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Finding True Satisfaction, Not a Counterfeit

Riches I Heed Not, Nor Man’s Empty Praise

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

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

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

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

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

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

Heed Not

To take no notice of riches or people’s praise is a difficult assignment. Like so many of our hymn texts, this one is easy to sing, but not so easy to live. The rest of the stanza illuminates the path that makes it possible, but first let’s take a closer look at the things by which we must not allow ourselves to be preoccupied.

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

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

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

 

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

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

Spirit, search me for any worldly affections.

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

Inheritance

Thou Mine Inheritance, Now and Always

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

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

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

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

It is with that commitment we find is the beginning of the clarity and conviction that allows us to pay no mind to riches or praise, the singular fact that God is our inheritance. That knowledge changes everything. I do not need gold or applause if I have Him.

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

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

Satisfied Tuning!

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

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 25.4 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.

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

To take no notice of riches or people’s praise is a difficult assignment. Like so many of our hymn texts, this one is easy to sing, but not so easy to live. The rest of the stanza illuminates the path that makes it possible. Ask the Spirit to search you for any worldly affections.

Spirit, search me for any worldly affections.

Here is the beginning of the clarity and conviction that allows us to pay no mind to riches or praise, the singular fact that God is our inheritance. That knowledge changes everything. I do not need gold or applause if I have Him. Thank Him for revealing this to you.

Lord, thank You for revealing You are my Inheritance.

When we are convinced He is our Inheritance we find it much easier to put Him and Him alone first in our heart. We love others to be sure, but none so much as Him. Do you know what it looks like to put Him first in your heart? Ask Jesus to show you today.

Jesus, show me how to make You first in my heart.

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

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

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

Sing

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

The post Finding True Satisfaction, Not a Counterfeit appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Riches I Heed Not, Nor Man’s Empty Praise – https://pixabay.com/photos/gold-treasure-rich-golden-money-207585/
Thou Mine Inheritance, Now and Always – https://pixabay.com/photos/people-concert-fans-the-crowd-1728150/

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Do You Have a Tower of Power?

Thou My Soul’s Shelter, Thou My High Tower

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

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.

Light

What darkness is threatening you today?

Darkness can make us feel isolated and afraid. We can not see which way to go or the dangers around us. It can be paralyzing and terrifying. But…

…if you can identify even the smallest glimmer of light everything changes. You begin to move toward the light, slowly at first and then with increased speed as things become brighter and clearer until finally you are running to the light.

You find rest and comfort. Your fears are dispelled. You can move around in freedom.

God’s presence is such a light, shelter and tower.

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:

…The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 ESV

The mingling of peace and protection in God’s living presence is so beautifully portrayed in this stanza, and particularly this line. He cares for our souls. He also cares for our bodies. When you feel threatened you should run to Him.

His presence also provides Shelter for our souls and a Tower of protection for our lives. And we need those things because there are forces which come against us, but…

…God is for us and with us as we face them.

The darkness has little sway over us when we run to the light of our Lord. Run to Him today. The One who wants to be your Shelter and Tower.

RESONATE!
Ask Him to be your Shelter and Tower. Pray “God, be my Shelter and Tower.” Thank Him in advance for giving your soul shelter and for being your stronghold when your body is threatened. 

Strength

Raise Thou Me Heav’nward, O Pow’r of My Pow’r

So did you do it? Did you ask God to be your Shelter and Tower? Asking for help can make us feel small, and so can looking up. But it does not have to, or at least that does not have to be your last feeling.

When we look heavenward, eyes of faith help us to see that there is more to this life than what we can see with our eyes. In Psalm 8, the writer asks the question when gazing up, “What is man that you are mindful of Him?” before He answers His own question. God has made us a little lower than the angels and crowned us with glory and honor.

So, don’t hesitate looking up. And when you are left gazing in awe at what you see, speak to the One who made it all. Ask Him to lift you into His presence, to a plane of greater awareness, and power.

Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26 ESV

God is everything we need for this life and the next. Nothing on earth can satisfy like Him, and even our bodies fail us, but He is the Power.

His presence is the real Power behind everything we do. Even when your power fails you, His will not. His is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and ultimately will raise us heavenward to His glorious presence.

RESONATE!
Declare your trust in Jesus to raise you heavenward. Spirit, thank You for being the real Power in my life. Thank the Holy Spirit for being that Power from on high, for today and the day when you rise.

Lord, thank You for revealing to me your desire to be my Shelter and Tower. You have raised my hope to a plane I did not know before I knew you, and yet I know there is so much more I have yet to grasp. Raise my awareness of Your presence, until your raise me into it. In Jesus name. Amen.

Lofty 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 25.3 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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV

This is from the larger passage in Ephesians which encourages us to pray for the full armor of God. Whatever you are facing today or in this season, ask God to be your shield and sword.

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

We have no greater honor than to die to ourselves and let Christ live in us. We must strive to find our worth and our delight in Him. Ask the Spirit to reveal to you if you are living by faith in Christ.

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:

…The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 ESV

The mingling of peace and protection in God’s living presence is so beautiful in this stanza. He cares for our souls and our bodies. Thank Him for giving your soul shelter and for being your stronghold when your body is threatened.

Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strengthof my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26 ESV

Everything for this life and the next. Nothing on earth can satisfy like Him, and even our bodies fail us, but He is the Power of our power. Declare your trust in Jesus to raise you heavenward.

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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r. 

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 Do You Have a Tower of Power? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Thou My Soul’s Shelter, Thou My High Tower – https://pixabay.com/photos/lighthouse-sea-sunset-tower-sun-2372004/
Raise Thou Me Heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r – https://pixabay.com/photos/milky-way-universe-person-stars-1023340/

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How to Face Your Battles and Savor Your Victories

Be Thou My Battle Shield, Sword for the Fight

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

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

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

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

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

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

Fighting the Battle

We can appreciate the powerful imagery of this stanza, but dare I say not as well as those who sang it in generations when swords and shields were the primary tools for combat. Being an ancient hymn, there were many who lived in such a time when that was the case, which probably explains why it is the stanza most often left out of modern usages of this great text. While that is understandable, it is also unfortunate.

Though we may not take up physical swords and shields for the battles we face every day, our battles are no less real. Just because we may not bleed or be dismembered by our foes does not mean we do not face dangers each day. They tend to be spiritual in nature, but also emotional and relational. Are they beginning to come into view?

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV

This is from the larger passage in Ephesians which encourages us to pray for the full armor of God. We need that armor, for various parts of our bodies, because there are a variety of skirmishes every day. God wants to help us with each of them and so He offers us defensive and offensive tools to use against them. 

There will be a battle and a fight. Maybe you are very aware of that, or maybe you are just now realizing this is a reality of the Christian life. When we determine to see God and walk in His wisdom, opposition will arise in our lives. Again, some are spiritual, but not all.  God has already offered to be your Shield and Sword, and through Christ’s work on the cross is already victorious in every way. He invites you into that victory as surely as His presence ensures it.

 

 

 

RESONATE!
Whatever you are facing today or in this season, ask God to be your shield and sword. Ask Him to be your protection and weapon in the fight for right. Take a few moments right now to pray, “Lord, be my defense and offense against my foes.”

Enjoying the Accolades

Be Thou My Dignity, Thou My Delight

We can savor the victory that Christ has accomplished and makes available to us. The ultimate victory of sin, death and the grave are assured, but so are many smaller ones because they are secured by it and flow from it. We are victorious because God makes it so.

In ancient times, the laurel wreath was awarded to victors as a sign of respect and honor for their achievements. They we presented to winners of sporting events and battles alike. You had to earn it. It was not a participation award, and not everyone who competed or fought was given one.

If there was ever someone worthy of respect and honor for accomplishments in is Jesus Christ. He laid down His life to overcome sin, and then took it up again to demonstrate His victory over death and the grave. The incredible grace to us is that God shares the respect and honor He has rightfully earned with us who have not when we choose to associate with Him in His crucifixion. What seems like a disgrace becomes the means that dignity is imparted to us. What seems disastrous, is the very path to delight.

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

We have no greater honor than to die to ourselves and let Christ live in us. We must strive to find our worth and our delight in Him. There are no accolades that convey greater honor and respect than to be associated with Him in His death and resurrection.

But we must be careful to not “rest on our laurels”. This is an old saying that implies becoming complacent and trusting in the honor of victories won long ago. Instead of simply enjoying the honors of what Christ has accomplished, we must balance that with  allowing His life to shape our living so we continue to bring honor to Him.

We must always remember though that His presence with us is what makes us worthy of honor and respect. With this knowledge, it becomes clear why He would be our delight as well. He has won the battle, and graciously shares all the accolades with us.

RESONATE!
Ask the Spirit to reveal to you if you are living by faith in Christ. Thank God for gracing your life with the dignity and delight which comes with an ever-increasing awareness of His presence. Tale a few moments now to pray, “Jesus, thank You for the Dignity and Delight I find in you.”

Jesus, be my Shield and Sward, my Dignity and Delight. Thank You for opening my eyes to these truths. Help me to live in them today, and turn all the glory right back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Victorious 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 25.3 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.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

There will be a battle and a fight. When we determine to see God and walk in His wisdom opposition will arise in our lives. Certainly some are spiritual, but not all. Ask God to be your protection and weapon in the fight for right.

Lord, be my defense and offense against my foes.

His presence with us makes us worthy of honor and respect. With this knowledge it becomes clear why He would be our delight as well. Thank God for gracing your life with the dignity and delight which comes with an ever-increasing awareness of His presence.

Jesus, thank You for the Dignity and Delight I find in you.

His presence also provides Shelter for our souls and Tower of protection for our lives. Again we acknowledge that there are forces which come against us, but that God if for us as we face them. Ask Him to be your Shelter and Tower.

God, be my Shelter and Tower.

If we have and power His presence is the real Power behind it. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and ultimately will raise us heavenward to His glorious presence.  Thank the Holy Spirit for being that Power from on high, for today and the day when you rise.

Spirit, thank You for being the real Power in my life.

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 Connected to the Truth appeared first on Resonant 7.

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Be Thou My Battle Shield, Sword for the Fight – https://pixabay.com/vectors/shield-sword-weapon-armour-sharp-34911/
Be Thou My Dignity, Thou My Delight – https://pixabay.com/vectors/laurel-wreath-accolade-winner-award-304839/

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Becoming One with God, and Others

Thou My Great Father, I Thy True Son

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

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.

Presence

His Wisdom comes from His words. His presence creates the atmosphere where I can hear them and live them. These are gifts from our Father. Showing our gratitude for them through our attitude demonstrates we are actually His children.

This entire stanza is really about presence, not His presents to us. His presence is what makes the difference in every circumstance. Our awareness of it changes our perspective and our response.

When we realize how wonderful a Father God is, it makes sense to want to be His child. Jesus said the right to be God’s child rests in whether we believe in Him, God’s Son. While it takes faith to do that, it seems silly not to when you consider the benefits of the decision.

But here’s the rub. What difference does His presence really make? His presence in us shows the world that He actually came. This is how we show the world we are His “true” children. Jesus prayed for that difference to be seen in us.

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21 ESV

Our living out our connection with God is one of the ways the world believes in Jesus. Our unity with other believers becomes a picture of the connection of Jesus and His Father. Learning to live in unity with other believers is not easy, but is essential for us to have unity with God.

Think of it another way. Like Father, like son. We want to be like God. This happens as we imitate and emulate His ways. In order to do that we must know Him and His ways. One of those ways is unity. Ask the Spirit to reveal the ways of God, and empower you to walk in them, thus demonstrating you are God’s child.

Spirit, help me to imitate God’s ways.

RESONATE!
Ask yourself this question, or better yet ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the answer to you. How well is your unity with other believers showing that God is your Father? Maybe you have some work to do, or maybe the Spirit does. Open yourself to His work of making you a child of God by learning to walk in unity.

One

Thou in Me Dwelling, and I with Thee One

Surrender. That is what comes to mind when I think of God dwelling in me and being one with Him. This image is a powerful illustration of that.

When we decide we are going to hold on to God with everything we are we realize there is really no need to hold onto anything else. That little hand could not hold anything else if it wanted to, but it does not need to because the big hand can. The same is true with our relationship with God.

It is not just about unity, but love.

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:23 ESV

When our lives welcome the presence of God, we become one with Him and each other, just like Jesus and the Father are one. God dwelling in us is both a miracle and a promise. It is also proof that God sent Jesus because He loves us.

God makes His dwelling in us in ever-increasing measure as we open our lives to His influence. Have you invited the Lord to come and have His way in you recently? When you do He does, and He aligns your life to His purposes. Commit to welcoming Him regularly.

RESONATE!
Welcome Him to dwell in you again today. His presence with you will convince you of His love. Convinced of His love you can live out your faith in a way that will convince the world of the same, starting with other believers.

Father, thank You for showing Your love to me in Jesus Christ. Help me to take your hand and trust You to lead me to a place of unity with You and others, so the world may know Your love. In Jesus name. Amen.

Unified 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 25.2 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.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6 ESV

There is a connection throughout this stanza of God’s words being in us so we can be in Him, which starts with our acknowledging that He is Wisdom and Truth. When was the last time you asked God for wisdom and truth? Ask Him to be your wisdom and truth.

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 ESV 

When He reveals His Wisdom and Truth to us, we are left with another choice, allowing those things to live in us, and us in them. Jesus uses the illustration of a branch and a vine. His words connect us to His life. Ask Him to help you dwell in Him, always connected to Him.

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21 ESV

Our living out our connection with God is one of the ways the world believes in Jesus. Our unity with other believers becomes a picture of the connection of Jesus and His Father. How well is your unity with other believers showing that God is your Father? 

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:23 ESV

When our lives welcome the presence of God we become one with Him and each other, just like Jesus and the Father are one. God dwelling in us is both a miracle and a promise as well proof that God sent Jesus because He loves us. Welcome Him to dwell in you again today.

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

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

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 Becoming One with God, and Others appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Thou My Great Father, I Thy True Son – https://pixabay.com/photos/silhouette-father-and-son-sundown-1082129/
Thou in Me Dwelling, and I With Thee One – https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-child-s-hand-hold-tight-1797401/

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Wise Words Matter

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.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Faithful New Mercies This week we will examine how Wise Words Matter.  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: Ephesians 5:15-16 Amplified Bible

15 Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], 16 making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.

The evil in this world no longer hides but boldly looks us in the face and dares us to say something about it. It is our responsibility to choose to walk and talk wisely in response to the evil around us.

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

Chorus
Be Thou my Wisdom and thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

This dated hymn guides us through the psalmist prayer where he is asking God to be his wisdom and true Word.

PARABLE: When my attitude was haughty and my tongue was flippant, my mother warned me that I have a sharp tongue and advised me to use it wisely. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Wise people with an intelligent heart acquire knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. I use to run from wise counsel now I run towards it. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed that words have the power to tear down or build up, speak life or speak death, create an insurrection or a meaningful revolution movement.

A wise man understands that wisdom is a greater gift than gold and desires to utter insightful, just, and righteous words. This is a challenge but one we already won when we seek God’s wisdom, invite him to bridle our tongue, and to saturate our mind with His TRUE Word. His Word will direct us to be transformed with the knowledge of truth. As we are transformed our understanding will be converted to discernment. As our discernment increases, we will apply the truth by applying knowledge and understanding in wisdom. 

Wisdom is not based on our opinion but on God’s TRUE Word. When we apply His Truth to our lives, as wise, sensible, and discerning people we will be able to use each opportunity with wisdom and diligence.

PONDER and WANDER: Knowledge is the comprehension of information, understanding is the ability to relate to the information, and wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding to decision making.  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: Have I asked God to be my wisdom and true word?

Soul care training exercise:  I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you where you have knowledge but are lacking understanding and wisdom.
    • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into that situation. Sit in the discomfort. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your insight so that you may have the understanding which leads to wisdom.
      • Focus on what God shows you and make a choice to invite Him to be your wisdom.

PRAYER: Father, I desire to have your wisdom. You promised that if I lack it that I can ask and you will give it freely. Help me to admit that there are many areas in my life where I lack wisdom. Make them clear to me and overwhelm me with Your wisdom so that I may fully understand that words matter and I may choose them wisely. Help me to use each opportunity in wisdom to speak truth to the evil things occurring, follow for myself, and direct others to your just path. 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 breathe in the wisdom of 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 Words Matter appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose to take four minutes, click below, and listen to the Wisdom meditation.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added
 

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