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Learning to Use Your Lips and Life

Raise Your Voice

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory
By: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 (1816)

Listen to this simple piano version as you read, or watch the video complete with lyrics then read.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and lots of options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We culminate our journey to, through, and beyond our celebrations of the arrival of our King today with a final invitation to come and worship.  It is easy to take down the tinsel and garland, the tress and wreaths, and settle back into the rhythm of life without allowing the miracle of His coming to change us.  How will you continue to respond to the access His arrival had made available today and all year long?  Let’s think about this.

Raise Your Voices, Now and Forever

Will you use you lips?  The carol puts it this way, “Evermore your voices raising”.  Surrendering our lips to His praise is a key piece to our response of worship, and if you have tried to consistently do this, you know it is not always easy.

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

A sacrifice of praise.  This is a very common concept in Scripture: the idea that to offer something to God will cost us something.

Think about it.  If I say to God He is worthy of worship, then I must examine my other allegiances.  Are there other things that rather than being an expression of my desire to honor God, are actually competitors?  Of course.  When we resolve to do something, there are invariably adjustments we must make to follow through with that.

What adjustments do you need to make to allow your praise to be offered to our eternal Father?

Continually.  Now that is resolve.  Not a few times a week, or even few times a day.  Continually.  Without ceasing.  That is a challenging standard to try to live by.  None of us can do it in our own strength.  We absolutely need the power of the Holy Spirit to follow through on this commitment.  But find confidence in the fact that if you are willing to even make this commitment, the same Spirit that empowered you to want to offer a sacrifice of praise will help you do it.

Ask the Holy Spirit right now to make your praise continual.

Through Him.  If  you look back at the verses before this, you see that the “Him” being referred to here is Jesus.  How incredible that our desire to offer God our worship is not only imparted by Jesus, but actually accomplished through Him.  How kind of our Father to give His Son so that we could not only be made right, but continually live right.  The fruit of our lips acknowledging His name.  Not one of us can do this perfectly, but fortunately for us, Jesus has taken care of the perfect part. Praise His name!

Thank Jesus for providing everything you need to acknowledge God with your lips.

Come and Worship

But Our Lips are Simply Not Enough

We must join the eternal praise with our lips today, but that praise demands and informs an even greater response: our lives poured out accordingly.  As we offer our praise to the eternal Three in One, it must find expression beyond just the fruit of our lips.  And what exactly frames that expression?

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

We repeat the invitation that was first heard from angels and shepherds, sages and saints.  Come and Worship.
We repeat it in every stanza.  Come and Worship.
We repeat it every day.  Come and Worship.
We repeat it so others may hear and join the throng of the people of God singing, living…Come and Worship!  
Let it resound and grow in our voices.  Come and Worship.  Let it find expression in our daily living.  Come and Worship!
Let it echo from the hills and across the plains.  Come and Worship.
Let it reverberate across all time and space, even into eternity.  Come and Worship.
May it inform our actions as it consumes our lives and fills the world.  Come and Worship.

Worship Christ the (newborn, risen, _____) King!

Jesus, fill my lips with the praise of Your name.  Fill my life with the invitation to worship.  Fill eternity with the worship of Your people.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Inviting Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 12.6 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

All creation, join in praising

Revelation 5:13 ESV
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

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

 God, the Father, Spirit, Son,

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

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

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

Evermore your voices raising

Hebrews 13:15 ESV

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

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

 To th’eternal Three in One.

Matthew 28:19 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.

All creation, join in praising
 God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
 To th’eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

The post Learning to Use Your Lips and Life appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Voices Raising – https://pixabay.com/vectors/megaphone-shouting-voice-loud-man-150254/
Come and Worship – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/pray-devotions-apologize-religion-2672660/

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One Word: Seek

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey and examine one word: seek.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering, we examined what we should do as we wait for Christ to return. This week we will resolve to seek to worship. When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE:: Matthew 6:33

33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

It is the new year and many people begin by making a new year’s resolution to change a maladaptive behavior, continue to do a good practice, accomplish a personal goal, or commit to an action that will improve their life. Seeking God first as a priority is a resolution worth considering.

PSALM: Angels from the Realms of Glory by James Montgomery.

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship

Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Resolving to seek God is resolving to worship Him not because of what He has done for us but because of Who He is and because it is what we were created to do (Colossians 1:16).  As we make seeking God our first priority, we will accept Mongomery’s invitation and we will join with the angels, the sun and moon, shining stars, mountains and hills, fire and hail, snow and mist, great sea creatures, beasts and livestock, creeping things and flying birds and we will praise the Lord (Psalm 148:1-14). 

PARABLE:  As I resolve to make seeking God my priority in 2020, what can I do to stay on track?

Perhaps you are good at keeping resolutions and if you choose to make seeking God your priority for 2020 you will stick to it. About five years ago, I realized that for me, setting resolutions was not always realistic.  Instead of making resolutions that I break before the year ends, I pick One Word that I apply to all areas of my life. Over the years, my One Word has been love, continue, focus, continue, and quality. It is attainable because I invite God into the process of revealing the One Word. It is not a goal that I strive to achieve. It is an adoption of a God-given principle and lens from which I examine my character and behaviors.

 

I believe if  Montgomery  had chosen One Word over the years that his words would have included words like seek, come, worship, and praise. Will you consider choosing One Word for the year?

 

 

PONDER and WANDER: Ponder the Question: What will be my One Word for 2020?

Soul care training exercise:

If you chose to select One Word for 2020 the first step is to:
Seek what God wants to change in you.
Next, Identify what those characteristics will look like.
Then Pick one word that represents the change and that will be your guiding principle for the year.
Finally, Focus  on the One Word in all areas of your life for the entire year.

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, may this Every Day Creed become my heart’s daily prayer. In the majestic name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 

Worship is my response to who I value most. Who I value most is the Lord Jesus Christ. I was made by Him and for Him. He is awesome beyond my mind’s ability to comprehend. I exist for the purpose of reflecting back to the Lord His matchless glory. I will exalt Him with my mouth and with my life for He is my hope, my joy, my strength and my salvation. This day will be used to know Him and love Him more!

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to thank God for a desire to seek Him. Let the work of your wandering fill you with the desire to make worship your priority in 2020.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post One Word: Seek,  appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image attributions:
Seek first: https://Pixabay with text added
One Word 2020: Pixabay with text added 
Seek Scripture: Belovedwomen.org with text

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Will You Join the Creation-Encompassing Worship?

All Creation

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory
By: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 (1816)

Listen to this simple piano version as you read, or watch the video complete with lyrics then read.  Please make certain to enjoy the video log below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We conclude our journey this week beyond Christmas and the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  Throughout the carol, we have repeated the refrain which offers the invitation to come and worship.  It culminates here with the consummation of the ages and a look into our worship around the throne.  Let’s tune our hearts.

All Creation Praising

Though we are going to end up around the throne, both at the end of the age and later in this post, that is not generally where my thoughts go first when I think of “all creation”.  I love the world that God has put together to display His glory. I enjoy walks through it, marveling at His creativity.  I am often thrilled at the colors of a sunrise or sunset, or a brilliant hillside in autumn.

What is your favorite vista in creation?

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 19:1-2 ESV

The heavens themselves are an invitation to worship, but are not the object of that worship.  They instead pour forth speech and knowledge of the handiwork of our God.  Allow your last recollection of His glory in creation to inform your praise right now.  Can’t recall it? Consider the image at the top.

What about invisible things?

The creation is not only made up of visible things like the heavens and the earth, but of many invisible things as well.  The invitation to worship issues to them as well, because they, too, were created through him and for him.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 ESV

What about things we just can not see yet?

And there are created things that are yet to come, at least as far as our perspective is concerned.  We can not see them, for we are bound my time and they are eternal. Even these things are called to come and worship Christ.

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”  Revelation 5:13 ESV 

Throneroom Worship

Not just the created world, but all the creatures which teem upon it.  What an incredible glimpse into the heavens Revelation 4-5 gives us! These words from John in his heavenly vision tell us all the creatures across all creation will be praising.   They will lift their voices to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!

All these are invited to praise. Can you find yourself in that description?  Have you determined that you will absolutely be among those who will offer praise to God now, and then?  Commit to worship today!  Then never stop!!

God, the Father, Spirit, Son

As we prepare to leave the Christmas season behind, we take a last look at one of the most often quoted prophecies regarding the first coming of Jesus.

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

Here in this oft-quoted Christmas prophecy, we see different representations of our Triune God: Son, Counselor (Spirit), and Everlasting Father.  God is Father, Spirit, Son, and we are invited to come and worship Him. The Father sent His Son, and the Spirit revealed Him to us.  With that revelation came to opportunity to worship Christ the newborn King, who has become the Risen King and our Savior.

One day all creation will worship Him.  The greatest treasure belongs to those who gladly choose to worship Him now.  Will you offer your life in praise to our Triune God?  Will you worship Father, Spirit, and Son? Come and worship!

 

Jesus, thank You for issuing the call to all creation to come and worship.  I have heard that call and have gladly chosen to join with all those who worship You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Worshipful Tuning!

Keep coming back and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence.   We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 12.6 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

The carol culminates with one great final call to worship issued to all creation.  “Come and worship Christ, the newborn King!” As we turn the page to a New Year will you continue to issue that call even as you respond to it.  Pray to see the Christ clearly in 2020.

And not only the Son, but the Father and Spirit as well.  John 1:12 says “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  The Spirit enables faith in Jesus which makes us the Father’s children. Thank Him for faith in His name.

As one year rounds into another we are mindful of the constant movement of time.  Commit to worship God in the New Year and in every moment He gives you here, until you commence your eternal praise in your new home.

He was the newborn King.  Then the risen King. He will be our returning King. He is ever our eternal King.  Worship Him now. Worship Him then. Worship Him forevermore.

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.

Sing

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

The post Will You Join the Creation-Encompassing Worship? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
King in the Manger – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/jesus-christ-god-holy-spirit-4671798/
Lamb on the Throne – https://www.blockislandtimes.com/affiliate-post/lamb-upon-throne/30689#&gid=1&pid=1

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Seeing Your Place in His Kingdom in 2020

Gather All the Nations to Him

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory
By: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 (1816)

Listen to this simple piano version as you read, or watch the video complete with lyrics then read.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and lots of options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

Jesus, King of the Nations

I have this beautiful print hanging in my study.  As a pastor in a denomination where missions is our middle name, this keeps before me the purpose of our worship, to usher the nations into the throng that Jesus is gathering to Himself through our labors of making disciples.  We make much of Jesus for two reasons.

  1. He alone is worthy to be praised.
  2. He is calling all the nations to bow down before Him.

So let’s spend a couple moments on those two things as we begin a New Year of worshipping Jesus.

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

Worthy.  John the Revelator shares his vision of heaven and hears this song sung by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders around the throne.  Because of His finished work in the cross Jesus is able to open the scrolls revealing God’s will for the end of days, part of which is to gather His blood-bought children from every nation.

Worthy.  John the Baptist declared at the beginning on His ministry of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” [John 1:29] He was slain as the sacrifice for our sins.  His blood ransomed us from our sins and made people for God, all who trust in Jesus.  No one else could have done that but Jesus.

Worthy.  Does your life reflect this?  How were you in 2019 at declaring the worthiness of your King to a watching world?  It is good to reflect on that, but also to embrace a new beginning. This year is fresh and filled with endless opportunities to show and tell just how worthy Jesus is of our praise, and the praises of all the nations He is gathering.

Will you commit to keeping your eyes, ears and heart open to seize those opportunities as they come?

Have you any part in getting the gospel to them?

Then Bow Down

Every Knee Shall Bow

This is a very powerful image to me.  First because it allows me to imagine Jesus wearing that coat of many colors representing His Lordship over the nations from above.  Second because it pictures the countless multitude bowing down before Him.  Third because we are all similar in our robes washed white by the blood of the of the Lamb.

Let’s think about this.

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

He is exalted.  There is simply no one like Jesus.  His is the name above every name.  I must reflect this in my life daily.  I must find ways to demonstrate this, in giving, praying and going.  It is not just an idea.  I must find ways to express the reality of this in my life.  How will you declare this truth with your life this week as we begin a New Year?  How will you intentionally invite the Spirit to exalt Jesus regularly this year?

Every knee, every tongue.  Though placing faith in Jesus seems optional now, it will not be on that day pictured here.  There will be none who fail to bow.  Still the greatest treasure remains for those who choose to worship Christ now by humbling themselves before Him.  When you bow on that day will it be a new activity for you or one with which you are well-accustomed?  Will you bow your knee to Him today, then repeat it everyday?  That posture prepares you heart to use your tongue for His glory.

To the glory of God.  What Jesus has accomplished in bringing this vast array of worshippers before the Father Almighty will truly bring great glory to God!  Are you longing for that day?  Is it because you want to see the impact your giving and praying actually made, or because you simply look forward to enjoying what Christ made available through your faith in Him?  What will you do in 2020 to be a part of taking the gospel of Jesus to those who have yet to hear?   Will you give?  Will you pray?  Will you go or send?  Be a part of seeing God’s work completed by doing your part.

 

These are some big questions to ponder as we begin a New Year.  May your resolutions reflect your preoccupation on Jesus Christ and His work in and through you in 2020.  Happy New Year my friends!

Jesus, thank You for making a way to gather all the nations to you, including me.  As I begin another year, help me to live with a constant awareness of Your presence, committed to helping others see how worthy You are.  Help me also find some way to be a part of helping some of those who see be from the nations, whether through giving, praying or maybe even going.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Clear Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

 

Podcast 12.5 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.

Though an Infant now we view Him,

Luke 2:7 ESV

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.

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

He shall fill His Father’s throne,

Matthew 25:31 ESV

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

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

Gather all the nations to Him;

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

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

Every knee shall then bow down:

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

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

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

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

Image Attributions
Gather All the Nations – https://sandistatondigitaldesigns.com/2013/08/10/a-coat-of-many-colors/
Every Knee Shall Bow – https://www.lordsart.com/evknshbowbyj.html

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How to Be His People Between His Advents

King in the Manger

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory
By: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 (1816)

Listen to this simple piano version as you read, or watch the video complete with lyrics then read.  Please make certain to enjoy the video log below.

We continue our journey beyond Christmas and the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  This week we consider our response to the King in the Manger, the Lamb on the Throne. We are His people between His two advents, and certain pursuits should mark our lives.  Let’s tune our hearts.

First Advent

Advent simply means “coming”.  Jesus came that first time as the King in the manger.  God with us, Emmanuel, the One who would save us from our sins.

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

We become so familiar with this greatest of stories that I fear the significance of it gets lost on us.  Let me ask a simple series of questions.  How did you celebrate this most excellent of arrivals this past season?  What things did you do individually or with others that put the focus squarely on Jesus?  Now compare how much time and effort you spent preparing for and engaging in those, as opposed to all the other holiday festivities.  Ouch!  Were they even, or maybe, possibly overshadowed a bit by the general busyness of the season that had little to do with Jesus?

Now is the time to determine what changes you will make next Christmas so that your celebration of His first advent points to the hope that He will indeed come again, at His second, when He comes not as the King in the manger but the Lamb on the Throne.

But before you get upset with me, let me remind you both are important. Focus on His arrival and the joy of the season that revolves around it.  We simply must be diligent in our revelry so as not to loose Jesus while we are celebrating His coming.

So where can we draw inspiration for the celebration of His first advent?  Dare I say from the fact that He is coming again.  We who are His people between His advents must be faithful to declare His second coming even as we celebrate His first.

 

Second Advent

Lamb on the Throne

So let us begin with the simple fact that His second advent will reveal the victory He accomplished when He laid down His life near the end of the first.  John’s revelation speaks of a Lamb on the throne that appeared as if sacrificed.  This serves to remind us of what Jesus accomplished when He died on the cross.

He began to set all the wrong things right in the laying down of His life, even as it simultaneously fulfilled centuries-old prophecies.  He will return to complete that process, seated on His Father’s throne, ruling His eternal kingdom.  But what does that have to do with us now?

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

We must live in such a way as to alert the world to His kingdom.  It will be completed in that age, but He has already begun to reign. We are not waiting for the kingdom to begin, but to be fulfilled.  This means that we must live daily as people who are fully aware that a kingdom exists now that will also exist eternally.  We must invite people to walk in the reality of it, first by doing so ourselves, and then by explaining to them how they can join us, as we have opportunity.

That is how we live as His people between His advents.  We esteem Him as the King in the Manger, and exalt Him as the Lamb on the Throne, now and evermore.

 

How can you do that today?  First, embrace the reality and wonder of it.  You are a part of an eternal Kingdom.  You are a child of the King.  You have a glorious inheritance.  Not will have.  You have it now.  That changes things.  Maybe it needs to change some things for you.  Can you think of any?  Second, you need to let everyone who will listen know that they,  too, can have this inheritance.  It is already made available to them, if they will simply accept the invitation to be a child of God through faith in Jesus. 

Jesus, thank You for coming once, and Your promise to come again.  Thank You for making us Your people between Your Advents.  Help us to live for You and Your glory today and every day as we actively await Your return.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Expectant Tuning!

Keep coming back and we will work help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence.   We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

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Everyone enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

Video 12.5 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

 

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

 

Many look at the baby in the hay and forget this was only the beginning of the story.  It started at the manger, but it lead to the cross. He had to become like us so His payment there could satisfy the laws just demands.  See the infant sleeping, but welcome the Incarnate Savior.

After becoming sin for us, He was resurrected from the dead.  He is now exalted on high, at the right hand of the throne of God the Father and has been given that name that is above every name.  See Him in all His royal splendor and give glory to Jesus.

He will gather together His people, some from every tribe and tongue and language.  From the four corners of the earth He will call the nations to come and worship. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Confess it now.

At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven, and on earth and under the earth.  He will take His rightful place of worship as King of kings and Lord of Lords. The greatest treasure belongs to those who choose to worship Him now.  Will you commit to do so?

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.

Sing

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

The post How to Be His People Between His Advents appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
King in the Manger – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/jesus-christ-god-holy-spirit-4671798/
Lamb on the Throne – https://www.blockislandtimes.com/affiliate-post/lamb-upon-throne/30689#&gid=1&pid=1

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