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Resting Even When You Wrestle

When darkness veils His lovely face

When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In ev’ry high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil

The Solid Rock 1834
By: Edward Mote (1797-1874)

Listen to this modern version of this classic 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 classic hymn, ask yourself again today upon what are you truly building your hope. Let’s tune our hearts.

Veils

Sometimes it is simply hard to see where God is.

We all face situations that leave us wondering how God is at work. We ask how He is going to work this together for my good. We struggle to understand why He would allow such difficulty into our lives and begin to ask if we have brought it on ourselves, or worse still, if God even cares.

If you are honest with yourself, you have probably felt all these things at one time or another. When Jesus’ lovely face is veiled from our eyes, it makes us wonder where He went, or where we went wrong. Darkness is not always our doing, but it is always allowed by God’s design. Especially then, we must remember that His face, and everything about Him for that matter, is lovely.

It may be veiled, but it is no less true.

When darkness veils His lovely face

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…Colossians 1:13 ESV

Whether spiritual or physical darkness ensues, we can rest in the deliverance of our God. Even when we can not see Him, we can rest in the fact that we are in His kingdom of light, no longer a kingdom of darkness. Ask Jesus to help you trust when you can not see His face.

There are times in every life when things happen that obscure our view of God’s beauty. It is as if there is a veil that hides Him from us. Do not be discouraged when this happens because every believer experiences this. Simply ask Him for the faith to believe He is still there.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask the Lord to help you trust when darkness comes. It is easier to trust in the light, and thankfully God brings many times when light abounds, but darkness does not change Him. It merely presents us with the opportunity to deepen our faith and trust. Ask Him today for that kind of faith. Pray, “Father, give me the faith to believe when I can not see.” 

Rest

I rest on His unchanging grace

Do you remember what it felt like to place your faith in the grace of God to redeem you from your sins? Through no merit of your own, Jesus gave His life for you. Recall how lovely that grace was when you first believed.

Darkness and veils can make us feel like that grace may have changed, or we may have misinterpreted it. Neither are true. God’s grace is the same as the moment you first received it by faith. You did not exaggerate it, or overestimate it. It is marvelous, vast and free.

Storms come. When they do, we can find ourselves questioning if we understood what Jesus offered us. We can think the life of faith is easy because of the rest we find in Christ. But that rest becomes real when unrest washes over us through challenging circumstances.

Circumstances change. Jesus’ grace does not. Rest in it.

I rest on His unchanging grace

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 ESV

We rest by hearing and doing what Jesus taught us to do. We do not simply stop doing. Sometimes we must start doing, and keep doing. These actions will make us wise and help us to build the foundation of our faith on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Are you resting today?

If we believe that His grace is unchanging when darkness and difficulty come, we can find rest because our faith in Him is unshaken. This is simple, but not easy. You cannot change His grace, and neither can your circumstances. Thank God for His unchanging grace.

RESONATE!
Resting is active. Sometimes we think that resting is only stillness, but it can require great exertion at times. We are obviously talking about more than just the physical, but the mental, emotional and spiritual as well. Take a few moments right now to think about resting. God’s unchanging grace provides an atmosphere where that can occur. Thank Him for that right now.  Pray, “God, thank You for your unchanging grace.”

Jesus, thank You for your lovely face and unchanging grace, and the incredible way in which they are connected. Help me to strain and press to see You, even when You are veiled from my eyes. Teach me to rest even while I struggle. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Active 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 28.2 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.

When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In ev’ry high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil

There are times in every life when things happen that obscure our view of God’s beauty. It is as if there is a veil that hides Him from us. Do not be discouraged when this happens because every believer experiences this. Simply ask Him for the faith to believe He is still there.

Father, give me the faith the believe when I can not see.

If we believe that His grace is unchanging when darkness and difficulty come we can find rest because our faith in Him is unshaken. This is simple, but not easy. You cannot change His grace, and neither can your circumstances. Thank God for His unchanging grace.

God, thank You for your unchanging grace.

Storms come. They are unavoidable. They are also opportunities to expand your capacity to be filled with peace in situations that are not peaceful. Think of a storm you have faced. Maybe you are facing one right now. Thank the Holy Spirit for helping you rest in the storms.

Spirit, thank You for helping me rest in the storms.

This is powerful imagery. An anchor holds a ship in place even when the waves may be tossing it about, all without being seen. Jesus is that anchor for our souls. He holds us in place even when the most violent storms assail us, though His presence is often veiled. Thank Him.

Jesus, thank You for being my anchor within the veil.

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 Resting Even When You Wrestle appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
When darkness veils His lovely face – https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-young-african-girl-look-up-5919549/
I rest on His unchanging grace – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-sunset-humility-devotion-2981216/

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Framing Out Your Faith

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

The Solid Rock 1834
By: Edward Mote (1797-1874)

Listen to this modern version of this classic 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 penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Frames

The imagery here again alludes to the parable of the wise and foolish builders [Matthew 7:24-27]. Think of framing a house. Everything that you add to the construction and all the contents depend on that frame being able to withstand not only the weight of al the construction materials, but whatever winds and storms may assail the house. You trust that the frame of your house will stand. You really give it no thought.

To put it another way, think of a chair. You rarely give any thought to whether a chair will support you. You trust the builder and all those who have sat on it before you. You expect it to support you when you sit on it.

To bring this line of thinking into our discussion, you must be willing to ask yourself what you are trusting to support you life, particularly your spiritual life. When the end of life comes will that in which you have placed your trust be able to sustain you? Many people never really ask themselves this question, and of those who do there are many who lack confidence in their answer.

The same need not be true for us. Jesus can and will sustain us through the storms of this life, and even beyond it. Some trust in the frames of their homes to stand, without ever giving any thought to the frame of their spiritual house. Others place their trust in other things to protect them when assaults come. We dare not trust any but Jesus.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

Some trust in chariots and some in horses…Psalm 20:7a ESV

In a context of ancient warfare, fighting for your life and your nation, chariots and horses were tremendous strategic advantages. Today we have other tools that tempt us to look to them for our hope. Can you identify the things that attempt to draw your hope away from God?

We must declare like the hymn writer that we dare not trust any other alluring foundation, but the truth is, we all do at times. Confess to Jesus there are times you place your hope elsewhere. Then ask for His forgiveness for those times you have failed to trust Him.

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to all the Holy Spirit to reveal other things in which you have trusted for your well-being. As He does, confess those to Jesus. Then ask for His forgiveness for those times you have failed to trust Him. “Jesus, forgive me for failing to always trust You.” Do it right now. 

Wholly

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Seems easy enough. Jesus is and has everything I need so I will trust Him. Until…

…your spouse files for divorce
…you loose your job
…you watch your children struggle through something beyond their control
…you choose a path that alienates many “friends”
…you face the possibility of having to sell your home
…you get that call about your mom’s cancer

None of those things, or any other that came to mind for you, change the reality of who Jesus is. None of the things we might put our trust in when we face those kinds of storms can sustain us like Jesus. In truth, they will all fail under the right/wrong circumstances. Jesus…never…will.

You can trust Him. Lean on Him. Invoke the power of Jesus’ name.

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

…but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7b ESV

When you become aware of the things that might otherwise tempt you to look to them for a foundation for your hope, renounce them by name, and affirm your trust in Jesus alone. Every other source of hope is like sinking sand when compared to the solid rock of Jesus Christ.

We aspire to a constant trust in Jesus. As the Spirit reveals Christ to us, this is what we long to do. Acknowledge you need help in this grand pursuit and ask the Holy Spirit to be that help so you can wholly lean on the unmatched strength, merit  and glory of Jesus Christ.

RESONATE!
We all need help trusting Jesus alone. The Holy Spirit is the help we need, but we must invite Him to do it. Ask Him right now to help you. Simply pray, “Spirit, help me trust entirely in Jesus.”

Jesus, thank You for being the frame I can trust. The foundation for my faith. I want to trust you today. Help me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Simple 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 28.1 Transcript

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

My hope is built on nothing less

…you who through [Christ] are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. I Peter 1:20b-21 ESV

Our hope is in Jesus alone. Through Him we have the faith to believe that God raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory. It is tempting at times to put our hope in any other number of things, but ask again today God for the faith to build your hope on nothing less than Christ.

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

…you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers…with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.  1 Peter 1:18a, 19a ESV

His blood and His righteousness ransomed us from the futile ways we knew before Him. They were the price God paid to give us hope. Nothing else could have ever given us this kind of enduring hope. Thank Jesus for shedding His blood to give you hope.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

Some trust in chariots and some in horses…Psalm 20:7a ESV

In a context of ancient warfare, fighting for your life and your nation, chariots and warfare were tremendous strategic advantages. Today we have other tools that tempt us to look to them for our hope. Can you identify the things that attempt to draw your hope away from God?

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

…but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7b ESV

When you become aware of the things that might otherwise tempt you to look to them for a foundation for your hope, renounce them by name, and affirm your trust in Jesus alone. Every other source of hope is like sinking sand when compared to the solid rock of Jesus Christ.

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.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

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 Framing Out Your Faith appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
I dare not trust the sweetest frame – https://pixabay.com/photos/foundation-hut-roof-1842108/
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name – https://pixabay.com/photos/cross-believe-religion-reserve-3319549/

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What is the Foundation of Your Faith?

My hope is built on nothing less

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

The Solid Rock 1834
By: Edward Mote (1797-1874)

Listen to this modern version of this classic 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 begin our journey through this classic hymn ask yourself again today upon what are truly building your hope. Let’s tune our hearts.

Hope

Here we have an opportunity to investigate the foundation of our hope. Over the next four weeks we will look at different reasons why Jesus Christ is the superior foundation for our hope. Along the way, we will be circling around the choice of building on sinking sand, any other source, or solid rock, Jesus, as found in the parable of the wise and foolish builders [Matthew 7:24-27]. We will look primarily to Christ for the foundation He provides, and then ponder why He is the ultimate foundation, much like studying the real thing to be able to identify counterfeits.

And there are many.

Many different things offer us hope. We sometimes choose them over Christ. We are all guilty of making poor choices at times, and it is important to acknowledge this and make an alternate, better choice moving forward.

As we examine the foundation of our hope, trust the Holy Spirit to help you see honestly and clearly on what you are building. Own those choices, and correct faulty ones. Jesus stands ready to be the Rock of your faith foundation.

My hope is built on nothing less

…you who through [Christ] are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. I Peter 1:20b-21 ESV

Our hope is in Jesus alone. Through Him we have the faith to believe that God raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory. It is tempting at times to put our hope in any number of other things, but ask Him again today for the faith to build your hope on nothing less than Christ.

Where have you built your hope? Look at your life today and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the foundation of your hope. Is it in your family, or your finances? Maybe in your own righteousness or reputation. Be careful. Every other source is less than building on Jesus Christ alone. 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and let the Holy Spirit search you and reveal on what you are building your hope. Many people fail to do a regular faith evaluation and end up struggling to withstand the storms of life because their foundation is weak. Pray a simple pray like this, “Spirit, reveal the foundation of my hope”, then silently wait for His work. 

Jesus

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

It all revolves around Jesus. A life of genuine faith must be built upon Him and His teachings or it will be weak. The parable mentioned above talks about the varying foundations of sand or rock, and the ability of each to withstand storms. That is the real test of a foundation. The storms of life are those tests for our faith.

There are many ways to build your life, many foundations. You may have inherited a way from your parents. You may have chosen a very different path than theirs. You may have had another influence who impacted those life decisions.

Whomever that was, the confidence you place in their influence must be measured against the righteousness of Christ. They may have been generally successful and happy, but how did they handle the storms of life? Every way that does not build upon Christ is ultimately futile if it does not have a way to deal with the largest storm of life, sin. Does your way of living have a way to deal with it?

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

…you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers…with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.  1 Peter 1:18a, 19a ESV

His blood and His righteousness ransomed us from the futile ways we knew before Him. They were the price God paid to give us hope. Nothing else could have ever given us this kind of enduring hope. Thank Jesus for shedding His blood to give you hope.

There is no substitute for building our hope on the foundation of Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Nothing even close. Every other source is like sinking sand compared to the solid rock of Jesus. They will all fail you. Jesus never will. Affirm your hope in Him alone.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments right now to do just that. Affirm your hope in Christ alone. Simply tell Him, “Jesus, I affirm my hope in You alone” and then rest in that hope before moving on with the balance of your day.

Jesus, thank You for the hope I have in You. Help me to routinely evaluate my foundation so I can be certain I will be able to withstand the storms of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Honest 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 28.1 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.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Where have you built your hope? Look at your life today and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the foundation of your hope. Is it in your family, or your finances? Maybe in your own righteousness or reputation. Be careful. Every other source is less than building on Jesus Christ alone. 

Spirit, reveal the foundation of my hope.

There is no substitute for building our hope on the foundation of Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Nothing even close. Every other source is like sinking sand compared to the solid rock of Jesus. They will all fail you. Jesus never will. Affirm your hope in Him alone.

Jesus, I affirm my hope in You alone.

We must declare like the hymn writer that we dare not trust any other alluring foundation, but the truth is, we all do at times. Confess to Jesus there are times you place your hope elsewhere. Then ask for His forgiveness for those times you have failed to trust Him.

Jesus, forgive me for failing to always trust You. 

We aspire to a constant trust in Jesus. As the Spirit reveals Christ to us, this is what we long to do. Acknowledge you need help in this grand pursuit and ask the Holy Spirit to be that help so you can wholly lean on the unmatched strength, merit  and glory of Jesus Christ.

Spirit, help me trust entirely in Jesus.

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 is the Foundation of Your Faith? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
My hope is built on nothing less – https://pixabay.com/photos/footing-shoes-concrete-foundation-6036253/
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-jesus-christ-crucifixion-5703825/

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Living Faith Expunges Your Death Sentence

Death can not keep his prey

Vainly they watch His bed Jesus my Saviour
Vainly they seal the dead Jesus my Lord

Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Saviour
He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord

Christ Arose 1874
By: Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

Listen to this modern version of this resurrection 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 penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Death

Death is personified here. It takes a bodily form almost. What comes to mind is the Grim Reaper, with his dark cloak and ominous scythe. But even more importantly than whatever image or symbol comes to mind, it is clear it could not keep Jesus!

Jesus had become the prey of Death. It even appeared as though Death had won, taking the life of Jesus, but he could not keep it. And Death could not keep Jesus.

Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Saviour

God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. Acts 2:24 ESV

It was not possible for Him to be held by death! It was impossible for death to hold Him. The sharp painful emotion caused by death has been loosed. That is the One we worship! That is the One we adore! The resurrected Son of God, who died for our sins but is alive forevermore! Hallelujah!

Death is a relentless predator. He thought he had won when Jesus died, and that he could hold his prey. Wrong! When Jesus exited the grave He demonstrated power over death, the same power that is at work in all who believe and one day will raise us up. Thank Him for that power.

RESONATE!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the turning point of history because it changed the impact of death. Even though we die, we have confidence we will be raised up just like Jesus. We will look at how to be certain you can avail yourself of that hope below, but first simply thank Jesus for resurrection power. Take a few moments right now and thank Him.

Free

He tore the bars away

Death seems to be an inevitable sentence each of us must face. But it is not so because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life that emanates from it. Disciples have been dying for 2000 years, but death no longer means the same thing because of what Jesus did, and the promise He made for us. There is no death sentence for those who are in Christ Jesus.

He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord

Jesus said…“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 ESV

Death could not keep Him, and so it will not be able to keep any who believe in Him either. Do you believe? Reflect on these incredible promises made by the One who is the resurrection and life.  Though we die, yet shall we live. We need not fear death. Thanks be to God!

Satan thought he had imprisoned Jesus, taking Him captive in His death, but Jesus tore away the bars of that presumed prison.  We will do the same, and can even live in victory over lesser prisons daily. We need simply to believe. How would you answer the question Jesus asked, “Do you believe this?”

RESONATE!
Few ever realize the freedom that Jesus makes available to us here through the gateway of belief. We need not fear death. That reality has implications not only on how we face death, but also how we face life. We can live free of the fear of death. Are you free today? All you have to do is believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Sounds simple, but applying it to living can be difficult. Ask the Spirit to help you live free in resurrection power today.

Jesus, I believe you are the resurrection and the life. This allows me to face death differently, and live in freedom. Teach me how to walk in that freedom every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Resurrected 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 27.3 Transcript

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

Vainly they watch His bed Jesus my Saviour

So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. Matthew 27:66 ESV

The Jews were concerned Jesus disciples would come and take His body then assert He had risen as He promised, so they pleaded with Pilate who let them seal the tomb and post a guard. They did not realize their seal and watch would be useless. Give praise to the risen One!

Vainly they seal the dead Jesus my Lord

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:2-3 ESV

His disciples found an empty tomb and still struggled to believe it. I wonder how often we are guilty of the same disbelief, or at least slow belief. Jesus has shown us time and time again His victory over the grave. Do you sometimes struggle to believe? Praise the Lord for His patience.

Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Saviour

God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. Acts 2:24 ESV

It was not possible for Him to be held by death! It was impossible for death to hold Him. The sharp painful emotion caused by death has been loosed. That is the One we worship! That is the One we adore! The resurrected Son of God, who died for our sins but is alive forevermore! Hallelujah! 

He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord

Jesus said…“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 ESV

Death could not keep Him, and so it will not be able to keep any who believe in Him either. Do you believe? Reflect on these incredible promises made by the One who is the resurrection and life.  Though we die, yet shall we live. We need not fear death. Thanks be to God!

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.

Vainly they watch His bed Jesus my Saviour
Vainly they seal the dead Jesus my Lord

Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Saviour
He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord

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 Living Faith Expunges Your Death Sentence appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Saviour – https://pixabay.com/photos/death-dark-black-horror-raven-2577486/
He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord – https://www.shutterstock.com/search/prison+bars+hands

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Freedom SCARS

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined  Saving Savior. This week we will examine Freed to Free.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Galatians 5:13-14 Amplified Bible

13 For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the [a]sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through [b]love serve and seek the best for one another. 14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].”

PSALM: Christ Arose, Low in the Grave He Lay 
Words and music by: Robert Lowery 1874

Stanza

Vainly they watch His bed Jesus my Savior
Vainly they seal the dead Jesus my Lord
Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Savior
He tore the bars away Jesus my Lord

In these stanzas Lowery paints the word picture of being imprisoned by death and Jesus tearing away the bars of bondage giving us freedom.  He arose in freedom for us to live free and He is calling us to be conduits of freedom.

PARABLE: Harriet Tubman is my favorite African American heroin because she used her escape from slavery to transform the trajectory of others. Over and over her selflessness was on display as with tenacity she WENT BACK to free hundreds of slaves. What she did with her freedom changed the history of African Americans.  Like Jesus, Harriet was a Freedom Freer. Jesus teaches us that our freedom is not for ourselves but for others. When I reflect on this hymn, I see Jesus breaking the chains of death for me and for you. I hear him saying, “I can’t stay buried because I must arise for Sherri!” I hear Jesus saying, “I arose for you so you must rise and help free others!”

 I have a burning desire to transparently share the bondage-breaking story from shame in my life. Like the Samaritan woman, Jesus met me at a well and cleansed me. I don’t want to waste the refreshing, healing, cleansing, freedom water by remaining silent. I want to take my pitcher of transparency and authenticity that is full of grace and mercy and pour it out onto others. Like Harriet Tubman, I want to go back and help free others. Going back is simply a metaphor of sharing the scars. 

After Jesus arose, Thomas demanded evidence of Jesus’ freedom. He said unless he saw the scars and was able to put his hand into the scars of Jesus he would not believe. Jesus showed and let him Thomas touch his scars. This is a word picture of transparency, vulnerability, and authenticity. It teaches us the power of our freedom story.  It is the SCARS – surviors confessing and releasing shame stories – that help to free others.  Can you hear Jesus saying, “Don’t hide the scars. It is for your freedom that I was freed. It is for the freedom of others that you were freed.”

Perhaps there is an area in your life where you were in bondage but that the blood of Christ has drowned. Perhaps you were drowning in the hurt of abuse, the habit of addiction, or the hang-up of aggravation before Jesus freed you. Only you know what held you in bondage. Yet, Jesus put THAT hurt, habit, or hang-up in cuffs and called you to walk in freedom and to share your freedom scars with others. Are you sharing your freedom SCARS? 

Soul care training exercise:  

  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you how he wants you to share you SCARS?
    • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination. Ask Him to show you THAT thing, perhaps the thing that you are most ashamed of that He freed you from. 
    • Next scan your mind and notice how you are living out your freedom. Scan your mind to see who in your life is living in bondage in that same area.
      • Now Ask the Holy Spirit to give you an image of how you can use your SCARS of freedom to introduce others to the freeing power of Jesus Christ.
      • Finally, Focus on what God shows you and offer Him thanks for the invitation to like Jesus, share your freedom.

PRAYER: Thank you Saving Savior that I don’t have to hide my scars. Authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability in you is like a healing balm rubbing out shame. Help me spread my balm to the nations. Authenticity is my super power. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to feel your freedom. Then take the mindfulness of God’s freedom cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post  Freedom scars appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS Meditation: I invite you to take 5 minutes and listen to the SCARS guided meditation.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

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