Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory
By: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 (1816)

Listen to this simple piano version as you read, or watch the video complete with lyrics then read.  Please make certain to enjoy the video log below.

We continue our journey through Advent as we look at the second part of this stanza.  We started with the shepherds’ location and activity, and now shift to God’s arrival on the scene and the change that occurs.  Let’s think about this.

God with Us

Stop for just a moment and think about those three words.  Seriously.  I will wait.  “God with us”.

That is some amazing stuff right there.

When Jesus was laid in that manger, God was fully present there, making His dwelling among us.  He demonstrated in the Incarnation that He was not far off, but was with us.  The One who made the sun, which grew the hay, that made the bed, now laid asleep upon it.  Mind-boggling.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 ESV

He is with us, ergo He is with you.  I think the first part of that is easier for each of us to accept.  Ok, God came to dwell among us. But the second part gets a little harder.  God is with me?  I believe it.  Spirit, help me receive it.  And He will.

Think about the one who first heard these words, quoted from Isaiah 7:14.  Joseph.  He was in a bad spot.  His betrothed had told him she was pregnant, and he had not yet been with her.  No to mention she insisted God was the Father.  Think about how crazy that must have sounded.

He was likely trying to figure a way out of this difficult decision.  Then an angel appeared to him and said these words.  And as far as we know he never wavered from his resolute decision to stay by her side; after all, months later it is clear he is still beside her in the Bethlehem stable when his stepson is born.

So what about you?  Do you find yourself in an unenviable situation?  How is God showing you He is “with” you?  Will you remain resolute like Joseph, trusting that God is there through even confusion and pain?  Take a moment and think about your circumstance, and invite God to be Immanuel to you today.

Infant Light

This is another beautiful thought.  The star could be referred to as the infant light, in that it was His natal star which the wise men said announced His birth.  At the same time Jesus is also the infant light Himself, Light of the World, in infant form.

This image nicely captures that duality.  While the star is absolutely shining down on that manger, the manger has an internal glow emanating from baby Jesus.  This makes me think of how God shined His light that night, and set a precedent for how He wants to shine His light still, in our darkness. 

The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.   Matthew 4:16 ESV

The people dwelling in darkness.  That is us.  And what is that darkness?  It is darkness of soul caused by the shadow of death.  Until we find the Light of Jesus, we live in the region and shadow of death.  The NLT says “those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow.”  That is a very powerful and clear picture.  Or is it?

If we are living in a land where death casts its’ shadow, my first question is what is the shape of that shadow.  What does the shadow of death look like?  The shadow of a hand is easy to picture.  The image here makes that clear.  It is almost as if you can imagine the shadow picking up the leaf.  But it can not.

It may seem very real, but a shadow is powerless, other that to block out light from the area equal to the shape creating it.  Death casts a large shadow but it is not powerful.  Once we see the Light of Jesus the shadow of death can be clearly seen for what it is, a powerless two dimensional thing.

Yonder shines the infant Light.  Jesus at His birth was the light that dawned.  We while walking in darkness have seen a great light because Jesus revealed it to us.  The shepherds were the first to see it, and they told everyone what they had seen, so the light began to spread.  Will you shine that Bethlehem Light?

What shadow is death casting over you today?  More than just physical death, there are relational, emotional, psychological deaths.  Where do you need to see the Light of Jesus shine?  Will you invite Him to come and shine into that circumstance or situation?  He wants to show you His light.  Ask Him today.

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.

Below is 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 lots of 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.

Image Attributions
Now Residing – https://pixabay.com/photos/living-nativity-nativity-creche-3885693/
Yonder Shines  – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/jesus-christ-god-holy-spirit-3852478/
Shadow – https://pixabay.com/photos/reaching-shadow-heart-silhouette-454808/

Angels from the realms of glory,
  Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
  Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory
By: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 (1816)

Listen to this simple piano version as you read, or watch the video complete with lyrics then read.  Please make certain to enjoy the video log below.

We continue our journey through Advent as we look at the second part of this stanza.  We started with the angel host, and now consider how they were there at the creation, and also present to herald the coming of redemption in the birth of Messiah, the anointed One of God.  Let’s think about this.

Start at the Very Beginning

It’s a very good place to start.  And that is where the praises of the angels began.  They sang creation’s story as it unfolded.

When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7 ESV

Angels are referred to in many different ways throughout Scripture, but one of them is “sons of God”.  Here we read that they “shouted for joy” at the creation of the world.    

Colossians 1:16 says that all things were created in Christ.  They were there when He was making all things, and they are still there as He is remaking all things through His work of redemption.  If you listen closely, you can almost hear them singing today as their echoes ring across eternity.

But what does this mean for us?  The ones who were offering praise to God as He created all things, were still the first in line when it came time to offer praise for His sending His Son.  We should follow their lead.  They joined the stars that first morning, and continued their praise, even upping the ante by revealing their glory to the shepherds, in the moment Christ’s natal star appeared.  We encourage them to continue to offer their praise, but must be willing to add ours to it.

So will you?  Today, join your voice in extending the invite to come and worship to someone.  How can you do that?  The Christmas season provides many opportunities to invite people to join in the worship of the Christ.  How can you invite someone to join you in it?  Maybe an event at church or in the community?  A Christmas Eve celebration?  Commit to find some way to invite some more character’s into this greatest of stories.

 

Join the Praise

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  Luke 2:14ESV

These are the words the multitude of angels sang in grateful chorus the night of Messiah’s birth.  To proclaim it best, they gave glory to God first, and then extended peace to all who choose to please God. May we always start by giving glory to God, then extending the offer of peace to all who will walk in God’s ways.

• He was worthy at creation.  So they praised Him.
• He was worthy in Bethlehem.  So they praised Him.
• He is worthy today. So they praise Him.
• He will be worthy eternally.  So they will praise Him.

When you give glory to God by praising Him for sending Jesus to us, you are joining the eternal praises of God offered specifically for the Incarnation.  God became flesh and dwelt among us.  It is as if you are actually singing your praise with those angels over the pasture outside of Bethlehem.  Incredible!   But that is not all…

You also enter into those moments when you extend peace by sharing what Jesus has done for you.  If you have decided to spend your life ascribing to God the worth that is due His name He is pleased with you.  Even though chaos may develop in our lives at times we can still have peace despite those circumstances.  When you live that out before others, they see that something is different about you.  That gives you the opportunity to speak of the peace you have found in Christ, and that in turns gives Him glory.

It is a powerful cycle we are invited to step into, and welcome others into as well.

Have you ever shared with anyone the peace you have found in Christ?  As you consider inviting someone to join you in giving God glory with you at some point in the season, pray about an opportunity to share with them the peace you have found.  It may just make al the difference in whether they are intrigued enough to check it out for themselves.

 

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.

Below is 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 lots of 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.

Image Attributions
Ye Who Sang – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/music-clef-musical-note-background-2087771/
Creation’s Story – https://pixabay.com/photos/meadow-green-meadow-flower-meadow-2401911/
Messiah’s Birth – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/jesus-christ-god-holy-spirit-3852478/

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
  Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
  I come to Thee.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

Listen to this beautiful piano version as you read, or watch the video then read. Please be sure to experience the worship-cultivating podcast below.

As we close out these six weeks of meditating on this great hymn text, we take it home with a sincere cry for God to bless us.  We come to Him because we know we need Him.  We acknowledge that one last time together.  Let’s think about this.

Supply

What a bold prayer!  An emphatic “bless me now my Savior”.  Not only bless me, but now.

On what grounds would someone approach God so boldly?  The grounds that Scripture declares He has already made the provision of our need available to us.  Are you bold enough to ask for this blessing?

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

Did you notice where the supply for the blessing comes from?  God’s riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  This might tempt you to believe that the supply will only be eventual, when we arrive in glory. But it seems clear this Scripture speaks of a needs more immediate.  

The other amazing thing is the extent of God’s supply.  It does not say God will meet most of your needs does it?  No, it says He will supply every need of yours.  How wonderful and generous is that?  Think on that for just a moment.

But one more thing to consider.  The person of Jesus Christ.  The Father provides out of His riches in Christ Jesus.  The provision finds its source in Christ.  Jesus is the source and the conduit of the blessing.  He is the blesser and the One who delivers the blessing.  And He is the One who makes us aware our need in the first place, and then prompts us to reach out for it.  

So when was the last time you asked God to bless you?  When did you last cry out to Him and acknowledge your need?  This morning?  Yesterday?   A week ago?  Last July?  If you will approach with a humble posture confessing your need you can boldly request your blessing.  Why wait?  Do it now.

Without Demand

We do not have to demand God supply our needs.  On the contrary, He has already made the supply available even before we ask.

Yet there is something we have to do.  We have to come to Him.  We need to act on His invitation to come.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28 ESV

Seems pretty straightforward and an incredible offer.  So why do not more people come? Many reasons.

• They think they will have to give up more than they gain.  FALSE.
• They think they have to get their act together before they come. FALSE
• They are not convinced Jesus invitation is for them. FALSE
• They are not sure they qualify, if they are weary or burdened enough. FALSE

Do any of these reasons keep you from coming often, or coming at all?  Jesus is ready to give you rest.  He has already made it available to you.  There is nothing more you need to do that receive it, by coming to Him as you are.

Where does your journey begin?  The same place this hymn did.  Acknowledging you need God.

Where do many who started get lost?  Forgetting they continually need God.

Is there an area of your life that you say you have surrendered to God, but you keep trying to control?  You may lack rest because you are still striving.  Decide today to come to Jesus, with all your stuff, and sit it down at His feet and then take a seat as well.  Ask Him to show you if you have been habitually carrying something around which is robbing you of His promised rest.  If He reveals something, lay it down and find rest today.  Then repeat that exercise rest seems elusive.  It’s one way to practice your need of God.

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.

Below is 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 lots of 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.

Image Attributions
Bless Me – https://pixabay.com/photos/person-girl-human-joy-sunset-sun-2806280/
Hand – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hand-helping-hand-help-assistance-1925875/

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

Listen to this beautiful piano version as you read, or watch the video then read. Please be sure to experience the worship-cultivating podcast below.

Having established who it is exactly that we are calling out to and why, we turn our attention to the remedy and it’s implications.  Think of it in terms of possession and position.  Let’s think about this.

Possession

As I look at this second line, it appears to me to be an issue of possession.  Let me explain.

We are asking for the Most Holy One to make us His possession.  We see this as a remedy for our neediness.  If we belong to Him we assume we will have everything we need because He will supply it.   This is a reasonable assumption since He has not only chosen to meet our deepest need, salvation, but did so by becoming the provision.

Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:14 ESV

Jesus made us His by offering His life on our behalf.  His sacrifice redeemed us and purified us for Him. We are His people. 

It is interesting how the Scripture decides to describe us.  Of all the ways it could characterize God’s people, it says we will be zealous for good works.  Since zealous is a bit uncommon, let me define it.  

To have zeal is to posses great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.  As God’s people we must have a great enthusiasm for good works.  This preoccupation with the work God has in store for us informs our focus.  We are not fixated on our need.  Instead we are intentional about meetings the needs of others, spiritually and otherwise.

Do you see the connection between being a person of God, and doing the work of God?  Do you understand how that preoccupation takes your focus from your need and puts it squarely on the needs of others?  Where are you that continuum?  Have you asked Jesus to make you His possession?  If so, is your life marked by a desire to do the work of God?  Ask God to show you how you can shift your focus from your need to someone elses.

Position

Jesus making me His possession has some implications.  Some of them have to do with doing as indicated above, others with being.  Though there are distinctions to be made between these two, it is also important to realize the importance of the being simply because it actually informs the doing.  and our being flows out of the One who has taken possession of us.

He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”  Matthew 17:5 ESV

At His baptism and here at His transfiguration, the Father acknowledges His Son, His beloved, blessed Son.  Moses and Elijah also appeared with Him, but it was the Son whose sacrifice makes us the possession of the Father.  The Son changes our position with the Father from one of orphans to adopted children.

The three disciples on the mount with Jesus wanted to create tabernacles to worship there, one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, but Jesus had something else in mind.  He wanted to make them tabernacles, caring around the presence of God. He wants to do the same in us.  

And He has positioned us to be reflectors of His glory.  Our dependence on Him is one of the best ways we reflect His presence, not by pretending we have it all together, but acknowledging we know the One who does.

When we do that, we are transfigured.  We become more like Christ.  We are filled with light and love.  And God is pleased with us.

What situations do you already know will be a part of your day where you will need Him?  Determine now to reflect the position you have in Christ to the world around you.  Not sure how to do that?  Simply ask for help and trust your position in Christ to supply it.  

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.

Below is 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 lots of 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.

Image Attributions
Crucifixion – https://pixabay.com/photos/good-friday-crucifixion-1734261/
Transfiguration – https://pixabay.com/photos/church-window-church-window-jesus-1704825/

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I Need Thee Every Hour
By: Annie S. Hawks, 1836-1911 (1872)

Listen to this beautiful piano version as you read, or watch the video then read. Subscribers and Free Members please be sure to experience the worship-cultivating podcast below.

As we look into the latter part of this stanza, keep in mind how it hinges on the first part.  We must know God’s will, then trust Him for the strength to do it.  Then, and only then, can we truly see the flow of promises fulfilled.  Let’s think about this.

Promises, Promises

Just what is a promise, and what specific promises has God given to us?

A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen.  Promises are often broken, but not God’s promises.  He offers us so many in His Word and we can find great comfort and confidence in His ability to carry them out and follow through with them.

Let’s consider one of the greatest and most common promises in the Bible.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 (ESV)

What is the promise here?  Whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.  That is a promise we can trust.  It makes a difference in our daily lives and changes our eternal destination.  When you determine to receive this promise it changes everything, and it is only one of many, many promises which fill the pages of Scripture.

Have you received this promise?  If you have you know the reality of it because it has changed you and invited you into a life of ongoing transformation.  If you have not, why not today?  Jesus died for you so you can live eternally, even when you die and pass from this life. Put your faith in Him and begin the most incredible journey of one fulfilled promise after another.

Granted, Past Tense

We are going to use two parts of the same verse to guide the rest of our thinking about the latter part of this stanza.  The first part tells us that God has granted His promises to us.  Past tense.  Nothing you can do can effect the promise, only your experience of it.

…he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, 2 Peter 1:4a ESV 

The one above is a wonderful example of just how precious and VERY GREAT His promises are.

The experience of this granted promise, however, is continent upon something. It is contingent upon your knowing Him.  Fortunately for you that knowledge is imparted by His divine power.

I know this is getting a little complex but follow me.  His divine power has made Him known to You.  If you know Him, you have been granted these promises, and you can only know Him if His power has revealed Him to you.

Be encouraged by the fact that you know God.  Because you know God, these promises have been granted to you.  This means that these promises have been given formally to you.  And all of this is a gift of God.

But wait, it gets better.

The Nature of Christ

Though these promises are precious and very great, they are but a gateway to the greatest blessing of all.  We have been granted these promises…

…so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4b ESV 

Partaker.  When you partake of food or drink, you consume it.  I like to think of this as enjoying it and that is certainly true of the impartation of the nature of God, but this goes MUCH deeper than simple enjoyment so that is not the definition in play here.

To be a partaker in these terms uses the lesser two of three common meanings.  First it means that you have joined in, so you are taking part in the very nature of God.  That is amazing, but it is the last one that really blows me away because it tells me that I am to be characterized by the divine nature.

The verse does say that we “may become” partakers, so we have a choice.  We have to allow the Holy Spirit to bring this about in us.  As you read the end of the verse you see another reinforcement of the sequence we considered on Tuesday in A Sequence of Fortunate Events.

As we learn and endure the will of God, living it out with His help, we understand and then exist within His fulfilled promises.  We escape the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire, an expression of our old nature, and become partakers of the Christ nature.

There is no better promise.  We become characterized by the nature of Christ, becoming like Jesus at our core.  Hallelujah!

Even the thought of that process reminds me how much I need Him because I can not accomplish that on my own.  Nor can you.  Thank Him again for His promises, and the work of the Spirit which teaches them to us, and then empowers us to live them.  What is the next part of the sequence we have considered for you?

1. Learning His Will
2. Doing His Will
3. Knowing His Promises
4. Living in His Promises.

It is likely some combination of several or all of them, but ask Him to show you what the next step of your journey toward Christlikeness should be.  Wait for it.  When He shows you, you will undoubtedly be ready say anew, “I need you every hour!”

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.

Below is 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 lots of options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

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

Podcast 11.4 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.

I need Thee every hour;

Hebrews 10:36 ESV

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

This Scripture sets the stage for this entire stanza.  We need endurance to do the will of God. We can not do that in our own strength.  We need Him. When we have done His will, by His strength, we are positioned to receive what is promised.  Tell Him again you need Him to endure.

   teach me Thy will;

Psalm 25:4-5 ESV

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

We wait every hour, all day long for God to lead us and teach us.  We need Him to lead us in His ways and teach us His paths. Do you spend any time each day learning HIs ways, just waiting on Him?  Take a few moments right now and ask Him to show you His ways, then wait. 

And Thy rich promises

2 Peter 1:4a ESV 

…he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, 

When we have taken the time to learn His ways, and trusted Him for strength to walk in His ways, we are positioned to not only know His promises, but receive them.  Are there any of God’s promises you are waiting to see fulfilled? Either way, ask Him to show you more.

     in me fulfill.

2 Peter 1:4b ESV 

…so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

What better promise than a new nature, the very nature of Christ!  That is a promise God longs to fulfill in our lives as we live according to His will.  Are you experiencing that transformation? God wants to fulfill that in you. Ask Him if there is anything in you withholding that fulfillment.

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 need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

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