LOVE LETTER

There are readers of this blog who have been with me for years and there are those who recently joined our fun and games.  Depending upon when you started reading and, if you knew me before I began blogging  (a long time ago--I think I am on my 3rd or 4th blog) you may or may not know the person behind the blog face.  I change almost as often as I seem to move--SIGH!   Once again I am using the book I am reading as my inspiration.  I hope this gives you a hunger to read it since it has been one of the best books I have read in a while.  That report is coming--I am over half way finished--but it is a book which requires relishing--NOT a fast read.

One certainty is the deeper we know the writer--the more we will understand their written word.  Once again--the advent of the internet has not been the friend of the hand written letter.  There are so many forms of communication today including podcasts, chatrooms, and other social platforms that written communication is slowly dwindling to a trickle.  Hopefully, the more I write--and you read---you will begin to "know" me and understand the nuances and meaning behind what I am trying to say.  You will understand when I am being tongue in cheek without me having to tell you.  My intent will be crystal clear and you will understand where my thoughts come from and what motivates them.  The more we are together--the better we will know each other--especially if you are a regular commenter who gives me the opportunity to know you.

  I have an old letter written by my Daddy to my mother during WW II when he was stationed in the European theater.   I can almost hear his voice when I read it and know the very tone his endearments would have.  If I showed you the letter, you would think it was sweet---BUT since you did not know my dad---it would not have the same deep emotional meaning it does to me.  The better we know the writer--the more we understand the meaning and tone behind the flat words on the page.

God's Word is a letter to us---a letter filled with His great love for us.  The more we get to know God---the better we will understand His letter to us.  With time spent with Him seeking Him, communicating with Him, we will grow closer and closer to understanding His intent--and motivation.  His great love for us---His Beloved.  I pray we all can read His Word and take the time to ponder Who the author is, what our history is with Him, and remembering His intent.  I pray it will become God's precious love letter to each and everyone of us.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love:

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

Jeremiah 31:3

LOVE LETTERS

 

At times when a blog topic hits me between the eyes, a song may go with it.  I immediately thought of this song when I was inspired by our small group study to write about love letters.  If you are from my generation, you are welcome for having this song stuck in your head all day.  The original version was written in 1945 and has been recorded by many artists.  Short and to the point, love letters reminds us of the power of the written word--especially when it is a personal letter.

Many of you have a box filled with loved letters stored away somewhere.  I have friends who speak of keeping every letter they have ever received.  What could be more valuable-more cherished than a letter affirming one's love for you?  Is there not a deep seeded need in all of us to be loved?  The letter is the proof--the confirmation of someone's love for us.

The author of our group study is Priscilla Shirer (daughter of Tony Evans).  When I am reading the study, I do not think about the author, I ponder on the truths contained in the book.  Her quote in tonight's video session brought this all home to roost.  "The difference in a book and a letter is the attention you pay to the author." 

If you write me a love letter, I am taking your missive personally and soaking in those words written for me.  I am remembering who wrote those words and that they are intended for me.  Reflecting on our relationship, those words become messages to my very heart.  I do not read the letter as a story --words flat on a page.  The combination of the author and the words give it a special meaning--highly personal.

So it is with God's Word to us--His Love Letter to His Beloved.  As our relationship deepens and grows with The Father, His letter to us becomes not just words on a page, but words sent to us--personally.  It takes on the character of an intimate -personal letter filled with His love for us.  A very special love letter---

"God told them,

'I've never quit loving you and never will.

Expect love, love, and more love!' "

Jeremiah 31:3 (The Message)