Welcome to BibleTalk

I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.
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Today’s verse comes from the book of the Bible that seems to be the book least used by far, at least from the pulpit. I will go so far as to say that in practical terms, it is shunned! I have often made the realistic distinction between being righteous versus being religious, however, there is a third thing to consider. And that thing it is one that we rarely speak of—being romantic! That can be a facet of being worldly or of being either religious (though it hardly ever is) or of being righteous, which it should be.

It surely would be if we understood that the cross is the greatest love story ever told! As it is written we know love by this, that Jesus laid down His life for us. {1Jn.3:16} That is true love and it comes with flowers, the ‘Rose of Sharon’ and the Lily of the valleys’! {Sng.2:1}

The world is filled with love stories and love songs. There are many that I enjoy, and often sing to Alice my bride of many, many years, regardless if I am off key or not. Our romance, our relationship was and still is a gift from God. Please remember that the Word of God says that an open rebuke (which you really don’t want) is better than love that is not spoken. {Prov.27:5} If you love somebody—God or your spouse, tell them. And it is not a bad idea to tell others of that love.

Many years ago Alice and I were in the U.K., in North Wales taking part in a week-long conference when Alice got up and left for a few minutes. When she was returning I happened to look up and see her coming across the very crowded room. Walking towards me our eyes locked and the Lord brought to life in me a rarely used verse; “You have made my heart beat faster, my sister, my bride; You have made my heart beat faster with a single glance of your eyes.” {Sng.4:9} It was a great moment in the midst of a great conference—one I believe put a smile on the Lord’s face!

As always, what the Lord calls us to do He instructs us on how to do it. Jesus said we are to do it—to love: ‘With all of our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength.’ {Mar.12: 30} And then it will look like this:

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

GOD IS LOVE