On Saturday I decided to do something totally different. I went for a wander in the bush with my camera and asked God to speak to me. Instead of completing a bushwalk and ticking this off as an achievement, I was able to spend time admiring God's creation and marvel what an amazing way He has designed everything to work together so well. And I did not see a snake!.
Some of the photos that were taken are below. I was so amazed at the variety of God's creation and how everything worked together so well. It was quite a different experience just enjoying God's creation and admiring His creativity and brilliance in design.
When I walked down the hill to one of my favourite places by the river, I sat and opened my new Passion Translation Bible. Being a bloke, I never go to Song of Songs .... until this day. God opened the Bible to Song of Songs Chapter 2 starting at Verse 10. It was a real encouragement to me.
The one I love calls to me:
Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling. Come away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out.
God has heard my plea and He has come to lead me out! He loves me in a way that is beyond my understanding.
For now is the time, my beautiful one. 11 The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone.
This tough season is coming to an end. It is time for a new season!!
The rains have soaked the earth 12 and left it bright with blossoming flowers.
The rain is a symbol for the Holy Spirit!
The season for singing and pruning the vines has arrived. I hear the cooing of doves in our land, filling the air with songs to awaken you and guide you forth.
The doves only were heard around harvest time. Not only is it a new season, but the harvest is also just around the corner.
13 Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth. The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air.”
Today is a new day of destiny. There are signs everywhere. Change is in the air!
Arise, my love, my beautiful companion, and run with me to the higher place. For now is the time to arise and come away with me. 14 For you are my dove, hidden in the split-open rock. It was I who took you and hid you up high in the secret stairway of the sky. Let me see your radiant face and hear your sweet voice. How beautiful your eyes of worship and lovely your voice in prayer.
I love this... Our eyes of worship and voice of prayer are something that gives God delight
15 You must catch the troubling foxes, those sly little foxes that hinder our relationship. For they raid our budding vineyard of love to ruin what I’ve planted within you. Will you catch them and remove them for me? We will do it together.
I am committed to having God reveal and remove anything that comes between me and Him. My relationship is so precious He will help me remove anything that is not of Him and that destroys our relationship!
I pray that this is encouraging to you. God loves you more deeply than you will ever realise and there are good things ahead when we love Him and seek Him with all our hearts.