A wife and husband giving their love to each other
This young husband cannot keep his eyes and hands off his prize. Have a read and be blessed.
Song of Solomon 7:
1 [He ] How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O noble daughter! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand.
2 Your navel is a rounded bowl that never lacks mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies.
3 Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle.
4 Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon, which looks toward Damascus.
5 Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the tresses.
6 How beautiful and pleasant you are, O loved one, with all your delights!
7 Your stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its clusters.
8 I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit. Oh may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the scent of your breath like apples,
9 and your mouth like the best wine.[She ] It goes down smoothly for my beloved, gliding over lips and teeth.
10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.
The Bride Gives Her Love
11 Come, my beloved, let us go out into the fields and lodge in the villages;
12 let us go out early to the vineyards and see whether the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened and the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love.
13 The mandrakes give forth fragrance, and beside our doors are all choice fruits, new as well as old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.
Things to think about…
1. Look at the way this young husband describes his new bride. I don’t know how many young ladies would appreciate being described in such a way as listed in S of S 7:1-5, but clearly the descriptions all have meanings that were appreciated in the ancient near east. Jewels were of immense value, wine represented opulence and pleasure, wheat represented wealth, abundance and blessing. Lillies represent a place of beauty and scented pleasure, an ivory tower represents beauty, power and strength. Pools represent rest, comfort and desire. Purple was a colour that represented sensual wealth and beauty. Palm trees, grape vines and apples, represent abundance, blessing and joy. Let’s ask again, husbands are you fully satisfied with your wives? If not, the issue is with you and not your wife. She is actually God’s gift to you. To be indifferent to the gift is akin to blasphemy towards the Giver. Pray for a renewed view of your wife and a deep work of grace upon your heart if the view of your wife has been tainted by your own sin.
2. This young male lover is unashamed in expressing his desires. He will climb the palm tree and take hold of its fruit, S of S 7:8. He will grab, feel and fondle her breasts and be refreshed by their beauty. The taste of her mouth will be sweet, vs 9. Of course it will, the couple have been drinking wine and eating apples all afternoon. Married men, when was the last time you passionately kissed your wife? Wives, when was the last time you desired it and allowed it? We certainly have the blessing of the Lord in acting on these desires for each other within our marriages.
3. Men, it needs to be said again, chase after your wives. Look at this woman’s statement about her young husband. “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me”, S of S 7:10. She knows he is single minded in his physical and sexual attraction for her. Make sure your wife knows the same about you; that she knows you only have eyes for her and that you are willing to act at any time on those desires.
4. You have often heard about getting away for a dirty weekend. Within marriage, there is nothing ‘dirty’ about it. It is pure and blessed. I would add ‘necessary’ at times as well. S of S 7:11-13 speak of these two lovers getting away for a romantic season alone, in a beautiful, secluded spot, where there is peace, beauty, abundance and solitude. The young bride here says “there I will give you my love”, vs 12. If you want some wonderful sex fellas, take you wives away on a romantic weekend together. Just the you two of you, no kids! When did you last organise to do this with your wife? Times up.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Give it a shot, nothing to lose” – Reading Eccles 11.
1. Solomon had tried everything in life. He had 700 wives, 300 concubines and many building projects and an abundance of wealth. He wanted for nothing, yet his testimony was “all is vanity”. What did he mean?
2. How is a baby who has been still born better than one who has lived a full life yet does not know God. There is encouragement here. Can we be certain all babies go to heaven, what are your thoughts?
3. Christ alone gives us abundance in this life and certainty in the next. Can we be certain? Discuss Eccl 12:13
4. Pray for each other and the outreach of the gospel
Prayer Points
1. John Ward has passed into glory on the 30th Aug – 73yo. Please pray for the family as they prepare funeral arrangements. Funeral service will be held at CBC 10am Mon 12th Sept.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023.
3. Some away through sickness.
4. Ministry leaders within the church.
5. Sunday’s members meeting.
6. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
7. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Sunday’s members’ meeting. Pray for site development and the leaderships wisdom to manage through the process.
2. Many returning back to full health.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Suzy, Melinda and Maddison looking after Kidz at Church. Iman doing the words. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Potjie and Braai Sunday morning – remember to bring salads, etc. Meat and rolls provided. Service will be outside. Bring comfortable chairs and a hat. Cutlery provided.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 8. What will happen to the righteous in the day of judgment? A. They shall live with Jesus Christ forever, in a new heaven and a new earth.
