Resonant 7

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Podcast 55.3 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.

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

Either one of these demonstrations of God s power are worth their own stanza at the very least, but there is so much that could be said about him that they are simply used as demonstrations of His faithfulness. Which one of them are you more thankful for today?

Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 ESV

As we long forward to our eternal home with God, we are confident of his goodness and mercy every day. Are you careful to arrange your days so that you can have this confidence? What are you doing to develop your ability to see his goodness and mercy on display every day?

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; Lamentations 3:21-22a ESV

Do you set your mind on these things? Do you allow yourself to sit and ponder the demonstrations of God s steadfast love to you every single day? You would be well-served to set aside some time to ponder what God is doing in your life. Nothing will fill you with more hope than that exercise.

If with His love He befriend thee

his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22b-23 ESV

His mercies never come to an end. He wants to befriend us with his love. But we have to put ourselves in a blessable state. This requires us to remove some things from our lives and add other things. What needs to be removed or added for you to know the love of 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.

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 55.2 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.

Praise to the Lord Who over all things

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV

We praise God because He is the sovereign, providential King reigning over all things. He owns them all and wondrously displays His authority and care as our benevolent Ruler. Give Him praise!

Shelters thee under His wings

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. Psalm 57:1 ESV

The writer contrasts the powerful image of God ruling and reigning over all to a gentle one of incredible, intimate care. God shows His mercy to us by offering protection and sustenance when things are threatening to destroy. Recall the last time you snuggled in such a sweet spot.

Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been [Granted]

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14 ESV

Here we find a rhetorical question. It is asked to make the point that God answers us when we ask in accordance with His will. The trouble we have is that we often ask God for things, we desire things that are not in His will. How do we experience this confidence? Learn His will.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

[Granted] in what He ordaineth

And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:15 ESV

As an expression of His care for us, God will not give us things that will not help us to know, love and trust Him more. That is His will for us. When we ask for those things, we can have confidence that we already have them, even if they have not been delivered just yet.

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.

Praise to the Lord Who over all things

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 55.1 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.

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Psalm 150:1-2 ESV

This entire hymn is a call to worship, or maybe more accurately a command to worship, supported by a careful and fairly comprehensive list of all the reasons why we should. We start with His position over all, having made all, Almighty King of Creation. Praise Him!

O my soul praise Him For He is thy health and salvation

Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!…who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, Psalm 103:1, 3 ESV

This next line echoes the admonition of David to His soul in response to the twofold work of God in restoring health to it as well as the body. The soul needs to be reminded of the need to praise because it is so fickle, so here is the reminder. Praise God as Healer and Savior.

All ye who hear now to His temple draw near

A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1 ESV

The invitation that begins in the inner-working of the soul rings out to all who have ears to hear. It echoes across all time and space but not everyone will respond, only those who the Spirit gives ears to hear the invitation. Give thanks that you are hearing the invitation even now.

Praise Him in glad adoration

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalm 100:1-2 ESV

We praise Him in glad adoration, but just adoration. Joyful gladness should mark the praise that we bring. Do a quick self-assessment. Could that description be offered for the praise you regularly offer to God? If not, determine today to bring him that kind of praise.

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.

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 54.6 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.

All creation, join in praising

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

We read these words from John in his heavenly vision.  It will happen. All the creatures praising. And we also read in other passages where the creation itself is ever declaring His handiwork.  Are you being intentional about playing your part?

God, the Father, Spirit, Son,

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

Here in this oft quoted Christmas prophecy, we see different representations of our Triune God, Son, Counselor (Spirit), and Everlasting Father.  God is Father, Spirit, Son and we are invited to come and worship Him. Extend the invitation to join us to everyone with ears to hear.

Evermore your voices raising

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15 ESV

There will be no end to the praise we offer around His glorious throne, but we must rehearse our eternal occupation here and now.  We should always be lifting our voices to acknowledge His name. Use your lips to give Him glory today, then never stop!

To th'eternal Three in One.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 ESV

And herein lies the purpose of our vocal praise, translating into our living the message which declares the worth of our eternal God.  We will praise Him around the throne, but we must do so now in a way that allows others to see Him. Are you engaged in such winsome praise?

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.

All creation, join in praising

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 54.5 Transcript, 12.5 REPLAYED

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.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV

Jesus came the first time as the baby in the manger, Emmanuel, God with us, but no room was made for Him at the inn in Bethlehem.  When He returns the Father will inquire what we did with the gift of His Son. Are you ready with your answer? Does your life line up with your lips?

He shall fill His Father's throne,

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.” Matthew 25:31 ESV

When Jesus comes the second time He will not be seeking a place to sleep but establishing a kingdom to reign.  He will fill His Father's throne and His reign will be without end. Many worship the Christ of the manger, but do you exalt King Jesus on His throne?

Gather all the nations to Him;

Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,  Revelation 5:9b ESV

Here is the song sung by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders around the throne.  Because of His finished work on the cross Jesus is able to gather His blood-bought children from every nation.  Have you any part in getting the gospel to them?

Every knee shall then bow down:

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

Every knee will bow.  Still, the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose to worship Him now.  Ask the Spirit to make such activity a regular part of your life.

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.

Though an Infant now we view Him,

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 12.4 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.

Saints, before the altar bending,

Simply put, saints are simply those who have decided to call on the Lord.  When we do we have chosen to humble ourselves before Him. We approach His altar with reverence and set ourselves apart for His purposes.  Will you, like Simeon, humble yourself before God.

  Watching long in hope and fear;

Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and saw the salvation of God with His own eyes.  He was able to depart in peace. There is an interesting mingling of hope and fear in our watching.  Do you feel both those realities, fear of His righteousness and hope in His mercy?

Suddenly the Lord, descending,

So we wait on Him and seek Him, as we hope to see His appearing.  The prophet promises that God's appearing will be sudden. He will come to His temple.  Anna was so fervent she never left the temple. She experienced His coming and gave thanks to God!  Will you seek Him?

  In His temple shall appear.

The messenger is coming, and he will announce the Lord's coming.  Are you ready like Simeon and Anna. Do you like with an expectancy that GOd is going to show up in your life?  Are you truly seeking Him, and determined enough to respond rightly when He does?

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.

Saints, before the altar bending,

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

The post Saints Teach Us How to Wait appeared first on Resonant 7.

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 54.3 Transcript, 12.3 REPLAYED

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.

Sages, leave your contemplations,

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1-2 ESV 

Wise men, or magi, came from the east.  These learned men left their pursuit of knowledge to search for something even better.  What might God be asking you to leave behind so you may know Him better this Christmas, or in the New Year?  Will you follow His leading?

Brighter visions beam afar;

Saying, Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.  Matthew 2:2 ESV

Maybe God has already given you a vision of a better future in your relationship with Him but you need to leave something behind to pursue it.  Do you have a sense of your brighter visions ? If not, ask God to open your eyes to them as He did for the wise men.

Seek the great Desire of nations;

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.  John 8:12 ESV

So the magi used the star to lead them to the One who would later utter these words.  They walked through darkness, but found the light of life, the light of the world. They were not Jewish so they demonstrate that the wisest among us from every nation desire Him.  Will you?

Ye have seen His natal star.

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9b-10 ESV

But just seeing the star is not enough.  We must respond. The wise men journeyed long, and when they arrived at their destination rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. As you pursue Christ, expect the same kind of feeling.  But make certain you are pursuing Him. Are you?

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.

Sages, leave your contemplations,

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 54,2 Transcript, 12.2 REPLAYED

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.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field,  Luke 2:8a ESV

This story is continued from the previous passage where we are told of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.  These fields were outside Bethlehem. That is where these shepherds lived. God came to them where they lived.  How kind of Him to do that! And He has been doing that ever since. Thank Him for meeting us where we live.

Watching o'er your flocks by night,

keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8b ESV

And they were just doing their job.  Going about their normal activity. When suddenly God sent an unmistakable message to them.  God still comes to us in our daily labors. He makes His presence known to us, but we must be ready to receive it.  No doubt these shepherds were. Are you?

God with us is now residing;

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 ESV

This verse quotes the words from Isaiah 7:14, and then adds the explanation, God with us .  The news the shepherds heard was first revealed here to Joseph. He came to dwell with us so that He could live a perfect life, then offer it to save us from our sins.  Give thanks to the Father for becoming Immanuel in His son.

  Yonder shines the infant light:

The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.  Matthew 4:16 ESV

Jesus at His birth was the light that dawned.  We though walking in darkness have seen a great light because Jesus revealed it to us.  The shepherds were the first to see it, and they told everyone what they had seen, so the light began to spread.  Will you shine that Bethlehem Light?

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.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 54.1 Transcript, 12.1 REPLAYED

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.

Angels from the realms of glory,

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Luke 2:13 ESV

We will get to their song later but note that these angels have come from the heavens.  The realms of glory left behind, they come to tell of the King's arrival. What kind of King gets such a royal, angelic proclamation?  Only our King, Jesus Christ. Worship Him who alone is worthy.

 Wing your flight o'er all the earth;

And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 ESV

This glorious good news and the offer to receive it echoes to the whole earth, for all the people.  The angels are God's messengers and they carry this invitation to worship everywhere there wings take them.  Will you put your journey to the same use declaring this invitation.

Ye who sang creation's story

When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7 ESV

Though there are several Scriptural allusions to the presence of angels during the creation of the world, this one is a good one. Taken from God's response to Job, God Himself acknowledges the presence of the sons of God, angels, shouting for joy with the morning stars.  Can you hear the echo of their praises across eternity?

  Now proclaim Messiah's birth.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!  Luke 2:14 ESV

And here the host of angels sing glory to the newborn King! They join the first angel that started the proclamation of Messiah's birth in angelic chorus.  Imagine what that must have been like, and determine to respond to the call to worship with them today.

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.

Angels from the realms of glory,

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

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Check out the blog which this podcast accompanies here. For more like it, find a list of all our podcasts by episodes on our website here. And the rest of our content, including video logs and other tools to help you Be Resonant here.

Podcast 19.4 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.

When your journey is completed,

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV

Sometimes while you are holding on to God's unchanging hand, it seems like you will not be able to make it through everything you are facing. Even then, take comfort in the fact that God will finish the work He started.  There will be an end. Thank Him for completing what He has started in You.

When the valley you pass through,

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Psalm 23:4 ESV

We all walk through valleys at some point, but there is no need to fear for God is with you. When death is casting a shadow over you it can be very difficult to recall this simple fact. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you today, and whenever you need it in the future.

Fair and bright the home in glory

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3 ESV

Jesus promised not only that He was going to prepare a place for us but that He would return to take us there. We have a home in glory. It will be fair and bright. We will see it with our eyes one day, but for now ask Jesus to give you eyes of faith to see your eternal home.

Your enraptured soul will view.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 ESV

We believe with David that goodness and mercy are with us every day, but we will know it completely on that day. Our souls will find a rest we only dreamed was possible. That is the hope we build on, and long for. Ask God to help you hold to His unchanging hand as you wait.

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, with the refrain.

When your journey is completed,

Hold to God's unchanging hand,

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

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