“[You have called me a garden, she said] Oh, I pray that the [cold] north wind and the [soft] south wind may blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out [in abundance for you in whom my soul delights].” (Song of Solomon 6:16, AMP) 

In Song of Solomon, the Shulamite maiden is likened to a garden. Acknowledging the distinction, she invites both harsh and gentle winds to blow upon her—cool, soft breezes for enjoyment, and more powerful winds to release her fragrance, the spices of her garden.

In a similar way you are the Lord’s garden. Matters of Kingdom life sometimes seem harsh but, for perspective, consider the concept of judgment. Though seemingly harsh, judgment is often the divine means to a desirable end. Judgment brings pressure that magnifies; judgment exposes without discrimination, both good and bad, and in the process, we are free to choose, to discard the bad and strengthen the good. God’s people are His garden. His redeemed people shall be as “a well-watered garden, a people who shall not sorrow any more at all.” 

For us, judgment is a distinction. Our merciful Lord judges, and we also judge our lives, producing change based on judgment of what is righteous for us, and what is not.

Amen. 

Song of Solomon 4:16, NLT | Isaiah 58:11 | Jeremiah 31:12 | 1 Corinthians 11:31 | Verses@Once

Most people can admit to times when the line of mature, thoughtful behavior was crossed, and careless or foolish conduct found expression in words that were likewise careless and foolish—not good. Simply put, foolishness is the absence of wisdom.

So, if single occurrences of foolishness stood alone, isolated from the rest of our lifestyle, that might be one thing, but actually, the opposite is true. Actions attract and words establish. A stroll on the wrong side of the line sets in motion allegiance(s) we’d never purposefully choose, the fruit of which we will experience in a future setting.

The point is this. We should discipline our behavior and not be careless with our words. Always, always remember, words have power: God said, “Light be!” and the whole universe flooded with light. Words create. Those creative words train those around you, so, in fact, it will be as you say. Children, for example, watch, listen, and imitate what they see… and hear.  

Words that are full of life are wisdom’s mark. A wise man builds on rock—not sand.

Amen. 

Matthew 7:24-26

The person who has experienced God is never at the mercy of those who have not. Experience moves you beyond those religious arguments—beyond those who know nothing of the Spirit and their contradictions from a secular view. 

In relationship with the Father we experience His love and are forever connected to Him! As His people, we have a permanent invitation to spend time with Him. Alone with Him we gain answers and understanding… “And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” 

Jesus taught, and crowds gathered. Of those who stopped to listen, some went back to their routines, but others stayed, investing time. To them, Jesus explained all things.  

Relationship takes time. Those remaining outside don’t understand or experience the Lord; but as disciples in relationship with Him, we glean from that vital connection and share with Him all things pertaining to His Kingdom.   

For the one who truly knows God, the connection is vital. 

Amen. 

John 17:20-23 | Mark 4:33-34 | Mark 4 | Verses@Once

Faith is evidence. Others read what we believe in our actions—the way we respond to any situation, especially crisis situations, reflects what we truly believe. We are established, not merely in desire, but more deeply and “by faith” in what we believe from God’s Word. Desire alone, even strong desire, cannot produce faith’s result; and desire alone frequently ends in disappointment, even unbelief.

God moves in sync with His Word. When our desires conform to His Word, we move with Him. We obey Him, and faith finds its completion—the Kingdom advances, greater levels of faith are attained, and the heart expands to believemore! Our part is to believe Him… not the situation. 

Faith is evidence. Faith is evident.

Amen.

Hebrews 11

The Lord systematically opened and uncovered events and strategies that were meant for harm. He inclined His ear to our prayer and responded. He stretched forth HIS arm and right hand, extending over the earth THE rod of authority.

Hellish strategies did not prevail. Evil, wicked plots are sprawled out and exposed, examples of love’s prayerful watching for men, women, and children in every nation. Every person hears an element of His calling as they see His divine watch care. He will have His desire in an open show of His power—love in action.

Marching orders are given. Governments change their policies; gatherings of people recognize a different Spirit is moving. Nothing is withheld, for the Lord does not withhold. Heaven’s sound grows louder as creation awakes to the Creator’s greatness. Creation is restored and elevated to the greatness He intended then advances to join the uncovering.

Amen.

Matthew 10:26 | Luke 12:2 | Verses@Once

Many feel alone, isolated in some way. Not because of anything they have done but rather a consequence of events taking place around them. Our Lord also experienced these feelings. He knew the pain of related misunderstandings. He also knew the Father in such depth and trusted Him with such conviction that painful circumstances paled in comparison. Jesus was faithful in consistent stewardship of each day.

You are not alone! Do not fear for your future. Fear is the troubler of those now facing life-altering possibilities as the whole world shifts geopolitically. In the shift, everything will be shaken; and in the shaking, wrong things long tolerated will become more emboldened. Your choosing must be truth… the truth of God’s Word that He will never leave or forsake you!    

Dignity derives from being faithful, and faithfulness comes with conviction that the Lord is also faithful; he conveys peace to override loneliness and isolation. Wavering in confidence toward the Lord—that He will never leave or forsake us—is precisely the temptation resulting when pressures increase, and contradictions arise. 

When I waver, I stop short of the highest mark of what I claim to have heard from the Lord. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing is also the way fear comes. So, don’t panic—don’t allow your mind to redirect to fear when God has already spoken faithfully. 

No matter what, commit to maintaining your dignity in God. Head up, shoulders straight, think clearly, one day at a time. You can do anything one day at a time! Decide the Lord has purpose in the situation, possibly even to change your purpose. Patiently allow Him to marry the two, His purpose and yours. 

And be thankful; there is always a fourth man in the furnace! 

Amen.

John 16:31-33, NLT| Matthew 26:40-42 | Mark 14:37-39 | Hebrews 12:26-27 | Daniel 3:24-28 | Verses@Once