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Podcast 59.3 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let's think about this.

Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 103:8 ESV

Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. God is merciful and gracious because He is giving and forgiving. He is always blessing us and thus is worthy of blessing. When was the last time you blessed the Lord by giving Him praise?

Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

We can attempt to stir up joy from within, or we can look for a source beyond ourselves. Rather than driving to conjure up joy, we would be well served to look to the wellspring, the source of true joy, God himself. Pursuing him brings rest and peace to our souls.

Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine

In love He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:4b-5 ESV

The last two words of verse four begin the translation of this complete sentence and thought. We are adopted by the Father because of what Christ has done. He does so in love and invites us to live that way. This is His will for us, to live in love. Nothing brings greater joy.

Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 ESV

Living in His love, learning how to love one another, gives us a taste of heaven and lifts us to the joy divine. Certainly there are many who love well and have joy who do not know God, but the kind of love and joy we are speaking of can only be found in God.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.

Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest

Take the mindfulness of God's presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post 59.3 – Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee appeared first on Resonant 7.