Once upon a time there was a young girl who with all the fears and doubts that sometimes comes in wondering whether there could ever be someone who would love her.  She longed for love, hoped for love; yet, when she looked in the mirror she could see all of the blemishes and felt herself comely and unworthy of love.  A Prince came and  standing upon a hill in the distance, would sing to her a love song.  Her heart would leap for joy to hear His voice, she would long to see Him there on the hill and would come to the meadow often in hopes to see His face and hear His love song.  She longed to know more of Him; yet, she was afraid that if He were to look closely He would see the scars and the dark blotches that covered her, He would see the filthy rags that she wore as a slave and He would then reject her.  Her fear of His rejection caused her to search for other loves which never filled her heart with joy; indeed, at times they caused her greater pain as she felt rejected, abused.  So she would return to the meadow and Her prince again would arrive and sing to her a love song.  He wooed her heart and she longed to be with Him.  He told her of the price He must pay to free her from her slavery and that He must go away for a while; but she would have His love letters to remind her of Him and He would send one who would guide her, teach her of her beloved, would gently cleanse away all the blemishes and dark blotches so that she would be the spotless bride when He returned as her bridegroom.  With exuberant joy, with hope, and with great anticipation, she awaits the return of Her Beloved Prince.  Her love for Him so fills her that she finds that she must tell everyone she meets about her true love.  She wants everyone to know who He is.  She never ceases to be amazed by the depth of His love for her.  He loved her in her most unlovely state.  He patiently waited when she searched after other loves which were only counterfeit.  He wooed her.  He was willing to pay the price for her release from slavery.  Then, He sent her a helper to prepare her for the wedding day to come when she will see her Beloved face to face in all His Glory, seated on His throne as she bows to kiss the feet of her beloved while her tears of joy wash His feet.  That girl was I and that Prince is Jesus Christ, my beloved Savior.  I will forever be amazed that He chose me. 

In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Matthew 9, and Matthew 25 we may note the reference to Christ as the bridegroom and we the believers as the bride; yet, there is no more graphic picture of the love of Christ for His Bride than that demonstrated in the "Song of Solomon".   There are two interpretations of the book.  First, it is the expression of pure marital love as ordained of God in creation exalting the holiness of marriage as God ordained.  Yet, there is a second and much more profound interpretation as this is symbolic of the love story of Christ (the Bridegroom) for His Church (the Bride). 

Song of Solomon 2: (AMP)

10 My beloved speaks and says to me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

11 For, behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.

12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

13 The fig tree puts forth and ripens her green figs, and the vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance. [b]Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

14 [So I went with him, and when we were climbing the rocky steps up the hillside, my beloved shepherd said to me] O my dove, [while you are here] in the seclusion of the clefts in the solid rock, in the sheltered and secret place of the cliff, let me see your face, [c]let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

15 [My heart was touched and I fervently sang to him my desire] Take for us the foxes, the [d]little foxes that spoil the vineyards [of our love], for our vineyards are in blossom.

16 [She said distinctly] My beloved is mine and I am his! He pastures his flocks among the lilies.

17 [Then, longingly addressing her absent shepherd, she cried] Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, return hastily, O my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young hart as you cover the mountains [which separate us].

Footnotes:

1. Song of Solomon 2:6 Do I have a constant sense of my Shepherd’s presence, regardless of my surroundings?
2. Song of Solomon 2:13 Do I take time to meet my Good Shepherd each day, letting Him tell me of His love, and cheering His heart with my interest in Him?
3. Song of Solomon 2:14 Do I realize that my voice lifted in praise and song is sweet to Him, or do I withhold it?
4. Song of Solomon 2:15 What is my greatest concern, the thing about which most of all I want Christ’s help? When He asks to hear my voice, what do I tell Him?

"Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified^® Bible,

Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

So I would ask of you the same 4 questions listed in the footnotes of the Amplified Bible as listed above to which I would add?

Have you met my Beloved Prince?

Have you realized that He is standing on the hill, singing His love song over you, and asking you be His?

Have you fallen completely in love with Him and seek Him as your greatest treasure?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=kbFEWYFJfOo&feature=endscreen

So often when we are facing storms we tend to allow fear and worry to enter our minds.  We look at our bank account and the ever increasing debts, wondering how long until total financial ruin overtakes us.  We gaze into the eyes of a loved one dying an agonizing death and wonder why?  A Police Officer goes out to face another night of duty on a salary that cannot feed his family only to this time face being shot and killed by the same criminal he had arrested 5 times and the justice system had released all 5 times before, and we cry out why? The people we most trusted take a knife of accusations driving the pain deep within our hearts.  We turn on the news and see violence, war, collapsing markets, pain, suffering and chaos with fear entering our hearts and we wonder if all that we have is hopelessness blended with despair.  In the darkness of the night we cry out for help and there a soft voice may whisper a command for the storm to cease, while a comforting blanket of peace covers our soul allowing hope to rise once more.  We, who know that we are the redeemed because of the finished work of Christ, can rest assured that if we call His name; He is there to save us.  Look at these verses from the Psalms of David:

Psalm 34:

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 145: 18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

You may say, I have cried to Him and the storm is still raging around me, now what?  Yes, dear friend, sometimes it appears so; but I have learned through many violent storms that God was right there in the midst protecting, guiding, and comforting me with every inch of the way.  I would never lie to you and try to say that fear never enters my heart.  I would never say that sorrows, frustrations, angers, and pangs of bitterness resulting from false accusations do not press down upon me at times.  Yet, I will say; they have no place remaining in my heart or my mind.  I have learned that when they appear to be taking hold of me, I need to perform these three simple acts.

1.  Speak His Name.  For there is power in the name of Yahweh, My LORD–the Great I am.

2.  I Must Remember who My Father is.  He is Jehovah Jireh (My Provider), Jehovah Nissi (My banner of Victory), Jehovah Rapha (My healer), Jehovah Rohi (My shepherd), Jehovah Shalom (My Peace), Jehovah Tsidkenu (Provider of My Righteousness), Jehovah Shammah (Present with Me), Jehovah Mekoddishkem (My Sanctifier), El Olam (Everlasting God), El Shaddai (Almighty God)—The Omnipotent, Omniscient, the Great I am who desires the best for me and lavishes upon me His love, His joy found only IN HIM.

3.  Praise God for who He is because even when you cannot see or understand His plan, you can assuredly trust His heart.

Remember these steps every time fear tries to grip your heart, sorrow brings you to tears, or betrayal tries to plant a seed of bitterness and you will see how God turns your pain into joy while the watching world become amazed as they receive a glimpse of the Glory of God through the shining face of joy, hope displayed in the midst of great tragedy.  Perhaps your trials will lead someone to Christ and is there any pain too great to bare for the salvation of one soul?  This entire lifetime is but a second compared to eternity.  Keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and the finisher of your faith.

Psalm 16: 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StjU16a5BFY (Preview)

I was talking to my daughter the other day when she said, "Why is it Mom that you and I always seem to have so many trials.  Others seem to have their life all together and we always have some mess that we are dealing with." Either a car breaks down, some disaster with the house, some tribulation stemming from work, some financial disaster, must finish all this paperwork, someone is sick, and the list goes on.  Did you ever feel that way?  Did you in the midst of all the chaos of life wonder about your faith?  Did you wonder if something is wrong with you?  After all, there are a lot of people telling you that it is your lack of faith or some sin in your life causing you to be in the place you are.  Some well meaning "Christians"  want to tell you that if your faith were strong enough you could name it and claim whatever earthly treasure you want.  Yet, if you look at Romans 5 or Acts 14, it is so not the case. 

Romans 5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Acts 14: 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Oh, please do not get me wrong here.  We are not sorrowful, moaning saints carrying our cross until the day Jesus returns.  I for a long time made that mistake.  The truth is that as we grow in our faith, trials do come; yet, we rejoice even in the midst of the trial.  We begin to with expectant joyous hope await the victorious results that we know our heavenly Father is bringing. Just like when we are waiting for a wonderful, happy ending to a movie; yet, this time the movie is our life.  We are waiting to see with great hope how God is going to show His Glory by solving the problem 1 minute before midnight. That is what true faith as it grows does.  Then we become joyful in the very midst of great trials as we wait upon our Father’s showing up to display His Glory. 

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:…12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

What are the results of trials when it comes to faith.

1.  Trials manifest faith and the beauty of faith.  It is through the trials that faith is demonstrated. If everything is smooth sailing, where is faith shown? It doesn’t require faith to skip along in joy when there is no trial.  Faith is faith only when you keep believing when all hope would appear gone by the rest of the world.

2.  Trials purify faith.  As you keep believing and faith sustains you through one trial until you see the finished work of God’s Glory shining forth from that trial–then your faith is stronger, hope is greater when the next trial comes.

3.  Trials bring praise, honor, and Glory to God.  As the unsaved world looks on, they take notice when a dear saint marches forward through trials with hope, peace, love, and joy as their banner.  Then suddenly while all are watching, God performs a miracle that all take notice.  Sometimes that miracle is the genuine joy displayed by the one suffering.

4.  Trials display the beauty of the sacrifice which Christ endured on our behalf and turns our hope to God alone.  Our hope is not in this world or in ourselves.  1 Peter 1:18  18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

5. The display of God’s Glory may be in proportion to the intensity of the trial.  That is the intensity may increase that God’s Glory might be displayed with greater beauty. 

So, dear friends, lift up your head and rejoice when trials come.  Ok, I understand, reality is that at first you may grumble and intermittently you may become wearied and grumbling thoughts come into your head.  You wonder if it is all your fault because you didn’t love God as you should.  You hate yourself for some sin you committed years ago or some weakness of faith you are clinging to.  The truth is trials come and this is your moment to remember all that God has done.  Remember, the six steps from yesterday’s note which I will place below.  Your faith will be tried, stretched and will grow tiny steps at first, inch by inch until it flourishes into a spring of hope and joy in the midst of the trial.

So, if you are facing things that would appear to be trials or obstacles; remember these principles.

1.  Remember who your Father is–He name is "Yahweh–I am" Psalm 91: 14 I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

2.  Remember God’s promise that His plan is for your good–(Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11)

3.  Remember God cradles you in His Arms as He sings over you with joy, firmly held by His love. (Zephaniah 3:17)

4.  Remember His love proven by Christ’s death on the Cross. (John 15:13, John 17)

5.  Remember who you are IN Christ–Because of the blood of Christ by faith and not by my own works, You have been saved.  Thereby, in Christ You are  redeemed (risen), blessed, beloved, chosen, child of the King-heir of royalty, imprisoned by abounding love, servant because of overwhelming gratitude, enlightened by His light, New Creation, filled with His gifted faith, and declared a Saint. (1 Corinthians)

6.  Remember that God chose you and He will equip you.

Listen to this song sung by Dennis Jernigan,  "The Point of Grace"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAYgmKFYDJA (Preview)

Has God asked you to step out in faith to go where He has asked you to go?  Do you look at the task before you seeing so many mountains that it appears to be impossible to cross them?  Do you feel injured, betrayed because the ones you trusted, respected and served accused you with a vengeance that cut through your heart like a knife blade piercing your very heart and soul?  Yes, you know that God veiled their eyes to the truth; because, He has a better plan for your life and needs you to be willing to step out in faith to embrace the future He has planned.  Much like Joseph who was betrayed for jealousy by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned–God’s plan had led him every step and ultimately he was able to say. I wrote about Joseph’s story at length in my September 15th blog (Glory to Glory- Part 4- God’s Transforming Grace in the Life of Joseph – See more at: http://myglorytoglory.com ) Yet, in reminder, let me add this.  Joseph did ultimately understand that it had been God who allowed and even orchestrated it all so as to place Joseph where God needed him to be.  Joseph showed his understanding of this when he told his brothers, (Genesis 45:) "therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 50) "20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,".  Still, as you read the story of Joseph; in his humanity he still felt pain, sorrow and tears at moments.  I recognize that perfect faith and understanding should cause me to march forward with no moments of sorrow, no moments of doubt and no moments of fear; yet, those feelings enter at times mingled with a bitter-sweetness  blended with hope.  It is a hope that comes out of knowing who my Father is and knowing that His name is the Great I am-the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings, the owner of all the Universe.  It is a hope born out of remembering all the moments of my past and the wonderful way God had woven my life together.  Remember? In July, I told you God had fulfilled a promise made thirty three years ago and like Abraham when Isaac was laid into his arms; how could I ever doubt the wondrous grace and love of my Father.  I do not know how I am going to cross all these mountains; but, I trust my Father has it.  Then, I remember–

Isaiah 41: 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

So, if you are facing things that would appear to be trials or obstacles; remember these principles.

1.  Remember who your Father is–He name is "Yahweh–I am" Psalm 91: 14 I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

2.  Remember God’s promise that His plan is for your good–(Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11)

3.  Remember God cradles you in His Arms as He sings over you with joy, firmly held by His love. (Zephaniah 3:17)

4.  Remember His love proven by Christ’s death on the Cross. (John 15:13, John 17)

5.  Remember who you are IN Christ–Because of the blood of Christ by faith and not by my own works, I have been saved.  Thereby, in Christ I am redeemed (risen), blessed, beloved, chosen, child of the King-heir of royalty, imprisoned by abounding love, servant because of overwhelming gratitude, enlightened by His light, New Creation, filled with His gifted faith, and declared Saint. (1 Corinthians)

6.  Remember that God chose you and He will equip you.

Write these down and tuck them away in your pocket to read and be reminded each moment that doubt or fear tries to enter.  Yet, remember; God knows our frailty and understands those moments as well.  He will graciously hold you, comfort you, and guide each step.  Remember those trials you have already walked through and how He sustained you.  All of this is true, if you know Him as Your Father because you accepted His gift of Salvation.  If you don’t know that God is Your Father, then read yesterday’s blog.

I was blessed by this song sung by Dennis Jernigan that I found this morning.  I felt like God was singing this over me as I listened, so if you feel wounded today; I hope you listen to this song. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RCzzYbak9g (Preview)

Over the past few weeks, I had in the series Glory to Glory presented to you the magnificent beauty which is seen in the face of Christ; a beauty to be greatly desired.  I have presented to you that Christ is the only way to have a relationship with God; because He is the one who bore the wrath of an Almighty, All powerful, Just God who could not look upon man’s unrighteousness. Indeed in our unrighteous state unless we accept Christ as our Savior and receive His cloak of righteousness to cover us we cannot look upon the full Glory of God without being burned by it’s flames.  Exodus 24: "17 And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount"  The magnificence of God’s Glory is so great that we cannot on this earth ever fully see it; but we can see glimpses of it which draw us ever nearer. Exodus 33: "18 And he (Moses) said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.19 And He (God) said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

20 And He (God) said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen."  Christ came in human flesh so that we might gaze upon His face, His love, and His willingness to die in our place.  He had set aside the heavenly Glory which He knew so as to suffer and die in our place.  John 17: "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."

Some would try to say that there are many ways to Heaven and that my insistence in Christ being the only way is intolerant. Others would insist that they have lived a "good life" and therefore deserve heaven.  Some would insist that it is Christ plus works that leads to heaven and that though salvation is somehow procured through Christ it is maintained by our own strength to perform afterwards.  These statements I wish to address below. 

To the first, let me say that Christ Himself has declared, John 14: "6  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Mankind’s condemnation had already been in place.  The mere fact that God has not yet completely destroyed the entire human race is an act of mercy and grace.  The law had been given; but the law could not save mankind–it merely proved what a regenerate bunch we are.  That was why the sacrificial system was needed even in the old testament, pointing toward the Messiah who would pay the penalty for our sins once as the final sacrifice. Therefore, Christ came not to condemn; but to set the sinner free from the chains which bound him and to be the only propitiation for sin.  John 3: "17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil"  There could be no other way to God but the way that He provided at a grave cost to Himself.  We can never appreciate the magnitude of Christ’s Sacrifice unless we comprehend the magnitude of God’s wrath against sin–it is like a consuming fire.  Christ bore the fullness of that wrath in my place.  There is no other means of salvation given to mankind.  Indeed, how much greater could God’s wrath burn than the rejection of His ultimate sacrifice? 

Hebrews 10: "29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."  It is His mercy that allows each sinner to live one more day, to have one more chance to accept His gift of salvation. 

And to those who believe their own works will get them into the presence of God? Romans 3: "10 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."  The very thought of using our own "righteousness" is demonstrative of how self-exalting we really are, thinking ourselves to be glorious on the same level as our Creator.  How foolish we are if we have not seen the darkness which fills our own heart. 

For those who think it is Christ plus works, are you so proud as to believe without His indwelling power that you could ever of your own will perform anything worthy of praise?  Every act of kindness, every moment of grace demonstrated must come from Him.  Did He not say upon the cross "It is finished."?  What can I add to His completed work?  My only hope to ever demonstrate or live out His likeness is to moment by moment die to my own self and look, steadily gazing upon His face of love.  I have no righteousness, but that given to me by Him. 

Yet, if your only reason to seek salvation is to avoid God’s wrath and you do not see Him as Gloriously Beautiful; then, I fear you do not know Him.  So, what are the steps of salvation?

1. I must recognize that God is Holy and I am a sinner undeserving of Grace.

2. I must see God as Gloriously Beautiful, the greatest treasure which I seek with all my heart, mind and soul.  He being so worthy of my praise, that even if He never gave me anything, even if heaven and hell were not on the line–I would still praise Him for Who He Is, the Great I am.

3.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, part of the triune God who came to live on earth in perfect righteousness, take upon Himself the full wrath that I deserved, die on the cross, and is now sitting on His throne at the right Hand of the Father making intercession for all who come to Him believing.

4.  I must then ask Him into my heart.

Below I have included this youtube video I found with an excerpt of an incredible sermon Jonathan Edwards wrote in the 1700’s read by Max Mclean.  You can purchase the sermon in it’s entirety at http://www.listenersbible.com/products/audio-cds/jonathan-edwards-sinners-in-the-hands-of-angry-god?cPath=3 or at the i-tunes store like I did. The sermon is titled "Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlyGmerlknk (Preview)