Fair is the sunshine fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heav’n can boast

Fairest Lord Jesus 1662
By: Anonymous 1662

Listen to this simple 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.

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

As we continue our journey through this worshipful hymn ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus clearly. Marvel at the majesty of our Savior. Let’s think about this.

Jesus Shines

We keep coming back to Jesus in the second half of each of these stanzas. That is a great habit to develop whether you are writing a hymn or going through your normal, daily living. We need to develop the practice of coming back to Jesus.

Why? Because doing so reorients our thinking.

The sun and moon are fair. Without any context, simply looking up into the heavens can lead our thinking to bad places. Coming back to Jesus reminds us that even though the heavenly bodies are awe-inspiring, they are not worthy of our worship. Only Jesus is.

Jesus shines brighter Jesus shines purer

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

But Jesus shines a light that is brighter and purer than those heavenly orbs. He is light in the spiritual realm as well as the physical. He gives us light to walk and live. Are you looking to the light that only Jesus can provide, or have you been looking elsewhere?

Jesus is brighter and fairer than the sun, moon, and a million stars combined. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all that is fair in every possible sense of the word.  He shines at shining in that He gives out light, and also is brilliant and excellent at doing so.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about Jesus brightness and purity. There is truly no one like Him. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, thank You for shining like no other.” 

All the Angels?

Yes. All the angels. How many angels are we talking about here exactly? 10,000 times 10,000? Even an infinite number of angels can not outshine Jesus.

Than all the angels heav’n can boast

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Hebrews 1:3 ESV

And here are his credentials. As if His reflection of the Father were not enough, He sealed His case for fairest with His finished work on the cross and His ascension into the heavenly, angelic realm.

In scripture, people are generally terrified of angels partly because they likely have a radiance that is other-worldly. How much more might that be the case of the One who is the Source even of their fairness? All the angels combined do not shine as pure as the King of Heaven.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the angels of heaven. The different references in Scripture are clearly meant to indicate an innumerable number. Whatever that number may be, give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, thank You for shining brighter than the angels.“

Jesus, thank You for shining brighter and purer than all the angels heaven can boast. Help me to think about that often when I gaze into the sky. In Jesus name. Amen.

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.

Image Attribution
Jesus shines brighter Jesus shines purer – https://nathangreene.com/products/light-of-the-world-20×16
Than all the angels heav’n can boast – https://in.pinterest.com/pin/137641332339146570/

Fair are the meadows fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing

Fairest Lord Jesus 1662
By: Anonymous 1662

Listen to this simple 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.

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

As we continue our journey through this worshipful hymn ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus clearly. Marvel at the majesty of our Savior. Let’s think about this.

Nothing Like Jesus

Was Jesus created? No.

What did He create? Everything.

On Tuesday we focused on a few aspects of creation. We considered our response to them. When we are filled with awe we must be careful not to worship the creation, but the Creator. If you ever catch yourself wondering who He is, remember He is Jesus.

Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16 ESV

Beautiful as they are, the created things are simply trying to reflect the glory of the Uncreated One, the One who visualizes the invisible God. He made them all, so obviously He is more grand than they, more fair, more pure than everything visible and invisible. Nothing compares to Jesus.          

There’s the majesty of creation. Then there’s Jesus. Nothing and no one even comparing to His beauty. Pointing to it but not becoming it. Revealing it without fully representing it. Everything some lesser version of all that He is, and yet never as untainted as Him. Jesus. No rival. No equal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about Jesus work in creation. Then praise Him for being even more fair and pure than the best of it. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, thank You for being so fair and pure.” 

Who Holds Us Together

Ever feel like things are falling apart? Maybe you said something you later wished you had not. Things at work seem to be slowly unraveling, and you are not sure if the problem is you or someone else. You failed to do something you had promised you would do, and they just will not let you make amends.

Whatever the circumstance, we have all been there wondering how things are going to turn out in the end. Sometimes the circumstances in front of us do unravel, but even then we do not have to. Why?

Because He holds us together, even though we are as guilty as the ones who held the hammer and nails which crucified Jesus. Of course, we were not there when that happened, but we are no less guilty than they. If any circumstance feels us with remorse, this is it.

Who makes the woeful heart to sing

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 ESV

All things hold together, in Him. The heavens and the earth. Thrones, rulers and authorities. All things. You. And me. Physically, emotionally, relationally…held together. We rejoice in His beauty, revealed in creation and our lives, but we rejoice even more for how He holds together.

His beauty is not just to be observed. It instructs. It reminds us there is wholeness and wholesomeness. It shows us that even when things are broken they can be beautiful again. Seasons change and so do our lives. There is hope in the beauty of Jesus.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the fact that Jesus holds all things together. That is the single greatest reason why we an sing, even in the midst of suffering. Be ready to sing even in times of woe by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, Your beauty points to what can be.“

Jesus, thank You for giving me a reason to sing, and enabling me to do so. I have continued to sing when my heart was filled with woe because You were still worthy, and You held me together. In Jesus name. Amen.

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.

Image Attribution
Thee will I cherish Thee will I honor – https://annointing.wordpress.com/2019/03/25/jesus-at-the-center-of-it-all/
Thou my soul’s glory joy and crown – https://pixabay.com/photos/crown-tiara-crystals-diamonds-gems-1866986/

Fairest Lord Jesus Ruler of all nature
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish Thee will I honor
Thou my soul’s glory joy and crown

Fairest Lord Jesus 1662
By: Anonymous 1662

Listen to this simple 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.

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

As we begin our journey through this worshipful hymn ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus clearly. Marvel at the majesty of our Savior. Let’s think about this.

Forever

How often do you allow your mind to slip away to that place where you will spend so much of eternity? The very presence of Jesus, the One who should be cherished and honored above all? We spend so little time thinking of where we will spend so much.

A clear perspective on what our praise will look like then informs what our lives should look like now. Thinking of forever changes the priorities we live for now. Will you take a few moments and allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify your imagination of what that will be like?

Thee will I cherish Thee will I honor

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 5:12 ESV

The day is coming when the angels will cry out Jesus’ praise with a loud voice. I will not wait until then to offer Him the honor due His name. How about you? Will you commit to cherish Him AND give Him the honor that is due to His glorious name?

He is worthy of glory, praise, adoration, honor etc. Still, I must make the choice to give Him what he deserves and commit to doing so with my entire life. It is not enough to acknowledge He is worthy. I must also find ways to express that in my daily living and choices.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about cherishing Jesus eternally. Let those thoughts change the decisions you make today. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, I commit to honor You.” 

Cherish

What do we cherish? Rather who? Jesus.

He is our soul’s glory, joy and crown. Nothing else. Him alone.

Though there are that compete with our affections now, that will all be different on that day. Jesus will be the object of adoration for all of creation. What an incredible day that will be! When we finally are in the presence of the One who satisfies the longing of our soul’s. Hallelujah!

Thou my soul’s glory joy and crown

…God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

Not only angels but every knee and every tongue. Do not wait until you have no choice but to praise. Make the choice and worship Him today!

This is why I honor Him. He is the glory, joy and crown of my soul. He is worthy of glory. He is my soul’s joy. He is the crown of my soul. Being His is what endows my soul with inestimable value. I am created in the image of God, and being recreated in the image of His Son.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about what that will be like, finally being in the presence of the One our soul loves. Finally pouring out praise like never before. Get ready for those days by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, thank You for infusing my soul with value.”

Jesus, thank You for revealing to us who You are so we can respond in worship. Thank You for helping us understand that You satisfy the longing of our soul’s as nothing else can. Help us find contentment in Your presence every day as we long for that one. In Jesus name. Amen.

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.

Image Attribution
Thee will I cherish Thee will I honor – https://annointing.wordpress.com/2019/03/25/jesus-at-the-center-of-it-all/
Thou my soul’s glory joy and crown – https://pixabay.com/photos/crown-tiara-crystals-diamonds-gems-1866986/

At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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

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

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

As we continue our journey through this penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

What Do You See?

When you look at the cross what do you see? Try it. Close you eyes. Envision the cross. Answer the question. What do you see?

Do you see the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your soul? Eyes of faith allow you to see that. Not simply Jesus hanging there to pay for your sins, but the outcome of your faith. We did not get to see Jesus at the cross, but when we look at the cross we can see Jesus, and all that His work there accomplished.

It was there by faith I received my sight

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV

Our faith allows us to see the wonder of the cross, Christ’s finished work there and all that He accomplished. Thank Him for giving you spiritual eyes to see.

What a gift to see the cross with eyes of faith! Many who look upon it never truly realize the significance of what Jesus did there. If you do, give Him praise. If you do not, ask Him to give you faith-enabled sight right now.

RESONATE!
When you look at the cross can you see the salvation of your soul? If not, please take a few minutes right now and ask Jesus for faith-enabled sight. There is an effect of Jesus’ work at the cross, but you must have spiritual eyes to see it. 

Enduring Happiness

And just what is that effect of Jesus’ work at the cross? The Scripture above says the salvation of your souls. The hymn writer here says being made happy all the day. Are they the same or are they different? I suppose they could be both, depending on your understanding, but for our sake here we are going to say they are the same.

There are the same because the soul that is saved has a happiness that is not effected by external circumstances. It is happy all the day no matter what because it has found peace with God. Have you found that happiness?

And now I am happy all the day

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV

We have victory over sin, death and the grave through our Lord Jesus Christ. We experience sadnesses in our lives, but we do so against the enduring joy He has given us. Thank Him one more time for applying His work at the cross to your life.

The writer is not saying we never have anything but happiness. Instead, he is affirming that because of the cross, even when we deal with unhappy things we are able to maintain a level of happiness in spite of it. Thank the Father for making you happy.

RESONATE!
God saved your soul through the work of His Son at the cross. Thank the Father for saving your soul, for making you happy. “Father, thank You for making me happy.” 

Jesus, thank You for your work at the cross. It changes everything for me, not only for eternity but for how I live my life daily. In Jesus name. Amen.

Happy 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.

Image Attribution
It was there by faith I received my sight – https://pixabay.com/photos/eye-human-face-vision-look-person-321961/
And now I am happy all the day – https://pixabay.com/photos/search/happy/

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe
Here Lord I give myself away
‘Tis all that I can do

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed 1707
By: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
ref. by Ralph E. Hudson, 1885

Listen to this modern version of this penitent hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.

Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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

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

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

As we continue our journey through this penitent text and hymn, make each stanza your own by praying through it. Let’s think about this.

Present Your Gift

When you give something away it is called a gift. Another word for gift is present. One way of conveying a present to someone is to present it to them.

Truly the only thing you can give or present to someone that they can get nowhere else is yourself. When the writer talks about giving himself away, he has gotten to the core of what it means to give, taking something special or unique and presenting it to someone.

As we think of Jesus sacrifice this is the only appropriate gift or present. Our very selves. Are you ready to present the gift of your life to God?

Here Lord I give myself away

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 ESV

Our response is expressed by giving our lives in worship to God, loving Him and loving others. In view of His mercies, and even by them, to give ourselves over to the purposes of God as modeled by Christ Himself. Will you give yourself entirely over to the Lord? What are you holding back?

Here is our response. We give ourselves away to God, to use our lives as extensions and expressions of the very love of Christ that has changed our eternities and is transforming our days. What will giving yourself away look like today? Ask the Father that question routinely.

RESONATE!
Lord help me to give myself to you. Father, please show me how to give myself away today. And remind me to ask you some  question like that again tomorrow and every day. 

Love Earnestly

What does giving yourself away look like? Love. And what does love look like? There are countless expressions of this most important action and God will help you find yours. The crucial thing is to understand that loving by giving yourself away to God and others should really characterize every word and deed. It is really all you can do, because it should be the motivation of everything you do.

‘Tis all that I can do

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 ESV

Christ’s work on the cross paid the penalty for all our sins, yet there is some way that our response of love to His great act of love also covers sins. All we can do is love one another seriously. It is easier said than done, but may Christ’s example inspire and empower us today.

Giving ourselves away is the only right response to Christ doing that first. The hymn writer says it is all that we can do, so in a thousand ways this singular truth will be lived today. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy as you find your unique expressions of God’s love today.

RESONATE!
Ask the Spirit to reveal to you the intrinsic nature of loving by practicing giving myself away. Even when I struggle to keep something back, teach me to give my all. Help me to do so gladly. Spirit, fill me with joy as I love.

Loving Savior, thank You for showing me how to love by enduring the cross for the Father’s glory and my good. Give me eyes to see the cross this season and find my surrender in it  I want to experience the joy of giving myself away. Amen.

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.

Image Attribution
Here Lord I give myself away – https://pixabay.com/photos/gift-packaging-loop-christmas-402199/
‘Tis all that I can do – https://pixabay.com/photos/people-friends-group-hands-signs-2608145/