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How To Know and Live God’s Promises

Promise

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

Listen to this beautiful piano version as you read, or watch the video then read. Subscribers and Free Members please be sure to experience the worship-cultivating podcast below.

As we look into the latter part of this stanza, keep in mind how it hinges on the first part.  We must know God’s will, then trust Him for the strength to do it.  Then, and only then, can we truly see the flow of promises fulfilled.  Let’s think about this.

Promises, Promises

Just what is a promise, and what specific promises has God given to us?

A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen.  Promises are often broken, but not God’s promises.  He offers us so many in His Word and we can find great comfort and confidence in His ability to carry them out and follow through with them.

Let’s consider one of the greatest and most common promises in the Bible.

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)

What is the promise here?  Whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.  That is a promise we can trust.  It makes a difference in our daily lives and changes our eternal destination.  When you determine to receive this promise it changes everything, and it is only one of many, many promises which fill the pages of Scripture.

Have you received this promise?  If you have you know the reality of it because it has changed you and invited you into a life of ongoing transformation.  If you have not, why not today?  Jesus died for you so you can live eternally, even when you die and pass from this life. Put your faith in Him and begin the most incredible journey of one fulfilled promise after another.

Granted, Past Tense

We are going to use two parts of the same verse to guide the rest of our thinking about the latter part of this stanza.  The first part tells us that God has granted His promises to us.  Past tense.  Nothing you can do can effect the promise, only your experience of it.

…he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, 2 Peter 1:4a ESV 

The one above is a wonderful example of just how precious and VERY GREAT His promises are.

The experience of this granted promise, however, is continent upon something. It is contingent upon your knowing Him.  Fortunately for you that knowledge is imparted by His divine power.

I know this is getting a little complex but follow me.  His divine power has made Him known to You.  If you know Him, you have been granted these promises, and you can only know Him if His power has revealed Him to you.

Be encouraged by the fact that you know God.  Because you know God, these promises have been granted to you.  This means that these promises have been given formally to you.  And all of this is a gift of God.

But wait, it gets better.

The Nature of Christ

Though these promises are precious and very great, they are but a gateway to the greatest blessing of all.  We have been granted these promises…

…so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4b ESV 

Partake

Partaker.  When you partake of food or drink, you consume it.  I like to think of this as enjoying it and that is certainly true of the impartation of the nature of God, but this goes MUCH deeper than simple enjoyment so that is not the definition in play here.

To be a partaker in these terms uses the lesser two of three common meanings.  First it means that you have joined in, so you are taking part in the very nature of God.  That is amazing, but it is the last one that really blows me away because it tells me that I am to be characterized by the divine nature.

The verse does say that we “may become” partakers, so we have a choice.  We have to allow the Holy Spirit to bring this about in us.  As you read the end of the verse you see another reinforcement of the sequence we considered on Tuesday in A Sequence of Fortunate Events.

As we learn and endure the will of God, living it out with His help, we understand and then exist within His fulfilled promises.  We escape the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire, an expression of our old nature, and become partakers of the Christ nature.

Hallelujah!

There is no better promise.  We become characterized by the nature of Christ, becoming like Jesus at our core.  Hallelujah!

Even the thought of that process reminds me how much I need Him because I can not accomplish that on my own.  Nor can you.  Thank Him again for His promises, and the work of the Spirit which teaches them to us, and then empowers us to live them.  What is the next part of the sequence we have considered for you?

  1. Learning His Will
  2. Doing His Will
  3. Knowing His Promises
  4. Living in His Promises.

It is likely some combination of several or all of them, but ask Him to show you what the next step of your journey toward Christlikeness should be.  Wait for it.  When He shows you, you will undoubtedly be ready say anew, “I need you every hour!”

Jesus, take me to and through the next part of my journey with You.  I need you to teach Your will, so that I may continue to see Your promises fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name.   Amen.

Needful Thinking!

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

Podcast 11.4 Transcript

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

I need Thee every hour;

Hebrews 10:36 ESV

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

This Scripture sets the stage for this entire stanza.  We need endurance to do the will of God. We can not do that in our own strength.  We need Him. When we have done His will, by His strength, we are positioned to receive what is promised.  Tell Him again you need Him to endure.

   teach me Thy will;

Psalm 25:4-5 ESV

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

We wait every hour, all day long for God to lead us and teach us.  We need Him to lead us in His ways and teach us His paths. Do you spend any time each day learning HIs ways, just waiting on Him?  Take a few moments right now and ask Him to show you His ways, then wait. 

And Thy rich promises

2 Peter 1:4a ESV 

…he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, 

When we have taken the time to learn His ways, and trusted Him for strength to walk in His ways, we are positioned to not only know His promises, but receive them.  Are there any of God’s promises you are waiting to see fulfilled? Either way, ask Him to show you more.

     in me fulfill.

2 Peter 1:4b ESV 

…so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

What better promise than a new nature, the very nature of Christ!  That is a promise God longs to fulfill in our lives as we live according to His will.  Are you experiencing that transformation? God wants to fulfill that in you. Ask Him if there is anything in you withholding that fulfillment.

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.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

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

Image Attributions
Promise – https://pixabay.com/photos/christ-cross-faith-jesus-passion-3484141/
Partake – https://pixabay.com/photos/breakfast-delicious-drink-food-1835478/
Hallelujah! – https://www.freeimages.com/photo/hallelujah-1308790

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Teach me

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 teach me journey.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering we examined temptations and enticements. This week we will explore teach me your will and promises. 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: John 14:26 and John 16:13 Amplified 

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH …” (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and Guide. He will teach us the value of needing God and He will guide us to live a life that brings God glory and reflects the truth of God’s promises.

PSALM: I Need Thee Every Hour written by Annie Sherwood Hawks.

                    Teach and Fulfill

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

If we quiet our minds, we can listen in on an interesting heart song conversation between the psalmist and God.  It is as though the song writer asked, “God what is your will for my life?”  and God responded, “That you know Me and believe My promises.”  The psalmist responds, “Please teach me your promises in such a way that they are fulfilled within me.” The songwriter recognizes her need for God’s instruction. She first asks to be taught, then asks God to fulfill. Following the request of the psalmist, today’s Wandering is a lesson plan that includes a question, an answer, and an assignment. So grab your pen and paper in case you want to complete the homework.

How do we prepare our hearts to receive God’s will and live in such a way that His promises are fulfilled in our lives?

                 That they KNOW You

PARABLE: Have you ever asked Jesus the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” The response of Jesus is found in John 17:3.

Jesus states: “I want you to know my Father and that He sent me to give you eternal life and bring Him glory with your life.”

Knowing God is discovered through heart knowledge. Heart knowledge is taught through an experiential, intimate personal relationship, quality time spent in God’s presence, and through meditating on His rich and truthful promises. God’s promises are found in The Bible, the personal instructional guide that helps you to know God!

Reading God’s Word will help us to know His Will (Romans 12:2), His Plan (Jeremiah 29:11), and the power of His RICH Promises (Hebrews 4:12). However, contemplating God’s Word will help us to receive it within our heart and live out the personal experiences of His promises in a way that brings Him glory (Jeremiah 31:33-34). How do we contemplate God’s word? I’ll share with you my practice.

Lectio Divina is a traditional contemplative monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase our knowledge of God’s living word. Over the years I have adapted the Lectio Divina template in my spiritual discipline practices. I call them the R’s of  Knowing God and His Promises. I will invite you in the ponder and wander section to practice these steps.

Steps of the R’s of Knowing God and His Promises

Select and Read a scripture verse slowly and get an idea of what it is saying. As you read, notice any words or phrases that stand out to you, and listen in your heart.

Recognize the words God is pointing out to you. Read the passage again, slowly. As you pause to notice the words or phrases that stand out to you, take time to consider what the word, phrase, or passage means in your life.

Release any interfering thoughts you have that will keep you from receiving God’s truth. Consider how God has spoken to you in this passage and how the passage is asking you to act differently.

Receive God’s instruction. Accept the promise of the scripture. Take some time to remain in the presence of God.

Respond with admiration to His promise by living in such a way that gives God glory.

PONDER and WANDER: Now that you have the format of the R’s, Ponder the question: What scripture would God like to use for me to KNOW Him better?

Soul care training exercise: If you chose, allow the Holy Spirit to give you a scripture and use it to practice the R’s of Knowing God and His Promises. Perhaps it is a verse you read today, your favorite scripture, the scripture text from a sermon you heard, or a scripture from one of the Psalms. If you are in need of a scripture, you may visit the website 365 Promises and find the scripture for November 13, 2019. Whatever the scripture, walk through the steps and journal as God illuminates His promise that He desires to teach you and use to guide your life. If you don’t have time today, you can come back to the practice whenever you are ready.

PRAYER: Father, there is not a second of a minute or a minute of an hour that I do not need you! Holy Spirit, I need you to teach and guide me in the truth of God’s promises. Father, Let me grow close to you and know you! Let me receive each promise and manifest Your Word into a lifestyle that brings you Glory. In the name of Jehovah Jireh, my Provider I pray. Amen.

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to thank God for His every Word being a promise He will fulfill in your life!  Let the work of your wandering fill you with the assurance that God is faithful to help you. 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 Teach Me first appeared first on Resonant 7.

PERSONAL BONUS: This is the part of Wednesday Wanderings where I share part of my transformational journey. If you chose, you may take another five minutes and share my transformational journal experience of the R’s of Knowing God and His Promises.

In Mind Battles I shared that the way to win a battle of the mind is to speak God’s Word to the lies. There was a time when anxiety and worry overwhelmed me because I was the only light in a very dark environment. The forces of evil intentionally taunted me and waited for me fail. The lie of my anxious mind told me that the enemy would win and that I needed to retaliate. Of course, it was a lie. The truth was I only needed God’s Word, to stand on His promises, and to let Him fight my battle.  During that time, the scripture which I contemplated was Psalm 3:3. I completed the R’s exercise and searched for additional scriptures to further contemplate. I have shared below my journal process and the RICH promises the Holy Spirit taught me and used to guide me on the path to truth and victory.

  • Read the scripture verse. Psalm 3:3 is the scripture I read.
    • But you, God, shield me on all sides;
      You ground my feet, you lift my head high.
  • Recognize the promise God is making to you. I recognized:
    • The word that stands out to me is shield.
    • God, you are my protective shield, blocking the enemy of darkness from all around me. There are times that I am slipping into depression. You place your hands upon my face and lift my head towards Your bright and hopeful Presence and Your glory, power, authority, and wisdom.
  • Release any beliefs you have that will keep you from receiving God’s truth. My release:
    • The lie I struggle with is that I am in control. I am not. You hold my life in your hand.
    • Even though anxiety and worry are my enemies and often try to encamp me, I release the belief that they have any control over my life. I stand on the truth that You are my stronghold. You are mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17) me from a bowed down head, and fill me with strength, joy, and deliverance (Psalm 28:7).
  • Receive His promise. God’s promise for me:
    • God you promise that YOU are the Lifter of my Head.  You are letting me know that whenever I cry out, you will hear me and come to my rescue (Psalm 120:1).
  • Respond with admiration. My response:
    • Thank you for lifting my head when the enemy sought to wipe me out! When my tears overtook me, you dried them with the pages of Your Word (Psalm 56:8). You Lord, are my glory, you lift my head (Psalm 3:3)!

This journal entry includes several scriptures that I later also contemplated. Using the R’s to contemplate and pray the scriptures an ongoing practice that helps me to know God and refreshes  my mind, body, and soul. I also invite you to use this tool as a spiritual discipline.

Father, touch the one reading today who can resonate with the fact that anxiety and worry are our enemies. Shield them from every angle, shower them with your glorious Presence, and set their head upright towards You. Replenish their mind, body and soul with your strength, joy, peace and hope.  In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Image attributions:
Lifter of my Head: Beloved.org with text added
That they know you: https://pixabay.com/photos/adult-alone-bible-denim-pants-1869621/ with added text
Teach and Fulfill:  https://pixabay.com/photos/teach-education-school-class-1968076/ with added text

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A Sequence of Fortunate Events

Sequence

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

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

So here we are again, declaring our need of God.  There is a beautiful flow through this stanza. Know God’s will, understand His promises, then see them fulfilled.  We must make certain we do not get these things out of order because that can influence our ability to see them clearly in our lives.  Let’s tune our hearts.

Sequence

It is unusual that one verse of Scripture so clearly is captured in the stanza of a hymn.  There are countless illusions to different Scriptures in every stanza of most hymns, but this stanza ends up being nearly a paraphrase of one verse in particular.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36 ESV

Do you see it?

  1. We need God
  2. We do His will
  3. His promises are given
  4. His promises are fulfilled

What an incredible sequence of events!  But let’s be careful.  Though this is essentially a promise of God, there is no guarantee on the timeline, and certainly no assurance given that we get to dictate which promises, only that we will receive what is promised when we endure and do His will.

There is a sense in which it is like dominoes.  One leads to the next in an inextricable sequence.  The only issue is that God is in control of how the dominoes are set-up, when they begin to fall, what their design looks like, etc.  We are invited to enter into the sequence, but we are not in control.

The Scripture, and the sequence it outlines, is true.  Can you think of a time when you experienced this truth?  You discovered God’s will.  You endured to see His will done in your life.  You positioned yourself to receive what was promised.

Think of the life of Christ.  It is quite plainly the greatest expression of this sequence.  He knew the Father’s will was to go to the cross.  He endured that to the point of death.  The Father had already declared He was pleased with Jesus.  He fulfilled that by seeing that every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

So what about you?  Jesus knew what God’s will was for Him.  Maybe there is a situation where you lack clarity or confidence.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you know God’s will in that particular circumstance.  Then just listen.

Teach Me

So in order for us to endure the will of God, that is to live through it for His glory, first we must know it.

Teach Me

I remember as a child being fascinated by dominoes.  If YouTube had existed back then I am sure I would have watched videos of extensive set-ups.  I received a set complete with templates to help set up complex sequences.  I remember more failures than successes as at times I accidentally knocked over parts of my elaborate design.

I also remember my dad helping me.  I recall how he would very carefully wold lift the templates with a precision I simply seemed to lack.  We built some wonderful layouts taking what seemed like forever.  When we would finish and look at each other with pride and joy.  The thrill of my dad smiling at me as he could see me asking with my eyes more than words if I could start the sequence is still a vivid recollection.

Oh, to gently tap that first domino and watch them all begin to fall.  The delight was only eclipsed by the reality of how long another would take to set up.  But it was so worth it.

My dad carefully and painstakingly taught me how to set those dominoes up.  It reminds me how our Father wants to help up endure a similar process as we learn His will.  He wants to teach us, but we need to ask, because asking demonstrates our desire to learn.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.  Psalm 25:4-5 ESV

I know the waiting is not easy, and we are so tempted to just start doing, but it is often pointless until we know what to do.  You may assume the endurance needed from the earlier has to do with this waiting, but it actually has to do with the endurance required to do the will of God once it is revealed to you.

Is there something you are waiting on God to show you?  Ask Him again to lead you and teach you.

Interruption

Interruption

Maybe the issue in your sequence is instead that you know the will of God but are not doing it.  If you follow the progression of our sequence, failing to do the will of God that has been revealed to you effectively stops the sequence.  God is gracious and sometimes ushers the fulfillment of promises into our lives in spite of our failure to do His will, but the Scripture makes clear it is His desire to fulfill His promises, even His promise to do so, when we do His will.

Before you think this is punitive allow me to ask you a question.  Are you glad when God keeps His promises?  What if He did not keep up His end of the bargain, if He was fickle.  Would that not be disappointing?  Imagine how disappointed God is when we fail to do the will He has revealed to us.  Keep in mind though that much of that flows from His knowing what is best for us and that our failing to do His will actually robs us of His greatest promises.

It may simply be a matter of time.  You must simply wait to see the promise fulfilled.  That can be hard waiting too and we can begin to doubt if we have done His will His way.

Deep breath.  That is some profound processing.

So one last question.  Is there anything you are aware of that you have done that may have interrupted the sequence God has put in motion for you?  Maybe you are not aware, but need to ask just in case.  Maybe you simply need to be patient.  That requires some endurance as well.  Ask the Spirit to teach you what you need to know.

Jesus, I need You every hour.  Teach me Your will, then grant me the endurance I need to do it.  Forgive me for all the times I fail to do things Your way and walk down my own paths.  Draw me back into the sequence of blessing You with my obedience.   In Jesus name.  Amen.

Sequential 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 11.4 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.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

And here we are again, confessing our need for God. Four weeks in and I have prayed for you that you are starting to develop a rhythm of telling God how much you need Him hour by hour.  Let’s start this time by telling Him again, “Lord, I need You.” 

The Holy Spirit is our teacher, so when we ask to be taught, we are asking for His influence in particular.  There are two aspects here that I see. The first is the general will of God, His ways, and the second specific direction in particular circumstances.  Ask Him for both, general and specific.

As we come to know and live His will, we are perfectly positioned to see the richness of His promises unfolding in our daily lives.  Do you know His promises? He has offered us so many in His word. Tell Him right now you want to know them all.

Are there promises you are already hoping in today?  Remind God that you long to see them fulfilled in your life, and commit to adjusting your living to His will, so you may find yourself in a “blessable” state, one where God’s promises may truly be fulfilled daily.  

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.

Image Attributions
Sequence – https://pixabay.com/photos/dominoes-domino-colorful-patterns-4020618/
Teach Me – https://pixabay.com/photos/dominoes-colorful-patterns-4020617/
Interruption – https://pixabay.com/photos/dominoes-domino-barricade-hand-1902622/

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A Way to Ensure You Avoid Emptiness

Abide

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

Listen to this beautiful piano version as you read, or watch the video then read. Please be sure to experience the worship-cultivating podcast below.

We transition to a different perspective of our continual need of God in the latter part  of this stanza.  In the first part it was the extremes and in-betweens, every moment of life.  Now we consider that fact that without His abiding presence our lives are useless.  Let’s think about this.

Two Unusual Words

As is often the case with hymnody, we come across words that require us to think a bit because they are not commonly used today.  This stanza has two in my option.  Abide and vain.

Vain is a little simpler since it is not quite as far removed for common use.  As it is used in this occurrence it means, producing no result or useless.  The reason this usage is in play here is because of our other word and the imagery of producing which it evokes.

Abide has several meanings which factor into this discussion.  We certainly need God to bear patiently with us, and to endure without yielding, but that is only the beginning.  We also need Him to wait for us and to accept (us) without objection.  What we mostly need though is for God to remain stable or fixed in a state and to continue in a place.   In other words, we need Him to connect to us and stay connected.

The passage of Scripture that portrays this best is John 15:1-10.  For our purposes we are going to focus in on one verse in particular.  It illustrates both the benefit of abiding and the vanity of not doing so.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:5 (ESV)

Fruit

Abide

As noted above the most crucial thing we need is to be connected to God.  This connection enables us to be useful, to fulfill the purpose for which He created us.  We are to bear fruit.  We, the branches, can only do that when we stay connected to Him, the Vine.

I think of this latter part of the stanza in the context of the first.  Joy and pain.  What would be expressions of this for a branch?  Rain or drought?  When there is water the plant can be healthy and grow.  When there is no water the plant will wither and eventually die. Seems pretty obvious right?

It is no less true of us, only that the consequences, particularly of not abiding, are not immediately visible.

So it begs the question, “How do we abide?”  If it is only a matter of connection then we need to discern by what means we stay connected to God and then practice them as if our lives depended on them, because they actually do.

There are the obvious answers of reading the Bible and praying, but how many other things may help us abide?  What about worshipping?  And serving, being the hands and feet of Jesus?  Even in just these few there is a tremendous diversity of expressions.  For example, praying is not only talking to God, but listening.  When was the last time you just listened to God for even five minutes?  Seem challenging?  It certainly is if you have not trained yourself to do it.

There are other ways as well.  Some of which may be more unique or unusual but help you to stay connected to God’s will and ways.  You must find the right rhythm for you which will likely be as unique as you are.  Then and only then will you be able to bear all the fruit that God has in mind for you.

Vain

Useless

Take a look at that fruitless branch.   It looks like there may be some new growth there but there is certainly no fruit.  In a vineyard, this branch may very well be one of those that would be pruned away due to its lack of fruit.  It’s not for lack of trying, it just appears it may not be connected.

So are you more like this branch or the one at the top with the beautiful cluster of grapes.  Maybe in other seasons you have produced much fruit, but lately there is little.  There is a natural ebb and flow to fruit production, but if it has been several seasons you many need to evaluate the vitality of your connection to the vine.

If you feel disconnected, cry out to Jesus.  He wants to be connected to Him and the purposes of your Father.  He will help you.

Take a step into a more vital connection today. Even if yours is healthy, maybe you could be producing more fruit.  Even you are not producing take a step in that direction.  Do something to strengthen your connection to the vine, then do something else tomorrow.  Be diligent and patient and before you know it…fruit.

Jesus, teach me how to overcome temptations by inviting Your presence all the time, but especially when I am tempted.  I believe You will provide a way of escape if I will but look to You.  In Jesus’ name.   Amen.

Watchful Thinking!

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

Podcast 11.3 Transcript

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

I need Thee every hour,

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

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

Though I think the time of need described here is generally considered a great need, not an hour goes by when we should not approach the throne of grace.  Have you done so in the last hour? Whether you have or not, do so now with confidence.

in joy or pain;

Romans 12:12 ESV 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

We must develop the habit of bringing everything to God is prayer.  We thank Him when our hope is strong. We cry out when the troubles are overwhelming.  We are always talking to Him. Whatever is on your heart right now, lay it before the Lord.

  Come quickly and abide,

1 John 2:6 ESV

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

We know we need Jesus to come to us, and help us live in Him, attached to Him, moving along with Him.  This requires us to become like Him, otherwise there is a constant tension. Ask Jesus to show you how you can walk as He walked.  That is what you really need.  

  or life is vain.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Unless we pursue the purpose for which we were made, our lives are vain or useless.  God has things He has prepared for us to do and we need to walk in them. Ask the Spirit to show you how to develop the holy rhythm of learning how to stay in step with Jesus whatever comes your way.  

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.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

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

Image Attributions
Abide – https://pixabay.com/photos/grapes-fruit-fruits-blue-1696921/
Fruit – https://pixabay.com/photos/grapes-fruit-fruits-blue-1696921/
Uselss – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/vine-cutout-branch-nature-backdrop-788905/

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In the Extremes, and the In-betweens

 

Every Hour

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

Listen to this beautiful piano version as you read, or watch the video then read.  Subscribers and Free Members make certain to enjoy the video log below.

So here we are again, declaring our need of God.  It is a good habit to develop and over these six weeks we are working on it.  We want to make awareness of our need of God familiar as a well-worn path. We need Him at the extremes of life, and at every moment in between.  Let’s tune our hearts.

Every Hour

When we begin to sing the words we know just how true they are.  But between those moments it is easy to forget just how much we need God.  We get moving along from one thing to the next and sometimes many hours have passed since we last realized let alone practiced how much we need God.

How do you practice your need of God?

I walked through a scenario earlier today when I knew I needed God.  It was a little out of my comfort zone and a bit stressful so as I stood there waiting for it to materialize, I lifted a simple prayer to God.  “I need you God.  Please help me in this moment to speak words that help others realize their need for You.”

It is simple to do, yet often we forget to practice it.  Doing so with regularity reframes every moment, let alone every hour.  But every hour is a great start.

And we have absolute access so we can approach boldly.  We can cry out to Him at any time and all the time.  Mercy and grace, who does not need more of those in their life, right?

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

Need some help preparing for that time of need? Developing this habit.  Set and alarm on your phone for one hour from now, or on the next hour.  When it goes off click “repeat” and offer a simple prayer like this.  “I need You Lord.  Help me fix my eyes on You and trust You in everything for this next hour.”  That should get you started developing the habit of acknowledging your need of God in the ordinary moments of life.

This is an important habit to develop because it will prepare you to live the extraordinary moments better.  Otherwise the moments of joy or pain may otherwise cause you to either doubt your need of God, or deny He cares.  You want to avoid both at all costs.  Coming to Him regularly will help.

Pain

Joy or Pain

The latter is easier.  When we experience pain, our immediate desire is for relief.  Whether it is emotional, physical, mental or spiritual, we want to be delivered from it.

The pain should remind us how much we need God, even more than deliverance.  Sometimes, maybe even often, God chooses to deliver us through things than from them.  The ability to persevere is a gift that serves us well in a myriad of circumstances but is not often at the top of our things to ask for in prayer.  James 1:2-4 teaches the value of trials but living through such circumstances is still very difficult.

Are you facing some pain right now?  Have you been praying about it?  If so, has it been for it to come to an end, or for it to produce something in you?  Don’t misunderstand.  It is ok to pray for pain to pass, Jesus taught us that in Matthew 26:39.  But in the same passage He also taught us to accept God’s will to unfold if it does not.

If you are facing some pain right now, you need God.  Cry out to Him.  He has a purpose for it and He loves you.  Sorrow may last for the night but joy comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)

Joy

But even more challenging is maintaining your awareness of your need of God in the moments of joy.

Pain prompts us to cry our for relief.  Joy dulls our sense of need because it is itself so satisfying.

Pain pushes us to something better.  Joy masquerades as “something better”.

Pain makes us feel small.  Joy makes us feel great.

I wish I could take you back to your last moment of pure joy.  Was your first thought, “This is awesome”  or “God You’re awesome”?  Huge difference.

Joy may be otherwise defined as delight.  It is the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune.  Joy is a truly wonderful thing, as long as we always remember the source of it all.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

When we keep that perspective, we remember the source is better than the gift itself.  That guards us from the temptation to think we have somehow earned it or deserve it.  When we receive everything as from His gracious hand, we are far less likely to lose sight of Him, and our need of Him.
If you are walking in joy right now, you need God.  Give praise to Him.  He has a purpose for this and He loves you.  
Allow every circumstance to point you back to God and deepen you relationship with Him.  You need Him very hour.  Do not miss an opportunity to practice that.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Romans 12:12 ESV 

Jesus, I need You every hour.   I need you when pain is overwhelming.  I need you when joy is welling up.  I need you for every moment and every emotion in between those two extremes.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

Constant 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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Subscribers and Free Members enjoy this video and transcript! Everyone else the transcript below.

Video 11.3 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.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

A week has passed since we last declared our need of God together, but I hope it has not been more than an hour since you last found some ways of expressing that.  Three weeks in and three weeks to go through this hymn, ask God again to help you develop this good habit.

So we have come to yet more experiences when our need of Jesus is very revealed, whether we are experiencing joy or pain.  Crying our In pain is simpler because we long for relief. But we must learn to confess our need in joy as well, to protect ourselves from conceit.  Help us Lord.

We ask God to come and dwell with us.  It reflects Jesus teaching about abiding which promises we will bear fruit.  We stay connected to Him and we are fruitful. The alternative is pitiful. Ask Jesus to teach you how to practice this.

Without God life tends toward vanity, fruitlessness, and fleeting satisfaction.  Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12 instructs us to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”  Ask God for the awareness of Him which protects our lives and fills them with purpose.  

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.

Image Attributions
Every Hour – https://pixabay.com/photos/old-man-old-person-person-2803645/
Joy – https://pixabay.com/photos/joy-success-freedom-happy-victory-4293825/
Pain – https://pixabay.com/photos/tears-crying-tear-pain-injustice-4551435/

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