Have you ever wondered what's up with "the daughters of Jerusalem"? I've heard speculations of palace attendants, assigned the menial tasks of serving a queen and immature sisters who sneak a peak and giggle a lot. No one seems to know for sure. But every love story has people who watch a romance develop; hapless "want-to-be's" that sit at the window, propped with a hand beneath their chin, breathing a deep sigh every time the couple walks by. I just find it fascinating that a God of supreme intelligence would stoop to adolescence to communicate His message of truth. I think it all has to do with perspective.
Just imagine if I was reading this blog on the stage of a crowded auditorium. You just happen to be among them. From my position I can make out the form of many faces and maybe even a few shoulders of people sitting in stationary rows just inside the shadows of stage lighting. From your perspective you see one person - me - speaking behind a podium with the backdrop of a large, red curtain. Perspective helps us determine different points of view.
Above all, the Song helps you identify with your position as the Bride of Christ. From this perspective your face is fixed on Jesus. As you grow in greater revelation of his private love for you there are always "maidens" on the side lines watching with innocent pursuit. They want what you have and the only way to identify with the romance of a unseen God is by observation. But don't miss this point. At the same time you are also counted among the maidens. For every Shulamite there are a host of Daughters. No one person is the Shulamite (even though God's love is so thorough I can feel like His favorite). We all comprise the Bride of Christ. That means we qualify for private intimacy with Jesus at the same time as being counted among the many. You're on stage as well as in the audience. It's just a matter of perspective.
I'm convinced God inserted these figures in the drama to remind us of His love for simple-minded followers, people who want to understand but don't exactly know how to get there. In many ways, that's me. My experience with the love of Christ is far from complete and sometimes I need a Shulamite to help me discover another puzzle piece. But the Song also highlights the role of evangelism. Maidens represent people who are "being saved," those who have yet to make a profession of faith. They too, are among the observers catching site of a love affair that's contagious. Without a doubt, they're watching you.
I wonder what it looks like from God's perspective? Hmmm... I bet it's beautiful.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Does Practice Make Perfect?
Here's a sneak peek at my new book ...
Does practice make perfect? Remember those stinkin' piano lessons and after school drills on the ball field? Everybody knows you need to repeat the task again and again and again in order to perfect a skill. But what about sex? Does the logic still apply when it comes to naked embraces? To get good at sex, don't you need to practice ... a lot?
It's a great question. Everybody seems to be "doing it". Not many seem to be interested in a romance if sex is not included in the relationship. In fact, most dating arrangements seem to come with the assumption that sex automatic. It's an acceptable way to end an evening even if it's a first date. Who knows? If the sexual exchange doesn't satisfy it might just be the last one. Isn't this how you determine your sexual preferences? How else are you supposed to find someone who is compatible? If you take time to practice sex before marriage won't you be better prepared for the ultimate experience with your spouse? It sounds like common sense. Practice makes perfect, doesn't it?
I guess that depends on how you define perfect ...
Does practice make perfect? Remember those stinkin' piano lessons and after school drills on the ball field? Everybody knows you need to repeat the task again and again and again in order to perfect a skill. But what about sex? Does the logic still apply when it comes to naked embraces? To get good at sex, don't you need to practice ... a lot?
It's a great question. Everybody seems to be "doing it". Not many seem to be interested in a romance if sex is not included in the relationship. In fact, most dating arrangements seem to come with the assumption that sex automatic. It's an acceptable way to end an evening even if it's a first date. Who knows? If the sexual exchange doesn't satisfy it might just be the last one. Isn't this how you determine your sexual preferences? How else are you supposed to find someone who is compatible? If you take time to practice sex before marriage won't you be better prepared for the ultimate experience with your spouse? It sounds like common sense. Practice makes perfect, doesn't it?
I guess that depends on how you define perfect ...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Kiss me!
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth."
Song of Solomon 1:2
Song of Solomon 1:2
What an opener! This is so atypical of an average Bible read. What the heck is the author talking about? Plenty.
We Americans enjoy fast food everything but people who read this book with a drive-through-window appetite always leave hungry. Let's consider for a moment who is writing these pros. Yes, Solomon is in the title but God made the words come through his fingers. This book is every bit as holy as the Ten Commandments or the Sermon of the Mount. Remember that.
Next question: Who is speaking in the opening verse? Male or female? The pronouns give it away. "Let him kiss me" is obviously the voice of a woman. But here's my point. If God wrote this poem then HE is choosing the words the woman is saying. Rather than recounting a historical event, poetry can introduce hypothetical dialogue that reflects the heart of the author. This book does just that. It gives us a rare window into the very heart of God! So, what's He got in mind? (This is SO fascinating.)
First of all, the Hebrew word for "kiss", as used in this verse, is "nashaq". It means to touch with the lips but the word is also identical to another Hebrew word that means "to catch fire" or "to kindle". God is qualifying a term of passion BUT it's not in reference to romance! My commentary even specifics that nashaq "rarely has romantic implications". In contrast, the term actually refers to a kiss that comes with an embrace to communicate acceptance, warmth and confident love. You see this kind of affection at a farewell or a reunion between close friends or family.
Typical American culture does not include a nashaq but it is an acceptable social practice in many parts of the eastern world. My husband is Polish and when we visit his family, I can expect a big smacker right on the lips (from both men and women) followed by a bear hug. It's just what you do and it serves to kindle the strength of our love. In one passion-filled moment I feel unconditionally accepted by his family. I think God had something like this in mind. But there's more ...
Nashaq also has a figurative meaning "to equip with weapons" or "to arm". God knows the intensity of our battle because he knows our adversary. He knows that spiritual victory cannot come without spiritual weapons. I find it interesting that we are equipped with necessary arms to "fight the good fight" by a kiss from his mouth. What a surprising combination. Just as His breath brought life to Adam so His breath brings life to our confidence, our faith and our energy to endure. All we have to do is ask!
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth." It's what God wants you to say.
We Americans enjoy fast food everything but people who read this book with a drive-through-window appetite always leave hungry. Let's consider for a moment who is writing these pros. Yes, Solomon is in the title but God made the words come through his fingers. This book is every bit as holy as the Ten Commandments or the Sermon of the Mount. Remember that.
Next question: Who is speaking in the opening verse? Male or female? The pronouns give it away. "Let him kiss me" is obviously the voice of a woman. But here's my point. If God wrote this poem then HE is choosing the words the woman is saying. Rather than recounting a historical event, poetry can introduce hypothetical dialogue that reflects the heart of the author. This book does just that. It gives us a rare window into the very heart of God! So, what's He got in mind? (This is SO fascinating.)
First of all, the Hebrew word for "kiss", as used in this verse, is "nashaq". It means to touch with the lips but the word is also identical to another Hebrew word that means "to catch fire" or "to kindle". God is qualifying a term of passion BUT it's not in reference to romance! My commentary even specifics that nashaq "rarely has romantic implications". In contrast, the term actually refers to a kiss that comes with an embrace to communicate acceptance, warmth and confident love. You see this kind of affection at a farewell or a reunion between close friends or family.
Typical American culture does not include a nashaq but it is an acceptable social practice in many parts of the eastern world. My husband is Polish and when we visit his family, I can expect a big smacker right on the lips (from both men and women) followed by a bear hug. It's just what you do and it serves to kindle the strength of our love. In one passion-filled moment I feel unconditionally accepted by his family. I think God had something like this in mind. But there's more ...
Nashaq also has a figurative meaning "to equip with weapons" or "to arm". God knows the intensity of our battle because he knows our adversary. He knows that spiritual victory cannot come without spiritual weapons. I find it interesting that we are equipped with necessary arms to "fight the good fight" by a kiss from his mouth. What a surprising combination. Just as His breath brought life to Adam so His breath brings life to our confidence, our faith and our energy to endure. All we have to do is ask!
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth." It's what God wants you to say.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Love Dances On the Graves
"Scarcely had I passed them
when I found the one my heart loves.
I held him and would not let him go
until I brought him to my mother's house,
to the room of the one who conceived me."
Song of Solomon 3:4
when I found the one my heart loves.
I held him and would not let him go
until I brought him to my mother's house,
to the room of the one who conceived me."
Song of Solomon 3:4
I had not visited this cemetery in oh, let's say 25 years. Without Mom's help I couldn't have found the site where her parents were buried. Hundreds of flat, iron markers line the field of deep graves each containing two bodies, one laying on top of the other. (What an ingenious way to save space and make money.) We paid our respects, cutting the flowers to fit in the urn and I watched for Mom's tear but a giggle came instead.
You got to know my mom. She's finally crossed over to a life stage of contentment. It makes her beautiful. Leaving regrets behind she's enjoying the rest of the journey. I didn't expect it, but God was taking my mom back to "remember when's" and it was bringing out the little girl that lives in every daughter. This was a happy place where she used to run and play. I could imagine her dancing on the graves in a pretty white dress. Suddenly Mom's thoughts skipped to the present. "I think our plot is right over there."
(I didn't even know they had one picked out? Thanks for taking care of that morbid detail, Mom and Dad. We don't have ours picked out. How old do you have to be before you start looking? Cringe.)
Perusing over several rows of graves she started searching for their plot like a child playing hide and seek. I followed her, scrambling to contain a sudden burst of strong emotions. The scene was not nearly as simple for me. "Here it is," Mom yelled to us. Standing over your parents' future grave is a very odd feeling. I lost it. "Oh my gosh, this is going to happen some day." I don't plan on going back until I have to but the moment was a "stand alone" for me, full of significance.
The power of bonding begins at conception. It's the glue that holds relationships together - you can't love successfully without it. Sometimes people search for love in the wrong places but love never becomes intimate unless you have the ability to bond. That's a mother's job. Love is real when you can identify the strength of a bond. It should have been fostered wherever your mother made a home.
I've got a feeling that the door to Mom's memory world is quickly closing so I'm going to cherish the mental snap shot of this day. When the time comes, Lord, help me remember the dance moves of a child.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Gazelles and Does Get It
"I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field ..."
Song of Solomon 2:6a
Okay, fine. I love my dog. Libby is an affectionate, obedient, low-key canine. I feed her, pet her and take her for walks in the morning. Everyone loves Libby. I even have a growing list of people who want to borrow her for weekends when we're traveling. No one gets confused by our differences. People are people. Dog's are dogs. It sounds like a "da" statement I know ,but check out the words to a popular rap song:
You and me baby, ain't nothin' but mammals
Let's do it like they do on the Discovery channel.
(Are you kidding me?)
Human beings are NOT the same as animals and I resent the implication that we are motivated by the same sex-drive! Here's just a few points I want to make in light of this stupidity.
Yes, we are part of the animal kingdom - as in warm blooded, heart-thumping, oxygen-breathing mammals. but that's where the similarities end. Sex is natural but in no way does that make it automatic. Just because I have a desire for sex does not mean it demands a response. I do have a choice whether or not to act on my feelings.
Men and women do not exist within the limitations of instinctive behavior; we are free to make our own decisions. Thank goodness! I love being human. I love that I get to choose what to wear, where to go and when to leave. I am not the same as a gazelle, a doe or an orangutan swinging from the limbs of a Sungkai tree. And neither are you. Instinct restricts sexual activity.
An animal is compelled to have intercourse for the sole purpose of reproduction. In fact, sexual interest is limited to the mating season. Dictated by a changeless time clock, animals know when to travel and where to congregate with species of their own kind. This exchange only lasts a short time period, usually a few weeks or less. That's it. Does that sound like a model we follow?
Humans are not bound by instinctive drives that awaken at certain times of the year, suddenly indicating it's time to make a baby. No. Our sexual desire goes well beyond reproductive interests. (Another thank goodness!) We have the power to choose when, where and how often.
Sex is a voluntary decision, not a need. If it was, celibate citizens would have become case studies of dysfunction with a long list of scientific evidence validating the necessity for regular sexual activity. But there are plenty of productive, thriving, satisfied human beings on the earth who are not sexual. In fact, some of them are the greatest examples of humanity. Think about Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul. What about Jesus Christ?
If you really need a reminder, take a tip from the gazelles and the does: human sexuality is special ... very special.
Song of Solomon 2:6a
Okay, fine. I love my dog. Libby is an affectionate, obedient, low-key canine. I feed her, pet her and take her for walks in the morning. Everyone loves Libby. I even have a growing list of people who want to borrow her for weekends when we're traveling. No one gets confused by our differences. People are people. Dog's are dogs. It sounds like a "da" statement I know ,but check out the words to a popular rap song:
You and me baby, ain't nothin' but mammals
Let's do it like they do on the Discovery channel.
(Are you kidding me?)
Human beings are NOT the same as animals and I resent the implication that we are motivated by the same sex-drive! Here's just a few points I want to make in light of this stupidity.
Yes, we are part of the animal kingdom - as in warm blooded, heart-thumping, oxygen-breathing mammals. but that's where the similarities end. Sex is natural but in no way does that make it automatic. Just because I have a desire for sex does not mean it demands a response. I do have a choice whether or not to act on my feelings.
Men and women do not exist within the limitations of instinctive behavior; we are free to make our own decisions. Thank goodness! I love being human. I love that I get to choose what to wear, where to go and when to leave. I am not the same as a gazelle, a doe or an orangutan swinging from the limbs of a Sungkai tree. And neither are you. Instinct restricts sexual activity.
An animal is compelled to have intercourse for the sole purpose of reproduction. In fact, sexual interest is limited to the mating season. Dictated by a changeless time clock, animals know when to travel and where to congregate with species of their own kind. This exchange only lasts a short time period, usually a few weeks or less. That's it. Does that sound like a model we follow?
Humans are not bound by instinctive drives that awaken at certain times of the year, suddenly indicating it's time to make a baby. No. Our sexual desire goes well beyond reproductive interests. (Another thank goodness!) We have the power to choose when, where and how often.
Sex is a voluntary decision, not a need. If it was, celibate citizens would have become case studies of dysfunction with a long list of scientific evidence validating the necessity for regular sexual activity. But there are plenty of productive, thriving, satisfied human beings on the earth who are not sexual. In fact, some of them are the greatest examples of humanity. Think about Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul. What about Jesus Christ?
If you really need a reminder, take a tip from the gazelles and the does: human sexuality is special ... very special.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
How do You Handle Hostility?
The watchmen on the wall found me
as they made their rounds in the city.
They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak
those watchmen on the walls."
Song of Solomon 5:7
as they made their rounds in the city.
They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak
those watchmen on the walls."
Song of Solomon 5:7
How do you handle hostility? There seems to be a growing resistance toward Christianity. I know it's been obvious ever since Jesus came to earth but it just seems to be escalating on a global scale. America is certainly not exempt. Evangelicals, in particular, seem to be the target. If you make a personal decision to live by Biblical morals you are easily identified as judgmental. Even though Bill O'Reilly regularly highlights this injustice in search of a juicy debate, sympathy is hard to come by.
People just don't like Christians these days.
So how do you handle hostility? Seriously. How do you respond to someone who hates you - not because you have wronged them personally but simply because of what you believe? I've been praying about it. I'm not sure how to handle hate up close. It's going to happen, I know it. There's a growing number of "watchmen on the walls," people watching for the right opportunity to accuse you as discriminatory. They will attempt to ruin you - "beating and bruising" your reputation, your livelihood and even your faith. Some of them will succeed. How will you respond?
I want to ready with a loving response.
So far, Paul is helping me. "We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world" (1 Corinthians 4:12 & 13). What a different perspective. Work hard, stay productive and mind your own business. When people insult you stay calm and keep your thoughts to yourself. Rather than defending yourself, take the hits. Above all, convey that you care about the person. That's not easy - but when you accept the reality that we are the "scum of the earth", it is easier to shake off offense. Jesus did it.
I think the American church needs to adopt a new identity. We can always refer to 1 Peter 2's "pick me up" on the bad days, but we need to accept that we are "the refuse of the world". We really expect much better treatment. Typically, we ask the world to appreciate our faith. How did that ever become the standard? That's not even Biblical.
Humility doesn't come by winning an argument or even defending your rights. It's a far more risky road where angry, hurting people "take away your cloak" and don't have any remorse about it. But humility is the only chance we've got to convey authentic love to a lost soul. I could be one of them.
FYI ... There's a growing number of people asking the same question. I am leading a special service called "The Loving Response" on Sunday, March 29 - 7pm. at Freedom Valley Worship Center in Gettysburg, PA. You're welcome to join us.
People just don't like Christians these days.
So how do you handle hostility? Seriously. How do you respond to someone who hates you - not because you have wronged them personally but simply because of what you believe? I've been praying about it. I'm not sure how to handle hate up close. It's going to happen, I know it. There's a growing number of "watchmen on the walls," people watching for the right opportunity to accuse you as discriminatory. They will attempt to ruin you - "beating and bruising" your reputation, your livelihood and even your faith. Some of them will succeed. How will you respond?
I want to ready with a loving response.
So far, Paul is helping me. "We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world" (1 Corinthians 4:12 & 13). What a different perspective. Work hard, stay productive and mind your own business. When people insult you stay calm and keep your thoughts to yourself. Rather than defending yourself, take the hits. Above all, convey that you care about the person. That's not easy - but when you accept the reality that we are the "scum of the earth", it is easier to shake off offense. Jesus did it.
I think the American church needs to adopt a new identity. We can always refer to 1 Peter 2's "pick me up" on the bad days, but we need to accept that we are "the refuse of the world". We really expect much better treatment. Typically, we ask the world to appreciate our faith. How did that ever become the standard? That's not even Biblical.
Humility doesn't come by winning an argument or even defending your rights. It's a far more risky road where angry, hurting people "take away your cloak" and don't have any remorse about it. But humility is the only chance we've got to convey authentic love to a lost soul. I could be one of them.
FYI ... There's a growing number of people asking the same question. I am leading a special service called "The Loving Response" on Sunday, March 29 - 7pm. at Freedom Valley Worship Center in Gettysburg, PA. You're welcome to join us.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Get Up!
"I have taken off my robe-
must I put it on again?"
Song of Solomon 5:3
She had just crawled under a puffy down quilt to escape the cold air - at least that's what I picture. Steadily drifting off to sleep, a knock on the door jolts her awake. "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one." Wow. That's the right combination of words for a promising evening. But this isn't just any guy. This is the King of Kings! Jesus, the Bridegroom is knocking on her door with desperate love. He want to spend alone time with her. Will she share his longing? Not this time.
"Do I have to?" We're all guilty of this response. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts asking to come in and our response is often a grown. Do I have to read the Bible? Do I have to make time to pray? Do I have to ... not now. And we role over, convinced that he'll keep knocking.
Sin will do that to you.
In the midst of all the grace and mercy teaching, the church has developed an image of God that looks more like Santa Claus. With a little sweet-talkin' we can find the way to his soft side to avoid punishment. Somehow, we've convinsed ourselves that a little sin doesn't really matter to God and slowly, over time, a little sin has become a huge problem. The world looks at us with disgust because the gospel we preach is not the gospel we live.
When people don't connect with God because Christians are the stumbling block it is to our shame. "For it is time for judgement to begin with the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17). Brothers and sisters, the time for casual Christianity is over! We all need to do an inventory.
Galatians 5:19-21 lists the acts of sin we are to avoid.
Sexual immorality - this includes sleeping with someone who is not your spouse.
Impurity- crude jokes, foul language and taking the Lord's name in vain.
Debauchery - pornography falls in this category.
Idolatry - it shows up in your check book and your day planner.
Witchcraft - reading horoscopes and watching shows like "Psych"
Hatred - Let's see ... this includes all forms of racism and people you refuse to forgive.
Discord - Bashing ... basically any words that tear people down.
Jealousy - Anytime you have a hard time with seeing a competitor succeed.
Fits of Rage - Lack of self-control - irritable and easily angered.
Selfish Ambition - looking out for #1 at the expense of others.
Dissension - gossip that leads people to develop negative opinions about others.
Factions - taking sides and making sides happen - parents do this with their children.
Envy - resenting someone's gift or blessing.
Drunkenness- Drinking alcohol as a stress reducer or to have a good time.
Orgies - Patronizing any business that makes money from sex.
If you're guilty on any count, repent. Humble yourself and admit your sin to God. Or better yet, ask God to search your heart. Don't let your inner defender take the stand - he's such a lier. God will reveal the secret motivations of your heart. We cannot afford to hide behind a facade of righteousness. The world sees our hypocricy and people are ignoring the message of hope because of it.
Lethargic romance - eventually she does get up but he is no longer standing at the door. The Lover won't keep knocking. Dear ones, repent and God will come to you once again. The world longs to see love that is true and passionate - a divine embrace that, alone can satisfy. Get up!
"Do I have to?" We're all guilty of this response. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts asking to come in and our response is often a grown. Do I have to read the Bible? Do I have to make time to pray? Do I have to ... not now. And we role over, convinced that he'll keep knocking.
Sin will do that to you.
In the midst of all the grace and mercy teaching, the church has developed an image of God that looks more like Santa Claus. With a little sweet-talkin' we can find the way to his soft side to avoid punishment. Somehow, we've convinsed ourselves that a little sin doesn't really matter to God and slowly, over time, a little sin has become a huge problem. The world looks at us with disgust because the gospel we preach is not the gospel we live.
When people don't connect with God because Christians are the stumbling block it is to our shame. "For it is time for judgement to begin with the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17). Brothers and sisters, the time for casual Christianity is over! We all need to do an inventory.
Galatians 5:19-21 lists the acts of sin we are to avoid.
Sexual immorality - this includes sleeping with someone who is not your spouse.
Impurity- crude jokes, foul language and taking the Lord's name in vain.
Debauchery - pornography falls in this category.
Idolatry - it shows up in your check book and your day planner.
Witchcraft - reading horoscopes and watching shows like "Psych"
Hatred - Let's see ... this includes all forms of racism and people you refuse to forgive.
Discord - Bashing ... basically any words that tear people down.
Jealousy - Anytime you have a hard time with seeing a competitor succeed.
Fits of Rage - Lack of self-control - irritable and easily angered.
Selfish Ambition - looking out for #1 at the expense of others.
Dissension - gossip that leads people to develop negative opinions about others.
Factions - taking sides and making sides happen - parents do this with their children.
Envy - resenting someone's gift or blessing.
Drunkenness- Drinking alcohol as a stress reducer or to have a good time.
Orgies - Patronizing any business that makes money from sex.
If you're guilty on any count, repent. Humble yourself and admit your sin to God. Or better yet, ask God to search your heart. Don't let your inner defender take the stand - he's such a lier. God will reveal the secret motivations of your heart. We cannot afford to hide behind a facade of righteousness. The world sees our hypocricy and people are ignoring the message of hope because of it.
Lethargic romance - eventually she does get up but he is no longer standing at the door. The Lover won't keep knocking. Dear ones, repent and God will come to you once again. The world longs to see love that is true and passionate - a divine embrace that, alone can satisfy. Get up!
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