marriage – Speak True Life

Do You Have Perfect, Everlasting Love?

July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 Ms. Wanda6 Comments

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”
Jeremiah 31:3

In this Old Testament scripture, God speaks to the Nation of Israel about his plan to redeem them from their captivity in the future. Inspirationally speaking, God’s love for humans extends to everyone, and it’s why he sent his Son to die for our sins.

Our misunderstanding of God’s love leads us to question all the wickedness we see in the world. Why the death? Why the abuses against human life? Why doesn’t he make everything perfect like him? According to the scriptures:

God is longsuffering with people (Numbers 14:18; 2 Peter 3:9)
God is extending his mercy upon the lost (Ephesians 2:2-4; Titus 3:3)
He’s giving people time to accept his Son (John 6:44-45)
God is allowing the righteous (in Christ) and the wicked to coexist on earth (Matthew 13:29-30)
God has an appointed time for reaping the harvest of saved souls (Revelation 14:14-16)

Some have experienced hurt; others fear the possibility of heartache. But we must realize that God is the only person able to provide us everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) that is so perfect it casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When we place this level of expectation on another to love us, we miss the reality that they are only human – not perfect.

Shift your world view on what love is and seek God’s perspective. Pray for those who love you the best way they know how (parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and other Christians) and are trying to overcome their shortfalls. Ask God for his wisdom to know those who have no desire to learn or try and maintain a safe distance until they want to know God’s way to love.

God is the only perfect, everlasting love.

Valentine’s Eyes

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 Ms. Wanda3 Comments

I dreamed of you in the twilight of sleep;

I heard you call my name.

I felt no anxiety or fear;

I knew you would find me in time.

Covered in experiential bruises healed by divine love,

I walked with assurance toward the sound of your heartbeat.

Excited by the knowledge of you seeking Him to guide me into your path,

I move in contented pace knowing we’ll meet

in the process of time under His beautiful light.

For now, we’ll keep our eyes focused

on the source of our eternity together.

Worth the Wait

like fine wine, the best takes time

December 16, 2019 Ms. WandaLeave a comment

My pastor’s sermon on Sunday, December 8, 2019, was powerful. I wasn’t able to hear it in person since it was my Sunday to teach at the jail. The subject was “Loving One Another.” He expounded on Matthew 22:36-40 and John 13:34-35 for starters. In my notes I wrote down a statement that resonated with me: love embodies all the commands of God because it is the summation of His commandments.

The bottom line is those who believe in Jesus Christ are called to demonstrate a higher standard of love towards one another. I highly recommend you listen to it for yourself and I’ve included the link in the subject title in the previous paragraph. I encourage you to jot down a few notes to gauge your spiritual maturity in this area. I’m convinced you will find the need for adjustments like I did.

man tattooed praying — Photo by Ric Rodrigues on Pexels.com

After listening to the message, I couldn’t help thinking about how it would benefit anyone struggling in a relationship with others. Many people want a relationship with others. My sons and daughters are in their prime, and many of them are considering marriage. Some are struggling in their current marriage or relationship. Too many of them lean on their perspective of relationships instead of praying from God’s perspective.

Unfortunately, the problem is too many think rushing into someone’s arms or bed is a springboard for the love they seek. Yes, genuine love doesn’t automatically materialize out of brokenness. Fast-tracked relationships don’t create the type of permanence desired. They are rush jobs forged by unplanned events or circumstances such as pregnancy or loneliness. To attempt to form loving relationships out of these couplings seldom work out well, though there are exceptions.

broken heart love sad — Photo by burak kostak on Pexels.com

There has to be a way to convey the work required to mend broken vessels. A broken vessel can’t repair a broken vessel. God works hand in hand with his Word to rebuild the brokenness in man. Underneath all of the layers of emotional trauma or baggage, people desire to be known. In spite of their shortcomings and flaws, people want acceptance wrapped in love, respect, protection, and guidance. My sons want wives to reverence them. Likewise, my daughters want husbands who know how to love them as Christ does. It starts with God, the master who makes beauty from ashes, who gives the oil of joy for mourning and a garment of praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness.

The truth is Christ-founded relationships require 100% commitment to work from both parties on both sides. Love isn’t for the lazy of heart and spirit. Without heartfelt dedication to the relationship, it becomes a sinking ship that will go under at some point. The person in the relationship who understands this best is normally the one who ends up doing most of the work. My prayer is that the one whose stronger in faith learn to pray for their mate until they grow in their relationship with God.

For my single children, my prayer is they learn to be content in their singleness for a time. The practice of enjoying being single and alone constitutes perfect timing to allow God to work through the damage without distractions. When Christ is the primary focus in our lives, trust in God grows as the creator of marriage weaves an integral part of the creation story found in the book of Genesis within us. We then come to have faith in his capability to bring the right type of love into our lives. Because God’s timing is the right timing, no one misses out on anything in the quiet time of being loved fully by him.

It’s worth the wait!

But Your Heart

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019 Ms. Wanda1 Comment

You are a wonder to watch day after day and night after night. How I long to hold you in my arms. You are so beautiful. You are so handsome. Your daily routine, impressive. Your goals are attainable. You demonstrate consistent willpower and keep your focus on the rainbows in your view. I marvel at your strength and tenacity in these times of ever-changing roles and lifestyles.

You are a feast for the eyes. You are always well-dressed. You model thrift store purchases as one endowed with riches. Your poise is full of humble confidence. Stylish by all standards. No one would deny you have earned it. Your climb up the corporate ladder is inspiring. Turning your business into a household name noteworthy. Every promotion deserved.

We find you remarkable. We know what you sacrifice to do what you do to give what you give. No one can attest to the time you obligate to others. Many miss how you extend your hand to serve others. Watching you willingly add to your already full plate exhausts me. You lend all of your talents to those around you. Your service in ministry is well-pleasing. You are faithful and so blessed.

I have spent lots of time and words expressing the debt of my love and appreciation for you. I know at the end of the day you returned my love the best way you knew how. It makes me love you even more. I know you have given me everything you feel you possess.

Everything … but your heart!

My Husband’s Love & Embrace

a wife’s covering should leave her longing for the sweetness of his fruit…

July 26, 2018 Ms. WandaLeave a comment

I very much enjoy the alone time I share with my husband. Our love is deepening and growing more intimate day-by-day. One of the many niceties and intimates of our relationship is in how He embraces me, and His gentle kisses. I think one of the strongest emotional bonds we develop in the intimacy of marriage is the power of a hearty^1,2,3 kiss!

Let me make clear that I’m not talking about the impassioned kiss used as the prelude to the sexual doorway. Nope! I’m talking about the unsearchable intimacy that abides in the heart without the aid of the physical.

So, as I’m riding the bus this morning to work I open my book of notes to read. I’m a person who finds it hard to listen or read the Word of God or any inspirational material and not take notes! I came across a note I wrote down taken from the 52 Weeks of Pursuit commentary I am utilizing this year to read through the bible. Paraphrasing Mark Trotter’s words from Week 27, Day 1, my note says:

Utilizing Psalm 91 in its correct context for me as a Believer in this church age both devotionally and inspirationally:

“Secret Place” – intimacy w/Christ – v1 – Song of Solomon 2:3 …

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

As a writer my mind immediately imagined and embraced the following scenario:

I was sitting on the sofa with my husband, leaned in close to his body,

my head tucked into his shoulder, under His shadow with great delight.

His right arm holds me close and I feel safe and secure from all ills.

I am sharing my deepest, most private thoughts and cares

with Him – without fear of rejection or judgment,

knowing confidently that not only was He listening to every word intently,

but that He truly cared about all of my cares, and the things in my heart and mind.

His care for me was like a warm blanket; a cocoon I never wanted to leave.

As I was talking, He stroked my hair, caressed my shoulder,

brushed His lips tenderly across my brow, my forehead, my cheek…

Making sure that in His arms I was reminded and without doubt,

that He was my home, my fortress, my protector, my hope.

He was my King, my husband, and the man of my dreams,

FOREVER-after throughout all of eternity!

And, finding everything I needed and hoped for in His Arms,

with the sweetness of His fruit upon my lips,

I drifted into the most tranquil rest I could ever know.

Coming out of my reverie as I continued my ride into work today, I simply smiled, wiped the tears from my eyes, and gave Thanks to God for the Husband He gave me, who loves me like no other on earth or in heaven!

CRAVINGS: What You Really Want!

Real satisfaction is only experienced through obtaining what your souls truly craves

June 22, 2018 Ms. WandaLeave a comment

It is my belief that in mankind’s pursuits lays the desire for a connection to others beyond customary. Hidden beneath society’s downward spiral into moral madness, and disguised as human rights, politics, justice and the rights of the people, lies very basic needs. Every man, woman, and child has a need to be loved, a need to belong, and a need for true intimacy.

Mention the word intimacy and many things may come to mind, so let me clarify what I’m not talking about. I’m not talking about that physical imitator passed off through verbal graphics of bodies intertwined while the heart remains tucked away untouched and unaffected. I’m not talking about sharing space or pleasantries or moments of time with another. And, I’m not talking about a surface driven state of euphoria that incites our emotions.

Nope — I’m talking about i-n-t-i-m-a-c-y …

I’m talking … a longing for; an ardent (warm, affectionate, passionate) desire
- “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” Psalm 42:1
I’m talking … a very eager or urgent or fervent desire for
- “O GOD, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is;” Psalm 63:1
I’m talking … a deep, almost painful craving
- My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Psalm 84:2

This desire occurs in the deepest, most remote part of our being. It’s seated in our mind and in our heart. It has been covered, concealed and is often replaced with temporary idols in a vain attempt to escape the pain produced when it is unmet in its most genuine, sincere form.

Who on earth doesn’t crave a kindred relationship that makes your eyes light up, your heart warm over with deep appreciation, and your smile spread big and bright across your face? Who hasn’t searched out the kind of intimacy that causes you to voluntarily and unconditionally open your arms to receive, to embrace, to take comfort in, and to bask under the protective covering of another!

black and white color splash fountain pen hand — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

As much as we crave this intimacy, we’ll continue to fall short of experiencing such depth of heart as long as we skirt entering the portal of God, where true intimacy begins. As long as we are willing to run along the edge or remain on the border of detailed knowledge and close association with God, the mind, heart, and soul will continue to have a great thirst for intimacy.

I love the way “Till I Found You” by Phil Wickham paints a picture worth a thousand heartbeats! DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT LISTENING to the video below. In it you will find two beautiful pictures for all of us:

An intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, the source of Salvation where our hunger to be known is met with the confession of our mouth, and the heart belief of God’s all-knowing, all-seeing sovereignty; and
An intimate, loving, committed marriage where the man loves his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife, in turn, reverences her husband.

(imbed)

Song: Till I Found You – PhilWickhamVEVO

Published on May 17, 2018

Never lose sight of the fact that Christ came from his heavenly home specifically to create an opportunity to have intimacy with you by the redemptive power of his blood. The Plan of Salvation is available to YOU!