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 46.2 Transcript, 23.2 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.

Summer and winter

You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:17 ESV

The seasons are an incredible expression of the faithfulness of God. As surely as one ends another begins. He made them just like He fixed all the laws that govern His creation. Take a moment to allow the season you are in now to speak of the faithfulness of God.

Sun moon and stars

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1-4 ESV

Not to be outdone by the seasons, the celestial bodies get in on declaring God's faithfulness as well. As surely as the sun sets it will rise again. This proclaims His handiwork and invites us to respond with our worship. Go outside, look up, and marvel anew at God's glory.

Join with all nature

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 ESV

Many and varied indeed are the ways that all nature witnesses to the faithfulness of God, joining the seasons and the heavens in their adoration. Your life is a part of that witness. Determine right now how you will exercise that opportunity to enter into the praise today.

To Thy great faithfulness

To him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:5 ESV

This phrase is one of a litany of why we should give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. As you consider how you will join the worship today, take a moment to consider a few of the many reasons why you should. That consideration should provide you with ample inspiration.

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.

Summer and winter

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 What’s Your Worshipful Witness? REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 46.2 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness REPOST, 23.2 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 46.1 Transcript, 23.1 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.

Great is Thy faithfulness

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

We can learn something when we acknowledge these words emerge from a book of lament. Even in his great distress the prophet pens these common phrases. Whatever you are facing today, recall God's great faithfulness and declare it once again amidst your laments.

There is no shadow

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

Light creates shadows. Shadows move either as the lights move or as the object creating the shadow does. But our Father never changes like those shadows because He is the source of Light and every good thing. Thank Him today for being that source for you.

Thou changest not

For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. Malachi 3:6 ESV

Here He plainly declares He does not change, and that unchanging nature is what keeps us from being consumed. Like Jacob, we too often forsake God's ways and choose our own. He is compassionate and does not consume us in our rebellion. Praise Him for that kindness.

As Thou hast been

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV

He has been faithful and He will continue to be faithful. What He has been, He will be forever. Everything in life changes, except God. He is the One constant on which we can depend. His faithfulness does not depend on us. Ask Him to help you rest in His faithfulness.

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.

The post Receive Unfailing Compassion appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post 46.1 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness REPOST 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 45.5 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.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

The cross informs and instructs in every situation, be it waking or sleeping, living or dying. When we determine to associate with Christ and His cross in all things it transforms our perspective of everything. What are facing today that you need to see in light of the cross?

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 ESV

He suffered, and so shall we. Our suffering is never the end but the gateway. Even death, the greatest suffering, is just a doorway into resurrection life. If we join Him in His suffering, we will join Him when He rises. We follow His example and look through the gloom to the skies.

Heav’n’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee

And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 2 Peter 1:19 ESV

We long for the day when Heaven's morning breaks chasing away earth's vain shadows. Until then we immerse ourselves in His word which in some ways is His presence to us, shining light in dark places. What shadows need chased away in your life today? Look to Jesus.

In life in death O Lord abide with me

As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 ESV

The next verse continues, For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain . Whether living or dying our ambition must be to honor Christ in our bodies. We can only do this as we cultivate an ever-increasing awareness of His presence in our lives. How will you do that 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.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes

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 Abide Continually, Eternally appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 45.5 – Abide with Me 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 45.4 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 fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 ESV

There are plenty of adversaries that should strike fear in our hearts if the Lord were not on our side, but He is. So, we need not fear any foe with the Lord nearby to bless. He is our light and salvation. The stronghold of our lives. Thank Him for His presence which drives out fear.

Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

We do suffer ills and shed many tears, but the weight of them is light and the bitterness absent when we see them in comparison to what God is producing in us through them. The key to this perspective is trusting God in the midst of them so you can see them clearly.

Where is death’s sting where grave thy victory

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 1 Corinthians 15:55 ESV

These are incredible rhetorical questions. Only the presence and power of God gives us any confidence when facing the end of life and the grave itself. Death may seem victorious, but in light of the resurrection it is not. We overcome, even in death, if we abide with God.

I triumph still if Thou abide with me

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV

And we will suffer. We all have and do. Yet we have this confidence. The God of all grace who has called us to His eternal glory will transform all those apparent set-backs into set-ups as He turns us into conquerors. Rest in Him to restore, confirm, strengthen and establish 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.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless

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

The post From Tombstones to Triumph appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 45.4 – Abide with Me 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 45.3 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.

I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Psalm 105:4 ESV

Coming to the place in our journey with Jesus when we realize and are willing to confess we need Him every hour tends to be difficult. We arrive there often through difficulty and disappointment. But it is a good thing to arrive there because in  it we learn our need of Him.

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20 ESV

Sometimes we come to that understanding of needing His presence as a result of the work of our enemy. Even still, if we will look to Jesus in those moments we will experience a different measure of His grace than we do in moments of delight.

Who like Thyself my Guide and Stay can be

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

He makes this promise to His people because evil draws near at times and we even experience the impact of it. In those moments, we must trust that He will keep us in His presence and lead us through suffering and sadness as He works His plans in us.

Through cloud and sunshine O abide with me

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 ESV

Christ is present in the sunshine and the storms. When we find ourselves tossed about, recall this story of the disciples on the boat. Jesus was there with them and in His time calmed the waters above and below them. He is with us still and possesses the power to do the same.

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 need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour

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

The post Our Stay Keeps Us Still in Sunshine and Storm appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 45.3 – Abide with Me 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 45.2 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.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day

O my God, I say, take me not away in the midst of my days you whose years endure throughout all generations! Psalm 102:24 ESV

God has no expiration date, but we do. One day we will come to ours, and every sunset is a quiet reminder of that truth. Each day comes to an end, sometimes seemingly quickly, and so shall we. Each day our lives are rushing to their end, but our trust is in He who numbers them.

Earth’s joys grow dim its glories pass away

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. Psalm 102:25 ESV

The creation is a marvelous reflection of the joys and glories with which God graces our fleeting lives. From the foundations of the earth to the heavens we see a beauty that seems as lasting as the One who made them, but alas they are not. They dim and pass away like us.

Change and decay in all around I see

They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, Psalm 102:26 ESV

The passing nature of the joys and glories of the earth itself are a parallel to the lesser ones we experience every day. That change and decay are part of the fallen state of the age in which we live, an age that leaves us longer for another one where they do not exist.

O Thou who changest not abide with me

We long to dwell in the presence of the One who never changes. We look forward to the day when we will enjoy it forever but want a foretaste of it now. We want to learn to live with an ever-increasing awareness of His presence even as we wait for the day when we always will.

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

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day

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

The post Resting in the Changeless One Through All the Changes appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 45.2 – Abide with Me 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 45.1 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.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide

But they urged him strongly, saying, Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent. So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 ESV 

Traveling alone in the night was no safer in ancient Israel than in our modern world. His fellow travelers invited Jesus in as would have been their custom to offer Him safety. As we see the night approaching we invite Him because we know we need Him. Invite Him to come.

The darkness deepens Lord with me abide

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 ESV

As we feel the darkness pressing we long for comfort and safety. The physical darkness can be accompanied by relational, mental, and spiritual darkness as well, causing that darkness to deepen and thicken. We find relief from the weight of that as we rest in Him.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee

Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Psalm 27:9 ESV

Once we have found any degree of that comfort, there is none other which can satisfy. The Psalmist is crying out for the unparalleled presence of God which can be impaired through our denial of it when we trust in other things. Acknowledge His previous help, and ask for more.

Help of the helpless O abide with me

Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:9b ESV

In asking for that help it is useful to acknowledge how helpless we are. We often act as though we are self-sufficient, like we need no one and no help, but we do. That pride separates us from God but humility draws us near to His salvation. Ask for His help!

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.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide

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

The post Helpless, Yet Never Without Help appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 45.1 – Abide with Me 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 44.5 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.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV 

This incredible promise frames the hope, patience and perseverance prayed for through the balance of the stanza. And what a glorious promise it is, stating a reality which we are waiting for as if it had already been realized. Ask the Spirit to reveal if your hope is that real.

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun!

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 ESV

The righteousness of Heaven is the Son of God, bright Heaven's Sun. He will be the light of the new heavens and earth for which we are waiting. The earth we live in has many sorrows, but the new one has all joy. This is a bold, hopeful prayer, May I reach When did you last ask such a prayer for the inheritance you await?

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESV

And just how do we become, pure in heart ? Only God can do this work, but thanks be to God He has made it available in Jesus Christ. We long to see God, and we will if we simply respond to His invitation of love. He purifies our heart at salvation and then continues the experience of that as we walk along with Him.

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 ESV

He is our goal and our prize. We are walking in a particular direction, the one that will lead us to the place we long to be, in God's very presence. Nothing can deter us on our journey because He is with us. Thank Him for being your Vision, AND helping you to realize it.

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.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

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 Setting Your Heart and Eyes on God REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 44.5 – Be Thou My Vision 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 44.4 Transcript, 25.4 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.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 ESV

There are many tempting things in the world, but when God fills our vision these things pale in comparison. Ask Him to help you overcome these lesser things as He fills your gaze.

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

He is and has everything we need both now and forever. With this is mind, we commit to turn from the things that would impair our glorious pursuit of Him and run with abandon to the One who is our Inheritance. Tell Him, maybe again, you will place your trust in Him alone.

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

It is so easy to lean on other things and not fully trust the Lord. Working to acknowledge Him in all our ways is a good antidote though. What are a couple ways you are feeling inclined to make God first in your heart? What will you do about that prompting today?

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5 ESV

This is the opening of Nehemiah's prayer after days of mourning, fasting and praying. It was not a quick and easy acclamation but one he was still determined to make. Are you so resolved? Take a moment and allow the Lord to search your heart to see if He is your treasure.

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.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

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

The post Is the King of Heaven Your Highest Treasure? 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 44.3 Transcript, 25.3 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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV

This is from the larger passage in Ephesians which encourages us to pray for the full armor of God. Whatever you are facing today or in this season, ask God to be your shield and sword.

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

We have no greater honor than to die to ourselves and let Christ live in us. We must strive to find our worth and our delight in Him. Ask the Spirit to reveal to you if you are living by faith in Christ.

Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tow'r:

…The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 ESV

The mingling of peace and protection in God's living presence is so beautiful in this stanza. He cares for our souls and our bodies. Thank Him for giving your soul shelter and for being your stronghold when your body is threatened.

Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

Everything for this life and the next. Nothing on earth can satisfy like Him, and even our bodies fail us, but He is the Power of our power. Declare your trust in Jesus to raise you heavenward.

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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

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 Episode 44.3 – Be Thou My Vision appeared first on Resonant 7.