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Can I Hear the Heavenly Anthem?

Many Crowns

Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him Who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Crown Him with Many Crowns (1852)

By: Matthew Bridges, v. 3 by Godfrey Thring, pub.1874

Listen to this modern arrangement as you prepare to ponder this old hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

We conclude our journey to the old rugged cross this week as we consider this heavenly anthem.  In the first half of this stanza, we will examine our commitment to being true to the cross, even when it costs us.  In preparation for making such a statement, we must carefully consider the price.  Let’s tune our hearts.

Crown Jesus

Let us be clear from these opening words.  The Him we are referring to here is Jesus.  Unequivocally Jesus!  Only ever Jesus.

Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne;

If you have come to know Jesus, this seems like a very reasonable thing to do, not only in the throne room of heaven, but here on earth as well.  In our praises, in our thoughts, in our convictions, to esteem or laud Him above all others. Most believers would offer a hearty “Amen!”

Consider any number of the accounts of who He is in the Scriptures, even just the book of Revelation.  The Lamb upon His Throne [Revelation 7:17]. The Alpha and the Omega [Revelation 22:13]. The faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, and he ruler of the kings of earth [Revelation 1:5]. Consider how He is described in the this passage.

His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. Revelation 19:12 ESV

The larger context of this passage describes Jesus, called Faithful and True and The Word if God, riding His white Horse.  This is the One we are admonishing one another to crown.  Before we do that, though, we must be willing to do it ourselves.  But it is sometimes not as easy as it may seem when reading these passages.  Let us provide a little context.

You watch the news.  You see the realities of this pandemic broadcast near and far.  Most of the stories told create a bleak picture.  You have a conversation with family members, maybe through Zoom or some other forum, and they are visibly worried and shaken by the startling realties of  COVID-19.  

Now, crown Him with many crowns. Before you exhort them to do so, you must have made the choice to do so yourself.  Ready?

RESONATE!
If you have clicked through to this post, watched the video, or at least read this far, I am certain you are ready to crown Him.  I applaud you for that commitment.  You can not do it in your own strength, but here is the good news, you do not have to.  Ask the One, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, to help you, and do so with the confidence that He will.  He wants you to welcome others into crowning Him King of the corona virus and EVERYTHING else, and He will certainly help you to crown Him King of your own life on a continuing basis if you simply ask.  “Jesus, help me crown You King of my life!”

But First, Listen

Yes, listen.  That is what “hark” means.  What a great example of a word from our hymns that we do not readily use today, which has a clear and compelling meaning and usage.

Heavenly Anthem

You probably are most familiar singing this word in the Christmas carol, “Hark! The Hearld Angels Sing”.  Interesting to note, both in that title and in this line, “hark” is followed by an exclamation point!  Listen!

Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns All music but its own!

How often do we fail to do that, though?  We sing that word, and then do not do it.  I like to take words literally, so at times when leading worship, I have had people stop singing and do what we have just instructed each other to so.  Some examples include kneeling down, lifting hands, or being silent.  I do not recall ever doing something like that with “hark”, but that is exactly what I am going to invite you to do.

First, I want you to read this passage which includes a quote of some of that “heavenly anthem”. Pay special attention to those words and prepare to listen.

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:11-12 ESV

So here is your exercise.  Before you can resonate, you have to let the song come to you.  Resonance is a passive activity in some ways, but we can take an active part in it by getting quiet and still enough to let it happen.  In this unusual season, I pray you can find some time to…listen.

RESONATE!
I want to ask you to get as quiet as you can. I want to encourage you to listen with your heart. You know there is praise being offered to Jesus around His throne right now.  Ask Him to help you hear that.  Will you hear it with your ears? Probably not. But I pray you will be able to hear it with your heart.  He is worthy!

Jesus, thank You for living a life that made You worthy of being crowned with every crown we could ever bring. Even now that is happening. Give us the ability in our hearts to listen to that praise, and enable us to join it.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Attentive 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 16.1 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.

Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him Who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, so He is worthy of every crown we could give Him.  Here we begin by crowning Him as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. An appropriate place for us to start, declaring His forgiveness.  Thank Him for being the Lamb.

I am a lover of music.  It is such a powerful tool God has given us to declare His praise.  Here, we are invited to consider how the anthem of heaven, offered to the Lamb, drowns out all other music.  Oh that we would have ears to hear the praises being offered even now. Listen.

And not just listen, but once you can make it out, join it.  Our heart cries to our soul to wake up from its slumber and sing to the One who has died for us.  What a wonderful reminder to not only be alert to hear the praise but enter into it. Are you awake?  Sing from your soul.

And not just sing, but declare Him with your lips and your life as Your matchless King, now and throughout all eternity.  There is truly no one like Jesus. Will you commit again today to give Him the praise that only He deserves? Crown Him with all the praise you can muster.

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 Can I Hear the Heavenly Anthem? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Many Crowns – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/seamless-tile-repeat-pattern-1082986/
Heavenly Anthem – https://pixabay.com/photos/figure-art-angel-sculpture-metal-749713/

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Does Your “Someday” Influence Your Everyday?

He’ll Call Me Someday

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

The Old Rugged Cross (1913)
By: George Bennard 1873 – 1958

Listen to this simple piano version as you read. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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 toward Easter pondering the cross one last time. In the first half of this stanza, we considered the shame and reproach we are likely to bear as we remain true to the cross.  In this second half, we look forward to what lies ahead for all who do.  Let’s think about this.

Someday

Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,

It can seem so far away at times.  Like it will never come.  The promised reward of following Jesus.  But someday can happen sooner than you think.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3 ESV

Many have heard this passage used in the context of a funeral.  In that setting, the words of Jesus take advantage of that stark reminder of the brevity of life to point us to the reality that there is more beyond what we see, and a particularly good something, for those who are trusting in Him.

It comes home when the prospect or reality of death knocks on your front door.  I received a text today informing me that a childhood friend tested positive with COVID-19.  She is a healthcare worker.  She is the first person I know personally who has tested positive.  That makes this entire thing seem so more real.

Think about the last loss you had to grieve.  What did it make you feel about your own end?  How did you respond to it at the time?

Jesus offers incredible hope to those who trust in Him.  Someday when our end comes, whether we breathe our last on earth or He breaks through the clouds, we will go to a very real place that He has prepared for us. Home.  Eternally. With Him.

RESONATE!
I asked you to recall your last brush with death. Think on it once more. As that day approaches, do you have peace?  The cross offers you peace.  Have you received it?  If so, have you lost it amidst this pandemic or maybe even before?  You can reclaim it today.  Ask Jesus to usher it into your life again today.  Take a few moments to let Him speak those words to you from John 14.

Everyday

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

His Glory Forever I’ll Share

Having arrived in His glory will be an experience we can not even imagine.  “I Can Not Even Imagine” That’s my preferred title for the song “I Can Only Imagine” which I have often sung at funerals since it allows us to ponder how we will respond to arriving in glory by asking a series of questions.  Still the questions remain for us even now, for we are being transformed here in response to what Jesus has done on the cross and in preparation for that place.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18a ESV

The truly remarkable thing to consider in this final line of the hymn is not only that because of the cross we will be welcomed into the glory of the Lord, but we will somehow share it with Him, forever. What?!?  I have a hard enough time fathoming my welcome, let only that privilege once I arrive.

I believe it is more than a nice poetic idea, which is what many lines from our hymnody can easily be reduced to.  I believe it is true.  If you can accept that, I want to invite you to think about it for just a minute longer.  

We are being made like Him even here.  That work will be completed when we arrive in glory.  We are beholding the glory of the Lord now as through a glass dimly, but then we will be face-to-face, unveiled.  How much better will our reflection be then for those reasons!

Even still this is an almost unfathomable mystery.  We, who have been redeemed by His work on the cross, will share in the glory of our Redeemer eternally. Not only welcomed in, but sharing His glory Hallelujah!  What a motivation to praise and glorified living that is!

And not only in His presence, but somehow sharing His glory, beholding it and then being transformed to reflect it.  What a glorious existence that will be, and it starts here and now. Ask Jesus to help you reflect His glory to a world that needs to see it, until you see Him.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder what your arrival in glory will be like.  Jesus wrapping His nail-scarred hands around you in a full embrace.  How does the wonder of that welcome influence your living today?  Draw encouragement and power from that hope.  Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to live in these uncertain days reflecting the certainty of the ones that are coming!

Jesus, thank You for the promise that you will call me home someday.  As I anticipate that day, help me to live these days in a way that brings that glory into them so others may see the hope I have in You. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Hopeful Thinking!

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Podcast 15.4 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.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 ESV

Oh that we would learn the power of this commitment, to boast only in the cross. If we have been crucified to the world, and we have, then why do we boast of things that will impress the world?  Jesus, help us to boast only in Your cross. Today and everyday. Hallelujah!

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 ESV

When we bear the cross, not one of our own design, but His cross, we will bear shame and reproach from some, as did this hymn writer.  We want to be His disciples, so we really have no choice. We must bear the cross. Jesus, this is not easy. Please help us. Help me today.

Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3 ESV

And if the freedom to live this life to bring glory to the One who set us free from the real shame of our sin were not enough, there is the promise of a far better life waiting for us.  A life lived in the very presence of Jesus, in the place He has been preparing for us. Thank you, Jesus!

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18a ESV

And not only in His presence, but somehow sharing His glory, beholding it and then being transformed to reflect it.  What a glorious existence that will be, and it starts here and now. Ask Jesus to help you reflect His glory to a world that needs to see it, until you see Him.

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.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

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 Does Your “Someday” Influence Your Everyday? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
He’ll Call Me Someday – https://pixabay.com/photos/inspiration-heaven-spirituality-2706594/
His Glory Forever I’ll Share – https://www.marylutyndall.com/2018/03/what-happens-in-heaven-when-you-pray.html

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True to the Cross

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 our Holy Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we reviewed how God’s love helps us to love the world that may despise us. This week we will consider the meaning of  being True to the Cross. 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.”

       Is the cross foolish or power?

PROMISE: 1 Corinthians 1:18 Amplified Bible 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God..

In this crisis of Covid-19, the Christian lingo is faith over fear, prayer over panic, and calm and Christ over chaos.  Some reject this truth and consider it foolish chatter because they do not have the context of truth or a safe environment to be true. So, they suffer in silence, spiritually perishing, not accessing the calm that comes with Christ and the cross.

 

PSALM: The Old Rugged Cross was written by 1912 by Evangelist and song leader George Bennard who was a native of Youngstown, Ohio.

                     True to the cross

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share

Evangelist George Bennard, author of The Old Rugged Cross proclaimed that he would be “True” to the cross. What does that mean? The cross is the symbol of Christ and Christianity. Therefore, Bennard was stating that he will be true to Christ in his crisis by examining his truth, and choosing to cling to the cross. Though the times were different, during this global crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic, we too can choose Christ IN the crisis.

PARABLE: What does it look like to be true to Christ in a crisis? Chaos has a way of challenging our true self.  Over the last few weeks as I completed a mandatory fourteen day self-quarantine and experienced symptoms of the coronavirus which lead to being tested, as I waited for the test results, I became afraid. BUT, I chose to be true to Christ about my emotions, invite Him into my chaos, and to take my fear to the cross. 

                    Cling to the cross

It is true that someone is experiencing fear in unemployment, fear in being the physical target of the fear experienced from unemployment, fear of mom’s boyfriend being home and having more time to creep into the room, fear of how they will feed their family, and fear of being evicted. During this global crisis and social distancing and social isolation, it is more important than ever that we don’t cause those who need encouragement to suffer silently in depression, discouragement or danger by using Christian language of faith over fear and prayer over panic without providing a context of truth.

Being true to the cross is about being authentic and admitting our behaviors, sensations, feelings and struggles to Jesus and others. This is how we access the saving power, help, and the hope of Jesus IN fear, IN panic, IN chaos. This is the way we lead others to the power of God that saves us IN fear.

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, Ponder the questions: What am I truly struggling with during this time of social distancing? What part of this is hard for me?

Perhaps the message of faith OVER fear, and prayer OVER panic, and calm OVER chaos does not accurately reflect the journey of a crisis. Over implies above, but over also means extending directly up from. Those of us who are willing to be transparent will admit that faith OVER fear came after we experienced fear. Maybe you are experiencing fear, panic, and chaos right now. Take a moment and honestly ponder with Christ what you are truly struggling with during this time of social distancing.

Soul care training exercise: The word of the cross saves and is more powerful than our circumstances. It is Christ and the hope of the cross that empowers us to exercise faith OVER fear, prayer OVER panic, and calm OVER chaos.

If you choose, complete this week’s soul training exercise and consider taking time to be transparent with Christ. 

  • When you are ready, clear your mind and focus on being authentic with Christ.
  • Next, allow the Holy Spirit to help you admit the struggle you are having with the coronavirus, social distancing, and the effects of Covid-19. Say, “This time of social distancing, this uncertainty, this temptation is hard, and I need help to make it through.”
  • Then, begin to pray with the grace of Christ. Acknowledge that struggle, even your struggle, is common to humanity. Say, “I am not the only person struggling with this issue but the power of Jesus can deliver me.”
  • Lastly, administer self-compassion. Say, “I will extend grace to myself and to others when fear creeps in and I will ask God to help my unbelief.”

PRAYER: Father, thank You for the reminder of the cross. When fear, anxiety, and depression come to our paths, help us take them to Jesus and cling to the redeeming benefits of His death, burial, and resurrection. Help us choose the benefits of peace IN the storm, hope IN distress, light IN darkness, and help IN times of need. In the power of Jesus and the deliverance power of the cross I pray. Amen.

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to thank our loving God for the Old Rugged Cross. Let the work of your wandering fill you with the love of Christ.

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 True to the Cross  appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image attributions:
The cross is foolish googleimages with text.
True to the cross googleimages with added text.
Cling to the cross googleimages with added text.

 

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Set Apart, But For What?

Jesus Suffered and Died

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

The Old Rugged Cross (1913)
By: George Bennard 1873 – 1958

Listen to this simple piano version as you read. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available to Subscribers, sometimes to Free Members, and occasionally to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here.  Or check out some other samples at our Free Member Content Library.  We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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 began our journey toward Easter a few weeks as we pondered the cross. In the first half of this stanza, reflected on the blood and the beauty, these two things mingled down.  In this second half, we remember what Jesus accomplished on that cross and how.  Let’s think about this.

The Old Truth

The beauty the cross reveals to us is simply this: the King of all suffered and died to pardon and sanctify us.

For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

He was righteous, and we were not.  We deserved to be punished for our sins, He did not.  Our sins had separated us from God, so He chose to be separated in our place.  We could have never brought ourselves to God, so He did.  Our response must be to put to death the things that would keep us from coming daily, that we may be made alive in the spirit as He was.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV

So what will your response be today?  We are facing a pandemic.  There is uncertainty and fear abounding.  We are called to be light in this darkness.  How will you do that?  How will you live for Jesus today?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder how Jesus laid down His life for us.  He put everything aside that was rightfully His to make it all ours.  Think about that. (Pause) How can you mimic that in your life in these unusual days?  There are some lessons to be learned now that will allow us each to be better reflectors of the love and life of Christ.  Ask Him to show you one today and then pray for the ability to make it a part of your living.

Finding New Expression

So as forgiven or pardoned people, we are free to live differently than before.

Think about someone awaiting the punishment of their crime.  Waiting day after day for the execution of judgment, whatever form that might take.  Do you see the prisoner sitting there on the edge of the bed?  Look closely. Can you see the prisoner is you?

Pardon and Sanctify

To pardon and sanctify me.

What is the point of His pardoning you?  Just your own freedom?  Hardly.

Being sanctified means “set apart”.  God has given His Son to pardon you so that you could be forgiven or pardoned AND sanctified.  What purposes do you imagine you have been set apart for? His purposes, of course.  And what are those?  Pardoning as many as will believe, so rich is His grace to us.

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

We have been redeemed.  We have forgiveness.  All grace.

Now what?

Be Resonant…so that along the way many may join your song of worship to the One who set you free.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ponder how you can respond to your pardon and sanctification today.  You are forgiven.  That forgiveness sets you apart for God’s purposes or redemption.  What will that look like today as you share that with someone else in your unique way along your journey?  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you and empower you to do it.

Jesus, thank You for binging this old truth alive in my life. I pray by Your grace and for Your glory it may find new expression in these challenging days. Help me cling to that old rugged cross. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Illuminated 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 15.3 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.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.  Colossians 1:20 NKJV

His blood.  He shed it to cover us, and our sins.  Only His blood could do it, and He loved us enough to offer it to make peace between the Father and us.  Amazing! Think about that sacrifice and what you need covered today. Then receive it and give Him praise.

A wondrous beauty I see,

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV

Others see bitter wounds but we see a wondrous beauty.  The cross invites us to die to sin and live to righteousness, following the example of Jesus who died for sin after living the only righteous life.  Is that what you see when you look at the cross?  Ask for eyes to see.  

For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV

Jesus suffered and died.  Close your eyes and imagine His body hanging on that cursed tree.  Hanging there for you and me. Put to death in the flesh that we could be made alive in the spirit.  As you come to God today, what needs to die that you may truly live?

To pardon and sanctify me.

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

Forgiven and set apart by His finished work on the cross, and all according to the riches of His grace.  When you think of what you need to die to today, and what you have needed to die to before, I pray you are amazed at His great love for you.  Thank Him for it once more right now.

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.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

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 Set Apart, But For What? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Jesus Suffered and Died – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-crucifix-christ-cross-faith-753063/
Pardon and Sanctify – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/cross-sunset-humility-devotion-4433376/

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What Needs Covered Today?

Wednesday Wanderings is 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 our Holy Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we considered the Old Rugged Cross and the concept of being despised because of our association with it. This week we will consider the beautiful grace that flows down from the cross and what it accomplishes. 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.”

Grace Flows Down

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

The Old Rugged Cross invites us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the grace that flows down from it which covers our sin and shame.  His blood accomplishes our redemption, ushering in forgiveness for every wrong, and all this according to His grace.  We get what we could have never deserved.  The cross reminds us of this remarkable truth.

PSALM: The Old Rugged Cross was written by 1912 by Evangelist and song leader George Bennard who was a native of Youngstown, Ohio.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross and
Exchange it one day for a crown

And Covers Me

PARABLE: So what is your story and how does it relate to the cross today?  Maybe you first experienced the flow of grace year ago and have learned to walk in its mighty streams.  Maybe you are just beginning to realize just how great that grace was which you have received for the first time only recently.  Wherever you are in that continuum, you need His grace today.

We know that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  (Romans 3:23) But we must acknowledge that as long as we are on this side of glory, the temptations of the flesh remain very real.  We are all guilty of choosing our own desires over God’s at times, some of those times being after we have been pardoned and sanctified.  It is the difference of our standing before God and our experience of it.

For as much as we endeavor to live cherishing the old rugged cross, there are times when the allure of other things pull us away.  We cling to the cross with one hand and reach for something else with the other.

What is your something else?  What competes with the cross in your heart?

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, Ponder the question: What do I need His blood to cover today, or this season?

Thankfully, it already has and it will.  When Jesus died for you, He was paying for everything wrong you would ever do.   Everything.  You are covered.  That is good news.

It reminds me of the words of another song, Grace Glows Down.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
Amazing love
Now flowing down
From hands and feet
That were nailed to the tree
As grace flows down and covers me

It covers me
It covers me
It covers me
And it covers me

Soul care training exercise: I invite you to take some time to let His grace cover you today. 

If you choose, complete this week’s soul training exercise by setting aside time to think about what needs covered.  Maybe listen to Grace Flows Down as you are praying, or just reflect on the text.

  • When you are ready, clear your mind and focus on the pardon of the cross.
  • Next, allow the Holy Spirit to bring the guilt of any unconfessed sin from deep within your soul.
  • Begin to ask for forgiveness. List the things that come to mind and believe that Jesus has covered them.  Declare that in faith  as things come to mind.
  • Then, thank God for covering you.
  • Lastly, ask Him for the strength to walk in that flow.

PRAYER:  Jesus, thank You for giving your life for me knowing I would sin, even after I have been pardoned.  Sanctify me by continuing to invite me into a life of surrender where I cherish your cross above all the things that might otherwise tempt me to choose my way.  Empower me to cling to my cross, until the day I exchange it for a crown.  Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to thank our loving God for the Old Rugged Cross. Let the work of your wandering fill you with the love of Christ.

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 What Needs Covered Today? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image attributions
Grace Flows Down – https://www.dreamstime.com/christ-cross-shining-sun-heart-drops-water-blood-image149917168
And Covers Me – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/guilty-imprisonment-for-debt-sinful-3096227/

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