Resonant 7

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Podcast 53.3 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.

Covet not this world's vain riches,

And he said to them, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Luke 12:15 ESV

Jesus is teaching here to be on guard against having a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else. That can consume your soul, and become the foundation of your hope. Ask Jesus to reveal any covetousness within you.

That so rapidly decay,

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV

There are at least two reasons not to covet. Here is the first. The world's riches rapidly decay. Even if you are able to acquire them, you will eventually loose them in this life or at its end. Ask the Spirit to help you to avoid toiling to acquire worldly wealth.

Seek to gain the heav'nly treasures,

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 ESV

Here is the second. Heavenly treasures are eternal. Rather that toiling to acquire treasures that will not last, we should lay up ones that will. How are you seeking to gain those treasures? What are you invested in that will produce those heavenly treasures?

They will never pass away.

…he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  I Peter 1:3b, 4 ESV

And how incredible those treasures are that will not pass away! An inheritance that is eternal. When we build on that inheritance, we are putting our hopes on things that will last forever. Praise God for the hope that is eternal, which we find when we hold His unchanging hand.

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.

Covet not this world's vain riches

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.

The post 53.3 – Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand, 19.3 REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 53.2 Transcript, 19.2 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.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 ESV

The Lord never forakes us. We have all had times when we were trying to trust Him but it was hard. Commit to seek Him today and then feel free to remind Him of His promise to never forsake You. He is good for it and you can trust Him.

Whatsoever years may bring,

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

The years can only bring what God allows, but even still sometimes the things they bring are hard to swallow. Is there something from your past that you have not gotten over, for which you are maybe still resentful toward God? Ask Him to heal you today, and trust Him and His plans for you.

If by earthly friends forsaken

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 2 Timothy 4:16 ESV

This is a sad story Paul tells, but we have all felt the sting of a friend forsaking us at one point or another. Some were no big deal, others have been exceedingly painful. Ask God to allow you to extend the same forgiveness Paul offers to those who deserted him.

Still more closely to Him cling.

You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. Deuteronomy 10:20 ESV

Our moments alone can cause us to fear the Lord, but they should also challenge us to serve Him and hold fast to Him. When everything else is stripped away, God is still there, and we have the choice to cling all the more closely. Determine today to do that now, and always.

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.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,

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.

The post 53.2 – Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand, 19.2 REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 53.1 Transcript, 19.1 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.

Time is filled with swift transition,

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV

Time and chance are the great equalizers. They happen to every one of us. Since there is no avoiding them, the only alternative is to find a way to deal with their effects. Thank God that He has revealed this truth to You, and provided hope in Him.

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah Psalm 75:3 ESV

With the swift transitions and the shifting landscape, it is hard to stand unmoved. Actually impossible, but for God. He is the One who holds the earth steady and is able to steady us as well when things come shaking our lives to their core. Praise His steady hand!

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 ESV

Jesus teaches the truth we are singing in this line. But we must be careful what our foundation is. If we build on things that last, like God's eternal word, then we are wise builders, and our lives will be strong. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways you may be building on anything else.

Hold to God's unchanging hand.

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8 ESV

We must resolve this issue before the storms of life come. If we wait to cling to God only when peace slips away, it may be harder to sense His presence and His holding us. Let go of anything that may be keeping you from clinging to God. Ask Him to help 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, with the Refrain.

Time is filled with swift transition,

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.

The post Get a Grip! appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 53.1 – Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand, 19.1 REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.8 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 God from whom all blessings flow

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

Finally, we praise God because all blessings flow from him. There is no good thing that comes to us apart from His will or design. Every good and perfect gift comes down to us from Him who never changes. Praise God, and call all other blessing recipients to do the same.

Praise Him all creatures here below

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 ESV

Those blessings fall on us from above, to every creature here below. Every creature has breath, and as long as it does, should use that breath to give praise to the One who created them and gave the breath. Everything that has breath should praise the Lord.

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Psalm 148:1-14 ESV

Our call to worship extends not only to the creatures on earth below, but to the heavenly host above as well. We exhort the angels in heaven to praise God Most High with us, even though they have never stopped since they were created. Call the angels to worship with you.

Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV

We praise God for all these expressions of His creativity and the way that He moves among us providing grace, love and fellowship. Father, Son and Holy Spirit calling us to praise, inspiring our praise, and enabling our praise. O praise Him! Alleluia!!

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.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

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 Exhorting Angels To Praise  appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 52.8 All Creatures of Our God and King appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.7 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.

Let all things their Creator bless

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! Psalm 145:10 ESV

We started out with all creatures, went through a number of unexpected creations, and now have come full circle. The use of the word bless here means to thank, or express gratitude. All things should express gratitude to our creator. Have you done it today?

And worship Him in humbleness

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. Psalm 69:34 ESV

Every moving thing in heaven, on the earth, and in the seas should give praise to God. Why? He made us, created us to reveal his glory. We should be careful to give him all the worship that only He deserves. We must be diligent about this because He is worthy.

Praise praise the Father praise the Son

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV

The Father not only made us but then blesses us with every blessing, many of which we can not even really fathom. They are made available to us through His Son. We praise them for the ones of which we are aware and so many more of which we are not.

And praise the Spirit Three in One

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15

The Spirit is the one who guides us into all truth, bringing us to the place where we become aware of the blessings of God and develop the desire to give Him praise. The Trinity, creating us, revealing it, and empowering our praise. Hallelujah!

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.

Let all things their Creator bless

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 Three in One, Trinitarian Worship  appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 52.7 All Creatures of Our God and King appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.6 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.

Death once the ancient enemy

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned Romans 5:12 ESV

We have two different perspectives on death in this stanza. The first one is that as a result of our sin, death has always been our enemy Death became the result of our sin. If it had not been for sin, death would never have been our future, only life.

Hear now our Easter melody

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV

But Jesus victory over death in His resurrection gives us a new perspective. Death longer needs to be the end. It was not the end for Jesus and if we confess and believe in Him, it need not be the end for us either. So we sing our Easter song He is risen!

You are the pathway home to God

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV

God offers us eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we yield to Him as Lord, death is transformed into a pathway home instead of a final destination. This is a remarkably different perspective on death, one which we are able to understand and enjoy only because of Jesus.

Our door to life through Christ our Lord

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? John 11:25-26 ESV

Here Jesus shows that death becomes a door to life through him. Even though we die, we shall live. Above all the other reasons to give praise to God, this one certainly stands at the top for if all the others were true and this one were not our praise would be limited. Instead, it is eternal.

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.

Death once the ancient enemy

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

The post When the End of the Road is Actually a Beginning  appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 52.6 All Creatures of Our God and King appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.4 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.

And all ye men of tender heart

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Now we turn our attention to the pinnacle of creation, created in God's image, mankind. Though being made in God's image predisposes us to giving him glory, we do so best when we act in a way that is reflective of his nature. Showing kindness to each other is one such expression.

Forgiving others take your part

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13 ESV

Still, an even better reflection of the glory of God is when we offer forgiveness.  This act mirrors the work of Christ on the cross. It allows us to extend to others what we have ourselves first received from God. Do you want to give praise to God? Forgive others, particularly those you have a complaint against.

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 ESV

It can be difficult to forgive, especially when those receiving your forgiveness have been the cause of your pain and sorrow. Sometimes even more difficult is forgiving yourself, especially when you realize you are the source of much of the trouble and discomfort in your life.

Praise God and on Him cast your care

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV

The realization that you have brought much of your anxiety upon yourself is a difficult one. There is hardly a better remedy for that than accepting the care of our God, who loves us in spite of those things. Praise Him, and cast all your cares and anxieties upon Him. Accept His care.

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.

And all ye men of tender heart

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

The post Learning to Give God Glory and Your Groanings Too  appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 52.5 All Creatures of Our God and King appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.4 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.

And all ye men of tender heart

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Now we turn our attention to the pinnacle of creation, created in God's image, mankind. Though being made in God's image predisposes us to giving him glory, we do so best when we act in a way that is reflective of his nature. Showing kindness to each other is one such expression.

Forgiving others take your part

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13 ESV

Still, an even better reflection of the glory of God is when we offer forgiveness.  This act mirrors the work of Christ on the cross. It allows us to extend to others what we have ourselves first received from God. Do you want to give praise to God? Forgive others, particularly those you have a complaint against.

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 ESV

It can be difficult to forgive, especially when those receiving your forgiveness have been the cause of your pain and sorrow. Sometimes even more difficult is forgiving yourself, especially when you realize you are the source of much of the trouble and discomfort in your life.

Praise God and on Him cast your care

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV

The realization that you have brought much of your anxiety upon yourself is a difficult one. There is hardly a better remedy for that than accepting the care of our God, who loves us in spite of those things. Praise Him, and cast all your cares and anxieties upon Him. Accept His care.

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.

And all ye men of tender heart

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

The post Learning to Give God Glory and Your Groanings Too  appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 52.4 All Creatures of Our God and King appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.3 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 flowing water pure and clear

Who builds his upper chambers in the heavens and founds his vault upon the earth; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth the Lord is his name. Amos 9:6 ESV

We move on in this stanza to a couple elements. First, water. It flows pure and clear. It is always on the move at the Lord's command. Whether the crashing waves of the ocean, or the torrent of a running river, there is power on display. All that power bringing glory to God.

Make music for thy Lord to hear

The mountains saw you and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high. Habakkuk 3:10 ESV

Here the voice of the raging waters is articulated. I personally prefer the babbling of a gentle brook. There is also the roar and rhythm of the waves of the ocean and the pounding of the rain. Different timbres and sounds all declaring the praise of the Lord our God.

Thou fire so masterful and bright

The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Leviticus 6:12 ESV

Next up, fire. There are many references to fire in Scripture. It is a purifying agent, and a destroyer. It is not easily mastered, especially if fuel is readily available. In this passage we look at its role in offering a sacrifice to God, but one expression of it as a tool for His purposes.

Thou givest man both warmth and light

And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Mark 14:54 ESV

On a cold night it also provides warmth and light, as we see in this passage from the evening Jesus was betrayed. Many a weary sojourner have felt the comfort of a fire as it performed its service, crackling and blazing as the chill and terror of the night was pushed back. Alleluia!

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 flowing water pure and clear

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

The post Fiery Flames Offering Warm Worship  appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 52.3 All Creatures of Our God and King appeared first on Resonant 7.

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 52.2 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.

Thou rushing wind that art so strong

For behold, he who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought, who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name! Amos 4:13 ESV

God creates the wind and then uses it to bring glory to His name. But how does the wind give praise to God? Whether it's rustling through the leaves on the trees, howling through the mountain passes, or moving the mist across the water it's strength is on display.

Ye clouds that sail in heaven along

He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. Psalm 135:7 ESV 

The wind also moves the clouds across the sky. That is no small accomplishment when you consider their number and variety as well as the circumstances of their formations. As things transpire on the earth below, they continue to flow effortlessly along their journey.

Thou rising morn in praise rejoice

The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Psalm 50:1 ESV

Sunrise or sunset, it is hard to say with confidence, which is more inspiring: however, when those first rays of light burst forth across the dark, predawn sky an argument could certainly be made. They lift their voice as they fulfill the purpose for which they we made, dispelling darkness.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Ye lights of evening find a voice

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Psalm 148:3 ESV

The shining stars do more than just illuminate. They are commanded to annuciate, to find a voice and the language to give their Maker the praise that is due His matchless name. Have you found your voice? How do you offer your alleluia to the One the stars acclaim?

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 rushing wind that art so strong

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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