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 44.2 Transcript, 25.2 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.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6 ESV

There is a connection throughout this stanza of God's words being in us so we can be in Him, which starts with our acknowledging that He is Wisdom and Truth. When was the last time you asked God for wisdom and truth? Ask Him to be your wisdom and truth.

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 ESV 

When He reveals His Wisdom and Truth to us, we are left with another choice, allowing those things to live in us, and us in them. Jesus uses the illustration of a branch and a vine. His words connect us to His life. Ask Him to help you dwell in Him, always connected to Him.

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21 ESV

Our living out our connection with God is one of the ways the world believes in Jesus. Our unity with other believers becomes a picture of the connection of Jesus and His Father. How well is your unity with other believers showing that God is your Father?

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:23 ESV

When our lives welcome the presence of God we become one with Him and each other, just like Jesus and the Father are one. God dwelling in us both a miracle and a promise as well proof that God sent Jesus because He loves us. Welcome Him to dwell in you again 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

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

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

The post Becoming One with God, and Others REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 44.2 – 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 44.1 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.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3 ESV

This entire hymn is a beautiful prayer, starting with these first lines. We acknowledge God as the Sovereign One in our internal workings, and ask that His presence be our guide externally as well. Make this your prayer today as we begin to journey through this ancient song.

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:8 ESV

Be nothing else to me other that what you already are. This acknowledges that we believe He possesses everything we need, we are satisfied in Him, and desire nothing else. How many of our problems would be solved if we rested in this truth? Ask Him to help you today.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Psalm 139:17-18 ESV

Through both the day and the night, we can have no better thought than to think on Him. How many troubles of mind and soul could be remedied if we practiced this simple truth? Are His thoughts precious to you? Are you resolved to let them fill your mind?

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:5 ESV 

His presence is what makes the difference in every circumstance. Being mindful of Him changes the way we address things when we are awake, but it even makes all the difference when we are asleep as well. Ask the Lord to sustain you with the light of His presence.

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 Vision, O Lord of my heart;

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 When Thought Bubbles Become Light Bulbs REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 44.1 – 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 43.5 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.

No condemnation now I dread

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 ESV

I am in Christ. I need not fear any condemnation. Might it come? Sure. May belonging to Jesus actually bring it? Absolutely. But it will not affect my eternal standing in Christ. It is truly as if there is no condemnation because being in Jesus spares me of its consequences.

Alive in Him my living Head

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness Isaiah 61:10a ESV

Even if I die, yet will I live. He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and will cover me with His righteousness. I have no righteousness on my own. It all belongs to Jesus. I give Him praise because He clothes me with it. I greatly rejoice in Him.

Bold I approach th’eternal throne

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Free of condemnation and clothed in righteousness I boldly approach His eternal throne. Why? Because I face trouble in this life and long to go to the One who is bigger than my biggest problem. To know I can not only come, but come with confidence, is such a blessing.

And claim the crown through Christ my own

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 ESV

And not only come, but come to claim a crown. And just what kind of crown, the crown of life. Even if I have to pass through death to make my claim I am not afraid. Because I love Him I believe He will help me to be steadfast under trial. I love Him because He loved me first.

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 condemnation now I dread

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 Approach Boldly to Claim Your Crown appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 43.5 – And Can It Be? 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 43.4 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.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,

Turning from God's counsel and rebelling against His word brings darkness, and affliction. It is absolutely a prison of sorts, only the prisoner is often unaware of the bars, which makes it even more sad. When you come to see the bars you long for an escape. Remember?

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,

Deliverance and freedom are available to those who call to the Lord. We could not see the bars and certainly not cry out without His help. Fortunately He sent enough light that we could see them and the way out. Give Him praise.

My chains fell off my heart was free

For he shatters the doors of bronze

He set us free by shattering the doors of our prison, loosing the chains that long had bound us. Do you recall what that felt like to have the burden of sin lifted from your heart? Recalling that elation is good fuel for the flame of your soul.

I rose went forth and followed Thee

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

We thank Him for that freedom by rising in it and committing to walk in it. It is His steadfast love that set us free and we live to share that wondrous work with all who will listen. Are your lips and your life making that good news known?

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.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

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 Making the Most of Your Broken Bonds appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 43.4 – And Can It Be? 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 43.3 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.

He left His Father’s throne above

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV

Free and infinite grace. That is an apt description for what Jesus did when He left HIs Father's throne above. He came down to make a path for us to go up. If He had not done so, there would have been no way for us to receive grace. Thank You Jesus for coming down.

Emptied Himself of all but love

But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:7-8 ESV

Though He was King, He became a servant. Though He was full of all things, He emptied Himself except for love. He did this so that He could become the only sacrifice that could redeem Adam's helpless race. He bled for us who caused His pain. What a Savior!

‘Tis mercy all immense and free

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:9 ESV

All that He did was mercy. His coming down. His showering us with grace. His emptying Himself. His bleeding for us. We deserved something else, and nothing good, but He chose mercy instead, all good. Soak up the mercy of God poured out on your undeserving soul.

For O my God it found out me

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

We did nothing to deserve His mercy and grace. Quite the contrary. Therefore we can not boast but simply receive the gift God has given us. When was the last time you simply thanked God for giving you what you could have never earned. How about 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.

He left His Father’s throne above

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

The post Mercy Found Me appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 43.3 – And Can It Be? 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 43.2 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.

‘Tis mystery all th’Immortal dies

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 ESV

There can be no mistaking the design of our redemption is strange. The Scripture makes it equally clear it was God's design to crucify His Son for our sins. It was true eternally, but we must embrace it today.

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

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

Since the foundations of the earth were laid, the angels have been singing the praises of God. Still not even they could find an adequate expression to capture the love of God on display through His sacrifice. Will you join their song today?

‘Tis mercy all let earth adore

But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Habakkuk 2:20 ESV

The writer implores the earth to adore, but the Scripture instructs silence. Are these mutually exclusive? We often acquaint noise with adoration, but can quiet also characterize it? Of course. Maybe even a more profound sense of it. With the angels, let all the earth adore.

Let angel minds inquire no more

It was revealed to them in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:12 ESV

The good news preached to us, things into which angels long to look. Even angels who have circled the through eternally marvel at this divine mystery of God's redemption made available to us through the sacrifice of His Son. Certainly we should 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

‘Tis mystery all th’Immortal dies

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

The post All Mystery: All Mercy appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 43.2 – And Can It Be? 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 43.1 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.

And can it be that I should gain

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

The writer is questioning how he could access the benefit available through the blood of Jesus Christ, knowing he was responsible for the shedding of it. We must ask the same question. How can it be that we acquire the benefit of His blood? Think about that.

Died He for me who caused His pain

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8 ESV

What makes it so astonishing is that we get to enjoy what His pain accomplished even though we are each personally responsible for causing it. He knew that would be the case and still was willing to die for us. You may think you are not responsible, but your sin was His sentence.

Amazing love how can it be

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 ESV

Propitiation is the act of appeasing. Our sin incurred God's wrath. God appeased that wrath by sending His Son to die for us. Jesus willingly paid a price He did not owe, for the ones who did, to the One who would have otherwise demanded it from us. That is amazing love!

That Thou my God shouldst die for me

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV 

Jesus Christ is God, and God's Son. The Son died for our sins to satisfy the justice of His Father. This was the only way He could bring us to God. He knew that and He willingly offered Himself for us. God died for us to satisfy His demand for justice.

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.

And can it be that I should gain

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 Were You Last Startled By His Love? appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Episode 43.1 – And Can It Be? 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 42.4 Transcript, 10.4 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.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV

The day is coming when Christ returns.  Can you imagine it? The trumpet resounds and the Lord descends with archangel announcing it all.  Are you longing for it? Ask God to stir your heart to long for it even as you echo the prayer, Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV

What a comfort that when this happens we have a place.  Our Lord will call us to join Him in the air. Are you ready to fly?  I can hardly fathom how overwhelming this will be. He returns and then calls us to HImself, where we will spend eternity.  Thank Him for giving us this hope.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28 ESV

Bowing in humble adoration, with reverence and awe, we will express our gratitude to Christ for the inheritance that is ours.  A kingdom that cannot be shaken. Unlike the kingdoms of this world, this one is eternal, and we get to live in it. Worship Him now, and forever!

  And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2 ESV

Oh how we will praise Him on that day!  It will be worship in His glorious holy presence.  As we look forward to and long for those moments of praise, determine to praise Him even while you wait.  He is just as worthy now so instruct your soul to sing of His greatness today.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

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

The post Are You Preparing for Your Perpetual Praise? REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Podcast 42.5 Transcript, 10.5 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 42.4 Transcript, 10.4 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.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV

The day is coming when Christ returns.  Can you imagine it? The trumpet resounds and the Lord descends with archangel announcing it all.  Are you longing for it? Ask God to stir your heart to long for it even as you echo the prayer, Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV

What a comfort that when this happens we have a place.  Our Lord will call us to join Him in the air. Are you ready to fly?  I can hardly fathom how overwhelming this will be. He returns and then calls us to HImself, where we will spend eternity.  Thank Him for giving us this hope.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28 ESV

Bowing in humble adoration, with reverence and awe, we will express our gratitude to Christ for the inheritance that is ours.  A kingdom that cannot be shaken. Unlike the kingdoms of this world, this one is eternal, and we get to live in it. Worship Him now, and forever!

  And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2 ESV

Oh how we will praise Him on that day!  It will be worship in His glorious holy presence.  As we look forward to and long for those moments of praise, determine to praise Him even while you wait.  He is just as worthy now so instruct your soul to sing of His greatness today.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

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

The post Are You Preparing for Your Perpetual Praise? REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

The post Podcast 42.4 Transcript, 10.4 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 42.3 Transcript, 10.3 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.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV 

And here is maybe the most well-known, often-quoted single verse in all of Scripture.  But I wonder how many really know this truth well among the many that hear it. If you do, give Him praise because knowing this, and believing it, changes everything.

  Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 ESV 

The Father gave up His only Son for all of us.  That fact alone is difficult to grasp. When coupled with the truth of this verse which speaks of what Christ has then graciously made available, it truly defies imagination.  Give thanks to our Father for His gracious gifts to you.

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

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

Jesus became the founder and perfecter of our faith when He endured the cross, despising the shame, but gladly bearing our burden of sin.  Look nowhere else but to Jesus! The One who became our sacrifice and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

He bled and died to take away my sin.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV

Jesus bore our sins for a purpose. So that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.  We have been healed by His wounds. Are you making the most of this new opportunity to live rightly, or are you still injuring yourself with sin?  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you die to sin and live to God.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

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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The post Podcast 42.3 Transcript, 10.3 REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.