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Seeing Your Place in His Kingdom in [2024], REPLAYED

Gather All the Nations to Him

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus, King of the Nations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you any part in getting the gospel to them?

Then Bow Down

Every Knee Shall Bow

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

Let’s think about this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clear Thinking!

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

Podcast 54.5 Transcript, 12.5 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.

Though an Infant now we view Him,

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV

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

He shall fill His Father’s throne,

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

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

Gather all the nations to Him;

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

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

Every knee shall then bow down:

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

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

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

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

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

The post Seeing Your Place in His Kingdom in [2024], REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

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

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How to Be His People Between His Advents, REFRAMED

King in the Manger

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

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

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

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

Everyone enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

First Advent

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

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV

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

Consider Your Response

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

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

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

Second Advent

Lamb on the Throne

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

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

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

Making the Kingdom Known Now

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

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

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

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

Expectant Tuning!

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

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

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

Video 54.5 Transcript, 12.5 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

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

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

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

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Saints Teach Us How to Wait, REPLAYED

Anna and Jesus

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

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

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

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

We continue our journey to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of our Savior. This week we consider the saints who are bending their lives to the will of God at the altar of God. Their role in the story shows us that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Tuesday, we looked at Simeon. Today Anna. Let’s think about this.

Anna

We looked at Simeon on Tuesday and were challenged to hold on to our hope of seeing God’s salvation in our lives. We know a little more about Simeon than we do Anna, including the prayer he offered in praise to God for fulfilling His promise. Still, there are a few things we see in Anna’s life which make me so thankful she is included in the Luke account of Jesus’ birth.

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[a]She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 (ESV)

Looking into her Response

What do we see about her in this passage?

  • She was a prophetess.
  • Though married, she had long been a widow.
  • She never left the temple.
  • She was poised to praise.

What do we glean from these things?

  • She spoke for God. And that was a dangerous thing for if one of the “thus sayeth the Lord” statements did not come true, she should have been stoned. People who speak for God sometimes have very challenging lives because the messages they are compelled to share are sometimes difficult for their listeners to hear. We do not know anything she said, but she was obviously regarded as a person who spoke from God and had nonetheless lived a long life.
  • She had lived many years alone, with no companion but God. Such a journey tends to have one of two effects on people. They become either bitter or better. And being a widow, let alone a prophesying widow, in that day would not have easy. Still, she remained faithful to God.
  • So abandoned was she to the Lord that she never left the Temple. Some commentators argue that this means she was there every time the doors opened, but we know there were rooms within the temple complex and it is possible someone of her renown and station may have actually lived there.
  • Though she likely lived a challenging life, had God alone as her life-long companion, and spent all of her time in the temple, she was still poised to praise God for sending His Messiah. “At that very hour” she began to praise and speak to all those who were waiting for the redemption of Israel.

Waiting Like Her

Living Like Anna

So, on the heels of yet another celebration of the appearing of the Savior, what will you learn from Anna? Are you willing to wait as she did. Are you poised for praise now, and will you commit to still be ready decades from now?

Let’s think about this.

Do you realize you are called to speak for God? You may not consider yourself a prophet, but in becoming Jesus’ disciple, you were invited into a believing family that has been commanded to share everything we know as often as we have opportunity about our Savior. Scripture says effectively, as you are going, or along the way, make disciples. [Matthew 28:19] Are you willing to engage in that process?

Are you finding your satisfaction in God alone? Married for only 7 years and a widow at 84, we assume Anna was alone with no companion but God for possibly 60 years or more. Whether it is a relationship or some other affection, is your desire for God greater still, and can you say He is enough for you. If you are compelled to find satisfaction in something besides God, you may not be emulating Anna’s desperate dependence on Him in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how consuming is your passion for Him alone?

Going Deeper

Ok, I am not saying you should live at the church, but what might be a parallel in modern day for Anna’s abiding in the temple? Well, the Scripture ask the question, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” [I Corinthians 6:19] Whoa! That brings it close to home. We do not have to live somewhere else to be near God. Quite the contrary, we need to be mindful to make our bodies and our lives places where it is obvious God lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you today if there is anything hindering your living out the reality that He is living in you, believer?

Anna obviously had ears to hear what the Spirit was saying to her [Matthew 11:15], and had lived a life of sharing that with others. She immediately began to share what God had revealed to her in the sending of His Son as proclaimed by Simeon. We are commanded to do the same, as we teach others everything the Lord has shown to us. [Matthew 28:20] Are you willing to follow Anna’s example and join Jesus in the work that He has entrusted to us?

These are some big questions to ponder as we round out the Christmas celebrations. May they serve to lift your spirits as you consider the fact that, like Anna, you are invited into something much bigger than yourself. Merry Christmas my friends!

Spirit, thank You for giving us the example of waiting we see in Anna and Simeon. Their patience is remarkable and inspiring. But it was obviously active as well, or they may have missed those moments when Jesus came to be dedicated. Help us to make the most of the moments You show Yourself to us as they did. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Patient 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 54.4 Transcript, 12.4 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.

Saints, before the altar bending,

…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV

Simply put, saints are simply those who have decided to call on the Lord. When we do we have chosen to humble ourselves before Him. We approach His altar with reverence and set ourselves apart for His purposes. Will you, like Simeon, humble yourself before God.

Watching long in hope and fear;

…so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 1:7-8 ESV

Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and saw the salvation of God with His own eyes. He was able to depart in peace. There is an interesting mingling of hope and fear in our watching. Do you feel both those realities, fear of His righteousness and hope in His mercy?

Suddenly the Lord, descending,

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; Malachi 3:1a ESV

So we wait on Him and seek Him, as we hope to see His appearing. The prophet promises that God’s appearing will be sudden. He will come to His temple. Anna was so fervent she never left the temple. She experienced His coming and gave thanks to God! Will you seek Him?

In His temple shall appear.

and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1b ESV

The messenger is coming, and he will announce the Lord’s coming. Are you ready like Simeon and Anna. Do you like with an expectancy that GOd is going to show up in your life? Are you truly seeking Him, and determined enough to respond rightly when He does?

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.

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

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

Image Attributions
Anna and Jesus - https://susanmcgeown.webs.com/apps/blog/show/39188112-faith-s-attitude-at-christmas
Living Like Anna - http://www.biblewalking.com/blog-morning-minute/anna-the-prophetess

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What Can the Saints Teach Us? REFRAMED

Simeon’s Moment - by Ron DiCianni

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

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

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

Everyone enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

We continue our journey to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of our Savior. This week we consider the saints who are bending their lives to the will of God at the altar of God. Their role in the story shows us that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Let’s tune our hearts.

Simeon

Right after the shepherds in Luke 2 we are introduced to two other characters who for the purposes of our carol are the “saints”. They are truly saints since they are effectively described as such. They are people whose faith was in God, who had been waiting and watching for His appearing for a long time.

We are going to consider Simeon today and Anna Thursday.

You can read the entire passage about Simeon in Luke 2:25-35, or suffice it to say he was righteous and devout.

Simeon regularly bent his knee at the altar of God, so he had positioned himself to hear from God. This posture of humility is essential if we truly want to hear. It also allowed his life to be a welcome place to the Holy Spirit.

Welcoming the Spirit

So welcome was the Spirit in Simeon’s life that he had received a beautiful promise from God. He was told he would not see death before He would see the Lord’s Christ. What an incredible promise! We do not know how long He had held onto this promise. It could have been years, even decades. What we do know is that he was hopeful and watchful.

How do we know that? He had come in the Spirit to the Temple. When he saw the child He did not have to pray . He knew it was the Lord’s salvation. When the Lord suddenly appeared in the Temple he was ready.

He had come again to worship with an expectant heart, and that expectancy was rewarded with an encounter with the Savior.

What an incredible story of a faithful life! He was looking to God and that same God made Him an incredible promise. Is there some promise you have been holding onto for some time? Don’t let go. Are you struggling to maintain a watchful, hopeful posture after a long wait? Set your hope on God. Are you alert and ready to identify the Lord when He does appear? Stay alert. Otherwise you could miss it. Take a few moments and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the answers to these questions, and then press in to one of them as we consider the lessons we might learn from Simeon.

Learning from Simeon

Learning From Simeon

It is beneficial to look at Simeon’s like and marvel at the goodness of God to reveal Himself to this seasoned saint. It is far more profitable to consider how we may emulate his approach and replicate it in our lives. Which will you choose, beneficial or profitable? Both are good choices, but one is far better.

Let’s take the better course and examine our own lives around these three principles

  1. Don’t Let Go
  2. Set Your Hope on God
  3. Stay Alert

Don’t Let Go - It can be heard to hold on when you believe God has said something to you and a long time has passed. Many of us know just how difficult that can be. What Simeon teaches us is that it is so worth it to hold on. God is faithful, and He will do it.

What is that promise you are holding onto today? Speak it out loud. Is your grip loosening? Maybe you have already let go. But you can often just get another grip. Ask God to strengthen your grasp own that promise and trust Him until you see it come to pass.

Set Your Hope on God - This can be tricky. The Lord told Simeon he would see God’s salvation, but what would that look like. Simeon could easily have crafted his own idea of what form that salvation would take. If he was mistaken he might have missed the moment. Instead he put his hope in God and waited with open eyes and heart to see it.

What have you set your hope on? Is it God, or something of your own making that resembles Him? This can be so tricky as we pursue God’s best for us because we can shape it to our own likely, or weak faith when God may having something much better in mind. Determine to clearly set your hope on Him, and you will never be disappointed.

Stay Alert - We do not know the particulars of the arrival of Mary and Joseph at the Temple for the dedication of Jesus, but there were likely many people in and out for various reasons. Simeon could have easily missed this little family, but he did not. Certainly the Holy Spirit prompted him, but he had to stay alert.

What are you waiting to see? Have you grown weary in your waiting? It is difficult to maintain the kind of focus required to stay focused on one thing when there are many things moving around you. And Simeon was old. Still, he was ready when the what he was longing for suddenly appeared. Can the same be said of you? Are you alert today and watching for the thing you are hoping for?

Lok back over those three lessons and determine to address one of them today. That kind of reflection and discipline may be the very thing that positioned Simeon to experience the promise of God. Position yourself in a similar position today.

Holy Spirit, You came upon Simeon, but I believe your dwell in me. Show me what may be keeping me from listening to You the way he did. Then give me the courage to act on what you show me so I can be one the saints that sees You when You move in my life. In Jesus name. Amen!

Watchful 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.

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

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

Video 54.4 Transcript, 12.4

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.

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

If you have not seen yourself in the story yet, hopefully you do here. I think this has a dual meaning, for the saints in that day, and for all who came after them. We humble ourselves at the place where we meet God. We depend on His work to make us holy. Then and now.

Saints are simply those who are looking to God for the fulfillment of their hope. The fear is evoked by a right understanding of the majesty of God. Are you watching for the coming of our Lord? He came once. He will come again. Are you ready?

Though they were waiting and we wait now, they were surprised as we will be when He makes His final appearance. He will come down again, not as a baby, but as the Lord of all. Even before then, He wants to come down upon us to make His glory known. Welcome Him.

Mary and Joseph brought newborn Jesus to the Temple as instructed by the law, and Simeon and Anna welcomed Him. Jesus comes to us as well and desires a similar welcome. Will He receive it when He comes to 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 What Can the Saints Teach Us? REFRAMED appeared first on Resonant 7.

When Image Attributions
Simeon’s Moment - by Ron DiCianni - http://www.burrowdesigns.com/advent-simeon/
Learning from Simeon - https://pixabay.com/photos/climb-knot-hand-partner-check-517053/

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Be Sincere, Be a Seeker REPLAYED

Seeking

Sages, leave your contemplations,
 Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
 Ye have seen His natal star.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

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

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

We continue our journey to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Having already looked at what the wise men left behind, we press in a little closer to examine what they are pursuing. As we do, ask yourself what you are going after. Let’s think about this.

Seeking Him

The wise men had come from the east, and we have no indication that they were previously God-fearers, non-Jewish believers. They had left some things behind in order to pursue the One whose birth the star proclaimed. They were not just leaving some things behind they were also going after something. What exactly? Or more precisely, Who?

They told Herod they were looking for the King of the Jews. Why would prominent Gentiles be seeking out a king who sits on a throne in lowly Israel? Well, as they said, they had seen His star and had come to worship Him. Yes, they had left some things behind but they were simultaneously pressing toward something greater.

They had come from other lands and nations to pursue One who would not only be King of the Jews, but so much more. Our hymn writer here describes Him as “the great Desire of nations”. Jesus describes Himself this way.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12ESV

He is not only the light of the Israel, He is the light of the world. We all were walking in the darkness of death until we discovered the light of life. The wise men are no different.

He is what are hearts long for. Light. Hope. Peace. Love. He is our desire, and the great Desire of the nations.

You may choose to argue that point, but you will not once you surrender and determine to seek Him. For once you seek Him, you will find Him, if you search with all your heart. [Jeremiah 29:13] And when you find Him you will know that He is what every person of every tribe and tongue truly desire.

So will you?

Will you determine to seek Him? On Tuesday we determined to to leave some things behind so we could pursue the better things God has for us. There is nothing better than Him, and a greater awareness of His presence in our lives. But it does not just come to us, we must determine to pursue it. How will you do that today? Prayer, Bible reading, worship, etc.? What discipline will you use to seek the great Desire of nations today?

In Response

Respond

But when we do seek, we must always acknowledge that even then we are simply responding to what He has already shown us of Himself. And that revelation has caused us too long for still more. Their search began with the star.

They saw the star when it rose. They knew it was significant. They responded in worship.

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9b-10 ESV

The wise men left their contemplations. They pursued a star which appeared in the heavens. They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

What are you pursuing? Be honest. We are all going after something. Are you confident that your pursuit will end with you rejoicing exceedingly with great joy? We must be careful that the things we are chasing honor God and will ultimately produce good for us.

What has God shown to you? Has He revealed something to you to which you have yet to respond? It may require you to leave something behind. It will certainly require you to begin a journey of faith. But it will also absolutely be worth the sacrifice. What response is God inviting you to make today?

Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the World, and the light of my life. Shine into my darkness so I can clearly see the path you are marking out before me. Give me the courage to leave behind what is not needful so that I may press into what is. In Jesus name. Amen.

Responsive Thinking!

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Podcast 54.3 Transcript, 12.3 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.

Sages, leave your contemplations,

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1-2 ESV

Wise men, or magi, came from the east. These learned men left their pursuit of knowledge to search for something even better. What might God be asking you to leave behind so you may know Him better this Christmas, or in the New Year? Will you follow His leading?

Brighter visions beam afar;

Saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 ESV

Maybe God has already given you a vision of a better future in your relationship with Him but you need to leave something behind to pursue it. Do you have a sense of your “brighter visions”? If not, ask God to open your eyes to them as He did for the wise men.

Seek the great Desire of nations;

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

So the magi used the star to lead them to the One who would later utter these words. They walked through darkness, but found the light of life, the light of the world. They were not Jewish so they demonstrate that the wisest among us from every nation desire Him. Will you?

Ye have seen His natal star.

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9b-10 ESV

But just seeing the star is not enough. We must respond. The wise men journeyed long, and when they arrived at their destination rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. As you pursue Christ, expect the same kind of feeling. But make certain you are pursuing Him. Are you?

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.

Sages, leave your contemplations,
 Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
 Ye have seen His natal star.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

The post Be Sincere, Be a Seeker REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Seeking - https://pixabay.com/illustrations/christmas-kings-christmas-time-934177/
Respond - https://pixabay.com/photos/nativity-star-manger-christmas-3674785/

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