In this powerful kickoff to our new five-week series “When the Saints Go Marching In,” Rabbi Brian unpacks the moment the Israelites crossed the Jordan River—marking the end of one season and the beginning of a new one filled with God’s promises, in a message called, "CROSSING OVER WITH COURAGE & CONFIDENCE." But crossing over requires more than just excitement—it demands courage, obedience, and unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Whether you’re entering a new chapter in your life, stepping into leadership, or ready to break free from the past, this episode will give you the biblical courage to move forward. Just like the Israelites, many of us are standing on the edge of something new—but stepping forward takes faith. Discover how God prepares His people for breakthrough, and how you can move from wilderness wandering into purpose-filled living.

Key Takeaways:

•Step Forward with Courage: God’s promises are on the other side of your obedience. The Jordan won’t part until you step in. Be bold enough to take a step toward your destiny.

•Sanctify Yourself: Every crossing begins with consecration. Set yourself apart for God’s purposes. Set yourself apart and prepare for God’s wonders.

•Trust God’s Strategy: His instructions may not always make sense—but His presence will never fail. Trust that God goes before you—even in unfamiliar waters.

•Prepare for Battle: Every new season comes with new enemies. Be ready in spirit, grounded in His Word. Don’t just cross into a new season—be ready to fight for it.

•Declare Your Destiny: Speak life over your season—victory belongs to those who march forward in faith. Total victory begins with total obedience.

Declaration for the Week:

“I will CROSS OVER with COURAGE and CONFIDENCE! I will not stay in the wilderness. I face every BATTLE with FAITH! I will TRUST God’s PROMISES and STEP into my DESTINY! TOTAL VICTORY is mine, in Jesus’ name!”

In this powerful message from the Song of Solomon, Pastor [Your Name] unpacks what real marital commitment looks like according to God’s Word. Learn how covenant love is like a blazing fire—it must be continually fueled by intentional time, mutual partnership, and selfless devotion. Whether you’re married, preparing for marriage, or rebuilding from brokenness, this teaching will equip and inspire you to pursue a relationship built on God’s unshakable standard of love.

Key Themes:

• Covenant vs. Contract

• Rekindling love through spiritual intimacy

• The power of partnership and communication

• The Five T’s that refill the love tank

• How selfless love sustains lifelong commitment

In this powerful message from the Song of Solomon, Rabbi Brian unpacks what real marital commitment looks like according to God’s Word. Learn how covenant love is like a blazing fire—it must be continually fueled by intentional time, mutual partnership, and selfless devotion. Whether you’re married, preparing for marriage, or rebuilding from brokenness, this teaching will equip and inspire you to pursue a relationship built on God’s unshakable standard of love.

Key Themes:

•Covenant vs. Contract

•Rekindling love through spiritual intimacy

•The power of partnership and communication

•The Five T’s that refill the love tank

•How selfless love sustains lifelong commitment

“O my love, you are altogether BEAUTIFUL and fair. There is NO FLAW nor BLEMISH in you!” - Song of Songs 4:‭7‬ ‭(AMP)‬‬

HOW TO DISCOVER AND BE ATTRACTED TO REAL LOVE OVER SUPERFICIAL LOVE :

1. THE ATTRACTION TO REAL LOVE IS BASED ON REAL VALUES

The Young Women of Jerusalem: 9 “O woman of RARE BEAUTY, what is it about your LOVED ONE that is better than any other, that you command us this?” The Girl: 10 “My BELOVED one is TANNED and HANDSOME, better than ten thousand others! 11 His head is purest gold, and he has wavy, raven hair. 12 His eyes are like doves beside the water brooks, deep and quiet. 13 His cheeks are like sweetly scented beds of spices. His lips are perfumed lilies, his breath like myrrh. 14 His arms are round bars of gold set with topaz; his body is bright ivory encrusted with jewels. 15 His legs are as pillars of marble set in sockets of finest gold, like cedars of Lebanon; none can rival him. 16 His mouth is altogether sweet, lovable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my BELOVED, my friend.” - Song of Songs 5:9-16 (TLB)

• Be drawn to who a person is internally and not only what they look like externally

• Don’t be fooled by someone’s charm or charisma when they are lacking in character

• Don’t let temporary emotions rob you of the long-lasting commitment of real love and a covenant bond

• Love from the heart and avoid lusting with the eyes so that you are attracted to real love over illusion

• Let God’s source of real love dictate who you love as you discern who they are

• Make sure you value: Mutual Respect & Admiration, Commitment & Exclusivity, Emotional & Spiritual Intimacy, Patience & Timing, Security & Trust, and the Power of Real Lasting Love

2. BE SECURE IN WHO YOU ARE BEFORE YOU SEEK LOVE

I am my BELOVED’S and my BELOVED is MINE; he browses among the lilies.” - Song of Songs 6:3 (NIV)

6 Hold me close to your heart where your royal seal is worn. Keep me as close to yourself as the bracelet on your arm. My love for you is so strong it won’t let you go. Love is as powerful as death. Love’s jealousy is as strong as the grave. Love is like a blazing fire. Love burns like a mighty flame. 7 No amount of water can put it out. Rivers can’t sweep it away [NKJV: “Many waters cannot quench love”] . Suppose someone offers all their wealth to buy love. That won’t even come close to being enough.” - Song of Songs 8:6-7 (NIRV)

“REAL LOVE is not based on ROMANCE, candlelight dinners, and walks along the beach. It is based on respect, compromise, care, and trust.” ~ Unknown

Is your relationship secure? Here are some questions to ask yourself to test the status of your relationship:

1. Does this relationship encourage me to be secure in who I am or ask me to be someone else?

2. Does this relationship push me to do things that I desire to accomplish, to fulfill my goals?

3. Does this person consider what is in my best interest or do they try to manipulate me to do what they want?

4. Do you trust the other person when you’re not together or do you become anxious if you can’t control the narrative or their behavior?

“The BEST LOVE is the one that makes you a BETTER PERSON, without changing you into someone other than yourself.” ~ Unknown

3. NEVER LET ATTRACTION DE-VALUE YOUR DEVOTION TO GOD

“Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and the wild does of the field, do not stir up or AWAKEN LOVE until the APPROPRIATE TIME.” -

THEME VERSE: “O my love, you are altogether BEAUTIFUL and fair. There is NO FLAW nor BLEMISH in you!” - Song of Songs 4:‭7‬ ‭(AMP)‬‬

HOW TO DISCOVER THE SOURCE OF REAL BEAUTY IN YOURSELF & OTHERS:

1. VIEW BEAUTY THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE

1 The Song of Songs [the best of songs], which is Solomon’s. (The Shulammite Bride) 2 “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” [Solomon arrives, she turns to him, saying,] “For your LOVE is better than wine [“it’s intoxicating”]. 3 “The aroma of your oils is fragrant and pleasing; Your name is perfume poured out; Therefore the maidens LOVE you. 4 “Draw me away with you and let us run together! Let the king bring me into his chambers.” (The Chorus) “We will rejoice and be glad in you; We will remember and extol your LOVE more [sweet and fragrant] than wine. Rightly do they LOVE you.” - Song of Songs 1:1-4 (AMP)

“We tend to think of BEAUTY as physical attractiveness, but there is a growing movement to celebrate REAL BEAUTY..."~ Sharmila Bhanu Tirukovela

3 Your adornment [NLT: “OUTWARD BEAUTY”] must not be merely external—with interweaving and elaborate knotting of the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or [being superficially preoccupied with] dressing in expensive clothes; 4 but let it be [the INNER BEAUTY of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of God. - 1 Peter 3:3-4 (AMP)

2. COMMUNICATE TO OTHERS THE BEAUTY YOU SEE IN THEM

1 You are BEAUTIFUL, my darling, BEAUTIFUL beyond words. Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair falls in waves, like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead. 2 Your teeth are as white as sheep, recently shorn and freshly washed. Your smile is flawless, each tooth matched with its twin. 3 Your lips are like scarlet ribbon; your mouth is inviting. Your cheeks are like rosy pomegranates behind your veil. 4 Your neck is as BEAUTIFUL as the tower of David, jeweled with the shields of a thousand heroes. - Song of Songs 4:1-4 (NLT)

“TRUE BEAUTY is one of the hardest things to DEFINE. Beauty is officially DEFINED as, “a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form that PLEASES the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. TRUE BEAUTY goes beyond looks. When someone DESCRIBES another person as BEAUTIFUL, they aren’t always TALKING about aesthetics. They do say BEAUTY is in the EYE of the beholder, after all! That kind of beauty reaches far beyond PHYSICAL BEAUTY, and makes a person SHINE from the INSIDE as well as aesthetically.” ~ Dr. Sherly Soleiman

READ Song of Songs 4:7,9-11 (NLT)

“Outer BEAUTY is a GIFT. INNER BEAUTY is an ACCOMPLISHMENT." ~ Randi G. Fine

• See the inner beauty in people as you notice their character and are aware of their behavior

• Be descriptive in your words as you admire the kind of person they are and how they make you feel

• Don’t become so enamored with their outer beauty of physical appearance that you neglect warning signs

• Use discernment and wisdom in all of your relationships as you set healthy boundaries for engagement

• Seek the beauty of God’s holiness and let it shine through you before you chase after people’s attention or love

“OUTER BEAUTY turns the HEAD, but inner BEAUTY turns the HEART.” ~ Helen J Russell

3. ALLOW GOD’S LOVE TO BE THE SOURCE OF YOUR LOVE

READ: Song of Songs 6:1-3 (NIV); Matthew 3:16-17 & 12:18 (NKJV); Ephesians 1:4-6 (NTFE); 1 John 4:7-9,11 (AMP)

THEME VERSE:

“But a LIFE lived loving God bears lasting FRUIT, for the one who is truly WISE WINS souls.” - ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭30‬ ‭(TPT)‬‬

SUPPORTING VERSE:

1 The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: 2 Their purpose is to TEACH WISDOM and discipline, to help one understand WISE SAYINGS. 3 They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of INTEGRITY. 4 They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. 5 The WISE HEAR them and GROW in WISDOM; those with understanding gain guidance. 6 They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. 7 WISDOM begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise WISDOM and instruction. - Proverbs 1:1-7 (CEB)

“LIVING WISELY takes the knowledge in our head and moves it to our heart so it can influence our actions. But how in the world do we move from INFORMATION to APPLICATION to TRANSFORMATION? It starts by letting go of the muscle memory to simply react to our emotions, thoughts, and self-constructed, unreliable narratives. We must take our circumstances and hold them up to the truth we know so that we can pause before we react.” ~ Jill McCormick

HOW TO LIVE OUT A LIFESTYLE OF WISDOM:

1. WISDOM SHAPES OUR THOUGHTS & TRANSFORMS OUR MINDSET

Be careful how you THINK; your LIFE is SHAPED by your THOUGHTS [CEV: “Carefully GUARD your THOUGHTS (“HEART”) because they are the source of TRUE LIFE”]. - Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)

14 The INSTRUCTION of the WISE is like a LIFE-GIVING fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death…16 Wise people THINK before they ACT; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. - Proverbs 13:14,16 (NLT)

“TRANSFORMATION is a JOURNEY that demands both INTENTION and ACTION. GROWTH often requires us to step into the unknown…TRANSFORMATION begins when we choose GROWTH over comfort…TRUE TRANSFORMATION requires deliberate ACTION. By actively seeking change—whether in our habits, relationships, or MINDSET—we take control of our future. The path to a BETTER LIFE is paved with INTENTIONAL DECISIONS and a commitment to PERSONAL GROWTH.” ~ Parham Nematollah; Buckeye Recovery Network

• We must renew our minds with the wisdom of God’s Word

• Be intentional in your decision-making to choose God‘s way over your own

• remember that the problem is not the problem, the problem is the pattern

• Transform your life, by transforming your words to align with God’s Word

Your TONGUE has the power of LIFE and DEATH. Those who love to TALK will eat the fruit of their WORDS. - Proverbs 18:21 (NIRV)

“This GROWTH MINDSET can be likened to WISDOM and aligns with an elevated state of consciousness. It entails being deeply aware of one’s THOUGHT PATTERNS and BEHAVIORS and their impact on both personal and relational growth. It involves the WISDOM to DISCERN between protective MINDSETS and GROWTH-oriented approaches… SHAPING how we process information, react to situations, and MAKE DECISIONS..” ~ Skip Bowman

6 Now the MINDSET of the flesh is death, but the MINDSET of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The MINDSET of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law [“Torah”]. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. - Romans 8:6-8 (CSB)

Lend an EAR, LISTEN to these WORDS of the WISE, and align your THOUGHTS with my instructions. - Proverbs 22:17 (VOICE)

2. WISDOM GUIDES OUR TONGUE & EMPOWERS OUR COMMUNICATION

3 Those who CONTROL their TONGUE will have a LONG LIFE; opening your MOUTH can ruin everything… 6 GODLINESS GUARDS the PATH of the blameless,

“But a LIFE lived loving God bears lasting FRUIT, for the one who is truly WISE WINS souls.” - ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭30‬ ‭(TPT)‬‬

SUPPORTING VERSE:

1 The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: 2 Their purpose is to TEACH WISDOM and discipline, to help one understand WISE SAYINGS. 3 They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of INTEGRITY. 4 They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. 5 The WISE HEAR them and GROW in WISDOM; those with understanding gain guidance. 6 They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. 7 WISDOM begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise WISDOM and instruction. - Proverbs 1:1-7 (CEB)

Pay attention and LISTEN to the SAYINGS of WISE PEOPLE. Apply your heart to the sayings I teach. - Proverbs 22:17 (NIRV)

The SAYINGS of the WISE are like the sharp sticks that shepherds use to guide sheep, and collected PROVERBS are as lasting as firmly driven nails. They have been given by God, the one Shepherd of us all. - Ecclesiastes 12:11 (GNT)

HOW TO APPLY WISDOM AND VISION TO YOUR LIFE:

1. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH WISE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A VISION

“Spend time [Walk; Go] with the WISE and you will become WISE, but the friends of fools will suffer [or get into trouble].” - Proverbs 13:20 (EXB)

“A WISE MAN has to always LISTEN to the peers he SURROUNDS around himself. That's why you SURROUND YOURSELF with other SMART PEOPLE. Captain Kirk keep Mr. Spock right beside him.” ~ Robert Fitzgerald Diggs; A.K.A. Rza; Wu-tang Clan

• Use Discernment when picking friends that are mature and give you godly wisdom and advice

• Be willing to listen and receive their feedback and counsel to gain godly wisdom for upcoming decisions

• Make sure they share the same vision and passion for God; hopefully, even more than yourself

• Only follow people who follow God first in their life, and reflect it in their thoughts, words, and actions

• Refuse to repeat last year's mistakes so that you can walk in wisdom with regret

“The people whom you SURROUND YOURSELF with daily have a significant influence on your life. Choose the people around you wisely because they will significantly impact your potential and how successful you become. If you surround yourself with wise people trying to improve and better themselves, those qualities will help push you to improve.” ~ Gifford Thomas

2 The Lord answered me: “Write down the VISION; write it CLEARLY [or plainly] on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. 3 It is not yet time for the message to come true [For the VISION awaits an appointed time], but that time is coming soon [it hastens to the end; or it speaks about the end]; the message will come true [and not lie]. It may seem like a long time, but [though it tarries or lingers] be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed. - Habakkuk 2:2-3 (EXB)

2. DISCOVER WISDOM’S DEEPER MEANING THROUGH PRAYER

1 Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly…6 And Solomon went up there to the Bronze Altar before the Lord, which was at the Tabernacle of Meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. 7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “ASK! What shall I give you?” …10 Now give me WISDOM and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?” 11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or WEALTH or HONOR or the life of your enemies [POWER], nor have you ask

THEME VERSE:

“But a LIFE lived loving God bears lasting FRUIT, for the one who is truly WISE WINS souls.” - ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭30‬ ‭(TPT)‬‬

SUPPORTING VERSE:

1 The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: 2 Their purpose is to TEACH WISDOM and discipline, to help one understand WISE SAYINGS. 3 They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of INTEGRITY. 4 They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. 5 The WISE HEAR them and GROW in WISDOM; those with understanding gain guidance. 6 They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. 7 WISDOM begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:1-7 (CEB)

“The capacity to LEARN is a gift; the ability to LEARN is a skill; the willingness to LEARN is a choice.” ~ Brian Herbert

“We are LIMITED, finite creatures, bound always to wherever and whenever we find ourselves…that is no obstacle to finding God’s WISDOM that leads to true life. There is a LIMIT to what is knowable. What little we do know, we know partially, and it slips away from us in all sorts of ways because we’re forgetful or distracted or overcome by the decaying of our bodies. Life isn’t about finding your LIMITS. It’s about realizing you have none,” Nike tells us. The world cannot LIMIT a determined you. The world is malleable, LIMITLESS in its possibilities. So be you, because the only LIMIT worth submitting to is the LIMIT of what you want and who you want to be. Break or transcend every LIMITATION in your way.” ~ Dan Brendsel; Associate Pastor of Grace Church of DuPage

HOW TO LEARN THE PRINCIPLES OF WISDOM WITHOUT LIMITS:

1. LET ONLY GOD’S WORD SET HEALTHY LIMITS FOR YOUR LIFE

12 “I, WISDOM, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment…22 The Lord formed me from the beginning, before He created anything else. 23 I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began… 27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He drew the horizon on the oceans. 28 I was there when He set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth. 29 I was there when He set the LIMITS of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations, 30 I was the architect at His side. I was His constant delight, rejoicing always in His presence.” - Proverbs 8:12,22-23,27-30 (NLT)

• Keep God first in everything you think, say, and do so that your life is a testimony for God’s glory

• Guard and grow your faith by staying constantly in prayer and devotion to God’s Word

• Eliminate all distractions, like excess social media, so that you can daily download God’s Wisdom from His Word

• Focus on making godly decisions that increase your spiritual growth and enriches your family dynamic

• Stay of aware and alert to the enemy’s tricks and temptations to overcome daily oppositions and obstacles

“Know thyself. Self-awareness is the Holy Spirit talking to you. Listen to the Spirit. Obey. Boundaries are not selfish. They are WISDOM. Our lack of boundaries comes from our own insecurities. This is huge. When we experience the signs that we need to set boundaries, go to God and ask Him what insecurity in you is feeding this unhealthy relationship.” ~ Andy Lee

1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 LISTENING to WISDOM and directing your heart to UNDERSTANDING… 4…and search for it like HIDDEN TREASURE, 5 then you will UNDERSTAND the fear of the Lord and discover the KNOWLEDGE of God. 6 For the Lord gives WISDOM; from His mouth come KNOWL&