Resonant 7

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Podcast 48.2 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.

For me it was in the garden

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, Sit here, while I go over there and pray. Matthew 26:36 ESV

Jesus knew what was coming. Judgment, and the satisfaction of the price for sin. He had come in the flesh to pay that penalty, and had come to the garden to pray for the strength to endure it. He had no price of His own to pay for He was perfect, but willingly paid for ours.

He prayed not My will but Thine

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. Matthew 26:39 ESV

He went to the garden to pray for the cup to pass. What cup? The cup of judgment that had to be consumed for us to know the love of God. He asked His Father to let it pass from Him, but was willing to surrender to the Father's will if it could not. Of course it couldn't, so He drank it.

He had no tears for His own griefs

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me. Matthew 26:37-38 ESV

Though He was filled with sorrow, even to the point of death, He shed no tears for his griefs. Instead He asked His disciples to stay with Him and pray. He would need divine strength as He prepared to carry the weight of humanity's sin to the cross. Marvelous love!

But sweat drops of blood for mine

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44 ESV

So great was His grief that it produced a strain in His body forcing blood into His drops of sweat. He literally was sweating blood. This is a real physical condition and one certainly the humanity of God endured as He took on the sins of the world: our sin, His grief.

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.

For me it was in the garden

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 48.1 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.

I stand amazed in the presence

 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. Acts 9:5-6 ESV 

Paul was on his way to persecute the church when Jesus revealed Himself and redirected Paul's life. Jesus has been redirecting lives for millennia and He wants to do it today. How might Jesus be revealing Himself and redirecting your life today?

Of Jesus the Nazarene

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:23 ESV

From Paul's vision on the road to Damascus, to the angel redirecting Joseph out of Egypt to Nazareth in Galilee, God had a plan. God has a plan for your life as well. It may not involve heavenly visions or angel visitations but it still has divine purpose. How will you respond?

And wonder how He could love me

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV 

When we see Jesus for who He is, it makes His great love for us all the more amazing. He is without fault or blemish. His love is a rich expression of mercy because we deserve wrath. Instead we receive His love which should evoke amazement and awe. Does it?

A sinner condemned unclean

even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

Mercy is not getting what you do not deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Eternal life in exchange of eternal death, that is grace and mercy in the highest forms. That should leave us in awe and wonder singing His praise forevermore!

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.

I stand amazed in the presence

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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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 46.6 Transcript, 23.5 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.

Pardon for sin

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 ESV

Pardon and the peace which flows from it. These belong to everyone who turns to the Lord and receives His compassion. He is willing to abundantly pardon. Is there anything you need to turn from today, even any thoughts, so you can find rest in Jesus?

Thy own dear presence

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

Having received the pardon and peace of God we must learn to walk in it, in His presence. He encourages our hearts, quiets us with His love, and rejoices over us, but we must be willing to listen. Quiet yourself in His presence right now, and listen for His rejoicing.

Strength for today

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

All you need for whatever you are facing today, and hope that the same will be true tomorrow when it comes can be yours in Christ. What has you troubled? Look to God for the strength and help you need to overcome it.

Blessings all mine

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV

Love Him and keep His commandments. Easier said than done. But He is faithful and if we will surrender we will know the blessing of standing side by side with countless others who have made that same choice and trusted God to help them fulfill it as well.

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.

Pardon for sin

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

The post Faithfulness Everyday for Everyone REPOST 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 46.5 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.

I could not love Thee,

As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. Romans 3:10-11 ESV

It is both painful and needful to acknowledge this reality. We were blind and cold toward God, so was our disposition in sin. We could not love Him, nor did we care to. We must acknowledge this in order to receive by grace His faithfulness to us. Have you done so?

Covenant promises

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV

Our sin had separated us from God and accordingly all the promises that He offers to those who believe and place their faith in the substitutionary sacrifice of His Son. You too were once outside of this covenant, outside of HIs glory. Thank Him for revealing that to you.

Then without warning,

For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28 ESV

Without warning, before we could even desire it, and absolutely before we could even begin to ponder what to do to deserve it, God poured out the blood of Christ to make forgiveness of sin available. Praise His name for making a way for us to draw near before we even tried.

I found my Treasure,

By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4 ESV

Not only can we now draw near but we are changed at our very core to be characterized by the nature of God. That allows us to escape the corruption that plagues the world due to sinful desire. What an incredible promise! Ask Him to help you live it out 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, with the refrain.

I could not love Thee,

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 How Are You Responding to God’s Faithfulness? REPOST 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 23.4 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.

I have no merit

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 ESV

Though we do not like to admit our utter depravity, we must remember that to do so makes even more of the faithfulness of God. There was nothing in us that deserved the grace He has poured out on us, and until He did we could not please Him, not in the least. Confess that.

I have no wisdom

Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, Jeremiah 9:23 ESV

We do have some abilities, yet though they are God-given, they are still not enough to bridge the gap left by our sinfulness and selfishness. Thank God for those gifts, but also for the fact that He went even further to make a way for us to find favor in His eyes.

Yet in thy mercy,

…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24 ESV 

He practices that steadfast love, justice and righteousness on us, and even delights to do so. This must be our boast. Not anything that we are or have done, but in the unmerited favor and delight of our Lord. Make that boast right now, then all day and forever.

This is Thy pleasure:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV

What is God's pleasure? That I find my joy in Him. How amazing is that? Our greatest joy, fullness of joy, is found only in His presence, at His right hand forever, and His pleasure is our discovering and living in that. Hallelujah! Give God praise for this incredible truth.

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.

I have no merit

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 Did You Know God Wants You to Be Boastful? appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 46.4 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness, 23.4 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 47.4 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.

He rules the world with truth and grace

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:14, 17 ESV

Effectively grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. He is full of grace and truth and so He rules the world from that position. He came and dwelt among us and will return to complete the work of redemption that His work on the cross accomplished. Hallelujah!

And makes the nations prove

I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:23 ESV

Vindication is proving that something is right. This verse inspires this line by taking the words of the Lord and declaring what He will in fact do just that. He is holy and great. His rule will establish and prove those things among all the nations of the world.

The glories of His righteousness

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. Psalm 96:12b-13 ESV

The trees are going to help the nations prove the glories of His righteousness by singing for joy when He comes. Can you imagine what that is going to sound like? It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about it. I will sing now so I am ready when the trees do.

And wonders wonders of His love

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Psalm 17:7 ESV

We have seen the wonders of His love, even in our fallen world, yet we still long for the people of every tribe and tongue to see them as well. One day the nations will sing with us. Let's do everything we can to help them understand that now and usher in the joy!

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.

He rules the world with truth and grace

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 Tree-mendous Righteousness and Love appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 47.4 – Joy to the World 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 47.3 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.

No more let sins and sorrows grow

And to Adam he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; Genesis 3:17 ESV

It all started in a garden. Though given the freedom to live in God's presence, Adam and Eve were deceived into trying to be like God. Sin and sorrow were ushered in with that decision but the Father made a way to reverse the curse, sending His only Son to redeem us.

Nor thorns infest the ground

Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. Genesis 3:18 ESV

We are all well aware of the futility of our labors. We sow with the hope of reaping, and weeds show up seemingly out of nowhere, but they are the result of the Fall. You may have done nothing to welcome them but there they are. What thorns are present in your life right now?

He comes to make His blessings flow

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21 ESV

The freedom of the glory of the children of God.How we long for that! We hope for the creation itself to be set free from its bondage to corruption. Jesus made all that possible. He came to start that work and will return to complete it. We long for His blessings to flow!

Far as far as the curse is found

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23 ESV

The redemption of our bodies. The curse brings death, but the blessing Jesus offers is life. The firstfruits of Spirit deposit that longing in us for our adoption as sons and daughters, when the curse is removed and all we know is the blessing of being with God eternally, like the garden.

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.

No more let sins and sorrows grow

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 Gardens and Groves are Great Proving Groundsappeared 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 47.2 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.

Joy to the earth the Savior reigns

the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 ESV 

Joy has come to the earth, because the Savior has arrived. But not only has he arrived, He has established His rule and authority over all. That is good news, because it gives Him the authority to redeem us, making all our wrong things right. That's cause for joy!

Let men their songs employ

Sing to the Lord, bless his name;

We use songs to tell of His redeeming work. Scripture commands it, and it is a powerful way to engage the soul as well as the mind with the wonderful truths of God. Once you have embraced this reality, it honestly becomes difficult not to make it known through song.

While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

Our songs join those of every part of creation. This is not adding some new melody, as much as finding that which is woven into the very fiber of every created thing. Have you found that inmost melody? Look to God's creation for your inspiration and ask the Spirit to help you receive it.

Repeat repeat the sounding joy

before the Lord, for he comes

What does joy have to do with the judgment of God? We know His judgment will be done with righteousness and equity. Because we personally trust in the righteousness of Christ, we have peace knowing He has saved us from the wrath we deserve. Hallelujah! What a joy!

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

Joy to the earth the Savior reigns

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 Are You Giving Creation Something to Repeat? appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 47.2 – Joy to the World 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 47.1 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.

Joy to the world the Lord is come

the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 ESV 

Good news of great joy indeed. God's people had longed for the Messiah and in this angelic proclamation they learned He had arrived. He was the anointed King, come in the form of a baby, to deliver them from their sins. Imagine what it must have been like to hear that news.

Let earth receive her King

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!…With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! Psalm 98:4, 6 ESV

The King had come, but they were not ready for Him. Not on that holy night, and not even years later when He preached good news and healed the sick. What does it mean to receive the King? Certainly there should be praise. How will you make a joyful noise this Christmas?

Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room

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

No room in the inn meant the King slept in a manger. No room for Him in our lives means we are the ones not finding the rest He has made available. How will you make room in this busy season to welcome Jesus into your heart? It will require some space, and some time.

And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12 ESV

Heaven and nature will be certain to sing, rejoice, roar, and exult. Will you join in, participating in the praise, or will you be found simply spectating instead? We offer a call to worship when we sing the carol, but make sure you are continuing the praise through the season, and beyond.

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.

Joy to the world the Lord is come

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 Intentional Space and Purposeful Praise appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 47.1 – Joy to the World 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 46.3 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.

Great is Thy faithfulness

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; Lamentations 3:22 ESV

Never is a long time, longer than our finite minds can really even comprehend, and yet never is when the Lord's steadfast love ceases and His mercies end. His is a faithfulness which is truly incomprehensible, and yet we know it to be true thanks to the gift of faith. Rest in it now.

Morning by morning

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23 ESV

I often joke that I am thankful His mercies are new every morning because some days I feel as though I might have used them all up. Thankfully, this is never true, so great is His faithfulness. Starting a new year, and every day in it with an awareness of His mercy changes us. Try it.

All I have needed

The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him. Lamentations 3:24 ESV

When we look to the Lord as our portion we find that He provides everything we need. We often realize this only after striving too long to provide for ourselves. Determine today to look to the Lord and find your hope squarely in Him and His complete provision for you.

Great is Thy faithfulness

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 ESV

Waiting. It is never easy. Seeking the Lord can be arduous endeavor as well, but oh the goodness that is ready to be unleashed on the soul who does. Decide today that every day in 2021 will be marked in some way by your soul actively seeking and waiting on 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, with the refrain.

Great is Thy faithfulness

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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