He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

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

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

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we conclude our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s tune our hearts.

Grace and Truth

One without the other is awful, or a complete mess. These two pillars create a balanced structure from which Jesus rules the world. We read it from the very first words John uses to describe the Messiah, the anointed One of God.

He rules the world with truth and grace

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:14, 17 ESV

Effectively grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. He is full of grace and truth and so He rules the world from that position. He came and dwelt among us and will return to complete the work of redemption that His work on the cross accomplished. Hallelujah!

How is His rule evident in Your life? How are you allowing grace and truth to be seen in your actions? If someone took a close look at your life would they see a balance of these two virtues, or an imbalance with one overshadowing the other?

If Jesus ruled with only one of these pillars His rule may be imbalanced. Truth might make Him too harsh because of all our failings. Grace might require Him to compromise His holiness and accept without dealing with our sin. Instead these two realities balance His infinite authority.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about how Jesus life and ministry demonstrated a balance of grace and truth. IF you have surrendered your life to Him to rule, these virtues should be evident in you. Make this your simple prayer “God, rule my life with grace and truth.” 

Vindication

The nations of the world have profaned the great name of God. The individuals of those nations have not rightly dealt with His name, showing it and Him the honor it/He deserves. Because of this, God has promised to vindicate the holiness of His name. To make them prove it. Now that is authority.

And makes the nations prove

…I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:23 ESV

Vindication is proving that something is right. This verse inspires this line by taking the words of the Lord and declaring what He will in fact do just that. He is holy and great. His rule will establish and prove those things among all the nations of the world.

This balance not only gives me confidence that He will deal with me with equity, but it informs how He will deal with all the nations of the world. He will vindicate the holiness of His great name which has been profaned among them. He has promised and He will do it.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider the holiness of His name. We do not always treat it with the honor it deserves. Ask Him for His help in proving it by praying a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, vindicate Your holy name.“  

Jesus, thank You ruling with truth and grace. The rule has established the holiness of Your great name, Help me work to vindicate it by the way I live. In Jesus’ name. 

Vindicated 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.

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

Video 47.4 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.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

If He ruled with only one of these pillars His rule may be imbalanced. Truth might make Him too harsh because of all our failings. Grace might require Him to compromise His holiness and accept without dealing with our sin. Instead these two realities balance His infinite authority.

God, rule my life with grace and truth.

This balance not only gives me confidence that He will deal with me with equity, but it informs how He will deal with all the nations of the world. He will vindicate the holiness of His great name which has been profaned among them. He has promised and He will do it.

Lord, vindicate Your holy name.

There is a glory to His righteousness. We do not think about this much but we are dealing with One who eternally is without fault or blemish. He only does right. Though we know this is true it is difficult for our minds to comprehend, living in a world where wrong is so common.

Father, show us the glories of Your righteousness.

And His rightness required that He make a way to deal with our wrongness. His doing so through the sending of our Savior reveals the wonder of His love. While we were separated from Him He made a way for us to come back to Him through His sacrifice. What joy!

Jesus, show us the wonders of Your love.

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.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

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 Proving His Truth and Grace appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
He rules the world with truth and grace – https://pixabay.com/photos/portal-columns-architecture-3254433/
And makes the nations prove – https://pixabay.com/photos/social-media-icon-people-2537391/

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as far as the curse is found

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

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

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

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we continue our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s tune our hearts.

Sins and Sorrows

The reason we call the earth to sing with joy is because of what Jesus set in motion when He came. Since the Garden of Eden mankind has lived under a curse. In the garden sin was sown, and we have been reaping sorrow ever since.

These twin torments of sin and sorrow have grown over those milennia to the point that it might seem they will eventually consume mankind. That is, until Jesus arrived. He changed the course of human history when He came as King, though an infant in a manger.

No more let sins and sorrows grow

And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; Genesis 3:17 ESV

It all started in a garden. Though given the freedom to live in God’s presence, Adam and Eve were deceived into trying to be like God. Sin and sorrow were ushered in with that decision but the Father made a way to reverse the curse, sending His only Son to redeem us.

Those sins and sorrows took root in the garden and have continued to grow since then. How have you seen them grow in your life? Maybe there is a pattern that is difficult for you to break. Some besetting sin, or some sorrow that seems inescapable. May it be no more.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about the sins and sorrows that are a part of your life. Are you aware of them? Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, reveal my sinful, sorrowful patterns.” 

Thorns

Those sins and sorrows create a treacherous garden. It is one filled with trouble and pain. Some of those thorns we have allowed, but others were planted their unbeknownst to us, through the actions of others.

Part of the curse of that first sin in the garden is that thorns and thistles will be present in our gardens. There is a virtual infestation to be dealt with and we are all but powerless against it. We must be careful on this ground.

Nor thorns infest the ground

Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. Genesis 3:18 ESV

We are all well aware of the futility of our labors. We sow with the hope of reaping, and weeds show up seemingly out of nowhere, but they are the result of the Fall. You may have done nothing to welcome them but there they are. What thorns are present in your life right now?

Some of our struggles threaten to injure us further or stifle our vibrancy. Can you identify the thorns in your life? What may poke or choke you if you are not careful. If you do not identify and deal with them they can literally kill you. Ask Jesus to help you root them out.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider the thorns in your life. Some may be the result of your choices, but certainly no all of them. Ask Him for His help by praying a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, help me root out the thorns in my life.“  

Jesus, thank You for teaching me about gardens: those that have been and those that will be. Help me work on my garden even as I wait for a better one. Thank You for the promise of the on to come. In Jesus’ name. 

Diligent 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.

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

Video 47.3 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.

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as far as the curse is found

Those sins and sorrows took root in the garden and have continued to grow since then. How have you seen them grow in your life? Maybe there is a pattern that is difficult for you to break. Some besetting sin, or some sorrow that seems inescapable. May it be no more.

Spirit, reveal my sinful, sorrowful patterns.

Some of our struggles threaten to injury us further or stifle our vibrancy. Can you identify the thorns in your life? What may poke or choke you if you are not careful. If you do not identify and deal with them they can literally kill you. Ask Jesus to help you rot them out.

Jesus, help me rot out the thorns in my life.

Thanks be to God that Jesus has a different plan for the garden of our lives. He wants blessings to flow instead of curses. He has already done the significant work required to make that possible, but we have to partner with Him. Will you prepare for your garden work?

Lord, help me prepare for my garden work.

His intent is there will be no thorns in our gardens. He will make it so one day. Until then we can labor with Him to remove thorns and create a scenario in which blessings flow. But please note, this is not easy work and must be engaged in regularly for those thorns are insidious.

God, help me tend my garden regularly.

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.

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as far as the curse is found

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 Rooting Out Sins and Sorrows Like Thorns appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
No more let sins and sorrows grow – https://pixabay.com/photos/gardening-garden-weed-pluck-3296781/
Nor thorns infest the ground – https://pixabay.com/photos/thorns-thorny-sharp-nature-desert-419688/

Joy to the earth the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat repeat the sounding joy

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

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

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

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we continue our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s tune our hearts.

Joy, the Savior, Reigns

The reign of our Savior has commenced and we see the evidence of it as the Spirit gives us sight. This brings us joy even as we long for the day when Jesus will use his authority  to cause the Father’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. What a day that will be!

Joy to the earth the Savior reigns

…the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 ESV 

Joy has come to the earth, because the Savior has arrived. But not only has he arrived, He has established His rule and authority over all. That is good news, because it gives Him the authority to redeem us, making all our wrong things right. That’s cause for joy!

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about the joy the comes when you know Jesus reigns. It changes your perspective on everything. Make this your simple prayer “Savior, reign in me and bring joy.” 

Making Your Songs Work for Jesus

Just about everybody has some songs they like to sing. For most of us, they are songs we learned when we were teenagers, coming-of-age.  Among the songs we like to sing, there should be some in praise of the king. Is that true for you?

When I was in high school I could rip into a number of different songs on the radio, but I was also beginning to learn some jazz. It was the beginning of a development of a fairly eclectic mix of styles which help me become somewhat of a mockingbird, able to mimic different genres. In college I began to add opera to the mix, then finally a variety of Christian sub-genres. Still, when some of the songs from my later junior high and early high school days come along something just moves me to belt them out at the top of my lungs.

Of course, I want to sing best the songs that give voice to my praise to my King. To bless His name. To tell of His salvation as a daily practice. Why? Because I want my songs to work toward the singular purpose of giving Him glory.

Let men their songs employ

Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:2 ESV

We use songs to tell of His redeeming work. Scripture commands it, and it is a powerful way to engage the soul as well as the mind with the wonderful truths of God. Once you have embraced this reality, it honestly becomes difficult not to make it known through song.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider the songs you most love to sing. Are you working to make your songs bring glory to God? Once we know HIs salvation we must begin to yield our efforts in song to the praise of our King. Ask Him for His help by praying a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, help me sing songs for You.“  

Jesus, thank You for reigning over the earth. I want to use my songs to bring You praise. Please help me. In Jesus’ name. 

Joyful 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.

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

Video 47.2 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Joy to the earth the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat repeat the sounding joy

The reign of our Savior has commenced, and we see the evidence of it as the Spirit gives us sight. This brings us joy even as we long for the day when Jesus will use his authority  to cause the Father’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. What a day that will be!

Savior, reign in me and bring joy.

Just about everybody has some songs they like to sing. For most of us, they are songs we learned when we were teenagers, coming-of-age.  Among the songs we like to sing, there should be some in praise of the king. Is that true for you?

Jesus, help me sing songs for You.

What a beautiful picture of creation offering praise to the Savior! The most common of all topographies are mentioned in this nearly comprehensive list. Yet, did you notice they are responding or rather adding their praise to ours?

Spirit, help creation praise.

We sound out our joy and the rest of creation echoes. If that is, indeed, the case, we better make certain we are leading the way with our joyful praise. They cannot repeat our joy if we are not declaring it in the first place. Are you?

Lord, help me declare my joy.

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.

Joy to the earth the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat repeat the sounding joy

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

The post Are You Making Your Songs Work for Jesus? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Joy to the earth the Savior reigns – https://www.pxfuel.com/en/desktop-wallpaper-oqifq
Let men their songs employ – https://pixabay.com/photos/jazz-singer-to-sing-cab-calloway-62888/