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You are here: Home / Archives for Thursday Thoughts

January 26, 2023 by smattern Leave a Comment

No Grief Any Greater

He had no tears for His own griefs

For me it was in the garden
He prayed not My will but Thine
He had no tears for His own griefs
But sweat drops of blood for mine

My Savior’s Love 1905
By: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

Listen to this modern version of this 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.

https://resonant7.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MySaviorsLove-48.2-1252310.59PM.mp3
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this wonder-filled hymn take an assessment of the level of wonder and amazement which characterizes your relationship with Jesus. We all have room to grow in response to His love for us. Let’s think about this.

No Tears

Jesus was about to take the sin of the world upon His shoulders. He knew that moment was coming. No surprise that the sorrow that consumed Him seemed like death approaching.

His soul felt it. Yet he did not shed tears for the weight He felt, but the weight that was ours to bear without any capacity to do so. The look on His face portrayed in the image above seem to fall woefully short it trying to capture that anguish. He bore it all for the glory of God and for our good.

He had no tears for His own griefs

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” Matthew 26:37-38 ESV

Though He was filled with sorrow, even to the point of death, He shed no tears for his griefs. Instead He asked His disciples to stay with Him and pray. He would need divine strength as He prepared to carry the weight of humanity’s sin to the cross. Marvelous love!

It seems very reasonable that Jesus would not only have cried out in prayer from the sheer pressure of this event, but would have shed tears in the process. Even so, He was not feeling sorry for Himself, but being crushed under the incredible weight of becoming sin for us.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about this sorrow. Recall the deepest sorrow you have ever known and then try to imagine shedding no tears over it because you are consumed with the sadness of others. Thankfully, you did not have to bear it.  Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, thank You for bearing my grief.” 

Drops of Blood

But sweat drops of blood for mine

This anguish is simply unfathomable. We lack the capacity to even begin to imagine what Jesus felt in the garden. Even His closest friends could not stay awake while the pressure on Him was so great He was sweating blood.

Seem far-fetched? It is not.

But sweat drops of blood for mine

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44 ESV

So great was His grief that it produced a strain in His body forcing blood into His drops of sweat. He literally was sweating blood. This is a real physical condition and one certainly the humanity of God endured as He took on the sins of the world: our sin, His grief.

I can not fathom this. Was He mentally processing the events unfolding? Was He emotionally anticipating the separation from the Father that eternally had never occurred? Was He spiritually grappling with salvation’s cost? Yes, and all the while physically sweating blood.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and imagine you are there in the garden. Jesus returns from a period of prayer so intense He is sweating blood to find you asleep. Though He rebukes you He is not angry. Simply thank Him saying “Lord, be glorified for Your marvelous love.“

Jesus, thank You for bearing my sin. The weight of it was more than I could handle. Knowing that you made a way to lift that burden, and you did so willingly. Thank You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Sorrow-filled 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 48.2 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.

For me it was in the garden

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” Matthew 26:36 ESV

Jesus knew what was coming. Judgment, and the satisfaction of the price for sin. He had come in the flesh to pay that penalty, and had come to the garden to pray for the strength to endure it. He had no price of His own to pay for He was perfect, but willingly paid for ours.

He prayed not My will but Thine

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 ESV

He went to the garden to pray for the cup to pass. What cup? The cup of judgment that had to be consumed for us to know the love of God. He asked His Father to let it pass from Him, but was willing to surrender to the Father’s will if it could not. Of course it couldn’t, so He drank it.

He had no tears for His own griefs

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” Matthew 26:37-38 ESV

Though He was filled with sorrow, even to the point of death, He shed no tears for his griefs. Instead He asked His disciples to stay with Him and pray. He would need divine strength as He prepared to carry the weight of humanity’s sin to the cross. Marvelous love!

But sweat drops of blood for mine

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44 ESV

So great was His grief that it produced a strain in His body forcing blood into His drops of sweat. He literally was sweating blood. This is a real physical condition and one certainly the humanity of God endured as He took on the sins of the world: our sin, His grief.

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.

For me it was in the garden
He prayed not My will but Thine
He had no tears for His own griefs
But sweat drops of blood for mine

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 No Grief Any Greater appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
He had no tears for His own griefs – https://www.bible.com/videos/25232-matthew-26-36-56?collection=6
But sweat drops of blood for mine – https://www.bible.com/videos/25200-luke-22-39-71?collection=6

Filed Under: Thursday Thoughts

January 19, 2023 by smattern Leave a Comment

Can You Develop Wonder?

And wonder how He could love me

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner condemned unclean

My Savior’s Love 1905
By: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

Listen to this modern version of this 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.

https://resonant7.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MySaviorsLove-48.1-1182311.22PM.mp3
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this wonder-filled hymn take an assessment of the level of wonder and amazement character your relationship with Jesus. We all have room to grow in response to His love for us. Let’s think about this.

Wonder-full Love

The way the writer uses wonder here is not like he is curious about God’s love, as in “I wonder how this will work out?” He is saying that considering God’s love for him fills him with a feeling of surprise mixed with admiration. This feeling is caused by something beautiful, unfamiliar, unexpected or inexplicable. God’s love is all these things.

  • Beautiful – possessing qualities that please the sense or mind
  • Unfamiliar – having a quality that is not known or with which one is not accustomed
  • Unexpected – surprising, or at the very least regarded as unlikely to happen
  • Inexplicable – unable to be explained or accounted for

Yep. God’s love is all those and more.

Is this how you feel about the Savior’s love for you?

And wonder how He could love me

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV 

When we see Jesus for who He is, it makes His great love for us all the more amazing. He is without fault or blemish. His love is a rich expression of mercy because we deserve wrath. Instead we receive His love which should evoke amazement and awe. Does it?

 

He loves you. When was the last time you meditated on that simple truth? Why not do it right now? Think of who He is. Think of who you are. Think of His great love for you. Think about it. Just quiet yourself and think about that life-altering truth. Jesus love you.

Jesus, fill me with wonder at Your love.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about wonder. There is nothing that should fill us with this feeling more than the Saviors’ love. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, fill me with wonder at Your love.” 

Unmerited Cleansing

A sinner condemned unclean

I could never have gotten myself cleaned up enough to merit an invitation to His throne. I could not even pick up the soap, let alone build up any kind of lather. Fortunately, I did not have to. Christ did all the hard work.

Not only that, but I could never even have realized on my own how filthy I was. Even that knowledge, that awareness, is a demonstration of grace. All of it expressions of His love for me.

A sinner condemned unclean

…even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

Mercy is not getting what you do not deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Eternal life in exchange of eternal death, that is grace and mercy in the highest forms. That should leave us in awe and wonder singing His praise forevermore!

Sinner. That is you. You have sinned. That sin has left you condemned in the eyes of a holy God. That sin has left you unclean, hopeless of washing yourself so you can appear before Him. So He made a way for you to be acquitted and purified through the sacrifice of His Son. Amazing!

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on what it felt like in those moments you first understood the magnitude of your sin. Remember how hopeless you felt? Remember when Jesus changed that to hope in Him? Simply thank Him saying “Father, thank You for offering Jesus in my place.“

Jesus, thank You for the wonder Your love evokes in me. I was hopelessly filthy and aware and you made a way to make me aware, then make clean. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wonder-filled 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 48.1 Transcript

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

I stand amazed in the presence

 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:5-6 ESV 

Paul was on his way to persecute the church when Jesus revealed Himself and redirected Paul’s life. Jesus has been redirecting lives for millennia and He wants to do it today. How might Jesus be revealing Himself and redirecting your life today?

Of Jesus the Nazarene

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:23 ESV

From Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus, to the angel redirecting Joseph out of Egypt to Nazareth in Galilee, God had a plan. God has a plan for your life as well. It may not involve heavenly visions or angel visitations but it still has divine purpose. How will you respond?

And wonder how He could love me

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV 

When we see Jesus for who He is, it makes His great love for us all the more amazing. He is without fault or blemish. His love is a rich expression of mercy because we deserve wrath. Instead we receive His love which should evoke amazement and awe. Does it?

A sinner condemned unclean

…even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

Mercy is not getting what you do not deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Eternal life in exchange of eternal death, that is grace and mercy in the highest forms. That should leave us in awe and wonder singing His praise forevermore!

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.

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner condemned unclean

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 Can You Develop Wonder? appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
And wonder how He could love me – https://pixabay.com/photos/heart-hands-heart-give-away-love-3042975/
A sinner condemned unclean –  https://pixabay.com/photos/pool-soap-hands-to-wash-to-clean-778207/

Filed Under: Thursday Thoughts

January 12, 2023 by smattern Leave a Comment

Faithfulness Everyday for Everyone REPOST

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide
Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside.

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

Listen to this version in a gospel style as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

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.

https://resonant7.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GreatIsThyFaithfulness-23.5-1125209.34PM.mp3
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We continue our journey through this popular hymn which declares the faithfulness of our God, true in every season, experienced by hearts of faith. Let’s think about this.

All You Need, No Matter the Day

God’s faithfulness is the same every day.

What are you facing today for which you need God’s strength? He is faithful. What challenge awaits you tomorrow which will require the hope that is only found in God? He is faithful. Whether today or tomorrow you can count on God to provide everything you need.

Today never really becomes tomorrow, and yet God has made a promise and provision for each in its own way.  Tomorrow is always a day away, as Annie sang in the musical bearing her name. The difference is illustrated in the two phrases, “I am” and “I will”.

“I am” is present tense. Today.

“I will” is future tense. Tomorrow.

Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

He is with us. He is our God. Strength for today.

He will strengthen. He will help. He will uphold. Bright hope for tomorrow.

Just the strength for the day we are facing is a gift we sometimes fail to open, but He also gives us hope beyond it. How gracious that two-fold gift is, and how unfortunate we fail to receive it on some days when we need it most. Ask the Spirit for the humility to accept them.

Spirit, help me to humbly receive Your strength and hope.

RESONATE!
All you need for whatever you are facing today, and hope that the same will be true tomorrow when it comes can be yours in Christ. What has you troubled? Look to God for the strength and hope you need to overcome it.

All You Need, Along with Everyone Else

Blessings All Mine with Ten Thousand Beside

God’s faithfulness is the same for every person. Not only every day, but also every one.

Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV

Love Him and keep His commandments. Easier said than done. But He is faithful and if we will surrender we will know the blessing of standing side by side with countless others who have made that same choice and trusted God to help them fulfill it as well.

This is such a great line. All the blessings of this final stanza are fully mine, even though there are “ten thousand” others around me with the same access to each of them. How faithful is our God and how boundless His kindness to us. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness once more.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about that incredible truth. You have a unique access to the blessings of God, but so do countless others who will trust Him. How can you love Him better today? Ask Him and trust that He will help you.

Father, thank You for the blessings that are mine, and everyone else’s who will love You and keep Your commandments. Help me do that. Amen.

Boastful 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 46.6 Transcript, 23.5 REPLAYED

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.

Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 ESV

Pardon and the peace which flows from it. These belong to everyone who turns to the Lord and receives His compassion. He is willing to abundantly pardon. Is there anything you need to turn from today, even any thoughts, so you can find rest in Jesus?

Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

Having received the pardon and peace of God we must learn to walk in it, in His presence. He encourages our hearts, quiets us with His love, and rejoices over us, but we must be willing to listen. Quiet yourself in His presence right now, and listen for His rejoicing.

Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

All you need for whatever you are facing today, and hope that the same will be true tomorrow when it comes can be yours in Christ. What has you troubled? Look to God for the strength and help you need to overcome it.

Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV

Love Him and keep His commandments. Easier said than done. But He is faithful and if we will surrender we will know the blessing of standing side by side with countless others who have made that same choice and trusted God to help them fulfill it as well.

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.

Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide
Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside.

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 Faithfulness Everyday for Everyone REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/light-tunnel-silhouette-woman-3920898/
Blessings All Mine with Ten Thousand Beside – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/people-crowd-group-abstract-5710630/

Filed Under: Thursday Thoughts

December 29, 2022 by smattern Leave a Comment

Did You Know God Wants You to Be Boastful? REPOST

Yet in Thy Mercy, How Pleasing Thou Findst Me

I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,
I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
This is Thy pleasure:
 that Thou art my joy. 

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

Listen to this version in a gospel style as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

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.

https://resonant7.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GreatIsThyFaithfulness-23.4-11182010.03PM.mp3
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

We continue our journey through this popular hymn which declares the faithfulness of our God, true in every season, experienced by hearts of faith. Let’s think about this.

God Took Initiative

The first half of this stanza appears to be a real downer, until the second half redeems it and with it any hope we have at experiencing the faithfulness of God. It starts by outlining our utter depravity before restoring the possibility of something else. The first part of the thought from Jeremiah 9:23-24 could be viewed in a similar negative light if it were not for the latter half for it tells us what not to do, before instructing us what to do instead.

Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,

…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV 

He practices that steadfast love, justice and righteousness on us, and even delights to do so. This must be our boast. Not anything that we are or have done, but in the unmerited favor and delight of our Lord.

Consider the image above. It makes me think of someone who has opened themselves to the bright glory of the knowledge of God and His steadfast love, justices and righteousness. Can you see yourself taking such a posture? Are you open to God’s mercy, allowing it to flow in Your life?

There is nothing in us that merits that mercy, but even still, the Lord makes a way for me to be found pleasing to Him. None of that lies with me.  It is His mercy, not getting what we deserve. It is all His work, so none can boast, other than boasting in Him. 

Spirit, help me boast in God today, and forever. Make that boast right now, then all day and forever. Make your boast in Him today, then repeat that every day, for eternity. 

RESONATE!
When was the last time you boasted in God? Told someone else of the mercy you have received? It does not have to be a long, drown-out story, but can be as simply as just expressing something He recently did for you. Keep it simple, but commit right now to look for an opportunity to boast in Him today. Then ask the Spirit to help you do it today, and repeat that every day, until it becomes a way of life. Hardly anything will please Him more than for you to make much of Him.

I Humbly Responded

This is Thy Pleasure: That Thou Art My Joy

But as if His unmerited mercy in our lives was not enough, these last two lines take things to an entirely different level. What is God’s pleasure? What brings Him the greatest delight? Our finding our joy in Him!

This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV

What is God’s pleasure? That I find my joy in Him. How amazing is that? Our greatest joy, fullness of joy, is found only in His presence, at His right hand forever, and His pleasure is our discovering and living in that. Hallelujah!

Is your life the equivalent of a hallelujah to God? Is it obvious to others you find your greatest delight in God? Do you seek out ways to bring Him praise?

To find eternal joy in God is the greatest blessing this life affords. What is more, it is difficult for us to fathom that there is nothing that gives God greater pleasure than for us to find that joy. Marvel at that incredible mystery again today and rest in it, in Him.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about that incredible truth. God takes great delight in you finding delight in Him. It creates a positive feedback loop that can change your perspective and ultimately your entire life. Even if it has to start small, get your hallelujah started today.

Father, thank You for finding delight in my delight in You. Help me to boast in you today and everyday, until it becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Boastful 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 46.4 Transcript, 23.4 REPLAYED

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.

I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 ESV

Though we do not like to admit our utter depravity, we must remember that to do so makes even more of the faithfulness of God. There was nothing in us that deserved the grace He has poured out on us, and until He did we could not please Him, not in the least. Confess that.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, Jeremiah 9:23 ESV

We do have some abilities, yet though they are God-given, they are still not enough to bridge the gap left by our sinfulness and selfishness. Thank God for those gifts, but also for the fact that He went even further to make a way for us to find favor in His eyes.

Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,

…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV 

He practices that steadfast love, justice and righteousness on us, and even delights to do so. This must be our boast. Not anything that we are or have done, but in the unmerited favor and delight of our Lord. Make that boast right now, then all day and forever.

This is Thy pleasure:
that Thou art my joy.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV

What is God’s pleasure? That I find my joy in Him. How amazing is that? Our greatest joy, fullness of joy, is found only in His presence, at His right hand forever, and His pleasure is our discovering and living in that. Hallelujah! Give God praise for this incredible truth.

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.

I have no merit
to woo or delight Thee,
I have no wisdom
or pow’rs to employ;
Yet in thy mercy,
how pleasing thou find’st me,
This is Thy pleasure:
 that Thou art my joy. 

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 Did You Know God Wants You to Be Boastful? REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Yet in thy mercy, how pleasing thou find’st me –https://pixabay.com/photos/rays-wonder-sun-light-wonderful-2464986/
This is Thy pleasure: that Thou art my joy – https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-girl-freedom-happy-sun-591576/

Filed Under: Thursday Thoughts

December 22, 2022 by smattern Leave a Comment

Tree-mendous Righteousness and Love

The glories of His righteousness

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)

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

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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

https://resonant7.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GreatIsThyFaithfulness-23.6-16219.50PM.mp3
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we conclude our journey through this carol in which we call the world to sing with joy, how will you find your place in the song? Let’s think about this.

Singing Trees

There is Scripture that speaks of the trees of the field clapping their hands, Isaiah 55:12. When the wind rushes violently through the branches it can soon like applause. That has never been difficult for me to conceptualize. Clapping trees.

But singing trees!?! That is a whole different matter.

Then there is this interesting thought of trees clapping because they are witnessing something happening, like a spectator at an event. But the trees in the verse are singing, like they are the performers. Really though, even the singing trees are responding, here to the coming of the Lord to judge the earth.

The glories of His righteousness

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. Psalm 96:12b-13 ESV

The trees are going to help the nations prove the glories of His righteousness by singing for joy when He comes. Can you imagine what that is going to sound like? It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about it. I will sing now so I am ready when the trees do.

They will sing because there is a glory to His righteousness. We do not think about this much but we are dealing with One who eternally is without fault or blemish. He only does right. Though we know this is true it is difficult for our minds to comprehend, living in a world where wrong is so common.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about what singing trees will sound like. Will you be ready when the trees start to sing? Make this your simple prayer “Father, show us the glories of Your righteousness.” 

Saving Tree

And wonders of His love

Now there are singing trees and there is a saving tree. Singing trees are pretty astounding. But the saving tree has no parallel.

God has shown us His love in a myriad of ways, but nowhere else like on that tree at Calvary. The beauty of a sunset, God’s love. The kindness of a friend, God’s love. The mercy of not receiving what we have earned, GOD’S LOVE!

And wonders wonders of His love

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Psalm 17:7 ESV

We have seen the wonders of His love, even in our fallen world, yet we still long for the people of every tribe and tongue to see them as well. One day the nations will sing with us. Let’s do everything we can to help them understand that now and usher in the joy!

And His rightness required that He make a way to deal with our wrongness. His doing so through the sending of our Savior reveals the wonder of His love. While we were separated from Him He made a way for us to come back to Him through His sacrifice. What joy!

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and reflect on the wonders of His love, ways both great and small He has shown you His steadfast love. What has prompted you to seek refuge at His right hand? Simply ask Him “Jesus, show us the wonders of Your love.“

Jesus, thank You for the glories of Your righteousness and the wonder of Your love. I want to sing of them all the days of my life, even eternally. Help me to daily lift my voice in praise. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tree-mendous Thinking!

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Podcast 47.4 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.

He rules the world with truth and grace

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:14, 17 ESV

Effectively grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. He is full of grace and truth and so He rules the world from that position. He came and dwelt among us and will return to complete the work of redemption that His work on the cross accomplished. Hallelujah!

And makes the nations prove

…I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:23 ESV

Vindication is proving that something is right. This verse inspires this line by taking the words of the Lord and declaring what He will in fact do just that. He is holy and great. His rule will establish and prove those things among all the nations of the world. 

The glories of His righteousness

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. Psalm 96:12b-13 ESV

The trees are going to help the nations prove the glories of His righteousness by singing for joy when He comes. Can you imagine what that is going to sound like? It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about it. I will sing now so I am ready when the trees do.

And wonders wonders of His love

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Psalm 17:7 ESV

We have seen the wonders of His love, even in our fallen world, yet we still long for the people of every tribe and tongue to see them as well. One day the nations will sing with us. Let’s do everything we can to help them understand that now and usher in the joy!

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.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders of His love

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 Tree-mendous Righteousness and Love appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
The glories of His righteousness – https://pixabay.com/photos/forest-trees-sun-rays-sunlight-fog-1072828/
And wonders wonders of His love – https://www.pxfuel.com/en/desktop-wallpaper-jjpah

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