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Cultivating Eyes of Faith

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning
New mercies I see
All I have needed
Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me 

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (1923)
By: Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960)

Listen to this modern version of this popular 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.

To begin a New Year, we revisit our journey through this popular hymn, which declares the faithfulness of our God, true in every season, experienced by hearts of faith. Let’s tune our hearts.

Faithful

What is more faithful than the rising of the sun? The clouds may come and go, and the days may get shorter, but the sun still rises. It is a great illustration of the faithfulness of our God.

When you look at that big ball of fire in the sky, what thoughts come to mind? Maybe take a few moments and step outside, even if it is not morning, or even daytime at all, and look up. Seriously, will you take a minute and look up at the sky, even if you can not get outside at the moment you are reading this?

Such an exercise generally does two things for me. It makes me feel very small. I am reminded what a small part of creation I am, and that at least helps me to see my problems a little smaller as well. But it also has another effect on me.

It causes me to marvel at God’s interest in me, and not just me, but all of us. Though we are infinitely small in the grand scheme of the cosmos, He cares for us and every day demonstrates His faithfulness to us. Amazing!

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; Lamentations 3:22 ESV

Never is a long time, longer than our finite minds can really even comprehend, and yet, never is when the Lord’s steadfast love ceases and His mercies end. His is a faithfulness which is truly incomprehensible, and yet we know it to be true thanks to the gift of faith. His faithfulness actually informs and motivates our faith. How remarkable is that?

The songwriter is not only declaring something he has heard is true. It seems obvious he is proclaiming something that his soul wants to make known and also may just need to be reminded of regularly. That practice respositions his soul to experience the faithfulness of God anew. 

Jesus, help me join the chorus proclaiming Your faithfulness.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to actively rest in God’s faithfulness right now. The songwriter does not mind telling God what He already knows. Will you join him? Join the chorus of creation and tell God you know He is faithful. If you need help saying it, you can even ask Him for that.

Mercy

Morning by Morning New Mercies I See

So we can see God’s faithfulness on display in the rising of the sun, among other regular occurrences in creation. But what about His mercies. Where to better see the mercy of God than in His word? And when better to see it than to start the day looking for it?

This is not simply another appeal to open the Bible. Will you consider again in this context of seeing the mercies of God anew everyday that maybe, just maybe, there may be no better place to do that than on the pages of the Holy Scriptures? Just think about it.

What is your morning routine? Think about the things you do to get going each day. List them out. Is setting your eyes on His Word an essential part of the start of your day? If you knew you would be more likely to see His mercy there, and then better equipped to see it everywhere afterwards, would that motivate you?

If so, will you consider this? Determine to include in your morning tomorrow a quick reflection on the single verse below. But before you go to bed tonight, ask Him to open your eyes of faith so you are able to see His mercies. Then simply keep your eyes open as you read this, and then go throughout your day. I sincerely believe it will make a difference. If it does, just repeat it the next day, taking it one day at a time, and starting anew when you miss a day.

Morning by morning
New mercies I see

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23 ESV

I often joke that I am thankful His mercies are new every morning because some days I feel as though I might have used them all up. Thankfully, this is never true, so great is His faithfulness. Starting a new year, and every day in it with an awareness of His mercy, changes us. Try it.

Do you have eyes of faith that allow you to see God’s mercies new every morning? Such vision is a gift from God, but it also must be cultivated. If you never open your spiritual eyes, or never look for mercy, you will likely miss it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see God’s mercies.

RESONATE!
Consider accepting the simple challenge above. I can testify when I exercise my desire to see God’s mercy, He has never failed me. Has He showed up when and how I wanted? Often not. But has He always been faithful? Yes, He has. I believe you will find the same to be true.

Faithful God, show me Your mercies new every morning. Help me to be diligent to look for them, and capable of seeing them even when they look different than I might have hoped they would. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Faithful 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 23.6 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.

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning
New mercies I see
All I have needed
Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me 

The songwriter is not only declaring something he has heard is true. It seems obvious he is proclaiming something that his soul may just need to be reminded of regularly. That practice respositions his soul to experience the faithfulness of God anew. Will you join him? 

Jesus, help me join the chorus proclaiming Your faithfulness.

Do you have eyes of faith that allow you to see God’s mercies new every morning? Such vision is a gift from God, but it also must be cultivated. If you never open your spiritual eyes, or never look for mercy, you will likely miss it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see God’s mercies.

Spirit, help me see God’s mercies daily.

There are many things we want and God does not provide all those. There are far fewer things we need and He does provide every one of those, which is and of itself a demonstration of His great faithfulness. Thank Him for providing all we need, and then some.

Father, thank You for providing all I need, and so much more.

His faithfulness is personal. He not only does all these remarkable things for the souls of all who look to Him, but He does so in unique ways for each one. Think of specific ways He has been faithful to you, some of which not one other person may even know.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me.

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 Cultivating Eyes of Faith appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunrise-sun-clouds-sky-mood-3533173/
Morning by Morning New Mercies I See – https://pixabay.com/photos/reading-girl-alone-green-nature-2798775/

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Peace To Cease

Bid All Our Sad Divisions Cease

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (8th or 9th century)
Latin: Germany (1710)

Listen to this modern version of this popular hymn/carol 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.

We conclude our journey through Advent with this ancient text which invokes several powerful images of Emmanuel and invites Him to come even as we rejoice. Let’s think about this.

Sad Divisions

It has been a year of isolation and division. There has been no shortage of finger pointing with regard to COVID, social injustice, or the presidential election. Division does not have to be a bad thing, but the societal ones we have seen and felt this year have pretty terrible.

As we have gone through Advent and now the Christmas season we are reminded of how we long for things to be different. We long for there to be peace, for the song of the angels of peace on earth to finally come to pass. But it is not a magical spell that was cast, but an invitation into a better reality.

We want the peace they promised, but we must remember it was promised to those on whom God’s for rests. And who are they? The ones who have the very mind of Christ controlling them. That is how divisions cease.

Bid all our sad divisions cease,

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:2 ESV

How can we make Paul’s joy complete? Being one in showing God’s love through our actions. Though this is easier said than done it is His desire for us and He will help us as we look to Him allowing His will to be done in us. Will you allow the love of Christ to compel you to unity? It will absolutely require you to change your mind until it is a reflection of the very mind of God.

One other translation of this line says, “bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease”, but this one is simpler, “all our sad divisions”. Whatever their root cause, our differences or divisions often create envy, strife and quarrels instead of bringing us together. Ask Jesus to cause them all to cease, and let it start with you.

RESONATE!
Do you want to see sad divisions cease? Then pray this simple prayer and watch it begin to happen, first inside you, then around you. “Jesus, starting with me, bid all our sad divisions cease.” 

King of Peace

And Be Thyself Our King of Peace

And here is the crux of the entire issue.  See what I did there? Crux, cross.

The King of peace has made peace available to us through His reconciling work on the cross. We were at odds with God, Who is blameless, but Jesus changed that. We were once alienated from God and without peace.

Then Jesus changed our standing before God. He died so He could leave His peace with us, and allow it to rest on us. He has invited us to give our trouble and fear to Him for He has removed it.

And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV

The angel sang of peace at His birth and Jesus echoed it during His life. As we close out this year which has been so laden with chaos, pray for the peace of our Prince to fill our lives and overflow to the world around us which so desperately needs it.

RESONATE!
Fill my life with Your peace Jesus. Let it flow from me into the world around me. Thank you for making peace with us.

Jesus, thank You for becoming our peace, and giving us a model to follow as we strive to see divisions cease. We can not do it without you. Go before us Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Peaceful 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 24.5 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.

O come, Desire of nations, bind

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

A child has been born, not just to Israel, or those of faith in the One true God, but to the world, a child who will bring the deepest longings to every heart that seek Him: counsel, protection, care and peace. Give thanks to God if you know Him this season, and if you don’t seek Him now.

In one the hearts of all mankind;

…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

Jesus prayed this incredible prayer for His children, and for those who would become His children. That we would be one so the world would know the Father sent Jesus because He loves us. Hallelujah! God loves us. Echo Jesus pray for unity that reflects His love.

Bid all our sad divisions cease,

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:2 ESV

How can we make Paul’s joy complete? Being one in showing God’s love through our actions. Though this is easier said than done it is His desire for us and He will help us as we look to Him allowing His will to be done in us. Ask for the love of Christ to compel you to unity.

And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV

The angel sang of peace at His birth and Jesus echoed it during His life. As we close out this year which has been so laden with chaos, pray for the peace of our Prince to fill our lives and overflow to the world around us which so desperately needs 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.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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 Peace To Cease appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Dispel the Shadows of the Night – https://pixabay.com/photos/shadow-night-human-dark-mystical-647170/
And Turn our Darkness into Light – https://pixabay.com/photos/light-dark-pillow-city-night-4745317/

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Making the Many One

O Come, Desire of Nations

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (8th or 9th century)
Latin: Germany (1710)

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

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

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

We conclude our journey through Advent and Christmas with this ancient text that invokes several powerful images of Emmanuel and invites Him to come even as we rejoice. Let’s tune our hearts.

Desire of Nations

I first saw the above image of Jesus years ago. Unlike many prints that I could appreciate for their artistic beauty or their truth communication, I really wanted this one. I received it as a gift and proudly displayed it.

Though it is the artist’s rendition of Jesus’ version of Joseph’s coat of many colors. Having served a missions-minded church movement for years this really resonated with me. Obviously from a Biblical perspective Jesus is the Desire of Nations, and this coat and print portrays that truth visually in a powerful way. There are flags and patterns representing many tribes and tongues.

O come, Desire of nations, bind

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

A child has been born, not just to Israel, or those of faith in the One true God, but to the world, a child who will bring the deepest longings to every heart that seek Him: counsel, protection, care and peace. Jesus is that child born to the humble couple from Nazareth, for the world.   

Though the nations do not make Jesus their expressed desire, the truth is that He actually is. The deep, lasting and eternal peace that can only be found in Him is the desire of every heart, and every nation. Declare your desire for the Desire of nations again today.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

RESONATE!
If you have read this far, I feel it is safe to say Jesus either is already your desire, or He is drawing you to Himself so that He can become it. Give thanks to God if you know Him as the Desire of your heart this season, and if you don’t asl Him to become it now.        

Bind in One our Hearts

Bind in One the Hearts of All Mankind

You do not have to look very far to see our “sad divisions” which we will consider in the closing lines of this stanza on Thursday. This is prayer is offered before they are even mentioned or enumerated. To appreciate personally the great need for being bound as one I want to ask you to do something.

Think of a division in your life. Maybe it is with a loved one. Maybe a neighbor or co-worker. I do not want you to think of the cause of the division, but the cost. What is that division costing you, and everyone else involved?

Maybe there is no way to find unity and the peace that flows from it because of the stance of those on the other side of the division, but let that not be said of you. Is there anything you could do today to remove part of the division, the dividing wall of hostility? Not sure? Would you be willing to ask God to show you?

If you are going to ask God to bind all the hearts of mankind into one, you need to be willing to examine how you may be contributing to that division. Not easy, I know. Then and only then can you with integrity ask God to bind…

In one the hearts of all mankind;

…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

Jesus prayed this incredible prayer for His children, and for those who would become His children. That we would be one so the world would know the Father sent Jesus because He loves us. Hallelujah! God loves us. Sometimes we keep the world from knowing it because of our lack of love. Lord have mercy on us, and make us one with you, removing any divisions between us and you, and us and others.

Though we share this great longing to be united, we pursue it in many and diverse ways. It is actually the one thing that all mankind desires, a deep longing for peace from being united. It is what could bind us together, but our different approaches often tear us apart. Help us Lord.

RESONATE!
Echo Jesus prayer for unity that reflects His love. Ask Jesus to bind all hearts together pursuing Him. Jesus, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. 

Jesus, thank You for being the Desire of Nations, even though they fail to realize it. Help your people to live out your love so that we may display the unity the world longs to experience and start with me. Let there be eace on earth and let it begin with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Unified 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 24.5 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.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Though the nations do not make Jesus their expressed desire, the truth is that He actually is. The deep, lasting and eternal peace that can only be found in Him is the desire of every heart, and every nation. Declare your desire for the Desire of nations again today.

Jesus, You are my desire.

Though we share this great longing we pursue it in a multitude of ways. It is actually the one thing that all mankind desires, a deep longing for peace. It is what could bind us together, but our different approaches often tear us apart. Ask Jesus to bind all hearts together pursuing Him.

Jesus, bind in one the hearts of all mankind.

One other translation says, “bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease”, but this one is simpler, “all our sad divisions”. Whatever their root cause, our differences often create envy, strife and quarrels instead of bringing us together. Ask Jesus to cause them all to cease, and let it start with you.

Jesus, starting with me, bid all our sad divisions cease.

Oh for the day the world finally knows Jesus and the peace that only He can truly bring, internally, externally, and eternally. Close out this year and begin the new one asking Jesus to not only be your Prince of Peace, but the King of Peace for the whole world.

Jesus, be our King of Peace.

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.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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 Making the Many One appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
O Come, Desire of Nations – http://icandigit-kel.blogspot.com/2008/01/coat-of-many-colors-lord-of-all-by.html
Bind In One the Hearts of All Mankind – https://pixabay.com/vectors/heart-flags-countries-united-unity-3204671/

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Looking on the Bright Side

Dispel the Shadows of the Night

O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,
And bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
And turn our darkness into light.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (8th or 9th century)
Latin: Germany (1710)

Listen to this modern version of this popular hymn/carol 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.

We continue our journey through Advent with this ancient text which invokes several powerful images of Emmanuel and invites Him to come even as we rejoice. Let’s think about this.

Shadows

Shadows are interesting things. They don’t give you a lot of detail about the image which creates them, but they give you a general idea. They have no ability to alter the shape of the subject but can totally misrepresent the proportions. Depending on the source of light they can create an illusion that the subject is much larger than it actually is. Simply put shadows reveal truths about their subject.

But that’s not all.

In order for there to be a shadow there must be a source of light. That is encouraging because the very creation of a shadow demonstrates that the subject itself is not a source of light, but rather a potential reflector or blocker of it. I am thankful Jesus is the source, but frustrated with myself when I am more of a blocker that reflector.

When you think of the “shadows of night” the writer in referencing in the song what kinds of things come to mind? Weaknesses or willfulness, they can be unsightly. Thankfully we can ask Jesus to dispel them by simply being Himself, the light of the world.

Dispel the shadows of the night

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

We all face darkness both external and internal. The real difference is how we choose to deal with it. Jesus makes it clear He can help us dispel the shadows of night because He is the light of the world. This stanza reminds us that we need to ask Him to dispel it. Take a lesson from this simple prayer and put it into practice today. 

 

 

 

RESONATE!
Ask Jesus to reveal the things that make you a better blocker than reflector. When He does, then ask Him to help you deal with them. He is glad to dispel the darkness in Your life, but you are going to have to draw near the light. Are you willing? Ask Jesus to dispel the shadows of the night.

Light

And Turn our Darkness into Light

 

The best way to deal with darkness is to study the light.

People who want to identify counterfeit bills do not study counterfeits. They study real bills. When you know what a real bill should look like you are able to identify fakes.

The same is true with light and darkness. If you study the light, you will be able to identify darkness. Jesus has shined His light on you. Cn you identify it?

And turn our darkness into light.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Isaiah 9:2 ESV

We are the people Isaiah prophesied would see the light. Jesus has appeared to us and has turned our darkness into light, but we sometimes act like we do not know it. Acknowledge your need of Him again today by asking Him to turn your darkness into light.

Jesus is so bright He can not only dispel shadows but can also turn our darkness into light, not simply pushing it away, but transforming it for His glory and our good. Name your darkness right now and ask Jesus to turn it into light. Believe He can do it, for He alone is the Bright and Morning Star.

Jesus, turn our darkness into light.

RESONATE!
Look to Jesus for light. When He grants it be willing to acknowledge your darkness. Ask Him to turn that darkness into light. 

Jesus, thank You for not only dispelling darkness but turning my darkness into light. Do it again today and every day as you continue to transform my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Brightened 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 24.4 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.

O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16 ESV

This is a name Jesus gave Himself which undoubtedly means He is glad to be called by it. He is no ordinary star, which varies in brightness, but is constant, always visible. We simply need eyes to see Him, looking for Him. Ask Jesus for the ability to always see Him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

And bring us comfort from afar!

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17 ESV

In the next verse we various ones invite Jesus to come, as well as the one who needs Him. His presence and the light which emanates from it are the comfort we need. What pain are you experiencing today? Ask Jesus to comfort you with His bright presence.

Dispel the shadows of the night

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

We all face darkness both external and internal. The real difference is how we choose to deal with it. Jesus makes it clear He can help us dispel the shadows of night because He is the light of the world. Ask Jesus to push back the darkness in your heart and mind today.

And turn our darkness into light.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Isaiah 9:2 ESV

We are the people Isaiah prophesied would see the light. Jesus has appeared to us and has turned our darkness into light, but we sometimes act like we do not know it. Acknowledge your need of Him again today by asking Him to turn your darkness into light.

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.

O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,
And bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
And turn our darkness into light.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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 Looking on the Bright Side appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Dispel the Shadows of the Night – https://pixabay.com/photos/shadow-night-human-dark-mystical-647170/
And Turn our Darkness into Light – https://pixabay.com/photos/light-dark-pillow-city-night-4745317/

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The Powerful Gift of Light

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 One Gift, Wisdom This week we will examine The Powerful Gift of Light.  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.”

Light in Darkness

PROMISE: John 1:5 Amplified Bible

5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

There is no darkness that Jesus, the Powerful Gift of Light, the Light of the World cannot extinguish. Where do you need the light of Jesus to shine?

       Comfort Us

PSALM: O Come, O Come Emmanuel  (The Latin metrical form composed by John Mason Neale 1818-1866) Additional verse H.S. Coffin 1916

O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star
and bring us comfort from afar
dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light

The birth of Jesus was a gift. Baby Jesus, the baby born of a virgin is Emmanuel, God With Us, and the Light of the World! The shadows cannot understand, overpower, or absorb His powerful life-giving light.

PARABLE: Even as an adult, I enjoy the sparkle in bushes, the icicle lights draped from the garage, the white twinkle lights in a window, and the multi-colored bulbs on the distant Christmas tree, and the light projectors in the driveways that brighten up the celebration of CHRISTmas. A few days before CHRISTmas, after binge-watching our favorite Christmas movies, getting belly aches from cookies, and scorched tongues from hot chocolate, Troy and I wait until dark and then set out on a light capturing adventure. I am always excited at the diverse light displays. The most breathtaking sceneries are those located on streets without street lights where the festive lights brighten up the street and shine through the darkness. 

Jesus, the child born, the Son Given, the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the Bright and Morning Star came as the Light of the World. The Wonderful Counselor came to comfort us in the grief of COVID-19, depression, unemployment, divorce, addiction, sickness, and death. The Everlasting Father came as Jehovah Nissi to fight our battles. The Prince of Peace came to still the war raging in our mind, body, and soul. The Bright and Morning Star came to shine through our experiences of darkness. Thank God for the coming of Emmanuel!

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: In what area of your life are you seeking the light of Jesus?
Soul care training exercise:  During this celebration of the birth of CHRIST, I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

  • What do I need to know from Emmanuel, God who is with me about the shadow of the trials in my life?
    • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you in what area of your life you need the Bright Light of Jesus to shine His truth.
  • Where in my life have I allowed the glimpses of shadows and circumstances to be brighter than the Light of Truth?
    • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into those thoughts and ask Him to shine bright and dispel the shadows.
  • How am I to move, go, boldly walk forward through the darkness?
    • Focus on the words of Jesus our Wonderful Counselor and let Him empower you with the truth that Jesus, our powerful light is with you and will guide you.

PRAYER: Emmanuel, there is not a place in my life, a situation that I face, or a concern that I have that the GLORIOUS light of your Presence cannot outshine. Shine bright around, before, behind, and within me. Let me focus on you Jesus, the Savior, and light in this dark world. Thank you for the gift of your light. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in the light of Emmanuel’s Presence 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 The Powerful Gift of Light appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose take five minutes, click below, and listen to the Light in the Darkness guided meditation.

Image attributions:   
Light in the darkness: Google prophetic art with text added
Comfort us: Propheticartgallery.com Led by the Spirit with text added
Jesus the gift of light: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/christmas-decoration-holiday-xmas-3009949/ with added text 

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