Our fathers chained in prisons dark
Were still in heart and conscience free
How sweet would be their children’s fate
If they like them could die for Thee

Faith of Our Fathers 1849
By: Frederick William Faber (1814 – 1863)

Listen to this a cappella version of this 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask yourself if you can make the commitment of the refrain. “Faith of our father, holy faith, we will be true to Thee ’til death.” That is quite a commitment! Let’s tune our hearts.

Chained…

Restricted. Confined. Stifled.

At times these words may apply to our faith, but though similar to “chained” they are simply not the same. We can feel as though others try to restrict or confine us or our actions because of our faith. We may occasionally feel stifled, like we are not free to express our views because they are not widely accepted or politically correct, but most of us have never been chained because of our faith, let alone imprisoned.

The same can not be said of our fathers in the faith. Some of them were chained and imprisoned for the holding the same views we  celebrate every time we gather with others at church. Others still for gathering in others homes to quietly practice their faith. This kind of opposition is foreign to most of us but that was not the case for some who have come before us.

Our fathers chained in prisons dark

And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Acts 16:23 ESV

There are many stories in Scripture and beyond where our spiritual fathers were imprisoned for their faith. This of Paul and Silas is but one of them. Their faith was more than words. It was action as well, even when that action was painful and inconvenient. What an example!

Historical fact. Christians have at many different times and places been imprisoned for their faith. The effect of that treatment, though designed to harm the faith, has actually strengthened it. Pray for those imprisoned now that their faith would be strengthened too.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the chains worn by some of those who have gone before us in Christ. How remarkable was their faith. Some are wearing chains today because of that same faith. Make this your simple prayer “God, strengthen the faith of our imprisoned brothers and sisters.” 

Yet Free

Though they wore chains, they were free. Seem contradictory? Well, it is not.

Though many have been chained in prisons dark, their countenance remained bright. What was done to their hands simply could not be done to their hearts. They remained unconstrained, absolutely not under the control of the one who placed the chains.

They remained in the dungeons and the prisons but their hearts free. How could you tell? Some of them sang songs. Were they crazy? Had they lost their minds? No. They were just free.

Were still in heart and conscience free

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25 ESV

They remained free even though they were in chains. Seems contradictory if not even impossible but it is true. Praying is one thing, maybe for deliverance, but singing is another. So free were they in heart and conscience they could sing hymns of praise to God. Hallelujah!

To remain faithful is one thing. To do so while ascertaining a freedom that goes beyond chains and bars is quite another. Their faith never wavered because they were trusting in one whose power and kingdom are not limited by earthly authority. May we walk in that freedom daily.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on the freedom that is ors, in spite of our circumstances. Is there anything that is constraining you, forming proverbial chains around heart or conscience? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, help me walk in freedom daily.” 

God, thank You for the faith that allowed our spiritual fathers to remain free in heart though chained in hand. It barely makes sense but we know it is true. Help us walk in that freedom every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Emancipated 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 36.2 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.

Our fathers chained in prisons dark
Were still in heart and conscience free
How sweet would be their children’s fate
If they like them could die for Thee

Historical fact. Christians have at many different times and places been imprisoned for their faith. The effect of that treatment, though designed to harm the faith, has actually strengthened it. Pray for those imprisoned now that their faith would be strengthened too.

God, strengthen the faith of our imprisoned brothers and sisters.

To remain faithful is one thing. To do so while ascertaining a freedom that goes beyond chains and bars is quite another. Their faith never wavered because they were trusting in one whose power and kingdom are not limited by earthly authority. May we walk in that freedom daily.

Jesus, help me walk in freedom daily.

We have a faith that has been handed down to us from those who have gone before us. We are their spiritual children and some of us may share their fate. Do we have the perspective that would enable us to stand as strong as they did if we were persecuted for our faith?

Father, show me the resolve of my faith.

And what if the choice was either renounce our faith or die? Would it even be a choice at all or would we gladly welcome the opportunity to die for our faith as did many of them? Would we consider that a sweet fate or would we see it as a terrible consequence of believing?

Lord, help me embrace the fate of my faith.

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 Can One Who Is Chained Be Free? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Our fathers chained in prisons dark – https://pixabay.com/photos/darkness-nature-close-up-background-3355759/
Were still in heart and conscience free – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/freedom-silhouette-woman-2053281/

Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word

Faith of Our Fathers 1849
By: Frederick William Faber (1814 – 1863)

Listen to this a cappella version of this 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we begin our journey through this hymn ask yourself if you can make the commitment of the refrain. “Faith of our father, holy faith, we will be true to Thee ’til death.” That is quite a commitment! Let’s tune our hearts.

Living Still

The faith that has been entrusted to us by those who have come before us is not one that for them was always easy. In this age of ease it is not hard for us to quickly forget that we really have no clue what persecution looks like, and certainly not what it feels like. Our father’s faith is still alive, but I wonder what condition it is in.

Let’s think of it another way. If many of those who have faced difficulty because of their faith were to closely examine how we live ours would there be much resemblance at all. Would they even be able to say that their faith was alive and well in us? True, it is living still, but would they recognize their faith in ours at all?

They were commended for their faith. Many of them stood strong when threatened with physical harm or death. If they examined our faith, I wonder if they would commend us.

Faith of our fathers living still

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. Hebrews 11:1-2 ESV

The faith of those who have gone before us is such an important part of our story. They believed what they could not see and were commended for it. Their faith lives on in us still, past the end of their earthly lives, and creates a legacy for all who will believe.

Our forefathers in the faith may no longer be alive but their faith certainly is. What an enduring legacy they have entrusted to us, and at what cost! Some of them are no longer alive because of their stand for the faith we have inherited. Let us never shrink back, ever standing like them.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the faith of those who have gone before us in Christ. Now think about how our faith compares to theirs. May we be more than just convicted by their faith. May we be inspired. Make this your simple prayer today “Father, thank You for the faith of our fathers.” 

In Spite Of…

Their faith stood strong in the midst of great challenge and persecution. If those things could not extinguish their faith it was certainly not for the lack of trying. What is even more fascinating is that often those affronts to faith even seemed to strengthen the resolve of the faithful, when logically just the opposite would seem likely.

Though some were delivered through death, others were delivered from it. We often pray for the latter, but God’s answer comes to some in the form of being carried through the difficulty or in this case death.  I think the strongest in faith receive the greatest challenges to their faith because the Lord knows their capacity even better than they do.

He knows they can stand , even if standing means they will loose their lives.

In spite of dungeon fire and sword

Who through faith…stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:33b-34 ESV

Many of those whose faith has been imparted to us paid a high price to live that faith. Some even gave their lives so they would not have to deny their faith. Some were victorious in life but others in death. Nothing could rob them of the joy of standing strong in their faith.

Neither dungeon, fire or sword could deter them from proclaiming their faith. Could the same be said of us? If we had to face the things some of them endured, would our faith be living still or would it have perished? Ask God to help you embrace your faith with a resolve equal to theirs.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on what some of the faithful have had to endure. How would you handle the same circumstances? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “God, help me embrace my faith with a like resolve.” 

God, thank You for the faith that has been handed down to us from the faithful who have one before us. What a legacy they have left. Help us to be faithful to leave the faith strong when we depart this life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Faithful 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 36.1 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.

Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word

Our forefathers in the faith may no longer be alive but their faith certainly is. What an enduring legacy they have entrusted to us, and at what cost! Some of them are no longer alive because of their stand for the faith we have inherited. Let us never shrink back, ever standing like them.

Father, thank You for the faith of our fathers.

Neither dungeon, fire or sword could deter them from proclaiming their faith. Could the same be said of us? If we had to face the things some of them endured, would our faith be living still or would it have perished? Ask God to help you embrace your faith with a resolve equal to theirs.

God, help me embrace my faith with a like resolve.

What fills your heart with joy? What makes it beat the strongest? Maybe it is when your loved one calls your name. Or when your favorite team wins the big game. Maybe when the phone rings when you are expecting good news. Ask the Spirit to reveal what makes your heart leap. 

Spirit, what fills my heart with joy?

Does the glorious Word of God delight your soul? Or something else. You may be willing to lay down your life for whatever does, but you certainly will not for what does not. Some have been willing to die for the faith that Word makes plain. May we be true to death as were they.

Lord, help us be true to death.

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 Do You Have and Enduring Faith? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Faith of our fathers living still – https://hoodmemorial.org/2017/06/14/faith-of-our-fathers/
In spite of dungeon fire and sword – https://www.insightoftheking.com/william-tyndale–persecution-for-the-words-sake.html

Even so Lord quickly come
To Thy final harvest-home
Gather Thou Thy people in
Free from sorrow free from sin
There forever purified
In Thy presence to abide
Come with all Thine angels come
Raise the glorious harvest-home

Come, Ye Thankful People Come 1844
By: Henry Alford (1810-1871)

Listen to this modern version of this seasonal 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!!

Please 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 seasonal prepare yourself to come and praise. Prepare yourself but also be ready to issue the call to others to join you. What better time than this season of year end and into the next? Let’s tune our hearts.

Even So?

We finished out Christmas journey with a focus on Christ’s return and taking us to be with Him eternally. So it is fitting we wrap up this hymn text and the year picking up that idea and carrying it into a New Year. For though we long to see Him breaking through the clouds to take us home, there is a little uneasiness as we log for His return.

Why? Because not everyone is ready. Even so….we desperately wait for it.

Part of that longing is fueled by the imperfection of this world, and the promised perfection of the one to come. Oh, to be rid of all the heartache and tears of this fallen age. It makes absolute sense that we want that to all come to an end.

For those who have not found wholeness in Christ, the end of this age will be dreadful. It will make the end of their opportunity to find that peace. Though they will be forced to acknowledge Him as Lord they will spend eternity separated from Him.

Even so? Yes, but not without at least a little tension. Can you feel it?

Even so Lord quickly come
To Thy final harvest-home

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 ESV

Why, “Even so”? Because even though His return will mean the fruitful ears will be gathered to Him, the tares will be cast into the fire. Still we want Him to come, but their fiery fate should spur us on to telling as many as will listen how to prepare for that final harvest home.

We want Him to come quickly because we are prepared but unfortunately many are not. We should find ourselves in a tension to see His return soon, but also hopeful He will tarry so more may come to know Him and be raised to that final harvest home.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the return of Jesus and what it will be like for you. Now think about what it will be like for those who do not have peace with Christ. Ask the Spirit to help you rest in that hope, yet stir you to invite others into it as well. Make this your simple prayer today “Jesus, come quickly, but not too quickly.” 

Absolutely!

We long for that day when our hope in Christ is finally realized. When He gathers us to Himself to receive the inheritance that been waiting for us since Jesus finished His work on the cross. When He raises us up to be with Him eternally.

Gather Thou Thy people in
Free from sorrow free from sin

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 ESV

He will gather in those who belong to Him, His people, bought with His blood. That transaction, the purchase of our souls rendered us free from sin and sorrow. Have you been a recipient of that transaction? It will make you eternally alive at His coming.

Gathered in to a place without sin or sorrow. Those two things are very closely related. Where there is sin, there is sorrow. The place we are headed has neither. That alone seems to make it heaven, but there is yet one more thing that truly makes it so. We will examine that more closely in our Thursday Thoughts.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on what Jesus has accomplished for you. What He did on the cross frees us from sorrow and sin. It is a transaction that is incomprehensible apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, thank You for setting us free from sorrow and sin.” 

God, thank You for the final work of gathering us in You will complete upon Your return. Though we long for it help us to help others prepare for it even while we wait. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Liberated 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 34.4 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.

Even so Lord quickly come
To Thy final harvest-home
Gather Thou Thy people in
Free from sorrow free from sin
There forever purified
In Thy presence to abide
Come with all Thine angels come
Raise the glorious harvest-home

We want Him to come quickly because we are prepared but unfortunately many are not. We should find ourselves in a tension to see His return soon, but also hopeful He will tarry so more may come to know Him and be raised to that final harvest home.

Jesus, come quickly, but not too quickly.

Gathered in to a place without sin or sorrow. Those two things are very closely related. Where there is sin, there is sorrow. The place we are headed has neither. That alone seems to make it heaven, but there is yet one more thing that truly makes it so.

Lord, thank You for setting us free from sorrow and sin.

The thing that makes any place heavenly is the presence of God. When we arrive there, forever purified, we will enjoy a communion with Him that eludes us in this age. We will live in HIs presence, holy to the Lord. How we long for that reality and the coming of that purity!

God, how I long to live in Your presence.

When His angels accompany Him on His second advent it will not be like the first. He will not come back as a baby, but as the Lord of all mankind. How much greater will their song be when He comes to rule the earth? When He comes to establish His glorious harvest home?

Jesus, come with all Your angels.

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 Are You Ready for Christ’s In-Gathering?appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Even so Lord quickly come To Thy final harvest-home – https://pixabay.com/photos/heaven-clouds-cloud-shape-3335585/
Gather Thou Thy people in Free from sorrow free from sin – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-sunset-silhouette-human-106416/