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Answering the Questions with My Life

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

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

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

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

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

Yes He Did

This hymn begins with some questions. “Did He”…? And again, “Did He”…? Followed by, “Would He”…?

I think the questioning nature is a good way to express the grief of the opening word, “Alas”. Not in common usage today, the emotion of if may be lost a little on us, but not for Watts contemporaries. It invited them from that opening word to enter into the wonder of God bleeding and dying for our sins.

The words may be a little archaic at times, but the ageless truth of Christ’s sacrifice shines through clearly. It does so all the while evoking a wonder from the worshipper. We take these next weeks of Lent, as the days of spring lengthen as we journey to Easter, to consider our response to Jesus’ redemptive work. beginning here with His blood.

Alas and did my Savior bleed

 

 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

As we journey through this hymn during the season of Lent we will answer a lot of questions. Yes, the Savior bled for us. And His blood purchased our redemption, our forgiveness. As we begin our journey, thank Him for the riches of His grace poured on your life.

 

 

 

The exclamation of grief in the word “Alas” should characterize at least some of that journey. What is your visceral reaction, your gut response, when you ponder the Savior shedding His blood for you? Yes, the Savior bleed for us, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

 

RESONATE!
So how are you responding to the Savior shedding His blood for you? Begin to think on this and remember that response is more than singing the words of a song. To genuinely sing those words we must consider how our lives are reflecting that desire to respond to His love. Start with words of gratitude, then allow your life to math them. “Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood.”

And Again, Yes

And Did My Sovereign Die

To think of our Savior bleeding for us evokes wonder and amazement, but to acknowledge that He, the Sovereign over all, died for us is almost more than we can comprehend. We look at the cross and see our Lord hanging there and are left bewildered, trying to take in the almost inconceivable nature of this transaction. The Ruler offering His life for those He rules.

Does that truth resonate with you? Does it cause your soul to reverberate with the life-altering awe it evokes? Take a moment right now as you read these words to let that truth echo deeply your being.

And did my Sov’reign die

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV

Can you imagine what those moments must have been like for those first disciples? We have the benefit of history, but their hearts must have been breaking. Try to empathize with the pain they had to have felt. It will only intensify the joy of our resurrection celebrations.

Jesus had to die. Our sin had to be atoned for, and His blood, the sacrifice of His life, was the only way to satisfy the just demands of our holy God. The Father gave the life of Jesus His Son to express His love for us and make a way for us to live eternally. Thanks be to God!

RESONATE!
So how will you respond right now to His sacrifice. Surely, you can start with words of gratitude, but how will you express that gratitude with your life? Give Him thanks. “Father, thank You for giving Your Son.” Then ask Him to show you how to live that out today. Be ready to respond when He does.

Jesus, thank You for shedding your blood and dying for me. I want to live my life responding to your sacrifice. Through this season of Lent, show me how to lengthen my periods gratitude until in becomes my way of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Awestruck 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 26.1 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.

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I

As we begin to make our long approach to Easter through Lent, let us begin asking these questions. The exclamation of grief in the word “Alas” should characterize at least some of that journey. Yes, the Savior bleed for us, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood.

Jesus had to die. Our sin had to be atoned for, and His blood, the sacrifice of His life, was the only way to satisfy the just demands of our holy God. The Father gave the life of Jesus His Son to express His love for us and make a way for us to live eternally. Thanks be to God!

Father, thank You for giving Your Son.

Yes, God was so committed to our redemption that He was absolutely willing to devote, to commit a large portion of His resources, namely the sacred head of His beloved Son, to that purpose. He loved the world that much. May we be overwhelmed by it in this penitent season.

Lord, overwhelm me with Your sacrifice.

And that extravagant offering was devoted and offered while we were so undeserving. We were sinners, lost and hurling down a path toward eternal damnation and separation from a loving God. Then He intervened. Ask the Spirit to enliven the praise of your ransomed soul.

Spirit, enliven the praise of my ransomed soul.

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 Answering the Questions with My Life appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Alas And Did My Savior Bleed – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-blood-processions-easter-501757/
And Did My Sovereign Die – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-jesus-christ-crucifixion-5703825/

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Setting Your Heart and Eyes on God

Heart of My Own Heart, Whatever Befall

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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

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

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

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Heart of My Heart

In makes sense that on the final approach to Valentine’s Day, we have a line that focuses on hearts. But the real idea that is being evoked here is not so much about love, but the heart as the center of something. And the heart of hearts being the center of the center.

There is an earnestness in the cliche, “in my heart of hearts”. It indicates believing something deeply, and sometimes to hold it as one of your most secret and true thoughts. For instance, to say “I know in my heart of hearts, I am the right man for this mission” means I truly believe this to be true.

We should confess that God is at the very center of our truest thoughts. Whatever happens, He is the heart of our heart. And it is the living out of that desire, in it’s purest form, that will allow us to see God not just eventually, but constantly.

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 ESV

And just how do we become, “pure in heart”? Only God can do this work, but thanks be to God, He has made it available in Jesus Christ. We long to see God, and we will, if we simply respond to His invitation of love. He purifies our heart at salvation, and then continues the experience of that as we walk along with Him.

He is the very center of all that is dear to us. Even though we often fail to realize it here and now, it will not be lost on us then and there. A better understanding of that now helps us to pray earnestly for it, through all that we experience, while we wait. Ask for perseverance.

RESONATE!
We want to see God, so we better let Him work on our hearts, and partner with Him to do our part as well. Are there other things crowding Him out of that center position? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that might be competing with the One who should be the heart of your heart.

My Vision

Still Be My Vision, O Ruler of All

One of the ways that we practice Him being the center of our heart is by continually making Him our highest aspiration and greatest goal. You rarely hit a target at which you are not aiming. Is the Lord set before you?

The cross in the picture here has a target built into the crux of the cross. It is a good reminder that we need to keep our eyes on the cross. It will keep us from being shaken whenever difficulties befall us, as the previous line indicated.

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 ESV

He is our goal and our prize. We are walking in a particular direction, the one that will lead us to the place we long to be, in God’s very presence. Nothing can deter us on our journey because He is with us. Thank Him for being your Vision, AND helping you to realize it.

Having a clear mental picture of what we are pressing toward makes the working and waiting easier. Having a firm faith in the Sovereign over it all does as well. Ask Him for that picture and the faith required to wait until He makes it a reality.

RESONATE!
Take a moment and pray the two prayers indicated above. The first is one of thankfulness because only by His grace can we even see Him at all. The second voices a desire to see Him more clearly. It will be time well spent.

Ruler of all, be my Vision and Victory. Help me to set my eyes on You. May that resolve find me convinced You are with me, and help me stand firm in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Earnest Thinking!

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

Podcast 25.5 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.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV 

This incredible promise frames the hope, patience, and perseverance prayed for through the balance of the stanza. And what a glorious promise it is, stating a reality which we are waiting for as if it had already been realized. Ask the Spirit to reveal if your hope is that real.

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 ESV

The righteousness of Heaven is the Son of God, bright Heaven’s Sun. He will be the light of the new heavens and earth for which we are waiting. The earth we live in has many sorrows, but the new one has all joy. This is a bold, hopeful prayer, “May I reach…” When did you last ask such a prayer for the inheritance you await?

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 ESV

And just how do we become, “pure in heart”? Only God can do this work, but thanks be to God, He has made it available in Jesus Christ. We long to see God, and we will, if we simply respond to His invitation of love. He purifies our heart at salvation and then continues the experience of that as we walk along with Him.

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 ESV

He is our goal and our prize. We are walking in a particular direction, the one that will lead us to the place we long to be, in God’s very presence. Nothing can deter us on our journey because He is with us. Thank Him for being your Vision, AND helping you to realize it.

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

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

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

The post Setting Your Heart and Eyes on God appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Heart of My Own Heart, Whatever Befall – https://pixabay.com/photos/necklace-with-winged-heart-2900736/
Still Be My Vision, O Ruler of All – https://pixabay.com/photos/eyes-blue-sky-clouds-sunset-5459811/

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My Hope for Heaven is Wholly Him

High King of Heaven, My Victory Won

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

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

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

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

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

Victory

Do you ever feel defeated? Like you are pretty certain there will be no recovery from your latest skirmish with the world, the flesh, or the devil. It is difficult for us to understand, but our victory is already won, even though our battles are not yet over. Even though we are still waiting to experience it, the final outcome has already been decided.

It all revolves around our faith in the completed work of our Savior and all He has accomplished. The High King of Heaven has taken His seat at the right hand of God the Father. His work is completed, but the impact it is having and will have on us is not.

There are these two, co-exisiting realities of now and then.

There are also the two ways which we can look at the second part of this first phrase, both flowing out of the sequencing. First, that He has won my victory. Second, that when we finally experience the victory, we hope to have reached our final destination.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV 

This incredible promise frames the hope, patience and perseverance prayed for through the balance of the stanza. What a glorious promise it is! It states a reality which we are waiting for as if it had already been realized, because it has. 

Jesus, the King of Heaven is the One who has secured our victory. He is the victory for us and in us. Simultaneously He is also the prize for the victory of a life lived to honor Him, having fought the good fight and finished the race. 

RESONATE!
Are you looking forward to that eventual transformation of your lowly body becoming like His glorious body? Ask the Spirit to reveal if your hope is that real. Ask Him to help you win the battle, for His glory and your good. “High King, help me win the battle.”

Heaven

May I Reach Heaven’s Joys, O Bright Heav’n’s Sun

Becoming like Jesus is our hope. Arriving in the place He is preparing is our longing. How great is your anticipation of that hope being finally realized?

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 ESV

His promise.

Our waiting.

The righteousness of Heaven is the Son of God, bright Heaven’s Sun. He will be the light of the new heavens and earth for which we are waiting. The earth we live in has many sorrows, but the new one has all joy. This is a bold, hopeful prayer, “May I reach…” When did you last ask such a prayer for the inheritance you await?

When we have won the battle, we will get to enjoy a celebration unlike any we could ever imagine. Bright Heaven’s joys are beyond comprehension here on dark earth. They are entirely wrapped up in the One who is the Sun of bright Heaven. Are yours?

RESONATE!
Do you long for your eternal home? Do you want to be there more than you want to be here? Ask for His help to reach Him and the joys of His Heaven. “Sun of Heaven, help me reach You and Your joys.”

Jesus, thank You for granting me citizenship in Heaven through Your effective and effectual work on the cross. How I long to be transformed to be like You. Do it in me even today by the power that enables You to subject all things to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Hopeful Tuning!

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

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

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

Video 25.5 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.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. 

The King of Heaven is the One who has secured our victory. He is the victory for us and in us. Simultaneously He is also the prize for the victory of a life lived to honor Him, having fought the good fight and finished the race. Ask Him to help you win the battle, for His glory and your good.

High King, help me win the battle.

And when we have won the battle, we will get to enjoy a celebration unlike any we could ever imagine. Bright Heaven’s joys are beyond comprehension here on dark earth. They are entirely wrapped up in the One who is the Sun of bright Heaven. Ask for His help to reach Him and them.

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

He is the very center of all that is dear to us. Even though we often fail to realize it here and now, it will not be lost on us then and there. A better understanding of that now helps us to pray earnestly for it, through all that we experience while we wait. Ask for perseverance.

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

Having a clear mental picture of what we are pressing toward makes the working and waiting easier. Having a firm faith in the Sovereign over it all does as well. Ask Him for that picture and the faith required to wait until He makes it a reality

Ruler of all, be my Vision and Victory.

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

Sing

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

The post My Hope for Heaven is Wholly Him appeared first on Resonant 7.

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

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Is the King of Heaven Your Highest Treasure?

Thou and Thou Only First in My Heart

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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

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

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

As we continue our journey through this ancient text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

First

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

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

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

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

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

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

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

It is so easy to lean on other things and not fully trust the Lord. Working to acknowledge Him in all our ways is a good antidote though. When we are convinced He is our Inheritance, as the previous line declares, we find it much easier to put Him and Him alone first in our heart. We love others to be sure, but none so much as Him. 

 

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

High King

High King of Heaven My Treasure Thou Art

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

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

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

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

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

We set out on this journey believing He is our Treasure, but the further we go the more we realize just how true that is. Wherever you are on that journey, ask your King to take you higher into the knowledge of what Treasure He truly is, now and forevermore.

High King of Heaven, lift me to a greater knowledge of You.

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

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

Exalted Thinking!

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

Podcast 25.4 Transcript

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

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

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

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

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

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

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

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

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

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

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

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

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

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

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

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

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

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

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Heart Treasures

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.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

 

 

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Wise Words Matter Mercies This week we will examine Heart Treasures.  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: Matthew 6:21 Amplified Bible

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.

The chorus of Be Thou My Vision invites us to do a heart check.

PSALM: Be Thou My Vision (6th century)
By: Saint Dallán Forgaill (c. 560 – 640)

Chorus
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art. 

Because God is first in his heart, the psalmist shares that his wishes and desires are not concerned with man’s praise or pay. Writing songs to God were one of the treasures of Forgaill’s heart.

PARABLE: When is the last time you did a heart check and took time to assess what are your desires and wishes in reference to what you do as an occupation or vocation? I use to believe that just because people received praise because of their purses more than their hearts that having wealth somehow made you more worthy. My heart was more concerned with my pay than it was with my purpose. As I began to place God at the center of my life, He became more of my treasure. The more I treasured Him, the more my treasures changed. I began to ask God what plans HE had for my life.  I was tired of doing what paid well and wanted to do what I loved to do. As He responded, I discovered that there was a difference between pay and passion. I did a thorough heart check and discovered that teaching made me and God smile.  Now my wishes lie in doing God’s purpose with passion and excellence. Most days, man’s pay and praise are not what concerns my heart. God has given me the privilege to love what I do.

PONDER and WANDER: During this month where we focus on love, if you choose, I invite you to take time to ponder the questions: When you think about what you love to do, where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

Soul care training exercise:  

  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you if you are pursuing your heart’s treasure and serving him in what He called you to do.
    • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination to examine your contentment and your purpose with your occupation.
      • Focus on what God shows you and decide if your career wishes and concerns align to what He has called you to do?

PRAYER: Father God, I thank you that you are my heart’s desire. Thank you that you desire that I live on purpose. When I begin to look at my purse instead of looking at my passion, direct my thoughts back to you. In the loving 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 center your heart on God and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Heart Treasures appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added
 

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