Author: Ashley McClelland

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The Throne Room

A sneak peek into my upcoming book, The Sacred Wooing (a vivid invitation to experience the bridegroom love of Jesus).

“Then I looked, and, oh!—a door open into Heaven. The trumpet-voice, the first voice in my vision, called out, “Ascend and enter…” -Revelation 4:1 MSG

The highest king sat with blinding light shining from him. Contrasting cumulonimbus clouds and radiant lightning swirled around him like a halo crafted from a tempest, subjugated by an unimaginable powerful force. His appearance was suffused with fiery amber gems. The clouds around him pillowed upward, creating vast, vaporous terrains rippling with the colors of the hemisphere. 

 Majestic flying creatures filled with spiritual power orbited the omnipotent king. Their multiple, feathery wings swayed across their celestial forms like silken curtains. The swooshing of their gargantuan wings caused the air to vibrate with tornadic winds. Their booming voices charged the atmosphere like thunder as they paid homage to the one they revered.  

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!”

Royal lords donned in flowing, priestly garments bespeckled with jewels bowed reverently as they circled the throne. Their transcendent voices harmonized into a swelling crescendo. The sound was akin to rushing waves, more resplendent than any music on earth. 

“You are worthy oh Lord to receive glory and honor and power! For you created all things! And by your will they exist, and were created!”

Seven golden lampstands flamed brilliantly, and incense rose like a sheet of fragrant mist from the scintillating floor.

The omnipotent king sat on his immaculate throne and held seven gleaming stars in his hand. They shone like fiberoptic pearls. His robe cascaded down like the clouds covering the amazon forest as a canopy. His clothes shone whiter than fresh snow and a regal, sash hung like sunlight from his shoulder to his waist. The golden floor was transparent glass, mirroring everything above it with an aureate hue.

To the left of the king sat his father. He was the creator of all. They were unified in purpose and in heart. Their resemblance in soul and features were so akin, that having seen one, you would have known the other. From the father’s mouth came the spirit of life—the most precious breath. A single exhale from this spirit could form planets.

The father and kingly son sat, watching for the son’s bride to fully prepare herself. The son had waited patiently for eons and excitedly looked forward to the celebratory day, the day of his gladness of heart. He had prepared himself in the finest apparel. The wine he would offer was the richest created, and he had earnestly desired to drink it with her in the kingdom. A feast in the heavenly  clouds surrounded by a balcony of translucent rainbows and shimmering, fiery jasper stones had been set. The table alone was lengthier than a galaxy. It would be a feast greater than all royal weddings in created history. Serving angels stood ready to attend to the king and his beloved wife. All that awaited her. 

For thousands of years, the son had sent messages to her and yet she was easily distracted and discouraged from her bridal preparations. 

Amid the heavenly jubilee resounding in the divine room, the king distinctly heard her voice in his heart. Like the minute fluting of a swallow compared with the roaring of the deep sea, many voices drowned hers out, but not to him. The spirit of life they shared connected the cry of his beloved to his being. Her true life was hidden in him, for he withheld nothing of himself from her. A crystal bottle that resembled the finest vase appeared before his fiery eyes. It was filled with the salty tears of the object of his affection.

Despite all that he had freely provided for her, she was living like a poor woman. Although the father’s Spirit breath was with her, the breath that created the universe, she lived limited to her natural strength. She was ignorant of the divine glory within her. She did not know what was hers for the taking although he had told her many times. The anguish she suffered pained him, stirring his compassion.

He peered below the heavens and saw her on earth. A spiritual adversary was oppressing her heart. He was a degenerate star, disguised in counterfeit robes to swindle the bride. He twisted the messages the king had delivered to her, causing her chronic agitation, distress, and sadness. Worse still, his cunning lies had bruised the tender places in her soul, and she had unconsciously distanced herself from her king. The more she drank the poisonous lies, the less she trusted the king. As her faith decreased, the less connected she was to the spirit of life who sought to help her. 

“Father,” the son spoke, turning to look directly at him.

The father turned to his beloved son, the seat of his delight. 

They shared such a unity that words weren’t necessary between them. Before the son uttered his name, permission was already given.

The glorious son discarded his royal apparel and humbled himself by donning mortal clothes…

Back Cover:

The Sacred Wooing explores the sacred theology of Jesus as the Church’s Bridegroom using a fictional story painted with tender intimacy. Based loosely on Ephesians 5:15: For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.

It gently unravels the ageless waters of human desire for everlasting love while also teaching about the church’s place as the beloved bride of Christ.

Through deeply warm conversations, Jesus meets with one of his saints (Noelani). During their outing, he slowly unearths and permissively destroys each fear that has blocked her from entering a life-affirming relationship with him. Beginning at the local coffee shop, she observes as Jesus talks to the barista (Diane) and changes her whole life right there.

Then they visit a nearby lake and watch the stars and water and trees transform into phantasmagoric visions while Noelani is transported to places as beautiful and timeless as Eden, a heavenly ballroom, a glorious beach, a snowy mountaintop, and a royal palace. In the ballroom, they are surrounded by worshipping angelic saints. They talk about the meaning of true worship, dying to self, and putting on the new man in Christ. Jesus talks with her and introduces her to God as “Abba” Father.

Several flashbacks into her childhood and teenage memory add depth and revelation to Noelani’s life-story and her reason for being where she is. Jesus knows that she needs a revelation of God’s grace and love and her identity in Christ. Noelani continually receives Jesus’s truth, and it helps her realize her spiritual unity with him. This divine transaction is often seen physically through shifting clothes as Noelani’s casual attire slowly transforms into a saintly gown, which represents putting on the new man in Christ. (Eph. 4:24).

A battle shortly ensues with an adversary spirit, Akkad-Bela, who has been plaguing Noelani’s life and hindering her spiritual walk with Jesus. After conquering a battle with “the father of lies” (John 8:44) Noelani partakes of communion and falls asleep in the castle comforted by the ways Jesus has ministered truth to her.

Part two begins in Noelani’s kitchen with her friend (Angel) and Jesus as a visiting plumber who enjoys breakfast with them as he asks and answers questions of them both.

As each layer of fear is peeled away, Noelani begins to see herself through God’s eyes, she experiences inner healing and the sanctifying grace of God to walk out a godly lifestyle. Because of Jesus’ expressed love for her, she feels free to open to him about dating, relationships, and the frustrations of her generation when it comes to relationships and religion.

After a transforming discussion, Noelani invites Jesus into her love life out of trust and she is commissioned to help other women discover the blessing of virtuous living through the profound revelation of living like a beloved daughter of the King and bride of Christ.

~For a similar book on divine love, check out my novella, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul by clicking here.

~For a spoken poem on experiencing the love of Jesus, check out my YouTube Video, I Love You by clicking the link below.

~To watch a free short story about the love of Jesus taken from my book, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul, click the link below:

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Hearing From God (Your Inheritance)

Did you know that you can hear from God?

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. -John 10:27

It took me a long time to realize that as a child of God, a part of my familial benefits included the ability to hear his voice.

This incredible gift of hearing from our heavenly Father is not just for a select few. It is for everyone, including you. You are a beloved of your Father in Heaven. He wants to speak to you as any good father would want to communicate with his child.

I wrote about this topic in the new anthology book, The Runaway Bride of Christ.

May my testimony encourage and uplift you in your faith!

A Transforming Relationship

“Christianity that isn’t supernatural is superficial.” -Unknown

“I promised you my love and entered the covenant of marriage with you. I, God, the Master, gave my word. You became mine. I gave you a good bath, washing off all that old blood, and anointed you with aromatic oils. I dressed you in a colorful gown and put leather sandals on your feet. I gave you linen blouses and a fashionable wardrobe of expensive clothing. I adorned you with jewelry: I placed bracelets on your wrists, fitted you out with a necklace, emerald rings, sapphire earrings, and a diamond tiara.” -Ezekiel 16:9-12 (MSG)

I began to sense the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I was guided to create a spiritual mind calendar where I put down purposefully things to do every day that would help me abide in Christ. Most of these things included prayer and Bible reading. I began by studying the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5, and I limited my television watching. Please keep in mind, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to do these things. No one from the outside instructed me in this, so it wasn’t “legalistic.” 

I prayed to Jesus to wake me up early to spend time with him before I did anything else. The very next morning, I woke up at 5 am, feeling an invisible hand on my arm. I even felt the fingers of this invisible hand. I opened my eyes and discerned the message of the Lord, “It’s prayer and study time.” For the next year, I would wake up almost every morning to be alone with Jesus. I read through the entire Bible. 

The Holy Spirit led me through a process of sanctification. I began to sense what pleased God and what displeased him. I fully gave myself to Him, treasuring Him above all others. 

As I dwelt in his presence, my heart began to heal. I was supernaturally delivered from a demon of anger that was sitting on the hurt in my soul. Now that the hurt was gone, the demon had left. I’m not sure if God kicked it out or if it left on its own. I literally felt an empty space in me where the anger usually was. I gave up my old life and accepted that I was a new creation in Christ. I no longer tended to give in to sinful anger. I began to overlook offenses and become a peacemaker. I no longer gave curt answers that cut my family. I now offered gentle words that turned away wrath (see Proverbs 15:1, NIV). The insecurities that once crippled much of my life began peeling away. As I received the love of God, I began to love myself and take care of my body. Within a year, I was at a balanced weight.

Not only did I love myself, but I liked myself. As a result, I gave that gracious love to others. My mind was slowly becoming a beautiful garden. I no longer had dark thoughts. Divinely inspired images began filling my mind, and I started having “visions” of the kingdom of heaven. I journaled some of these down in my book, Visions of Celestial Love. 

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. -John 14:15-16 (AMP)

The Lord began stressing the importance of my obedience. The first relationship God repaired was with my father. God taught me that no matter how I didn’t want to do what my father asked, I was commanded in the Bible to honor him. It was hard at first, but as I died to pride, I began walking in joyful obedience. My father and I developed a closer relationship. He began buying me presents at random and taking me on father- daughter dates. I went from a begrudgingly obedient child to a willfully obedient child. The Lord would inspire me to cook dinner for my family, clean the garage (although I hated doing so, especially since there were spiders), and serve them with my whole heart. 

One night my eldest sister told me to not sleep on the couch. I liked sleeping on the couch because I could see the stars through the large windows. As I was drifting off to sleep on the couch again, the Lord reminded me of Ashanti’s words. I frowned but spread a blanket on the floor and slept. In the morning Ashanti asked me why I was snoozing on the floor. I responded, “Because you told me not to sleep on the couch.” She gave me a pleased smile and then said, “You can sleep on the couch (from now on).” God was showing me what it was like to grow in, “wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” like Jesus who willingly obeyed his parents as a teenager (see Luke 2:51-52, NIV, emphasis added).  

Miracles began happening in my life. I think it’s important to note that I didn’t chase miracles. I pursued knowing God. Miracles are a result of the presence of God. One morning after spending time with God, I proceeded to politely excuse myself., “Father, I’m hungry and I think I will watch TV.” After making breakfast I tried to watch TV on two different televisions, and nothing was working. I checked the plugs and connections, and everything was set up right. There was no reason for the televisions to be showing static. I went to the family computer and tried to watch shows on YouTube, but the internet wasn’t “working.” Then I got a small impression from the Holy Spirit to visit a ministry website by one of the ministers I enjoyed listening to. It worked immediately! It was like God was saying, “I’m enjoying your company. I want to spend more time with you.”

One day, I was taking a shower and as it was ending, I realized I had left my drying towel on the sink counter which was past the commode. I didn’t want to drip water on the floor, so I thought to lean on the towel railing and reach for my towel. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me, “Don’t do that. The railing is unstable.” I disregarded his impression, unsure if I had heard from Him and leaned on it anyway. It gave way and I began falling fast. I could have seriously gotten hurt, but I felt an invisible presence catch me and slowly lower my body down to the floor! I still don’t know it if was an angel or the Lord who caught me. I recall thanking the Lord multiple times for keeping me safe.  

One night I heard the voice of God. It was so clear, my ears picked it up, but his voice wasn’t projecting from the outside. His voice came from inside my heart! He told me, “Ashley, your rabbit is going to get sick and die.” For years I had prayed for the health of my family (spiritual, mental, emotional and physical). I would include prayers for my rabbit, Floppy’s, health as well. I patted my chest where I heard his voice and stood frozen in wonder. I had never heard God so clearly! At this point in my walk, Christ was dwelling in my heart by faith (see Ephesians 3:17, AMP). The Holy Spirit had done a beautiful job of making my heart a nice home for Jesus. At that time, Floppy was showing no signs of illness, but I began spending more time with her as I believed Jesus had spoken to me. I took her to the park a lot; I videotaped her and gave her extra kisses. 

Sometime later, she began to show symptoms of sickness. She stopped eating and would make small painful noises. We took her to the vet only to find out that cancer had spread throughout her body and there was nothing the vet could do. My mom decided it would be merciful for us to allow the vet to put her out of her misery. I was the last one to hold Floppy and I remember her licking me on my nose as I reluctantly gave her to one of the assistants. I cried loudly as I left the veterinarian. As dejected and sad as I felt, I realized Jesus had warned me ahead of time so I wouldn’t be shocked by her passing. He also did this so I could spend more purposeful time with her and have cherished times together. He cared enough about me to warn me so I wouldn’t be devastated…

~I hope you enjoyed this brief snippet of my testimony. If you’d like to purchase a physical copy of the book, The Runaway Bride of Christ, click here (please allow 2-3 weeks before delivery). You may also purchase a kindle version on amazon by clicking here.

~For a novella full of the voice of God, check out my book, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul, by clicking here.

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Free Autumn Devotional

What a sweet blessing it was for me to be a part of Anchored Magazine’s cozy Fall edition 🍂✨🍁🕯😍!

Snuggle up with a warm blanket, a hot cup of coffee and be embraced by encouraging words full of grace ☕🥰!

🌈

Click here to read 😊:

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New Anthology: The Runaway Bride of Christ

I feel incredibly honored to be the featured author in this new heartfelt anthology compiled by Dr. Sherley.

Writing my chapters brought back a rekindling of first love fire for Jesus (Revelation 2:4). I pray the Holy Spirit will use this book as part of the eternal song in drawing the Bride of Christ back to her heavenly Bridegroom. You are the King’s beloved. 💍👑

There will be a joyous wedding feast in Heaven (Revelation 19:6-9). ✨🍷🍞🕯

His love is real. His healing is a promise. 🕊

Have you ever experienced hurt in the church?

I believe most of us have.

All worthwhile, long-term relationships inevitably come with painful offenses, sorrows, high joy, fierce love, developing trust, and a copious amount of forgiveness. No ongoing relationship is free of these things.

The Runaway Bride of Christ: Overcoming Church Hurt Anthology, is composed of powerful teaching, inspiring testimonies and empowering scriptures and prayers. Our hope is that this book will bring healing, encouragement, revelation and a renewed sense of faith to those who need it most.

Book Synopsis 📚:

In The Runaway Bride of Christ: Overcoming Church Hurt, Visionary Dr. Sherley Lefevre, along with contributing authors Ashley Thompson, Dr. Ebony Michelle Collins, Leah Clement and Lillie B. Randle courageously confront a topic often silenced within the sacred walls of churches: the profound pain of church hurt. This book isn’t just a recounting of past events; it’s a raw and vivid exploration of betrayal, abuse, and exclusion that permeate modern faith communities.

Through powerful storytelling and biblical wisdom, Dr. Lefevre and the contributing authors take readers on an emotional journey from the depths of despair to the heights of redemption. Each page in the testimony section of the book is filled with personal experiences and testimonies of those who have endured unimaginable pain within the church but have emerged stronger, finding healing and purpose through God’s grace.

The Runaway Bride of Christ serves as both a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for change. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, reclaim the purity of their faith, and create spaces of genuine love and acceptance within their communities. For those who have suffered in silence, this book offers a lifeline—a guide to overcoming church hurt and transforming scars into badges of honor.

Whether you’ve personally experienced church hurt or are seeking to support others on their healing journey, this powerful anthology will inspire you to find strength, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. This is more than just a book; it’s a transformative journey toward healing and a call to action for all believers…

Sample Chapter

Please enjoy a sample of my teaching chapter, False Spirits verses The Holy Spirit.

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance, to seek him the greatest adventure, to find him, the greatest human achievement.” -St. Augustine of Hippo

The Lord gave me another message. He said, “Go and shout this message to Jerusalem. This is what the Lord says: “I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness… This is what the Lord says: “What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols only to become worthless themselves. – Jeremiah 2:1-2, 5 NLT.

The Bride of Christ is the most precious, beautiful, and valuable treasure Jesus owns. His church is His bride. To touch the natural wife of a king evokes severe punishment, for her stature is elevated by the love of her king. She is guarded by the power and authority of her kingly husband. If men throughout history were punished because they touched a king’s spouse, can you imagine the consequences of those who willfully harm, defile, or seduce the Beloved of Christ? To touch the bride of the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Ruler of heaven and earth, is infinitely more dangerous. For our King is eternally devoted and sacrificially given over to His bride. You are a part of the precious Bride of Christ.

This great and mighty King acts justly and has a heart perfumed with sweet mercy. This glorious King is, “chief among ten thousand” (Song of Solomon 5:10 NKJV). He is perfect in beauty, grace, wisdom, power and holiness. He walks on a street of “pure gold, like transparent glass” and His gates are “made of a single pearl” (Revelation 21:21 ESV). He is worshiped and adored by majestic angels and creation heralds His praises. He is incomparable and everything the bride could ever want. As omnipotent as He is, He doesn’t force himself on his Beloved even though He created her for Himself. He has given her one of the loftiest gifts—free will. He asks His Bride to respond to His call for a covenantal relationship and leaves it up to her to say “yes.” He has everything prepared, everything she needs “for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 TPT) He loves His Bride with an undying, selflessness that is wholehearted. But this King has an enemy His Bride is unfamiliar with.

Now, picture a husband on his wedding day, dressed up in finery, as he watches the aisle anxiously to see his lover. I’ve seen husbands so overcome at weddings that they cry or almost jolt back in surprise when they see their beautiful bride. Some men jump with joy or break out into a spontaneous little dance. There’s always a special kind of smile on their faces, a smile reserved only for their future wife. Now, what would you suppose would happen if some murderer came running down the aisle and grabbed the bride’s arm and attempted to drag her away? I bet the groom would start swinging his fists, giving that criminal a good beating until he released her. I imagine Jesus has more protective instincts for His Bride than a natural husband who would readily defend his fiancé. Unfortunately, the enemy of the Bride of Christ is a lot cleverer than that. He doesn’t often use physical force…

I pray the testimonies written in here will be a tremendous blessing to you!

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Teaching on the Bridegroom Love of Jesus

Click below to watch or listen to the audio recording of this devotional:

Now we are on sacred, holy ground. My ultimate prayer is that everything I share will be inspired by the Holy Spirit in washing the bride in pure, white linen fit for her glorious King. May I be like Hegai was to Esther in preparing the Bride of Christ for the day she will stand before her groom with unadulterated dove’s eyes.

Introduction to the Bridegroom Love of Jesus

Jesus began to woo my heart when I was sixteen years old. It started with small visions that played in my mind. My first memory of this came when I was waiting for a family member in the car as they shopped. Rays of dusty pink and golden orange had melted away into a velvety Prussian blue over the sky. Eventually, the sun completely set, giving way to glowing city lights and a canopy of glittering silver stars. I was sitting quietly in the car, listening to clean love songs. Like most girls my age, I was longing for romance, to be seen as beautiful and to be special to someone. I had no idea just how special I was to Jesus.

As I sat there in the car, a warm-hearted romantic song began to play. The lyrics and melody expressed the sacred and passionate love of a couple for each other. Unexpectedly, I saw myself in an elegant ballroom. The pearl and gold floor were so polished it was like glowing glass. I was donned in an exquisite gown fit for a heavenly queen with multiple skirts. Jesus was dressed like a King, and we began dancing together. For a few seconds, I allowed myself to linger in the vision. I had a sense of peace and Jesus’ delight. However, doubt began to prick my conscious thoughts, and I tore away from the visualization. I was afraid the Devil was tricking me, so I spoke out loud, “No! Get behind me Satan!” The vision vanished.

Jesus did not berate me, push me or punish me when I mistakenly rebuked him. He did not correct me because he knew I was ignorant of this deep knowledge of him. It’s amazing how religious teaching or ignorance can keep us from deepening our relationship with Jesus. For a long time, I mentally separated Jesus from romance. I knew his saving love, his redeeming love and his family love, but I had no understanding of his bridegroom love.

God is the creator of love: eros (romantic), storge (family), philia (brotherly) and agape (transcendental or unconditional love). He is not exclusive to only one type of love.  He is the masterful designer of all the relational love we crave. For example, in 1 John 3 we are called children of God. See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! That is family or storge love. In scripture God calls Abraham his friend, that is philia or brotherly love (see James 2:23), in the Bible we can see that God has both an eternal love for us and an unconditional and sacrificial love for us. We can see an example of this in Jeremiah 31:3, The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

 And John 3:16 where it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son so that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.” God gave us his absolute best when he gave us Jesus, that is agape (unconditional) love.

Scripture also speaks about God’s love for us in terms of a husband and wife. In Isaiah 54:5 it says, For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Hosea 2:16 reads: “And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’ The apostle Paul talks about this kind of relationship with Christ as being a profound mystery. In Ephesians 5, starting with verse 21, Paul goes on to explain that God’s desires for husbands and wives. He goes on to expound on the mystery of being one in unity, submission and love in marriage. Then he goes on to conclude that the semblance of unity in marriage speaks about Christ and the church. For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” 

This is not earthly or sexual, like what husbands and wives share, but it is reflected of the sort of wholehearted devotion and covenantal unity Jesus desires with us. We are called the body of Christ. We become one flesh with him. He enters our hearts by faith (as described in Ephesians 3) and we share breath, life, and thoughts with him. Our unity becomes closer through our yielding to the Holy Spirit, just as Christ was unified with the Father on earth. He was so close to the Father, he said, “if you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father for I and the Father are one.” This is how close He expects us to be with him. He expects us to be so close that we can truthfully say, “if you’ve seen me, you’ve seen Jesus.” We are to worship in Spirit and in truth.

Christ isn’t meant to just become a part of our lives; he is our lives. Colossians 3:4 says, When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” We become one with Christ in a greater way than a husband and wife do. Marriage is a shadow of what unity with Christ is meant to be. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, everything that gives us life comes from him and flows through us. This unity bears eternal fruit.

           

All throughout the Old Testament we can see God bemoaning the faithlessness of his people to turn away from him and pursue other gods. He describes his deep pain as akin to a husband with an adulterous wife. Some powerful examples of this are sprinkled in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others. Hosea is dedicated to exemplifying this kind of relationship with God when he asks Hosea to marry a harlot to give his bride (his people) a visual show of what it’s like to be married to her.

God desires our whole hearts. He wants our deepest devotion. On earth, a godly marriage is the clearest picture we have of this. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your might and all your mind. This is impossible without retaining first love fire (Revelation 2:4-5).

Have you ever seen two people who are in love? They possess this. Each of them considers the other to be the most precious person on earth to them. They think (or meditate) on ways to be a blessing to one another. They plan to spend quality time together. They say positive, encouraging and enforcing words to each other. They may write each other beautiful words.

No wonder God called David a man after his own heart. If I had someone who wrote me over a hundred songs of love describing how wonderful, amazing and majestic I was, I’d be hard pressed not to open my heart wide to that person. David sang to the Lord and danced before him with all his might. He was unashamed about his love for God. David spun songs together that described his personal knowledge about the intricate details of the Lord. David’s songs dripped with potent adoration toward God.

Jesus knew I was at the age where I was ready for love, and he wanted me to understand his bridegroom love. Nonetheless, I was not ready to receive this type of love because I had an erroneous religious belief that God was not involved in romance. Romance was a taboo subject. It was hardly discussed in my church. Meanwhile, the secular culture around me and some peers at school boldly spoke about the perverse version of romance they experienced. Because of the silence of my church to show me how this type of love was godly and pure and the decadence of the culture, I considered the bridegroom love of Jesus to be too scandalously close to the sensual love between a man and a woman.

Eventually, the Holy Spirit, the greatest Hegai to our role as Esther, began to show me the spiritual depth and holiness of Christ’s bridegroom love. This revelation graced my walk with Jesus during my single years. I was empowered to walk in purity and godliness in large part, because of this revelation.

May Jesus begin to open your eyes to his love through scripture. You are his beloved, you are his song. He desires more of you:

“‘I came by again and saw you, saw that you were ready for love and a lover. I took care of you, dressed you and protected you. I promised you my love and entered the covenant of marriage with you. I, God, the Master, gave my word. You became mine. I gave you a good bath, washing off all that old blood, and anointed you with aromatic oils. I dressed you in a colorful gown and put leather sandals on your feet. I gave you linen blouses and a fashionable wardrobe of expensive clothing. I adorned you with jewelry: I placed bracelets on your wrists, fitted you out with a necklace, emerald rings, sapphire earrings, and a diamond tiara. You were provided with everything precious and beautiful: with exquisite clothes and elegant food, garnished with honey and oil. You were absolutely stunning. You were a queen! You became world-famous, a legendary beauty brought to perfection by my adornments. Decree of God, the Master.”- Ezekiel 16:8-14 MSG

To delve more deeply into the topic of the bridegroom love of Jesus, check out my book, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul. Click here to see it on amazon or the divine romance tab to explore the first chapter for free:

For centuries, the female heart has burned with desire for the lasting pleasure of unchanging love. In the course of time, civilizations have risen and fallen, yet the longing for tangible intimacy has never faded. Millions of lyrics have been written to the passionate tune of this fluid yearning.

Unfortunately, few people find the lasting love they’ve longed for, even as children. Life, education, and societal pressures transform what was once a tangible hope into a mythical fairy tale. Industries have reaped unlimited monetary gain from the erosion of this hope. Billions of girls grow up to become women who have long since tossed their dreams of true love in the trash bin of cynicism. Countless others have buried their ache of unmet desire under the disappointment of failed relationships and hopelessness.

Despite most women’s best attempts, this starved craving remains alive, like a stimulating aroma. This ethereal hope goes back to the first relationship, in a place of being so “seen” and “lovingly known” that “she” was naked and unashamed.

This novella was not written to add salt to the gaping wound of unsatisfied need. It was written to satisfy the need completely. Let Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul introduce you to a lasting relationship with Transcendent Love, where reality becomes sweeter than your dreams.

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The Shepherd’s Arms

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. -Isaiah 40:11

The Shepherd’s Arms

Where do you go for shelter? There is nothing like the embrace of Jesus. In his arms, we find healing peace, wholesome serenity, unconditional love, powerful joy, and unmatched security.

When I was a little girl, I went to my mother for comfort, and I went to my dad for protection. I found that I needed their arms for different reasons. Today, I go to my husband’s arms when I want to experience unconditional love.

No matter where I go, no one has ever held me like Jesus. He often flows through the people in my life to touch me, but there have been times, where I’ve experienced a personal embrace from him, and it is like nothing on earth!

You can run to Jesus’ arms for everything. If you need comfort, run to him. If you need peace, run to him. If you need joy, run to him. If you just want to be held, run to him. He is your Good Shepherd. He laid down his life for you, his sheep. He longs to hold you close to his heart.

Prayer

“Father, I thank you for your tender embrace through your son Jesus. Thank You for loving me in a way that is personal and that comes with all the meticulous care of a shepherd watching over his sheep. Lord, I lean into You for an embrace. I pray that You will show me how much You love me. Help me to trust You fully with every detail of my life. I invite your presence and Lordship in every aspect of my life. Fill my life with your tangible arms. Maneuver things around in my world until the fullness of your Shepherding care is complete. May your embrace in my life be tangible not only to me, but to others who witness how my life is going. May your glory, love, pleasure, and will be accomplished. I trust myself completely to your shepherding care. I open my heart, mind, and soul completely to you. Lead me, direct me, speak to me, and hold me. In Jesus name, amen.”

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The Beauty of Submission

For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were submissive to their husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. -1 Peter 3:5-6

My Testimony:

For years self-preservation has caused a soulish rift of fear between my spouse and me. It has taken place nowhere but in my own mind. The ungodly influences of the world’s view on marriage have also been a separation factor. Right now, God is both lovingly and firmly correcting me concerning my relationship with Stephen. It has been hard for me to not “conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.” Sadly, I have rebelled against the Word of God in many ways by not honoring my husband in the way God designed me to as a royal daughter of the King.

While the world says a wife should not have to honor her husband, God says a godly wife is to honor her spouse. Colloquial statements from wives like, “I have two kids including my husband,” and “happy wife equals happy life,” or “if mama isn’t happy then nobody is happy” are evidence of an ungodly cultural mindset. I have often laughed at these statements, but I don’t believe Jesus laughed with me. They are not trifle slogans. They are often the visible sprouting of a much deeper issue. There is no place in God’s kingdom for rebellion.

The Kingdom of Heaven is always near to us, but it requires repentance (a changing of mind). For me, God has asked me to learn what it means to be a “help meet” to my husband and to use my free will to have a submissive heart. God will not force this upon me. I have a God-honoring husband who would never force it upon me as well. The kingdom of Heaven has an order, and this order doesn’t change with culture. It is timeless. There are set laws and principles that scripture lays out in marriage. For wives, this includes submitting ourselves to our husbands. This also includes honoring our husbands. God means for our lives to be governed by his Word.

 For many years, I have unknowingly disrespected my husband. I have also competed with him instead of learning what it means to be his helper in the same way the Holy Spirit was the “Helper” of Jesus. Jesus patiently showed me how “fear” played a huge role in my stiff-necked refusal to wholeheartedly support my husband in having leadership authority in our marriage.

1 Peter 3:5 says that the godly women of old put their hope in God. This helped me as I realized that these precious women were empowered by their hope in God. I realized I could only ever submit myself to my husband if I put my hope in the surety of God’s character and his power to cover my family even if my husband made a mistake. Verse six says that we will be their daughters if we “refuse to give in to fear.” I realized that I was afraid of Stephen blowing it. I was also afraid if I submitted to him, he would take advantage of me. I was afraid he wouldn’t care for me the way I wanted to be cared for. I was afraid of financial depletion. I was afraid of being bossed around. I was afraid of so many things. Jesus helped me see that underneath my fear was my true heart. My truest heart wanted to fully believe God and obey his Word.

Thankfully, my truest heart is finally beginning to win.

I have truly begun to walk in purposeful repentance that results in godly fruit. I have a wonderful husband. He’s not perfect, but he is God-honoring, and he loves me more than anyone, other than Jesus. If you’re a wife in a similar or different circumstance, I can’t tell you how God will lead you in your marriage relationship. Only be sure that he will never lead you to disobey his Word. Also, be comforted with this; he will guide you in a way that is loving and personal to you.

If you’re a wife in an abusive relationship, I am so very sorry! Please know God’s Word does not condone violence. God’s Word says that the Lord hates the one who “covers his wife with violence.” -Malachi 2:16 AMPC. 1 Peter 3:7 says that if a man doesn’t act considerately toward his wife (like a delicate vessel) or honor her as a fellow heir, his prayers may be “hindered.”

God cares deeply for his daughters. God cares deeply for his sons. The ideal marriage is when both spouses love Jesus more than anything or anyone because Jesus will always, always, always lead them to love each other much more than they could without him.

Lastly, always remember that you are the beloved bride of the Prince of Peace, and he wants to woo your heart and give you an abundant life. You can trust his rules. You can trust his leadership. You can trust his heart.

-For a beautiful song on Christ as our Bridegroom, click the video (enjoy!):

I don’t own any rights to the music.

-For my book on the divine bridegroom love of Jesus, click here.

Beautiful!

This book was so beautiful! Reading this book felt like the Lord was drawing me to dance with Him. The more I read the book the closer I felt Him pulling me closer. If you read this book you will see the Lord’s heart to romance you, and it will draw you into a deeper place in His heart.

Saleena B. Bible teacher in France

Just Breathtaking

This was the most captivating, read I had in a while. It warmed my heart, made me feel loved, and gave me a desire to want a more intimate relationship.

Starlyn

This Book is a Blessing!

Such an intimate encounter with our Lord and savior. I was blessed to read this book, it has changed my relationship with Christ.


Alicia. D

A Book for your Heart

Ashley has a very talented gift of weaving words together that display tenderness, compassion and purity. Each story reveals the heart of Jesus towards His children. As you read each one you can see past the characters and feel the depth of Jesus’ heart, as well as the longing for a deeper relationship with Jesus inside yours.

Everesta H.

Romantic Rendezvous

Romantic Rendezvous is a beautiful invitation into intimacy with Jesus! Ashley has done a masterful job of creating stories that depict the heart of the Father. I have truly been blessed by this book! As I read each story, I felt the closeness of Jesus and had continual reminders of how deep the Fathers love is for me. From the very first chapter, I felt the flame of my heart be rekindled with God’s goodness and love. This book is a must read!

Jessica Leon, teacher.

Must Read

Wow that was an amazing book! I just finished it! I read it in increments and it really ministered to me at the times I was reading it. I totally felt the presence of God and was like wow this really ministers to me at certain situations I am going through in life !!!!! The way you portray Jesus is so beautiful and is what our soul yearns for. It is possible to be soo intimate with God. Thank you so much for writing it and sharing it with me! New York Times Best Seller.

Kristina Esber

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Three Great Loves

I don’t think we yet know what it’s like to be loved by a king entirely apart from our efforts and works.

And not just a king but the King of Kings.

And not just a high and lofty king, but the King who sits enthroned in the heavens, being worshiped by angels so magnificent and glorious they could kill us from their presence.

We are entirely loved, and this love is fierce toward fear, because fear cannot exist when it is entirely accepted.

I don’t think we yet know how much the Trinity cares deeply for us.

He has provided us with every essential relationship for emotional happiness and stability.

Think about it.

We have a perfect Father who owns everything!

His love rears us in loving tenderness and in merciful wisdom.

We have a perfect spouse.

Jesus is the ultimate Husband.

He laid down His life for us when we rejected Him.

Like the kindest Husband, He patiently woos us to Himself, romances us with His Presence, Word, creation, and an inexhaustible list of other things.

He forgives us always and desires us more than anything else.

We have the perfect Friend.

The Holy Spirit sticks more closely than a brother.

He loves us more deeply than father or mother, and like a good friend He has only our best interest at heart.

He brings us peace when we are afraid. He heals us when we are sick. He teaches us humbly if we are willing to learn. He guides us in all things. He empowers us when we are weak.

He is our ever-faithful companion.

The Trinity had provided for our every need. He provides the three great loves every heart craves and was made for.

May He, constantly cause you to realize more just how deeply you are loved.

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Soul Satisfaction

For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good. -Psalm 107:9

Soul Satisfaction

How many people do you know who are satisfied inside? Are you satisfied? Our society is teeming with advertisements that promise to fulfill the desires of our hearts. The problem is, God has set eternity in our hearts and nothing earthly can truly ever fulfill us in such a way that we will feel complete without God (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Solomon was the richest and wisest man on earth during his time. He was so wealthy that silver was as common as stones in his kingdom (1 Kings 10:27). He was surrounded by such glamor and spoke so intelligently that a visiting queen was struck by his wealth and captivated by his words. To impress a common person is good enough, but to render a queen awestruck is another matter entirely. Yet despite acquiring all his soul- could desire Solomon cried out in Ecclesiastes “everything is meaningless!”

Aristotle once wrote, “it is the nature of desire not to be satisfied and most men live only for the gratification of it.” While this is true without God, we have the promise of scripture that those who come to Jesus and drink of the water he gives will “thirst no more.”  This is the same promise king David sang about in Psalm 23, “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

David had a close, abiding relationship with God, and through that relationship, he discovered that his soul was satisfied to the point where all his wants were fulfilled. It’s not material wealth and acquisition that fulfills us, although God promises to provide us with what we need, and he is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above what we can ask for. It is only a relationship with God that satisfies.

Prayer

“Father, I pray that you will help me to draw near to you in a fulfilling way. I pray that you will reveal yourself to me daily as my good shepherd. Open my heart, mind, and soul to your goodness and presence in a way that satisfies me. I pray that you will be the treasure of my heart and the desire of my eyes. I pray for a love relationship with you that is divinely beautiful, wholesome, holy, and powerful. Help me to place my soulish desires in your hands from a place of trust and peace. I thank you for never withholding good from me. You are the most giving father (James 1:17). Create a paradise in me. Make my soul a well-watered garden (Isaiah 58:11). May I walk with you in the cool of the day as Adam and Eve did in Eden before the fall. I love you Lord and I praise you forever. In Jesus name, amen.”

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The Power of Trust

He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh not pleasure in the legs of man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. -Psalm 147:10-11

Trust is Our Strength

God never meant for us to live by the power of our own strength. Trying to live by our own power is the expression of a lack of faith in him. He calls us to trust fully in his strength and power because we know that he is full of love, mercy, and righteousness. Scripture is filled with this message of God’s strengthening grace.

It took me awhile to understand that God wasn’t impressed by my natural talents, abilities, or endurance. While the world prizes this, especially in famous people, God doesn’t take delight in it. Rather, God takes delight in those who are captivated by his beauty, goodness, mercy, ability, power, and love. In essence, God is pleased with those who place their trust in him and not in themselves apart from him.

The miracle of the Gospel and the revelation of the power of God’s kingdom by his Spirit through his Son’s sacrifice is revealed by trust. When we leave the realm of self-trust to God trust, the supernatural power of God is activated and miracles, signs and wonders follow. Think of all the miracles of old: the parting of the red sea, the slaying of Goliath, the walls of Jericho crumbling None of these wonders happened by the strength and power of man (their legs), it happened by the power of God through those who allowed him to be their strength. To those who trusted in His mercy. May we “fear” (worship and honor) him enough to let him be God in our lives and follow His plans.

Prayer

Father God, I come before You in Jesus name and I acknowledge You as my power, my strength, my God, and the source of my life. Father, I pray that You will lead me to levels of deeper trust in your mercy and your goodness to care for me. By faith, I allow You to be my strength. I humble myself before You in childlike trust because You are a loving Father. Cause me to hope in your mercy in a way that displays the power of your Gospel and honors Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, flow through my life and fill me with peace and the knowledge of God’s will for my life. In Jesus name, amen.