PBI Week 3 Gwen Mouliert Destroying the Works of the Enemy

 Hometown Memories Rahter Song of Solomon 8:5-14

"Embraced by Love: 

Insights from Song of Solomon 7-8:4.”

Solomon's profound love for his bride illustrates God's love for us. Just as Solomon cherishes every aspect of his beloved, God delights in every detail of our being. His love is not based on our performance or achievements but flows freely, embracing us.

Even when we struggle with self-doubt or insecurity, God's love remains constant and unwavering. It's a love that surpasses understanding, reaching into the depths of our souls and lifting us up with its boundless grace.

Like Solomon's complete acceptance of his bride, flaws, and all, God embraces us with a love that knows no bounds. He sees past our shortcomings and imperfections, seeing instead the beauty and potential within us.

Understanding the depth of God's love can be a humbling yet liberating experience. Instead of dwelling on our flaws or comparing ourselves to others, we are called to embrace who we are, knowing that we are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe.

When we surrender our fears and insecurities to God, we open ourselves to His transformative power. His love can heal our wounds, mend our brokenness, and empower us to live fully as the individuals He created us to be.

So, instead of being consumed by self-criticism or negativity, let us choose gratitude and thanksgiving, knowing that we are loved beyond measure. As we trust in God's plan for our lives, we can rest assured that He continually works for our good, shaping us into vessels of His unfailing love and grace.

Echoes of Love Rekindles the Heart Song of Solomon 6 Dave Roberts

The Garden of Love

Song of Solomon 5

Verse: Song of Solomon 5:1 (NIV) "I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk."

In the sacred garden of our hearts, God desires to dwell. Just as the Lover in Song of Solomon joyfully enters the garden of his beloved, God longs to enter the garden of our hearts. What does it mean for our hearts to be His garden?

1. Cultivating the Soil of Surrender: To be God's garden is to surrender the soil of our hearts to Him. Just as a gardener tends to the earth, we must allow God to cultivate our hearts with the richness of His Word and the water of His Spirit. Surrendering means letting go of the weeds of doubt, fear, and self-reliance, allowing His love to take root deeply within us.

2. Blooming in Love and Obedience: A garden blooms with an array of vibrant flowers, each unique and beautiful. Similarly, our hearts, when surrendered to God, blossom in love and obedience. Loving God with all our heart means obeying His commands, aligning our will with His, and allowing the fragrance of His love to emanate from our lives.

3. Nourished by His Presence: In the garden of our hearts, God desires to feast with us. As we spend time in His presence, partaking in the richness of His Word and the sweetness of communion with Him, our souls are nourished. It is in the quiet moments of prayer and reflection that the garden of our hearts becomes a place of intimacy with our Heavenly Lover.

4. Guarding Against Intruders: A well-tended garden requires protection from intruders who seek to harm its beauty. In the same way, we must guard our hearts against the influences that threaten to choke out the love of God. Guard against bitterness, unforgiveness, and worldly distractions, ensuring that the garden of your heart remains a sacred space for God's dwelling.

As we reflect on Song of Solomon 5, let us invite God into the garden of our hearts. Let us surrender, bloom in love and obedience, be nourished by His presence, and guard against anything that hinders our intimate relationship with Him. May our hearts be a fragrant offering, a beautiful garden where the love of God thrives abundantly.

Pastor Steve and Laurie Rahter

Song of Solomon 4

"A Blessed Example"

Themes - Devotion, faithfulness, encouragement, example

2/4/24 The Divine Game of Seek: Navigating Seasons of Withdrawal and Renewed Devotion Joshua Kennedy Song of Solomon 3:1-11 

In the intricate dance of divine devotion, our connection with the Lord mirrors the essence of a profound game – a celestial hide-and-go-seek. In the sacred echoes of Song of Solomon 3:1-11, we discover seasons when the Almighty purposefully withdraws, not to abandon us but to kindle within us a fervent pursuit.

As a father revels in the joy of his children seeking him in a game of hide and go seek, so does the Creator delight in our relentless pursuit. The Lord does not conceal Himself where He cannot be found; instead, He hides where we ardently seek and can discover Him. It is a divine invitation to engage intimately, a deliberate act to stir our hearts to seek Him with passion and persistence.

Much like the pain of separation experienced when distanced from loved ones, the Lord's withdrawal serves a purpose. It is a poignant reminder of our constant need for Him. Just as a returning father embraces his family with overwhelming joy, the reunion with our heavenly Father is filled with boundless love and affection. Though challenging, these periods of divine concealment cultivate a profound appreciation for the subtle nuances of His presence in our lives – the fragrance of His grace and expressions of His love.

In these moments of perceived distance, we are summoned to draw nearer to the divine, recognizing our role as the crown of the Lord, designed to reflect His glory. It is a challenging yet necessary journey, compelling us to respond with unwavering surrender in all seasons of life, uttering sincerely, "Lord, Have Your Way!" Through the game of hide and go seek, we learn to discern His presence and witness His works with heightened awareness, forging a more profound connection that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly trials.

Praise Tabernacle
2235 Ocean Heights Ave.
EHT, NJ 08234
(609) 402-8869

1/28/24 Dear Solomon Song of Solomon 2:8-17 Pastor Steve Rahter

Key topics - Longing, Intimacy, Obstacles

Do you recall the exhilaration of falling headlong into the enchanting embrace of love, that sacred moment when intimacy became an indelible part of your story?

"Awakened Love," as depicted in the Song of Solomon, transcends the ordinary, revealing a divine tapestry woven with threads of passion and spiritual connection. These verses explore the profound parallels between human love and the intimate relationship the Lord desires with His beloved, the church.

Verse 1:15: “How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves.”

Doves, ancient symbols of lovemaking, signify a profound bond found in the gaze shared during intimacy. In the same way, the Lord yearns for us to perceive His gaze upon us, acknowledging our beauty and the depth of His love.

Verses 1:16-17: “How handsome you are, my beloved, And so delightful! Indeed, our bed is luxuriant! The beams of our house are cedars, Our rafters, junipers.”

In this exchange, Solomon and the Shulamite woman mirror the reciprocal nature of love. It is a dance, a symphony of words and affections. Similarly, our adoration towards the Lord, expressed through praise and worship, creates an intimate space where we encounter His manifest presence.

Verses 2:1-2 “I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys.” “Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the young women.”

The bride and groom’s dialogue continues, emphasizing the uniqueness of their relationship. Similarly, our connection with the Lord is exclusive, marked by the divine nature He bestows upon us. We are the apple tree in a barren forest, producing fruit through His love.

Verses 2:3-6 “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the young men.” ... “His left hand is under my head, And his right-hand embraces me.”

As the couple exchanges words of admiration, we recognize our exceptional status among God's creation. His love sustains us, refreshing us like raisin cakes and apples. His love produces the fruit of His divine nature within us.

Verse 2:7: “Swear to me, you daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field, That you will not disturb or awaken my love Until she pleases.

1/14/23 A Model of Love Pastor Steve & Laurie Rahter Song of Solomon 1:1-14 Love Returned Series Song of Solomon 1:1-14Song of Solomon 1:1-14Song of Solomon 1:1-14

1/7/23 Love Returned Pastor Joshua Kennedy and Deone Braithwaite