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Let’s Be Honest, Worms Were Better Off

Would He Devote That Sacred Head

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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.

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

His Glory

The first half of this stanza asks if our Savior, our Sovereign bled and died, but it is the second half which really finishes the question. It provides the reason behind why He did and should leave those of us who benefit from His sacrifice in stunned awe. Take a few minutes to ponder this.

Would He devote that sacred head

“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

The Father gave His only Son to provide us the opportunity to move from death to life. What an astonishing and extravagant yet necessary gift it was! Consider for a moment your eternity if Jesus had not been willing to surrender to the Father’s will. We would be doomed.

Yes, God was so committed to our redemption that He was absolutely willing to devote, to commit a large portion of His resources, namely the sacred head of His beloved Son, to that purpose. He loved the world that much. May we be overwhelmed by it in this penitent season.

RESONATE!
This is one of the most basic truths of our faith. Christ died for us. This is one of the most common verses infall of Scripture, but when was the last time you stopped to reflect on it? Will you take a few minutes right now and do that? If you will, first pray this simple prayer. “Lord, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice.”

My Depravity

For Sinners Such As I

The juxtaposition between the innate value of these two things, Christ’s glory and my depravity, highlights the stark contrast between the two. But the choice of words for this last line has changed over the years, and though I like the current version best, I must admit the original lyrical choice by Watts is pretty striking. Not sure what it is, let me take you back.

Current – For sinners such as I

Transitional – For such a one as I

Original – For such a worm as I

Although not certain why the change was initially made, I have heard it supposed that people were not comfortable associating themselves with a worthless worm. This seems silly to me because of the utter lostness of our souls when we acknowledge we were sinners, as in the current version. “Such a one” was a terrible choice, and “sinners such as I” is superior in my opinion to “such a worm”, but I appreciate the powerful illustration of being acquainted with the lowly condition of a worm.

For sinners such as I

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Far worse off than any worm, doomed would we be because of our sin. It separated us eternally from the Father…and yet, He made a way. Christ died for us to show us the love of God. And that extravagant offering was devoted and offered while we were so undeserving. We were sinners, lost and hurling down a path toward eternal damnation and separation from a loving God. Then He intervened.

RESONATE!
How will you respond to that love through this season of Lent? How will you offer yourself to God, responding to Jesus’ example? Ask the Spirit to show you to respond, and then enliven the praise of your ransomed soul.

O Sacred Head, thank You for being so devoted to the Father’s will that You were able to accomplish my redemption. Through this season as I approach Easter again, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice and fill me with wonder as never before. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Honest 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 26.1 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.

Alas and did my Savior bleed

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

As we journey through this hymn during the season of Lent we will answer a lot of questions. Yes, the savior bled for us. And His blood purchased our redemption, our forgiveness. As we begin our journey, thank Him for the riches of His grace poured on your life.

And did my Sov’reign die

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV

Can you imagine what those moments must have been like for those first disciples? We have the benefit of history, but their hearts must have been breaking. Try to empathize with the pain they had to have felt. It will only intensify the joy of our resurrection celebrations.

Would He devote that sacred head

“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

The Father gave His only Son to provide us the opportunity to move from death to life. What an astonishing and extravagant yet necessary gift it was! Consider for a moment your eternity if Jesus had not been willing to surrender to the Father’s will. We would be doomed.

For sinners such as I

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Doomed would we be because of our sin. It separated us eternally from the Father…and yet, He made a way. Christ died for us to show us the love of God. How will you respond to that love through this season of Lent? How will you offer yourself to God, responding to Jesus’ example?

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.

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

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 Let’s Be Honest, Worms Were Better Off appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Would He Devote That Sacred Head – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-christ-clinic-jesus-christ-2437571/
For Sinners Such As I – https://pixabay.com/photos/earthworm-soil-dirt-macro-686593/

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True Devotion

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and 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.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Heart Treasures. This week we will examine True Devotion.  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: Jeremiah 31:3 Amplified Bible

The Lord appeared to me (Israel) from ages past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.

The chorus of Alas and did My Savior Bleed reminds us of the true devotion of Jesus.

PSALM: Alas and did my Savior bleed (At the Cross)
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

Chorus

Alas, and did my Savior bleed?
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?
Watts, the author of the song, was also a minister who wrote songs and hymns to go with his sermons. I wonder what was the title of the message that accompanied this hymn? I suspect it may have been True Devotion.

PARABLE: Though the roots of Valentine’s Day are questionable, modern-day Valentine’s Day is set aside to celebrate friendships, marriages, and romantic partners. It is a day that focuses on love and devotion. Love and devotion in a relationship take work. This Valentine’s Day, I participated in a Secret Sister gift exchange and virtual fellowship. As we opened our gifts, it was interesting to see how even though some of us did not know each other well our gifts reflected the personalities and prayers of the recipients. We each prayed and allowed the Holy Spirit to be the Gift Giver. So certainly, the gifts matched the sisters. I received a spiritual self-care journal and a Women of Color Devotional. The sentiment of being seen and known by God was affirming. 

 After the Zoom, I realized that to sustain these friendships it will take each of us to be devoted to investing in the sisterhood community, learning about each other, and taking the time to encourage and empower each other. True devotion is about lasting love, loyalty, and enthusiasm. It goes beyond one day of acknowledgment. It is about enduring with patience and serenity, regardless of what comes, looking for the best in each one, and remaining steadfast during difficult times without weakening, fading, or ending. Marriages, friendships, and romantic relationships are challenging because WE are a part of them. Our human nature is not always devoted to the work it takes to maintain a healthy love for others. The true devotion of Jesus can serve as our example of how to express and experience love devotion.

The love of Jesus is everlasting. His death, burial, and resurrection are a testament to His true devotion. There is no greater love and demonstration of devotion than the love that Jesus showed at the cross. This love was not just a “one and done” day. The sacrifice was a commitment to an everlasting love that continues to draw us to God. As we draw to God, we learn to love God, ourselves, and others not just with our words but in our actions. 

PONDER and WANDER: During this month where we focus on love, if you choose, I invite you to take time to ponder the question: Is there someone in my life to whom I have said “I love you” but have not shown my love? What does true devotion look like? 

Soul care training exercise:  

  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you what does true devotion look like?
    • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination. Ask him to show you who He wants you to increase your devotion to.
      • Focus on who God shows you and decide how you will show your love insteading of just saying you love.

PRAYER: Abba, I love you. Help me to show you my true devotion. Let my words not just be lyrics of a song, writings in a journal, or spoken phrases. I am so glad you chose to love me with an everlasting love. Let your love for me overflow in my love for others. Let me be devoted to sharing your love with someone who needs me to be the arms and legs of Jesus. In the loving name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to devote your heart to God and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

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 True Devotion appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS Guided Meditation. I invite you to take 4 minutes to listen to the True Devotion guided meditation.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

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Answering the Questions with My Life

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

As we conclude our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Yes He Did

This hymn begins with some questions. “Did He”…? And again, “Did He”…? Followed by, “Would He”…?

I think the questioning nature is a good way to express the grief of the opening word, “Alas”. Not in common usage today, the emotion of if may be lost a little on us, but not for Watts contemporaries. It invited them from that opening word to enter into the wonder of God bleeding and dying for our sins.

The words may be a little archaic at times, but the ageless truth of Christ’s sacrifice shines through clearly. It does so all the while evoking a wonder from the worshipper. We take these next weeks of Lent, as the days of spring lengthen as we journey to Easter, to consider our response to Jesus’ redemptive work. beginning here with His blood.

Alas and did my Savior bleed

 

 

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

As we journey through this hymn during the season of Lent we will answer a lot of questions. Yes, the Savior bled for us. And His blood purchased our redemption, our forgiveness. As we begin our journey, thank Him for the riches of His grace poured on your life.

 

 

 

The exclamation of grief in the word “Alas” should characterize at least some of that journey. What is your visceral reaction, your gut response, when you ponder the Savior shedding His blood for you? Yes, the Savior bleed for us, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

 

RESONATE!
So how are you responding to the Savior shedding His blood for you? Begin to think on this and remember that response is more than singing the words of a song. To genuinely sing those words we must consider how our lives are reflecting that desire to respond to His love. Start with words of gratitude, then allow your life to math them. “Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood.”

And Again, Yes

And Did My Sovereign Die

To think of our Savior bleeding for us evokes wonder and amazement, but to acknowledge that He, the Sovereign over all, died for us is almost more than we can comprehend. We look at the cross and see our Lord hanging there and are left bewildered, trying to take in the almost inconceivable nature of this transaction. The Ruler offering His life for those He rules.

Does that truth resonate with you? Does it cause your soul to reverberate with the life-altering awe it evokes? Take a moment right now as you read these words to let that truth echo deeply your being.

And did my Sov’reign die

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV

Can you imagine what those moments must have been like for those first disciples? We have the benefit of history, but their hearts must have been breaking. Try to empathize with the pain they had to have felt. It will only intensify the joy of our resurrection celebrations.

Jesus had to die. Our sin had to be atoned for, and His blood, the sacrifice of His life, was the only way to satisfy the just demands of our holy God. The Father gave the life of Jesus His Son to express His love for us and make a way for us to live eternally. Thanks be to God!

RESONATE!
So how will you respond right now to His sacrifice. Surely, you can start with words of gratitude, but how will you express that gratitude with your life? Give Him thanks. “Father, thank You for giving Your Son.” Then ask Him to show you how to live that out today. Be ready to respond when He does.

Jesus, thank You for shedding your blood and dying for me. I want to live my life responding to your sacrifice. Through this season of Lent, show me how to lengthen my periods gratitude until in becomes my way of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Awestruck 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’re 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 26.1 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.

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

As we begin to make our long approach to Easter through Lent, let us begin asking these questions. The exclamation of grief in the word “Alas” should characterize at least some of that journey. Yes, the Savior bleed for us, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood.

Jesus had to die. Our sin had to be atoned for, and His blood, the sacrifice of His life, was the only way to satisfy the just demands of our holy God. The Father gave the life of Jesus His Son to express His love for us and make a way for us to live eternally. Thanks be to God!

Father, thank You for giving Your Son.

Yes, God was so committed to our redemption that He was absolutely willing to devote, to commit a large portion of His resources, namely the sacred head of His beloved Son, to that purpose. He loved the world that much. May we be overwhelmed by it in this penitent season.

Lord, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice.

And that extravagant offering was devoted and offered while we were so undeserving. We were sinners, lost and hurling down a path toward eternal damnation and separation from a loving God. Then He intervened. Ask the Spirit to enliven the praise of your ransomed soul.

Spirit, enliven the praise of my ransomed soul.

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 Answering the Questions with My Life appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Alas And Did My Savior Bleed – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-blood-processions-easter-501757/
And Did My Sovereign Die – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-jesus-christ-crucifixion-5703825/

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Setting Your Heart and Eyes on God

Heart of My Own Heart, Whatever Befall

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

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.

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Heart of My Heart

In makes sense that on the final approach to Valentine’s Day, we have a line that focuses on hearts. But the real idea that is being evoked here is not so much about love, but the heart as the center of something. And the heart of hearts being the center of the center.

There is an earnestness in the cliche, “in my heart of hearts”. It indicates believing something deeply, and sometimes to hold it as one of your most secret and true thoughts. For instance, to say “I know in my heart of hearts, I am the right man for this mission” means I truly believe this to be true.

We should confess that God is at the very center of our truest thoughts. Whatever happens, He is the heart of our heart. And it is the living out of that desire, in it’s purest form, that will allow us to see God not just eventually, but constantly.

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.

He is the very center of all that is dear to us. Even though we often fail to realize it here and now, it will not be lost on us then and there. A better understanding of that now helps us to pray earnestly for it, through all that we experience, while we wait. Ask for perseverance.

RESONATE!
We want to see God, so we better let Him work on our hearts, and partner with Him to do our part as well. Are there other things crowding Him out of that center position? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that might be competing with the One who should be the heart of your heart.

My Vision

Still Be My Vision, O Ruler of All

One of the ways that we practice Him being the center of our heart is by continually making Him our highest aspiration and greatest goal. You rarely hit a target at which you are not aiming. Is the Lord set before you?

The cross in the picture here has a target built into the crux of the cross. It is a good reminder that we need to keep our eyes on the cross. It will keep us from being shaken whenever difficulties befall us, as the previous line indicated.

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.

Having a clear mental picture of what we are pressing toward makes the working and waiting easier. Having a firm faith in the Sovereign over it all does as well. Ask Him for that picture and the faith required to wait until He makes it a reality.

RESONATE!
Take a moment and pray the two prayers indicated above. The first is one of thankfulness because only by His grace can we even see Him at all. The second voices a desire to see Him more clearly. It will be time well spent.

Ruler of all, be my Vision and Victory. Help me to set my eyes on You. May that resolve find me convinced You are with me, and help me stand firm in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Earnest 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 25.5 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,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

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 appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Heart of My Own Heart, Whatever Befall – https://pixabay.com/photos/necklace-with-winged-heart-2900736/
Still Be My Vision, O Ruler of All – https://pixabay.com/photos/eyes-blue-sky-clouds-sunset-5459811/

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My Hope for Heaven is Wholly Him

High King of Heaven, My Victory Won

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

As we conclude our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s tune our hearts.

Victory

Do you ever feel defeated? Like you are pretty certain there will be no recovery from your latest skirmish with the world, the flesh, or the devil. It is difficult for us to understand, but our victory is already won, even though our battles are not yet over. Even though we are still waiting to experience it, the final outcome has already been decided.

It all revolves around our faith in the completed work of our Savior and all He has accomplished. The High King of Heaven has taken His seat at the right hand of God the Father. His work is completed, but the impact it is having and will have on us is not.

There are these two, co-exisiting realities of now and then.

There are also the two ways which we can look at the second part of this first phrase, both flowing out of the sequencing. First, that He has won my victory. Second, that when we finally experience the victory, we hope to have reached our final destination.

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. What a glorious promise it is! It states a reality which we are waiting for as if it had already been realized, because it has. 

Jesus, the King of Heaven is the One who has secured our victory. He is the victory for us and in us. Simultaneously He is also the prize for the victory of a life lived to honor Him, having fought the good fight and finished the race. 

RESONATE!
Are you looking forward to that eventual transformation of your lowly body becoming like His glorious body? Ask the Spirit to reveal if your hope is that real. Ask Him to help you win the battle, for His glory and your good. “High King, help me win the battle.”

Heaven

May I Reach Heaven’s Joys, O Bright Heav’n’s Sun

Becoming like Jesus is our hope. Arriving in the place He is preparing is our longing. How great is your anticipation of that hope being finally realized?

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

His promise.

Our waiting.

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?

When we have won the battle, we will get to enjoy a celebration unlike any we could ever imagine. Bright Heaven’s joys are beyond comprehension here on dark earth. They are entirely wrapped up in the One who is the Sun of bright Heaven. Are yours?

RESONATE!
Do you long for your eternal home? Do you want to be there more than you want to be here? Ask for His help to reach Him and the joys of His Heaven. “Sun of Heaven, help me reach You and Your joys.”

Jesus, thank You for granting me citizenship in Heaven through Your effective and effectual work on the cross. How I long to be transformed to be like You. Do it in me even today by the power that enables You to subject all things to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Hopeful 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.

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Video 25.4 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.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

To take no notice of riches or people’s praise is a difficult assignment. Like so many of our hymn texts, this one is easy to sing, but not so easy to live. The rest of the stanza illuminates the path that makes it possible. Ask the Spirit to search you for any worldly affections.

Spirit, search me for any worldly affections.

Here is the beginning of the clarity and conviction that allows us to pay no mind to riches or praise, the singular fact that God is our inheritance. That knowledge changes everything. I do not need gold or applause if I have Him. Thank Him for revealing this to you.

Lord, thank You for revealing You are my Inheritance.

When we are convinced He is our Inheritance, we find it much easier to put Him and Him alone first in our heart. We love others to be sure, but none so much as Him. Do you know what it looks like to put Him first in your heart? Ask Jesus to show you today.

Jesus, show me how to make You first in my heart.

We set out on this journey believing He is our Treasure, but the further we go the more we realize just how true that is. Wherever you are on that journey, ask your King to take you higher into the knowledge of what Treasure He truly is, now and forevermore.

High King of Heaven, lift me to a greater knowledge of You.

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 My Hope for Heaven is Wholly Him appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Riches I Heed Not, Nor Man’s Empty Praise – https://pixabay.com/photos/gold-treasure-rich-golden-money-207585/
Thou Mine Inheritance, Now and Always – https://pixabay.com/photos/people-concert-fans-the-crowd-1728150/

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