Dear Esher,

This devotional commentary on the Song of Solomon is heart and soul searching.  Before I began the study, I had a HEAD knowledge of Jesus' love for me and I for Him.  When I was finished with the book, I had a HEART knowledge of Jesus' love for me and I for Him. There are sections in this devotional where I was sure the author was speaking of me.  What is printed on some of the pages was exactly me.  I could not believe I was reading about myself by some author unknown.!  

But now God was revealing the truth to me of who I really was.  As the author stated, "So many welcome Jesus into their souls for salvation, but few welcome Jesus into the circumstances of their lives."   That was me. 

I knew very little, if anything, about the fullness of the Holy Spirit until my present pastor came to fill the pulpit in my church.  As he preached from Sunday to Sunday, I knew something was happening in my life.  Something was taking place that I had been looking for and wanted, but didn't know what it was. I was experiencing the filling of the Holy Spirit. 

Then my pastor introduced me to this devotional and it has been a life-changing experience.  It has made me hunger for His Word and caused me to grow deeper and deeper in love  with my Jesus.  Not only do I now experience the deep love I have for Jesus, but also the deep sacrificial love He has and had for me. 

I have become an obedient, submissive, surrendered believer!  I daily go to Him in prayer and totally surrender my life and all that I have and possess to Him for that day. Jesus knew me and my desires and I know who Jesus really is and now who my "first love" is. 

Oh what joy it brings to my heart to know that I am bringing Him joy and pleasure as well as He to me!  There cannot be a greater reward here on earth. As a result of this study I have become a Holy Spirit filled, fully surrendered believer, a Mary of Bethany.

Doris

Dear Esher,

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart again and again through this Song of Songs commentary:

When the Lord Jesus was revealed to me by the Holy Spirit as the Bridegroom, the One who "is Altogether Lovely", I just fell in love with Him all over again as my "first love" love, which led to deeper worship and the renewed "joy of my salvation". The vivid portrayal of the "crucified life" (ex. page 132) has taken me to a greater desire for holiness, and victory over sin; "Would this please my Beloved?" "Place His nail-scarred hand in front of everything." Not lofty thoughts only, but practical presence, power and love of God fills me with the "want to", to please Him alone, to be conformed more and more to His image.

Surrender is pictured throughout this commentary. The "surrendered life" has changed me completely: the Holy Spirit has given me a new love for His Word, for prayer, for praise and worship, a new desire for His presence and fellowship. God gets all the glory.

I love the Praise List, and I use it often. It is a wonderful way to love Him as I praise Him. As this "child" praises his Lord, the enemy's mouth is shut and he flees (Psalm 8:2), and God's loving presence fills me. This occurs with in others to whom I have ministered. One dear lady was suffering with depression. She began to praise the Lord using the Praise List (while studying the devotional on the Song), and I can now tell you that her depression has lifted. Her tears are now tears of joy, and of love for her Lord Jesus. It's for real!

This is the richest commentary on the Song of Solomon I've ever encountered. This commentary will not only give you plenty of nuggets to mull over, but more importantly will lead you into the blessed presence of our Lord Jesus. You will experience His love as never before, and He will be blessed by your "first love" love once again. You know, that first love you lost. As you get filled with joy, His heart will also be filled with joy as you surrender all of your love, worship and will. And then you also will be led out to bless others in His Name. Do not let this pass you by. Get this commentary, for it will bless your life and home, as it has mine.

Thank you Esher,
Dennis G.
Bible seminary graduate and pastor