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Finding Rest While Rising Above the Dark Waves

Fast Falls the Eventide

Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me

Abide with Me 1847
By: Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

Listen to this lovely 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 in which we plead for the abiding presence of Jesus, ask Him to make Himself known. Let’s tune our hearts.

Abide with Me

Eventide – the end of the day, evening. Though used to describe the ending of the day, how much the darkness can resemble the rising of the tide. Nothing can stop it. But we can find a way to rise above it so it does not sweep us under.

We find that comfort in the presence of God. Cultivating that awareness is a discipline best practiced by simply spending time with Him, talking to Him as you would a friend. Much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Much like them, we are sometimes surprised when the Lord suddenly reveals Himself to us just when the darkness seems deepest. Like them, may we quick to invite Jesus to linger with us.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide

But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 ESV 

Traveling alone in the night was no safer in ancient Israel than in our modern world. His fellow travelers invited Jesus in as would have been their custom to offer Him safety. As we see the night approaching we invite Him because we know we need Him. Invite Him to come.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus in so He could find shelter with them from the approaching night. Little did they know they were the ones who needed to find a place of rest in Him. The same is true for us. We need Him to dwell with us. Ask Him right now.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask Jesus to abide with you. Ask Him help you know His presence as the darkness grows. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, abide with me.” 

Lord With Me Abide

The Darkness Deepens

Loneliness. For one struggling with loneliness, darkness only intensifies that feeling. There is no comfort to be found in ebbing of the light, which may seem like a cruel companion as it reminds the solitary soul who alone they are. The darkness does not bring relief from that reminder but rather it’s own ridicule, cold and isolating as it is.

Maybe it is not loneliness, but some other unwelcome guest, like grief or fear. What those dark shadows may be the darkness seems to invite them to grow not diminish. Have you had that experience? As the darkness of the day increased with the approach of night, those depressing or disturbing thoughts seemed to expand or deepen. You are not alone.

Neither are you alone in trying to find a source of comfort from all these ills. And God is the the best one by far.

The darkness deepens Lord with me abide

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 ESV

As we feel the darkness pressing we long for comfort and safety. The physical darkness can be accompanied by relational, mental, and spiritual darkness as well, causing that darkness to deepen and thicken. We find relief from the weight of that as we rest in Him.

There is little like deepening darkness to elicit an appeal to God to make His presence known. How often we have cried out as fear, loneliness or gloom encroached upon our soul? Every time we do we will find God nearer than our breath. Cry out today.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and remember those times when the darkness seemed deepest. Were you able to find rest in God? Di d you turn to Him then. Be ready to do so and pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, abide with me.”  

Jesus, thank You for coming alongside me in my darkest hours. You have never left me, even when I was not sure. Help me be ready for the next time darkness comes by learning to dwell in Your light. In Jesus’ name. 

Amazed 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 45.1 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.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me

The disciples on the road to Emmaus invited Jesus in so He could find shelter with them from the approaching night. Little did they know they were the ones who needed to find a place of rest in Him. The same is true for us. We need Him to dwell with us. Ask Him right now.

Jesus, abide with me.

There is little like deepening darkness to elicit an appeal to God to make His presence known. How often we have cried out as fear, loneliness or gloom encroached upon our soul? Every time we do we will find God nearer than our breath. Cry out today.

Lord, abide with me.

Other helpers will fail, and other comforts will flee, but not so with Jesus. He will never fail. He will never flee. When we cry out to Him we can do so with a confidence that unlike anywhere else we may turn He will never disappoint us. Thank Him for being so reliable.

Jesus, thank You for being so reliable.

We are helpless. Will you acknowledge that? It is important to own the fact that you need help in order to position yourself to receive it. You are not likely to accept the help of Jesus until you become aware of your need of it. Acknowledge it to Jesus and receive His help today.

Jesus, I need Your help.

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.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me

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 Finding Rest While Rising Above the Dark Waves appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Fast falls the eventide – https://mattsbibleblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/running-down-the-road-from-emmaus-luke-2413-35/
The Darkness Deepens – https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-old-man-person-bank-to-sit-3141248/

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Setting Your Heart and Eyes on God REPOST

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 44.5 Transcript, 25.5 REPLAYED

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

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 REPOST 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 REPOST

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.

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 44.5 Transcript, 25.5 REFRAMED

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.

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. 

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. Ask Him to help you win the battle, for His glory and your good.

High King, help me win the battle.

And 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. Ask for His help to reach Him and them.

Sun of Heaven, help me reach You and Your joys.

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.

Heart of my heart, help me press on to You.

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

Ruler of all, be my Vision and Victory.

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 REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
High King of Heaven, My Victory Won – https://pixabay.com/photos/man-black-victory-joy-achievement-3483205/
May I Reach Heaven’s Joys, O Bright Heav’ns Sun – https://pixabay.com/photos/clouds-sky-landscape-sun-horizon-1209444/

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Is the King of Heaven Your Highest Treasure? REPOST

Thou and Thou Only First in My Heart

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.

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.

First

Early in my relationship with God I learned the verse below and it has since become to me a significant scripture throughout my journey. Some might call it a Life Verse, one that governs much of my thinking about my Lord, and His activity in my life. Even so, I often fail to live up to the highest expressions of it, though it remains my aspiration to do so.

Putting God first in all things and keeping Him there are both lofty aspirations as well. To do so will create some conflict internally and externally, but will ensure that you will always be able to find your path forward, even if not initially. Trust requires that we believe God is at work even when we do not see it, making a way where there seems to be none.

I am not certain it will still be sung hundreds of years from now but a song of our day expresses well the kind of faith necessary to put and keep God first. Way Maker by Leeland says,

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working

I think of those who first sang these words, and those who first sang the ones below and marvel that across time and space the same God revealed Himself to song writers who found words for their contemporaries to express in worship. We join when them as we sing…

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

It is so easy to lean on other things and not fully trust the Lord. Working to acknowledge Him in all our ways is a good antidote though. When we are convinced He is our Inheritance, as the previous line declares, 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. 

RESONATE!
Do you know what it looks like to put Him first in your heart? Ask Jesus to show you today. “Jesus, show me the way to make you first today.” What are a couple ways you are feeling inclined to make God first in your heart? What will you do about that prompting today?

High King

High King of Heaven My Treasure Thou Art

Sometimes I look into the heavens and marvel at the fact that the One who made them not only cares for me, but wants me to see Him as the treasure that He is. He reveals Himself to me as such in those moments, but I all too quickly forget. How about you?

I was running some errands just last night and walked out to my vehicle to see a sunset which literally took my breath away. It was one of a thousand I have seen that revealed to me the creative wonder of the Lord God. Each of them a form of riches I should treasure more than anything this earth affords.

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5 ESV

This is the opening of Nehemiah’s prayer after days of mourning, fasting and praying. It was not a quick and easy acclamation but one he was still determined to make. Are you so resolved?

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.

RESONATE!
Take a moment and allow the Lord to search your heart to reveal if He is your treasure.  If He reveals any competitors, renounce them and place Him first in your heart. Then ask Him to help you see the Treasure He truly is and to cherish Him rightly.

Lord God of heaven, thank You for revealing the great and awesome works of creation. I long to live ever in awe of the Treasure You are. Forgive me for the many times I have failed to do so. I am grateful You are calling me back to practicing that priority. In Jesus name. Amen.

Exalted 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 44.4 Transcript, 25.4 REPLAYED

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

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 ESV

There are many tempting things in the world, but when God fills our vision these things pale in comparison. Ask Him to help you overcome these lesser things as He fills your gaze.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

He is and has everything we need both now and forever. With this is mind, we commit to turn from the things that would impair our glorious pursuit of Him and run with abandon to the One who is our Inheritance. Tell Him, maybe again, you will place your trust in Him alone. 

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

It is so easy to lean on other things and not fully trust the Lord. Working to acknowledge Him in all our ways is a good antidote though. What are a couple ways you are feeling inclined to make God first in your heart? What will you do about that prompting today?

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5 ESV

This is the opening of Nehemiah’s prayer after days of mourning, fasting and praying. It was not a quick and easy acclamation but one he was still determined to make. Are you so resolved? Take a moment and allow the Lord to search your heart to see if He is your treasure.

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.

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.

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 Is the King of Heaven Your Highest Treasure? REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Thou and Thou Only First in My Heart – https://pixabay.com/vectors/first-aid-medical-medicine-doctor-2789561/
High King of Heaven My Treasure Thou Art – https://pixabay.com/photos/tree-field-calm-tranquil-scene-736875/

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Finding True Satisfaction, Not a Counterfeit REPOST

Riches I Heed Not, Nor Man’s Empty Praise

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.

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

Heed Not

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, but first let’s take a closer look at the things by which we must not allow ourselves to be preoccupied.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 ESV

There is nothing inherently wrong with riches or praise. The problem arises when we seek these things with greater enthusiasm than the things of God.  There are many tempting things in the world, but when God fills our vision these things pale in comparison.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I like to think about it this way. What do you find yourself thinking about when you are thinking about nothing in particular. Do you begin to wonder how to make more money, or the stuff it would buy? Do you try to figure out how to get recognition for the things you do, or the people you do them for? When we allow these things to crowd out our gaze upon God is when the real trouble begins.

What do you love more? The things of this world, or the things of your Father?

Spirit, search me for any worldly affections.

RESONATE!
What do you love more? The things of this world, or the things of your Father? Ask the Spirit to search you for any worldly affections that may be competing with Him. Ask Him to help you overcome these lesser things as He fills your gaze.   

Inheritance

Thou Mine Inheritance, Now and Always

Spurning the allure of riches and the draw of applause becomes much simpler when we set our hearts instead on something much more satisfying. Both money and recognition are fleeting, but the not the endowment of God. While there is an unfathomable extent of it waiting for us in eternity, we do not have to wait until this life is over to begin to enjoy it.

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

He is and has everything we need both now and forever. We may want some other things, but our deepest needs are supplied only when we look to Him for there provision. With this in mind, we commit to turn from the things that would impair our glorious pursuit of Him and run with abandon to the One who is our Inheritance.

It is with that commitment we find 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.

RESONATE!
Setting our hearts on Him routinely helps to create a rhythm which protects us from the things that would seem to satisfy but never can. Thank Him for revealing to you that He is everything you need. Tell Him, maybe again, you will place your trust in Him alone. 

Jesus, thank You for supplying everything I need. Help me to develop a habit of setting my heart on You so I am enabled to resist the temptation of seeking that supply in counterfeits. I will trust You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Satisfied 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 44.4Transcript, 25.4 REFRAMED

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 Finding True Satisfaction, Not a Counterfeit REPOST 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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