Love Pursues

Don't forget to register for the giveway of the book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers  It is the best love story and book (outside the Bible) that I have EVER read!  I am so excited to share it with you!  You can register by
1. Liking or commenting on my blog on facebook
2. Becoming a new follower of my blog
3. Sharing my blog on facebook (just be sure to let me know if you do either #2 or #3 so I don't miss you!
4. Commenting on the blog

I will close the registration on Thursday at midnight and announce the winner on Friday. 

"Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away!  O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."

This quote above is not from the latest Twilight book or romance novel.  It is from Song of Songs 2:13-14 in the Bible. 

Yesterday was Valentine's Day.  A day of romance, a day set apart to celebrate love.  Perhaps you had a romantic evening with the one you love or.... perhaps not.  Chris and I plan to have a date night this weekend.  He was romantic, though.  He gave me a beautiful necklace.  Thank you, Honey!  

Did you know you have a God who not only adores you, but is also romantic?  This book of Song of Songs in the Bible is pretty racy actually.  You may *blush* while reading it.  You will also hear the voice of the Lord in it.  You will hear Him pouring out His heart to you.  You will hear Him romancing you.  You will hear Him pursuing you. 

Love pursues.  

Last night and this morning, God led me to read the whole book of Hosea. I have to admit, I don't remember reading the whole book before and I haven't heard much, if any, teaching on it.  The first exposure I had to this book was when I heard that the book I am giving away this week, "Redeeming Love", was inspired by it. That information peaked my curiosity about it. 

In the book of Hosea, the Lord instructs Hosea to marry a prostitute.  Hosea loves this woman even when she returns to a life of prostitution again and again.  Hosea loves this woman who is unfaithful to Him and betrays Him and His love.  He pursues her and brings her back and loves her.  How many men would really do that?  Perhaps Hosea stands alone on that one.  Alone with Christ.  
 
Can I tell you what I hear when I read Hosea?  I hear the Lord, crying out to His people to turn back to Him.  I hear the Lord heartbroken over those He loves who refuse to love Him in return.  I hear the Lord pursuing the people He loves.  

Our God continues to pursue us, to draw us to Him.  He longs for us to be close to Him and stay faithful.  He desires greater intimacy with us.  He wants us to be abandoned to Him and His love rather than loving the things and pursuits this world has to offer. 

God is pursuing you, He is inviting you to come away with Him, to go to higher levels with Him in the clefts of the rocks.  He is longing to hear your voice, for you to seek His face. Will you answer Him?  Will you pursue Him?