A MATTER OF FAITH: WORSHIP

CONTINUED STUDY OF THE BOOK: SONG OF SOLOMON

As I was meditating on Song of Solomon chapter one the word “worship” came to mind. What is worship? It is to exalt; to adore intensely. Scrivener, my writing program- Word for writers,  defines worship as: profound love and adoration. In chapter one of the Songs I see the beginnings of love, adoration and exaltation.

1 JOHN 4:7-13
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 

How can you love someone till death do you part if you don’t know who he really is? Far to many people focus on the sexual aspects of a relationship and fail to develop true intimacy. Your personal relationship with God is the first step towards a life long relationship with someone else.

“If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” How can you love your spouse if you don’t love God?  If you view the Song of Solomon simply as a relationship between a man and a woman it can become a lustful poem. Yes, I think the poem is sexy not sexual. It is personal worship meant to draw the listner closer.

JAMES 4:7-8
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Warning: you will be intimate with God or intimate with the Devil. Though the blessings of God requires a personal knowledge of who He is, Satan does not care if you acknowledge him or not.

Literally Song of Solomon is about the developing relationship between a man and a woman. A godly
relationship is between a man and a woman marriage makes them one. A relationship outside of a god sanctioned marriage is of the Devil.

A typological view of Song of Solomon sees the literal aspects of the Songs but searches deeper within the words. It is a challenge to go deeper into the word of God and learn more.

PSALM 42:7
Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 

Yes, it is when you go deeper into Scripture that you develop the foundations of faith.

PSALM 42:7 THE EXPANDED VERSION
·Troubles have come again and again [L- Deep calls to deep], ·sounding like waterfalls [L- at the sound of your torrents; C: waters represent distress; 69:1–2]. Your waves and your breakers ·are crashing all around [L- pass over] me.

The word is not always literal which is why you have to put all things in context.

Song of Solomon is a lesson in getting to know someone personally. It is a lesson in getting to know God intimately.

PSALM 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 

The Songs is about an experience that leads to adoration. It is about falling in love which leads to worship. David said in Psalm 34 “taste and see”; the Shulamite woman spoke of her beloved lying between her breast (S.O.S. 1:13)- you will not “get” this until you experience his presence.

PSALM 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 

To worship Him is more than singing a slow song. Your challenge is to forget about the world around you and what “they” say and allow the Spirit of God to lead you.


SONG OF SOLOMON 1:8-17

The Beloved
If you do not know, O fairest among women, follow in the footsteps of the flock, and feed your little goats beside the shepherds’ tents. I have compared you, my love,to my filly among Pharaoh’s chariots. Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with chains of gold.
The Daughters of Jerusalem
We will make you ornaments of gold with studs of silver.
The Shulamite
While the king is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance. A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, that lies all night between my breasts. My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blooms in the vineyards of En Gedi.
The Beloved
Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.
The Shulamite
Behold, you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant! Also our bed is green. The beams of our houses are cedar, and our rafters of fir.

God sees the good in you, He sees you as you are not as people say you are. It is the Spirit of God that will help you, guide you. You are, indeed, covered by the blood of Jesus (Revelations 1:5). Father God wants you to come, into His secret place.

PSALM 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

“Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair!” God does not make mistakes! Man will gladly list your faults but God will tell you how wonderful you are.

PSALM 139:4
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  

Like the Shulamite woman you must develop an aprreciation for how He sees you. You must see the beauty of Jesus’ disfigured body from the 39 lashes, the holes in His hands and feet from the nails that secured Him to the cross. You absolutely must see how much He loved you and declare: “Behold, you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!”  This is worship.

1 JOHN 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us. 

- It is a MATTER OF FAITH written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON STUDY  reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
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NETTIE-ISM: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

The reason you don’t have what you know the Word of God says you could have is because of your unbelief.

LUKE 1:37-38
For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

MATTHEW 13:58
Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

MARK 9:24
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

We all have enough faith

MATTHEW 17:20
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

I once thought faith and belief were synonymous. My faith is unchangeable knowledge; my belief is how that knowledge applies to me.

• I know that Jesus heals; will he heal me?
• I know that God promises to supply all of my needs; will I receive what I need?

It is this doubt that delays the manifestation of God’s promises.

A few years ago I wrote BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR ME - understanding the foundations of faith. I released the first few chapters as an ebook which is available via Smashwords. I have shared certain parts of it both in public and on my blog.  The full volume will soon be available as a print book on AMAZON. For me BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR ME is a reminder of why God will answer my prayers. In order not to doubt you have to know what you believe and have faith in your belief.

xxx written by Marsha L F Randolph

Available in  ALL ebook formats via SMASHWORDS

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR 

A MATTER OF FAITH: A MATTER OF THE HEART

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:6-17

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:13

A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, that lies all night between my breasts.

The image when reading this is a man laying on a womans’ chest. Should I say bare chest? The implication is that of intimacy. The Voice translation cleans up the imagery a bit by extracting “all night”.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:13 THE VOICE
My love is close to my heart, like a sachet of myrrh tucked between my breasts.

But there is nothing wrong with being intimate with the Lord at night.

PSALM 63:3-6
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 

PSALM 139:7-8
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 

It is important to know that God is always with you.

Hebrews 13:5 (King James Version)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

STUDYING NOTE: Of all the books of the Bible I have read I think this is one of the most complex. Most people can see the relationship that is developing between a man and a woman but that does not negate the developing relationship between the Lord and  His church. I believe- chapter one reveals how a believer places God in his or her heart; it is a very personal relationship. When we walk in the spirit we can see the things of the Spirit. By verse 6, in chapter one of the Songs, the reader will see the relationship between Christ and the church.  

*From Thomas Nelson’s The KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE - Full Color Edition; 2017 Comment I read: Song of Solomon 1:8-10.“Solomon begins speaking to the maiden at this point, although some interpreters delay his speech until verse 9 and ascribe verse 8 to the daughters of Jerusalem. Since there is a distinction in the Hebrew verb forms between feminine and masculine, in most cases it is easy to determine the identity of the speaker. However, not all ambiguity is removed as verse 8 attests.” 

This is again a reminder of the nuances of biblical interpretation and the reason we must trust the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us wisdom.


David wrote both Psalm 63 and 139, he was a worshipper. True worship comes out of an intimate knowledge. If you cannot accept the idea and appreicate the fact that God is with you 24 hours a day seven days a week then how do you embrace being married to one person till death do you part? The intimacey we have with God is beyond that of sexual pleasure as it should be with our spouse.

King David, a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22), could not build God’s temple but he was able to gather the supplies. David got the best of the best, supplies, because he understood that God was worthy of the best.

MATTHEW 26:7-8
There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 

David was a king, the woman with the alabaster box was a prostitute (Luke 7:36-39) they both experienced intimacy with God.

Song of Solomon 1:13 NIV
My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.

Myrrh was both valuable and contains healing property. Today a half an ounce (3 teaspoons) would cost about $5. It has a sweet woodsy smell- definitely a masculine scent.

The church should smell like Jesus. A believer should smell like Jesus. We should be so wrapped up in the Lord that when we are around others they know that we have been in His presence.

LEVITICUS 26:31
And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours. 

The Bible tells us to be salt, light.

Matthew 5:13-16 (King James Version)
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

When we develop an intimate relationship with the God through Jesus with the help of the Spirit we give off a sweet scent.

PHILIPPIANS 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 

REVELATION 5:8
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 

There is a direct relationship between your prayers and your scent.

REVELATION 8:3-4
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 

A personal relationship with the Father God is more than just you saying a set of words. It is a matter of the heart. How intense is your love?   - It is a MATTER OF FAITH written by Marsha L F Randolph

Available in eBook format via SMASHWORDS

COMING SOON: BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR ME PART I AND II in PRINT! 

A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON STUDY  reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
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NETTIE-ISMS: DEATH BED CONFESSIONS

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A few months ago I debated with a brother in Christ regarding those who make last minute confessions of faith. He believes that this is not valid and I disagreed with him. There was a man who was on a cross next to Jesus who was promised an eternity with Him because of his last minute confession.

HOWEVER, this past month I have been asked to pray for  the salvation of people who were in their last hours. These individuals had been presented the gospel but ignored it. Family members were asking everyone to pray that their loved one would be saved before taking their last breath.

If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth you shall be saved. A bedside mouth confession is not salvation.  Hoping in your heart that God will spare your life is not salvation.

GOING TO THE ALTER AT CHURCH IS NOT SALVATION.

ROMANS 10:10 "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." 

YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART FIRST!

I remember ministering to a gentleman about our Lord and Savior, our conversations began long before he was bedridden. His confession of faith was the result of hours of ministering which resulted in a change in his heart.

The man on the cross next to Jesus had a change of heart. “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Luke 23:41-42 KJV)  He was truly repentant of his behavior, willing to accept the consequences and asked the Lord only for mercy. The thief understood that there was nothing he could do or say that would allow him to spend eternity with God except through Jesus.

Yes, I believe in death bed confessions but only if there was a heart conversion first. 
                                                                                           xxx written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR

A MATTER OF FAITH- TAKING CARE OF MYSELF

SONG OF SOLOMON - TAKING CARE OF MYSELF       

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:6
Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept. “But my own vineyard I have not kept.” 




Today I see many people taking the time to adorn themselves. Men get manicures and pedicures just like women.  False hair, weave, is a multi-million (if not billion) dollar industry. Designer clothes are sold at a premium and Mary Kay is still a successful company; she died in 2001. People are very good at maintaining the fence around the vineyard but fail to maintain what helps the fruit grow. Far to many people think they are not worthy of the love of a healthy loving relationship especially the love of God - “Do not look upon me,” because I am not ready.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

People judge by appearance but God judges the heart. It is a false assumption to believe that people who wear nice clothes to church have it all together. A manicured lawn is not the sign of a manicured household, chaos could be behind the doors.

JEREMIAH 2:32
Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.

Whatever the reason, many get very busy with things. People plan their time and money to go on a vacation. Friends take time out to celebrate a birth, marriage or birthday. But God has been given 2 hours on Sunday and maybe 10 to 15 minutes during the week, time permitted.

He is not a microwave oven. You cannot spend 30 seconds with God and expect all of your problems to be done.

The Shulamite woman was so busy serving, caring for the family vineyards, that she did not have time to care for herself. The story of Mary and Martha elaborates on this concept. (Luke 10:38-42) Despite the need to feed their house guest Mary chose to feed her soul first, Martha on the other hand thought it was more important to make sure that everyone’s physical needs were met.

LUKE 10:41-42
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

In order to grow a person must feed his or her soul.

Both the Shulamite woman and Martha were busy doing what they thought was necessary work.  Matha went to Jesus and declared: “Look at what I am doing? Mary isn’t helping me to do.” The Shulamite woman turned to her friends and said: “I have not had time to take care of myself and now the king is coming.”

MATTHEW 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We need to develop a Mary mindset, make sitting in the presence of the Lord a priority.

PSALM 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 

NOTE: The KJV uses the term ‘heathen” in Psalm 46:10 whereas the NKJV and other translations use the term “nations” both are acceptable. The implication- non-believers will exalt the Lord. 

If you are to busy to spend an unlimited amount of time with the Lord then you are to busy.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:6
Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.

Women enter unhealthy relationships because they believe they are not good enough for “Mr Right”. When the right person comes along they make excuses as to why they cannot be in that relationship.

Despite regular church attendance far to many Believers lack spiritual growth and development. How long had the Shulamite woman been working in the vineyards? It was not until she encountered the king that she became concered about her appearance. It is the same with our faith: we do not focus on our spirit until we encounter the King.

Many people say they are a Christian yet they do not know who Jesus is. He is the Son of God, He is God, He is Lord. People know of God but they do not know God.

PHILIPPIANS 3:9-10 THE VOICE
When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.  I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death,

Just as the union of a man and woman in marriage is personal so is that of the Believer and the Lord. It is a personal relationship with Him that is developed over a period of time.

Taking care of yourself begins with taking care of your soul.

JOHN 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

The first step in taking care of yourself is to allow Jesus to be Lord of your life. To do this you must believe that He is who Scripture says He is. 

There are no majic words, no sacrid actions- it is a matter of faith and belief. Many people have gone to the “alter” at church and said a series of words, was recognized by the body and then went on his or her way without any true understanding. Being dunked in a body of water means nothing if you do not have that personal relationship with the Lord.

ROMANS 10:9-10 THE VOICE
So if you believe deep in your heart that God raised Jesus from the pit of death and if you voice your allegiance by confessing the truth that “Jesus is Lord,” then you will be saved!  Belief begins in the heart and leads to a life that’s right with God; confession departs from our lips and brings eternal salvation.

 — written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR

LIVING BETTER: STEWARDSHIP

We are given things and then we want more. The company Apple makes millions, if not billions, of dollars because people want what they do not have despite having more than what they need. Our ancestors cared for what they had, purchased what they needed and did not focus on what they did not have. Successful marketing has created a false belief that a person needs more than what they have or can afford.

A steward is one who takes care of someone or something. Most people are good stewards over a few things and a person or select group of persons but there are things they neglect. I know many people who have cracked the screen of their cell phone, in the many years I have had a cell phone I have never cracked the screen- it is how you care for the phone that makes the difference. Far to many individuals neglect a spouse or a parent yet would do anything for a friend. To know that the screen on your cell phone is fragile but not take the necessary precautions to protect it is a lack of steward ship. To not care for your spouse or ignore your parents even though the Bible tells us to love them is a lack of stewardship.

Why is stewardship important? Because if you cannot care for what you have you will struggle to get more.

• A person can get more money for an automobile that has been carefully maintained despite it being an older model if it was cared for.
• A husband and a wife  will have a better matter if they care for one another despite their differences. 
• A person will be financially ready for an emergency if she has not spent her money on things she wanted but did not need.Things like a new cell phone when the old one still works, or new shoes when there is a closet full.  A person will be financially ready for an emergency if he has not spent his money on things he did not need.

Financially stewardship, how you manage the money you have, means something different in many churches than what I believe God intended; or at least what they present to the congregation. It is more than giving tithes and offerings. (I discuss this at length in my ebook BROKEN AND NOT A$HAMED.)

• In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-29) Jesus taught about what a person does with his or her money. No where does it mention someone giving to the church.
• Jesus chastises the religious leaders because they have neglected their parents. (Matthew 15:6-9)
• Jesus even corrected the disciples who thought it was better to make money on some very expensive oil than to use it on Him. (Matthew 26:6-13)

The most important task we have is to be good stewards of our relationships.  Be a good wife to your husband, a good husband to your wife. Be  a parent that raises a child to know and believe the word of God. Be a good child to your parents, honor them. Be a friend. Stewardship is not about having stuff or not having stuff it is about caring for and appreciating what you have.  -- written by Marsha L F Randolph

The words written are based on my personal experience and knowledge and are not presented as advice; I am not a medical professional. The reader is encouraged to do his or her own research. 
Marsha L F Randolph is a recognized LIVING WELL COACH through THE AIM COMPANIES. 
For more information email: Marsha@mycountrycityproject@gmail.com 
Check out Nettie’s YouTube Channel NETTIE F R  MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT 
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NETTIE-ISM- THINK GOOD THOUGHTS

A person should think of himself in a positive way; be the best you that you can be,  don’t think you are better someone else.

ROMANS 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 

Think good thoughts about yourself but don’t think more highly of who you are than you ought to. Everyone is different, you cannot compare yourself with others nor should you compare others to you. Think soberly knowing that God has given each person the same amount of faith but a different gift (1 Corinthians 7:7).       xxx written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR

NETTIE-ISM #14- UNBECOMING A LEADER

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If Solomon was President today some would say he had to much money and to many women therefore he is a bad leader.

2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (King James Version)

11  And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12  Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. 

1 Kings 11:3 (King James Version)

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 

Neither the wealth or the women stopped Solomon from being a great leader.

1 Kings 10:23-24 (King James Version)
23  So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
24  And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 

Unfortunately today, people are easily distracted by the cares of this world (Mark 4:19) and popular opinion.

A leaders' behavior is judged by the one who positioned him in office. Solomon was ordained, appointed, by God and any behavior unbecoming a leader would be judged by God. His, Solomon’s, problem was his wives took his attention away from God.

1 Kings 11:1-2 (King James Version)
1  But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
2  Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 

As I listen to people comment on President’ Trumps tweets I am amused. The tweets are a distraction for those who are not focused on getting things done.

Solomon had way to many wives, he really did, but he was still considered wise. The women took his attention away from God yet he still ruled as God had intended.

2 Chronicles 9:29-31 (King James Version)
29  Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
30  And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.
31  And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. 

There is no such thing as a perfect leader. God appoints imperfect men and women to do a specific task despite their flaws. (I should say our flaws because I am an imperfect leader.) Therefore, when we see a leader write 140 charachters about a circumstance many may not like it but if he is still doing what needs to be done the behavior is between him and God. I DON’T CARE ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TWEETS!

To me what is really UNBECOMING A LEADER is:

• Supporting organizations like PLANNED PARENTHOOD,
• Endorsing same sex unions- ‘marriages’
• Endorsing cross dressing, particularly in children
• Ignoring anti-Christ organizations including Radical Islamic practices such as Sharia Law
• Dishonoring the men and women who protect and serve this country
• Disrespecting the leader of this nation (Hebrews 13:7,1 Timothy 2:1-3)

What is unbecoming a leader is not a tweet on Twitter but the hateful rhetoric I hear coming from men and women of influence and the corresponding actions. xxx written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR

A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON: AS CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH

EPHESIANS 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 

Perhaps the reason there are so many divorces is because so many people do not fully understand what love is. Sexual pleasure has replaced relational intimacy. What does it mean to lay down your life for someone? (John 10:15-17, 15:13) It is true that Jesus died for us however he also lived for us. 

JOHN 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Song of Solomon introduces us to this godly love. The reader is challenged to see the development of an intimate relationship between God and a follower through a the developing realtionship between the man and the woman.

NOTE: My King James Study Bible- Full Color Edition defines Typological interpretation of Scripture as follows: “The early church admitted the literal courtship and marriage but interpret these as only a type of Christ and the church(cf. Eph 5:22-33).”  In other words Song of Solomon can be interpreted literally but it is also representative of the relationship between our Lord Jesus and the church. 

Sexual pleasure does not equate to marital bliss but marital bliss will lead to pleasure (not always sexual). Husbands take the lead in a relationship by being an example of Christ on earth. Wives are a type of church that honors their husband as the church should honor God.

Learn to love God and you can learn to love your spouse.

As I read verses 1:5-17 in Song of Solomon I see the struggle we all have in our faith walk.  Far to many churches are segregated; there are Black churches white churches. churches rich people go to and churches where poor people attend. Some individuals who have a heart to learn more hesitate to attend a particular church because they believe they are not dressed properly.  I know people who do not go to church because they have nothing to put nothing in the offering when it passes by. It is an “I am not good enough” mindset that stops many from having a relationship with our Lord.

Song of Solomon 1:5-6
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. 

The Shulamite woman spoke to her friends, the daughters of Jerusalem.

NOTE: Putting things in context requires a pause in your reading to explore a particular character, define a word, or research the culture of the time. Your perspective will influence your understanding of what you read. Thus it may be important to know: Who are the daughters of Jerusalem?  In my research I discovered: Scripture does not elaborate on their specific identity, commentators do agree they are unmarried women. Thus for the context of this particular Scripture the daughters of Jerusalem are women that the Shulamite knew, her friends.

The worlds’ standard of beauty requires that a woman take care of herself. Women spend thousands of dollars on clothing, shoes, accessories, manicures, pedicures, make-up and hair care. But not everyone can afford or has the time for these beautification treatments. Such was the testimony of the Shulamite woman.

Personally, I can but as a rule choose not to. My relationship with both my husband and God are such that I can come just as I am. 

Look at advertising today. They are encouraging men to do the same! But God does not care about such superficial things.

“Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me:’ the woman was self concious. Perhaps she was comparing herself to those other women, her friends who did not have to work in the fields and had time to bathe in scented waters. Like this woman, we often focus on superficial things when God is looking at your soul.

DEUTERONOMY 6:5
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 

Think about this: We compare our church to other churches. Yes we do! People who attend small churches are not as bold as those who attend a mega-church, perhaps they are intimidated. “Look not upon me, don’t look at my small church we cannot do what the big churches do.” This was Gideon’s problem? (Judges 6:15)

The idea that you cannot because of your size reveals a lack of confidence in the word of God. Jesus loves the church not a church.

In my previous post I discussed the “tents of Kedar” and the “curtains of Solomon”. They are both beautiful and superficial. Have you ever heard the chorus in the song “beauty is only skin deep?   A tent has to be built and curtains have to be raised both are outer coverings desigbed to hide what is inside. The dark tent prevents the sun from entering in the shelter, the curtains stop getting to close. How can you receive love if you will not let people come near you? How can you recieve the Son if you are blocking Him?

Many can not give receive love nor can they give it,, they enclosed their hearts to outside influences. Many know of God but do not have a personal relationship with him because they have covered themselves with the traditions of men.

MATTHEW 15:2-6
Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 

The key to a successful relationship with your spouse is a successful relationship with God. It is important to separate the words of man from the wisdom of God. This first chapter of the Songs will help you is an introduction to successful relationships on earth and in heaven.  - It is a MATTER OF FAITH written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON STUDY  reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR

A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON: I AM BLACK

TENT OF KEDAR

SONG OF SONGS 1:5  
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. 









Was Solomon dating a Black girl? Some translations have changed ‘Black’ to ‘dark’, which makes it easier for people to believe they were of the same race but she was very tanned. The Hebrew word that has been translated is “shāhōr” and it means ‘black’. The girl was Black, so what!

In this day and age of racial divisions it is important that people know that God is not looking at skin pigment, we are. This woman’s reference to her skin pigment will generate a response that will reveal the character of the one she is speaking to.

After revealing her complexion she states she is ‘comely’; does not mean ‘common’ or ‘plain’. Looking at the original language, again, the word in Hebrew is nāweh which is an indication of beauty.

Kedar is the second son of Ishmael, her reference to the “tents of Kedar,” reveals the uniqueness of her beauty, though it is apparently hidden. The tents were made of black goat hair which is another reference to her darkness. According to my research to ‘dwell in the tents of Kedar” is to be separated from God. 

PSALM 120:5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! 

JEREMIAH 49:28-29 THE VOICE
Here is an oracle from the Eternal concerning Kedar and the nomadic tribes of Arabia known as the kingdoms of Hazor, all defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon

Eternal One: Rise up and attack Kedar. Destroy the tribes of the east. They will take away their tents and their flocks, their curtains, their camels, and all their possessions. They will shout to one another, “Terror is everywhere we turn!”

Conversely she compares herself to “the curtains of Solomon”? Solomon’s curtains were, of course, exquisite. They were unique, probably one of a kind, created in the image he chose. The Shulamite woman was unigue covered by beauty.

The difference between curtains and tents? Tents covered your head but curtains covered your body.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 

EPHESIANS 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Our relationship with Father God is vertical, up and down,  He is our head. Nothing should stop us from being able to go to Him.

HEBREWS 4:13-16
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

No matter how beautiful the tent may be if it hinders you from seeing, being with, Father God it is irrelevant. Our attitudes are our tents: anger, unforgiveness, resentment, hate, and such. Sweet words, notable achievements even political correctness become a ‘tent of Kedar’ - what the world sees.

Old School Christians understand what it means to go in a prayer closet. It is the place in which you come to Father God just as your are, without pretense. Going in your prayer closet is like moving the curtain out of the way; it is easier to pull back a curtain than it is to pull down a tent. A closet keeps you away from those around you who could adversely affect your relationship with Father God- horizontal relationships. It is difficult to present yourself to God when you have positioned yourself under a dark tent. 

The Sulamite woman contrast herself not by racial identity but  according to her character- dark but comely; tents vs curtains. The Shulamite woman declares: “I am dark, influenced by my environment (see verse 6) but I am still comely, lovely, have a positive attitude; I am positioned under beautiful tent that seperates me from seeing You. I am covered by rich things. ”

SONG OF SONGS 1:6
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. 

And she says: Do not look at my physical attributes that have been influenced by the world. Don’t judge me because I have not taken care of myself as I should.

This is where we are as Believers; we think and see superficially. Churches become mega-churches because the services are short, fun and without the substance that is necessary to pull down the tents. We look good, sound good and occasionally even act good but Satan and his demonic force are allowed to go to and fro without any opposition in some places.

HEBREWS 2:1-4 THE VOICE
That is why we ought to pay even closer attention to the voice that has been speaking so that we will never drift away from it. For if the words of instruction and inspiration brought by heaven’s messengers were valid, and if we live in a universe where sin and disobedience receive their just rewards, then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation? We heard it first from our Lord Jesus, then from those who passed on His teaching. 4 God also testifies to this truth by signs and wonders and miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit lighting on those He chooses.

If you read Song of Solomon 1:5-6 and think this is about an interracial relationship I will not disagree with you. The challenge is to spend more than 30 minutes studying, “pay close attention” as it states in Hebrews. “For if the words of instruction and inspiration brought by heaven’s messengers were valid, and if we live in a universe where sin and disobedience receive their just rewards, then how will we escape destruction if we ignore this great salvation?”

I submit to you that this Shulamite woman is faced with a great challenge, her desire is to be with the king but her physical beauty is irrelvant. “Don’t look at me because of how I am beautiful”! I have not taken care of me. Note that she is talking to other women.

This post will have to continue….Marsha
- It is a MATTER OF FAITH written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH- SONG OF SOLOMON STUDY  reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR