishes me.

So I’ve been asking Him to reveal those times to me. And, when I have a specific problem or heartache, I ask Him to meet me in the midst of that situation with His nourishing and cherishing, too.

Then, I carry on with everyday life and watch expectantly. Sure enough, because He's faithful, God shows up.

Let me give you an example. The other day I had asked God for a fresh Scripture about His love. Then, I flipped open my Bible and discovered words that specifically spoke of God’s passionate love for His people. (see Psalm 33 in The Message)

Wanna try this, too?

Here’s a journal starter: How has God shown you His nourishing and cherishing activities in your life lately? If you haven’t seen this side of His involvement in your life, perhaps it’s time to ask Him to reveal His Bridegroom’s heart once again.

I’m excited to watch Him work.

God's Pleasure in the Garden

2010-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of symbolism in the Song of Songs in regards to the believer’s heart as the garden of God.

A locked garden is My sister, My spouse;
a rock heap locked up, a fountain sealed. (Song of Solomon 4:12)

Jesus explained it this way:

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;
and every branch that bears fruit He prunes,
that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2)

God is at work inside us to prune away the stuff that shouldn’t be there.

Today, I worked at trimming away little dead shoots on my petunias and pansy plants. And while I worked, a gust of wind stirred the fragrance of the flowers, blessing me.

Did you know, your heart pleasures God?

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4) (note: the word "salvation" here is Yeshua--Jesus' name!)

As He’s at work inside you, shaping you and changing you, let your worship rise up. Let trust and faith rise in your heart, minister to Him, and let the fragrance lift to the Master Gardener.

Gardens are a place of romance, and God is tending the place where that romance with Him happens. When you worship, when you interact with Him, you stir the fragrances that rise like incense. And the garden sprouts another rose.

See Net’s Notes where I share more thoughts on this.

God's Kind Words

2010-08-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Distractions got the best of me this morning during my daily devotions. I had snuck away to my writing office. No one else was awake. Time to meet with God. Ahhh . . . . Open the Bible, turn on the music, light a candle and . . . in walks my preschooler.

Do distractions frustrate you during your quiet times, too?

I set boundaries, telling her I was going to have my “Bible time” and tried to focus on the Scripture passage before me. But nothing clicked. I read a few chapters here and there, following my semi-plan. *grin*

Then, desperate for a real connection with God, I turned to the Song of Songs and tried to find meaningful sustenance. Something that spoke to me where I was. Something to commune with God around.

Scripture after Scripture, but I couldn’t sense His presence. Then, My eyes landed on the wonderful words of Song 1:8a, MSG ---

If you can't find me,
loveliest of all women,
it's all right...

How beautiful is that? He knew how frustrated I was with not feeling connected, with the distractions of my early-riser and my hope to experience His tangible presence this morning. And He spoke directly to me. “Don’t worry. I’m right here. And I’ll still affirm you, even if you can’t feel My presence.”

But then, later today, as I sat working at my computer, His presence poured out thick over me as I listened to worship music. So beautiful. So real. So delicious.

He understands better than we think. Hang onto that. He sees. He knows. He loves. He affirms.

Resting In His Love

2010-08-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

My pup watches me for opportunities to jump up in my lap and rest. His favorite place to take a nap? My lap. Well, one of his favorites. (Just ask the rest of my family members, who all have laps *grin*.)

So, as I worked at my computer today and Jack rested on my lap, the lyrics of the song I had playing behind the scenes repeated a phrase:

resting in His love

Reminds me, I can rest in God’s love.

Every time I see something in my life that needs changing, I can relax and rest in God’s love. My job is to cooperate with Him. Leave the rest to Him. This keeps me from condemning myself.

Every time I mess up. (see above *grin*)

Every time I wonder what’s next. He’s got good plans. (Jeremiah 29:11)

His love helps me trust Him.

Knowing Him in His love helps me find rest. If you’re looking for rest or peace, turn to God and consider His love. Meditate on His love by finding Scriptures which speak directly to this element. Interact with Him based on His love. Let His love reassure you. And find rest.

Won't Be Long Now

2010-07-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Do you get the feeling time is short? Believers understand Jesus is just about to fulfill His promise of John 14:1-3.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

Last year, our church’s women’s cell groups (small groups) began a study by Shannon Ethridge called Completely His. This weekend will be the culmination of that study—a wedding ceremony.

I’m getting married.

To Jesus.

We’ll physically walk the aisle at our church and receive a ring and celebrate with a reception following.

Really looking forward to this “dress rehearsal,” if you will.

But one day, we will stand with Jesus in the ultimate wedding—the ceremony of the ages.

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." (Rev. 19:7)

Are you ready?

Are you ready to see Him? Are you ready for His return to catch us away? (see 1 Thess 4:17)

Are you ready to wed the King of kings?

Perhaps considering this idea of divine romance is a little odd for you, a little foreign. I assure you, it’s biblical. Bridal themes run throughout the Bible.

He specifically led me to consider a romance with Him in new light about twelve years ago. In wonder, I discovered He wanted intimacy with me. Then, as I pondered this new adventure, this new tenderizing in my heart, I asked Him for confirmation that my new prayer experiences were of Him.

As I searched my Bible for a passage related to something entirely different (just studying my Bible as I often do), I found the following verse:

"And it shall be, in that day," Says the LORD, "That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ ” (Hosea 2:16)

And

"I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD.” (Hosea 2:18-19)

That’s when I knew. This idea of a divine romance is real.

It’s powerful.

Knowing Jesus in this way has removed walls in my heart, healed painful places, helped me minister to others and helped set me free.

How wonderful to know Him as Bridegroom. Both here while on earth, but also soon when we see Him face to face.

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." (1 Cor. 13:12)

He is Jealous For Me

2010-07-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. (Exodus 34:14, NLT)

He is jealous for me . . .

Recognize that phrase? It’s the first line from a Kim Walker Smith worship song called “How He Loves.”

That lyric’s been running through my mind today.

Like a lover, God is jealous for us.

He’s jealous of the lesser lovers we're tempted to occupy my thoughts with, or idols which want to occupy our hearts.

Where do you turn when your heart aches?

I’ve discovered there are two achiness levels:

The first is an obvious, once-in-a-while, somebody-just-died or I-got-bad-news kind of heartache. This kind of ache is universal in tough situations. Those are times our appetites dim, our vision narrows to survival, our plans shift. It’s about mourning or grieving and it can happen in any number of situations. When I have that kind of deep heart ache, it's more first nature for me to turn to God, even when I don’t understand what He’s doing.

Then, there’s the second kind of achiness. This one is much more subtle. This kind of heart achiness happens daily for me. It’s a general sense that all is not as good as it could be. It’s a nagging temptation toward discontent. It’s called Melancholy on the Oneishy temperament charts. It’s what I do during those times that’s trickier.

Anyone can spot an obvious ache and address it. It’s the subtle aches which can tempt believers to turn to lesser gods.

But God is calling us from behind the aches to run to Him and learn how to draw what our hearts need from Him. It’s not easy. You have to press in. You have to patiently wait. If the first time you attempt to have your heart satisfied through prayer and worship/communion with God doesn’t satisfy you, just keep coming back for more of His presence. He will reward those who diligently seek Him. That’s faith’s requirement.

He is jealous for me.

What will you do with that truth?

God's Wooing Me

2010-07-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

God’s wooing me lately. I can feel it. That nudge in the middle of the day to stop and just worship Him. That overwhelming sense of His presence and love during corporate worship as He pours out His Spirit. The ways He speaks to me and ministers to Me through His Word.

He’s answering my prayer to draw me closer to Him.

He’s at work to open my heart through tenderness. Did you know that’s one of God’s secret weapons against cynicism and cold-heartedness? He closes the distance via tenderness. He speaks tenderly to me, reminding me of His love and that we have a bridal relationship.

Last night, I pulled out my guitar (it’s been a while) and just ran through some tunes. A few of them were from years ago. Didn’t matter how old, though, if they were bridal—related to knowing Jesus as the Bridegroom God and recognizing my position as His bride—I was drawn to them. For over an hour I pressed through the zinging pain of tender fingertips and experienced Him in those lyrics.

Before that, I’d spent some time worshiping to tunes on my iPod while reading the Word. Over and over again I was drawn to Scriptures which speak of knowing God and His love. This doesn’t always happen, but it’s definitely a welcome occurrence.

There’s a new tenderness in my heart and a new awareness of God’s nearness and His pursuit of me.

I’m glad He never stops, and I’m very thankful He has sensitized my heart once again to experience Him this way.

He honors prayers for more of Him. If you’re hungry, ask for more. If you’re not hungry, ask Him to make you hungry—to enlarge your heart, and then fill it up with Him.

God's Personal Words

2010-07-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Aren’t you glad God speaks to us today?

The other morning, I sat with my Bible and journal, hoping to read of God's love, but instead going from passage to passage of God’s judgment against His adulterous people. Eeek! What have I done? Is God trying to tell me something here?

Uh . . . no. He was very clear that those pages weren’t His personal heart toward me in that moment. So, I voiced my desire to hear kind words from Him. And here’s what He said: “If you want to hear from me directly to you, second person (and in kindness), you know where to look.”

I immediately flipped to the Song of Solomon where King Solomon represents Jesus and His heart for His bride. Here’s where my gaze landed:

Song of Songs 2:10-14

Get up, my dear friend,
fair and beautiful lover—come to me!
Look around you: Winter is over;
the winter rains are over, gone!
Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
The whole world's a choir—and singing!
Spring warblers are filling the forest
with sweet arpeggios.
Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed,
and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms.
Oh, get up, dear friend,
my fair and beautiful lover—come to me!
Come, my shy and modest dove—
leave your seclusion, come out in the open.
Let me see your face,
let me hear your voice.
For your voice is soothing
and your face is ravishing.

His phrases wooed me and my heart melted.

Then, a couple days later, I sat down and opened directly to this delicious passage:

5-6 God's love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdicts oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse,
slips through the cracks.

7-9 How exquisite your love, O God!
How eager we are to run under your wings,
To eat our fill at the banquet you spread
as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water.
You're a fountain of cascading light,
and you open our eyes to light.

10-12 Keep on loving your friends;
do your work in welcoming hearts.

(Psalm 36, MSG)

Oh, I’m glad God uses His Word to encourage us. And for His personal words in my life. What a gift!

Hearing God's Voice

2010-06-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some steps you can take if you'd like to learn to hear God's voice.

1) Ask Him to speak to you. Believe He wants to. Ask Him to lead you. As a born-again believer, the Holy Spirit already dwells inside you. He longs to dialogue with you.

2) Grab a journal and get ready to write. This is an act of faith, but you’ll be glad you recorded what He said. When I was first learning to prayer journal, I used different pen (ink) colors for my own words and for God’s. Now, I use a symbol to delineate. I can easily go back to an old journal and discover His answers to my questions, or His prophetic direction/insight. It’s phenomenal when it hits me: “This could never have been me. I don’t even think like this!” Or all the things He tells me ahead of time.

3) Trust Him to speak. He wants to talk to you. Wait on Him. Listen.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me." ~ Jesus (John 10:27)

4) Read a passage of the Bible first. Worship. Get into His presence.

5) Don’t be in a hurry and don’t give up.

6) Ask God for discernment and keep reading His Word so you don’t get off course. Stay connected to a Bible believing body of believers (church) and be accountable. Remain teachable.

7) Be aware God’s voice will sound like your own, because He’ll use your mind and that’s the voice of your mind. (This is a new concept to people, but it’s true. Think about your own thoughts and how you hear them. They’re probably “spoken” in your own “voice.”) God is not condemning, though, so if the “voice” is condemning, it may be your own (raise your hand if you're sometimes hard on yourself), or it may be the enemy. Be careful. And always seek confirmation until you’re sure. God doesn’t mind confirming His words to His kids. He’s looking for humble followers. It’s a learning process, so keep with it.

Rejoice! God wants to speak to you!

"Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." ~ Jesus (John 18:37d)

The Voice of My Beloved

2010-06-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

This summer, my husband and I will celebrate 19 years of marriage. When I’m having a bad day or worried about something, just hearing his voice calms me—helps me know I’m not alone. I can relax and know we’ll shoulder the burden together, pray about it, trust God. The voice of my earthly beloved—my husband—soothes my heart.

In July, I will have been a Christian 30 years. What an anniversary!

I remember, as a child, I had two “wishes” in my relationship with God:

One, I wanted to “feel” love for Him when I said, “I love you, Jesus.” I remember saying the words often (out of duty, I guess), but I couldn’t access any feeling when I said them for many years. God has answered that prayer.

And two, I wanted to hear Him speak to me.

When my husband and I were first married, we attended a Christian retreat where the leadership taught us how to listen for God’s voice. The teachers began by building our faith—telling us God wanted to speak to us. What a concept! Thinking back on it now, I wonder how we went so long as Christians without believing that. I knew God spoke through the Bible, but a personal, intimate dialogue with Him seemed impossible. A wish.

But as we broke from the group, having heard the teaching, we toted journals and pens to quiet places of solitude and just listened. And God spoke. What an amazing experience! I’ve never been the same. The God of the universe wants a personal relationship with me, and He will speak to me directly. (Of course, learning discernment has been a life-long process.)

How often do you take advantage of the awesome privilege it is to be able to speak to God and hear from Him directly? As I write this, I’m challenged. My schedule is hectic and though I try to keep God on my mind, in my thoughts, in my decisions, I’m so imperfect at this.

Still, the voice of my Beloved changed everything all those years ago. And He’s still changing my life today.

Next time, here on Net's Bridal Notes, I’ll share some keys to learning to hear His voice.

Eyes Only For God

2010-06-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"

I’ve been reading the book of Acts in my new Message Bible. Yum! This morning a specific line stuck out to me. “[Stephen] only had eyes for God”

That’s the way I want to live. Locking eyes on Jesus. Undistracted. Undeterred. In love.

There are a million things, pain among them, that can distract us from keeping our eyes on Jesus. But if we lock eyes with Him, and stay intentionally focused, things of this world will fade away.

Stephen knew he’d give his life as a martyr in this moment. He’d told the people their history, ending with the news “and you’re just like your ancestors who disobeyed God and missed His chosen ones, the prophets. You missed Jesus and you condemn His followers.” For that they stoned him, but in the midst of it all, he kept his eyes fixed on his Savior. And had a glorious vision, not to mention amazing courage in the midst of the stoning.

Sounds like a good example to follow.

I want to only have eyes for God.

God's Nearness Every Moment

2010-05-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today I’m inspired by Gregory Boyd’s fantastic book Present Perfect: Finding God in the Now.

I’ve posted a review over at Net’s Book Notes.

The concept is to remain constantly aware of God’s presence, His nearness, His goodness in the moment.

Over ten years ago I read Brother Lawrence’s Practicing the Presence. This book challenged me to remain aware of God’s nearness in the moment. There is a delicious intimacy to be had in recalling to mind that God is near and engaging with Him in the moment.

It’s the secret place of the mind. We can be about our work or driving or doing whatever activity, but then we keep our hearts focused on Jesus; He is near. He delights in us.

And part of this practice is surrendering our lives to God in the moment, talking through our plans or whatever is on our minds—worries, battles, whatever.

Jesus is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother. (see Prov. 18:24) Taking it another step deeper: Jesus is a Lover who sticks closer than a brother. (see Modern KJV of Prov. 18:24)

Have you ever stood gazing on something beautiful in creation? Maybe you’ve hiked a mountain trail, reached the top and stared in awe and wonder at the view before you. Your heart was stirred by the beauty, drawn, opened. God created you to enjoy that moment with Him.

And not just the momentous moments, but every moment. That’s my goal: to spend ever moment with Him. To enjoy Him. To remember He accepts me every time I come. To delight in Him throughout my moments.

I believe that’s God desire for each of us. Will you engage with Him?

Tend the Secret Place

2010-05-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I heard a teaching by Allen Hood of International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO. He spoke about Adam tending the Garden of Eden and walking with God in the cool of the day. He talked about how Adam cared for the place of communion between himself and the Lord. I loved that picture.

Do you have a special place where you meet with God? A room, or a garden? If inside, perhaps you use candles or have specific elements which beautify the place where you pray. If outside, perhaps there are trees, a bench, flowers, wind chimes, etc. which enhance the space.

Or perhaps you have no specific place where you commune with God. We're supposed to pray without ceasing. And we certainly move about during the day, so we take the garden with us.

Your heart is a garden for God. Our affectionate Father is the One who tends the garden of your heart. Jesus is the source from which you grow. (see John's gospel) Whenever a new heart state flourishes (patience, love, kindness, gentleness . . .), yours is a fruitful garden. Sometimes God prunes back unproductive areas of your life, or areas where He'd rather you not focus in order to be more effective in other areas of his choosing. Sometimes there are dry seasons in the gardens of our hearts. Sometimes there are floods (of joy and provision). Sometimes there are stormy seasons (of pain and heartache). As you cooperate with God's work in your life, you are tending the garden of your heart. And we can always trust God is at work, changing us.

One more note about a specific, physical place where you meet with God. He created us with five physical senses. Don't be afraid to engage with Him in those senses when you commune with Him. Go ahead, add inspirational artwork, or candles or music. Grab your favorite journal and the Bible and enjoy. Sip grape juice, too, if you want. (smile) However you'd like to tend the secret place, do it. Enjoy your time with God. Tend the secret place both by contributing to its atmosphere, but also by being present there with God.

Utterly Committed

2010-05-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

If you've accepted Jesus' gift of salvation, He is utterly committed to you. No matter what, God is committed to you as His child. And no matter what, Jesus is committed to you as His bride.

Do you ever have a horrible day? Even while serving the Lord, our days aren't always peachy. I recently had a difficult day, full of disappointments. Discouragement fell over me, and I wondered what God was up to in the midst of my circumstances. But where else is there to go? Finally, I just settled into His arms to find rest. He said, "I know you don't understand." And that was it. Just the comfort of knowing He was near, He wasn't offended at my confusion, and He wasn't going anywhere.

I'm so glad God is utterly committed to me. Aren't you? We need Him.

Always Accepted

2010-05-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Oh the love of God. This weekend God showered me with kisses at our church women's retreat. My birthday was right in the middle of our three days at a gorgeous setting up north.

During the first workshop Friday morning, our leader taught on worship. She said, people may reject you, but you can always go to God in worship because you are always accepted in His presence. For some reason that really clicked with me that morning. Always accepted. Sometimes I forget that.

I can believe God for His grace at times like my birthday, but those normal days, uh, not always. But now I have a new warmth when I think of God's accepting me.

Today at church we shared "cardboard testimonies." Have you seen this? Each person takes a piece of cardboard and writes the "old" them information on one side and the "new" them information on the other, like: lonely, addicted, hopeless would be side A. Then, flip the cardboard and the other side reads: fulfilled by the God of hope (or something to that effect).

These testimonials are personal and powerful as each person parades across the stage and shares their silent story of how God has impacted and changed their lives.

One of the words on Side B of my cardboard today was "acceptance." :-)

YOU are accepted in the Beloved (Jesus), dear reader. As soon as you received His free gift of salvation, you were welcomed into the family of God. The Affectionate Father chose YOU. Purposefully. Specifically. Rejoice! You are accepted. Always.

Nothing Can Separate us from God's Love

2010-04-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Is it any surprise I have “dove” windchimes? This morning we have a balmy southerly wind where I live. It’s overcast, but 64 degrees. And my dove windchimes are raising a chorus of sound.

Reminds me. No matter our circumstances or disappointments, as Jesus’ bride, we can enjoy Him, find solace in Him, find strength and peace in Him and praise Him. (not necessarily in that order *grin*)

He is the Lover of my soul, and that does not change. No matter what’s happening, good or bad. He doesn’t pull back on hard days and draw near on tough days. In fact, God is near to the brokenhearted.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, NLT)

Be encouraged to draw near to Jesus today, whatever you’re facing. He is near to you, His dove, His beloved one.

Let the song of the dove rise from your heart to His ear.

Our Time Together

2010-04-24T11:39:00.001-07:00

I awake, remembering Jesus is near. “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (see Psalm 118:24) "My thoughts of Him shall be sweet." (see Psalm 104:34, MKJV) He is so faithful and good to me, to my family.

When I awaken my preschooler, she stretches her arms to me for a hug before her eyes are even open. So sweet that tender embrace. I feel completely loved.

Afternoons, my pup sleeps on my lap while I write. I look forward to these times of helping him get comfortable and snooze blissfully.

I think Jesus looks forward to my reaching out to Him, too. During specific times, sure—morning devotionals. Evening quiet times. But I think any moment during the day when I turn to Him in my spirit and listen and pray or sing. It’s a time of sweet sharing. Of loving exchange.

A time we both look forward to. How amazing that God longs to be with me, with you. That He longs for us and gives us a longing for Him. I pray for grace to never take that for granted. I want to "call upon the Lord when He is near" and "delight myself in His beauty." (see Isaiah 55:6 and Psalm 27:4)

The Song of the Dove

2010-04-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

There it is again. The gentle call of a dove who has nested high in the trees outside my office window. I hear her song daily now. Co-coooo. Co-coooo. The peaceful sound of a contented bird.

A couple weeks ago, during a rainy, stormy March day, this dove and her mate created their family. Now she coos sweetly to God who is meeting her needs.

Jesus spoke of God meeting our needs. He first described how God meets the needs of sparrows. My pastor calls this Sparrow Faith. It’s a law of the kingdom. God will meet our needs. His faithful and cannot deny Himself. (see 2 Timothy 2:13)

Look at how Eugene Peterson put it in the Message Bible:

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." (Matthew 6:25, MSG)

We can be “careless in the care of God.” I take that to mean careful, but you get the meaning. Relaxed in your soul as God works in your life. Trusting. At ease. Peaceful.

Believers are considered His doves:

“Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.” (Song of Solomon 1:15)

So, when I sing, or speak, or pray, God hears my voice as His dove. He’s tuned to my call. Like when I perk up at the cooing sound outside my window, God perks up. “Oh, there she is. I love that sound. Let me hear more of it.” The same is true of all believers.

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
In the secret places of the cliff,
Let me see your face,
Let me hear your voice;
For your voice is sweet,
And your face is lovely.” (Song of Solomon 2:14)

And when I have a need, I know God hears. His heart is warmed with the sound. He will help.

That’s His promise to His dove.

Passionate God

2010-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, the idea of the Christ’s passion is His suffering at Calvary. In modern terminology we don’t think of passion in terms of pain, generally speaking. But I like this phrase because I believe Jesus’ sacrifice truly showed His passionate heart.

He would do anything for His bride.

~ He is the vehicle God used to create all of the universe. He is the Word.

~ Jesus holds everything together by the Word of His power.

~ He came to redeem creation, to buy back people from the enemy.

~ He suffered in order to redeem us.

Honestly, I can’t camp on His agony very long. I’m extremely sensitive. But God tenderly reveals pieces of the crucifixion at a deeper level, and I’m awed. I’m undone. We share beautiful communion around His sacrifice.

As we continue through this Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday, consider Jesus’ sacrifice as the evidence of His passionate love for you as His bride.

He would do anything for you.

He has.

The Bride Price

2010-03-31T11:08:00.001-07:00

In 1998, I picked up a book that has changed the way I understand the crucifixion, Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s power. I like to reread it around Easter (Resurrection Sunday) because of the affect it has on me.

Though this is a little out there, I cannot deny the response my heart has as I read it. I’m drawn closer to Jesus. In fact, I remember excitedly reporting to my pastor twelve years ago the effects of reading this book and adding a disclaimer, “Whether it’s legit or not, I’m closer to Jesus and celebrating His power and His sacrifice, so nothing’s been lost.” The point wasn’t an argument about the authenticity of the book’s subject, but rather how God used it to draw me to Him. Curious?

You probably immediately recognized the picture in this post. It’s from the Shroud of Turin. And the book I’m referring to is Unlocking the Secrets of the Shroud by Gilbert R. Lavoie (now out of print). First, this scientist shows the evidence that the shroud is legitimate and supernatural—there is no paint present on or in the fibers, but there is blood present. He breaks down the scientific and medical evidence from true scientists who’ve studied the shroud, some not even Christians (i.e. no stake in proving this is Jesus’ burial shroud).

The fact that the image is a negative (think photography) is phenomenal. When you photograph the shroud’s image and develop it, the “negative” will produce a positive image. But either way (the final negative image, or the negative’s positive image), the image is three dimensional.

What astonishes me is the image is created from light “flashing” from the inside of the body (my interpretation from reading the book). (Again, think photography.) Life. And, the feet are in the “dangling above the ground” position when this light hits and creates the image. Power.

Get this: This body was lifted up, suspended upright (hair is not splayed around the head as if lying down) above the ground, infused powerfully with life and light and healed before the shroud fell away and the body stood again. Before the eyes opened, this body experienced a powerful infusion of light bursting forth from the inside while denying gravity. Extraordinary.

The image also depicts the pain Jesus suffered for us. The 100 scourge marks along his entire body, front and back. The nail holes in ankles and wrists. The blood around the head from thorns. The side wound. (There were many males crucified by Roman soldiers. How many were 1) scourged first (probably many); 2) wore a crown of thorns (rarer); 3) had blood flow from their sides (without broken legs)?

So, okay, you caught me. I do believe this is the burial shroud of Jesus and that God gave us an amazing piece of evidence which has survived a fire, as well as water damage and two millennia. (linen can last this long)

It’s the power depicted that captures me every time I read this book.

It’s the love depicted that makes me worship Jesus anew.

It’s the sacrifice that brings me to thanksgiving and helps me celebrate Resurrection Sunday with a fresh perspective.

It’s Jesus’ bride price, what He paid for us to know God and be forgiven, that woos me.

What a Bridegroom! He paid for His bride with His life, then offered that life to her. To us. Hallelujah!

Called Away

2010-03-14T23:53:00.001-07:00

Do you hear that? Your name on a whisper. (What a personal God--He calls us by name.)

Does your schedule permit personal time with God?

In the mornings, I sit down with my Bible, journal and a pencil box full of crayons, actually. I like to highlight and date Scriptures as they stand out to me. Every penciled-in date is a milestone, a memorial (as God has revealed to me) of a time spent with Him.

But I have an option during that devotional time. I can read, pray and get on with my day, or I can savor His Word, view the passage through the lens of bridal affection (me as the bride, Christ as the Groom) and lavish in His loving attention.

Some mornings limited time keeps me from pursuing His manifest presence. Sometimes it's doubt, or unbelief. Other times it's interruptions or distractions. (Things get kinda hectic around here.)

But what if there were no excuses?

What if I chased after God's manifest presence every single day, achieved that contact, and let Him minister to me while I worship, read, pray or journal? What if I abandoned myself to the truth that He delights in me every day? What if nothing stood in the way of fully encountering Him, not sickness, or interruptions or doubts? In the midst of a busy life, with multiple roles, is it even possible?

Sure. If I prioritize. If His grace pours out on me like rain. If I ask.

So I tell you to ask and you will receive,
search and you will find,
knock and the door will be opened for you.
~ Jesus (Luke 11:9, CEV)

One more verse as food for thought:

O my dove, in the clefts of the rock,
In the secret places of the cliff,
Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice;
For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.
~ the Bridegroom God (Song of Songs 2:14, NKJV)

Lean into His Touch

2010-03-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

This morning, I was studying “comfort” verses, where God comforts His people (Isaiah 40:1; 66:13). Later, God showed me I can lean into His touch and be comforted.

What does that mean?

I can let my guards down with God.

I can let Him see just how much I need Him.

I can fully indulge in God’s goodness as He interacts with me.

I don’t have to worry about making a good impression, holding myself together, or any other such “stuff.”

I can just be.

Lean into God’s touch today and know that as a born-again believer, you are accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:6)

Just His Name

2010-03-02T12:09:00.001-08:00

This morning, while out for a walk in our lovely spring weather, I noticed an RV with tiny lettering under the RV's make. Those letters, meant to catch the eye of the discerning reader spelled out: Y E S H U A.

My heart stirred.

His name.

Do you know Jesus as Yeshua? That is His Hebrew name, and likely the name people called Him as He was growing up. It's very personal to me. So, even while out for a walk, the Name seemed whispered in the air as I read it, and my heart awakened.

Like a secret, the Name hid there on the parked RV (which I've passed at least thirty times in recent years) called to me, beckoned me to connect again with the One who is always with me. The Bridegroom.

My Bridegroom.

Yeshua.

Dancing With Jesus

2010-02-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

The best dances begin with hugs. This morning, during worship at our church, our leader led us in a new song--a spontaneous melody with simple words. We quieted the volume and I pictured us each dancing with Jesus and whispering the song into His ear, as if we were hugging Him and sharing a secret.

Then we broke into "How He Loves"--a song in 3/4 time (or is it 6/8)? Either way, there we were, waltzing with God.

Dancing with God is a metaphor for life. He leads. We follow. He moves, we move. He stops, we stop.

A dance is intimate. Jesus wants an intimate relationship with us. He wants to be personal. He already knows all about our lives, but He wants us to discuss our lives with Him. To follow Him. To entrust our lives with Him.

We surrender our lives to Him, taking His hand, stepping out onto the dance floor of life and letting Him spin us around the floor.

That's what He's after.

Because your life, in God's hands, has all the potential the Creator placed in you.