Take my life and let it be
Consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated 1874
By: Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

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

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

As we begin our journey through this classic text and hymn, think about what it will mean to sincerely offer each part of your life and your entire life to God. It requires diligence and intentionality. Thanks for joining us in this grand pursuit. Let’s think about this.

Moments and Days

Having offered our entire life to God in the opening part of this first stanza we begin here to enumerate the different areas which make up our life. Specifically we acknowledge time, through the lens of moments and days. Those two diverse increments provide us a contrast which helps to frame the commitment we are making in this second half of the first stanza.

A moment is a very small increment of time. Many moments strung together make up days. Both are segments of time. Time provides the linear backdrop for the living we have committed to God. We are essentially telling God that we want Him to help us make the most of the time we are given.

Take my moments and my days

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV

A life lived accomplishing God’s will is made up of moments which accumulate to form days spent in this grand pursuit. Living purposefully in the smallest increments prepares us for the larger ones. Are you willing to offer God your moments, minutes, hours and days?

A faithful life is made up of millions of moments lived faithfully. Seems obvious, right? Yet without the awareness that all those smaller decisions contribute to a larger whole, it is easy to forget their significance. Ask the Spirit to fill you with that awareness and your life with purpose.

RESONATE!
Living our moments and days to God’s glory requires intent, awareness and diligence. We need His help to be faithful in the little things and big things alike. Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, fill every moment of every day.“

Ceaseless Praise

Whether we are living moments or days, there is one activity that we want to characterize them all, ceaseless or continual praise. Brother Lawrence’s thought’s on this subject are captured in the classic “The Practice of the Presence of God”. In it, he talks about his learning to pursue God’s presence in the mundane things of life.

If we are going to live lives of continual worship, we must learn to walk with an awareness of God’s presence. It starts in moments and grows to consume larger increments of time. It becomes a way of living, or a lifestyle, not just an activity we engage in occasionally.

Let them flow in ceaseless praise

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 ESV

Moments and days filled with praise. Not just songs of worship, but worship as a way of life. This certainly includes giving glory to God with our mouths but ultimately involves everything we are, everywhere we do, everywhere we go. Ask God to help you fulfill that commitment.

Like the drops of water that form a stream, so the moments of praise flow to make a life of unending worship. We must not simply sing songs of praise. Their words must shape the way we live every moment of every day as we pursue worship as a way of life, not just a part of life.

RESONATE!
Have you ever thought of praise in this way? Not constantly singing songs, but living your life for the glory of God. Giving Him praise in every word, thought and deed. Do not be overwhelmed with this idea. Pray simply, “Lord, help me praise You continually.” Then keep praying and watch Him answer.

Jesus help me learn how to fill every moment and day with Your praise. Not only with my songs but my words and actions as well. I want to praise You without ceasing. Please help me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Worshipful Thinking!

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Image Attribution
Take my moments and my days – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/clock-clock-face-wave-present-year-1527692/
Let them flow in ceaseless praise – https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-sky-sunlight-arms-open-arms-2667455/

Praise to the Lord
   O let all that is in me adore Him
All that hath life and breath
   Come now with praises before Him
Let the amen sound from His people again
Gladly for aye we adore Him

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

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

As we conclude our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

All People

The Psalmist calls forth praise from all people. The hymn writer admonishes praise from God’s people. Both are right.

We are longing for the day when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. On that day, all people will praise God. We long for that day.

The day is already here when God’s people say amen. We agree with God regarding His will and His ways and we want to see them come to pass. We should enjoy being a part of that praise today.

Don’t wait until every tongue is praising. Praise Him now.

Let the amen sound from His people again

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord! Psalm 106:48 ESV

Then, a subset of mankind is encouraged to offer their praise again to God. Who is that subset? The People Of God, bought at a great price. Are you one of them, us? When was the last time you let your “amen” sound from your lips? Let it sound from your lips again today.

When was the last time you gathered with God‘s people to join the “Amen” they continually lift before Him? Maybe you are routinely there, but do not routinely join in with your voice. What’s stopping you? The command is clear. Find your place in the “Amen.”

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about your place in the praise. Make it a regular practice to be a part of the amen of God’s people. Start by making this your simple prayer, “Father, help me say, “amen” again.“

All Time

Don’t wait for forever to begin. It already has. Find your place in the eternal praise. That’s right. His praise is an eternal activity that has already begun and will never stop.

Have you determined to be a part of it? It has already started, but have you. There is absolutely no reason to wait.

Gladly for aye we adore Him

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2 ESV

Finally, all time. Forever. That is the timeframe for our praise. It should begin the moment we realize he is worthy and should never stop. Every day? Absolutely. Every moment for the rest of eternity? Of course. Praise To The Lord The Almighty for He alone is worthy!

The word “aye” in this final line is archaic. One sense of the meaning is an assent or affirmation. While our adoration is such, another use of the word means forever. His adoration has been going on eternally and we should gladly find our place in it forever.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to consider eternity. His praise has already begun. Make this your prayer today, “Lord, help me find my place in Your perpetual praise.“

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 Attributions
Let the amen sound from His people again – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/family-church-cross-faith-religion-5344669/
Gladly for aye we adore Him – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/jesus-church-worship-holy-praised-8341487/

Praise to the Lord Who
   When darkness of sin is abounding
Who when the godless do triumph
   All virtue confounding
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night
Saints with His mercy surrounding

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

His Light

Have you ever lit a candle in a dark room? The darkness has no choice. It can not swallow the light, but rather is no match for it and must retreat.

The same is true somehow of the darkness of sin. Though we live in a fallen world and often things seem to happen that allow the darkness to advance, God’s light comes even in the most unexpected moments and changes things.

Whatever darkness you may be facing right now. look for the light. God will shed it on those circumstances. His hands are at work.

Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 ESV

Here we see the beginning of the answer. Though darkness and wickedness may seem to prosper, God’s light shines in the midst of those circumstances. The darkness will not overcome His light, even though at times it seems a worthy challenger. It is not.

Though the night seems dark, God‘s light will disperse and dispel it. When it seems the horrors may envelope our souls let us continue to ask God to send His light for He has promised and is faithful. May our praise create the environment for that request.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to about the darkness you are facing. It might not be obvious how the godless are triumphing, but you may feel they are about to envelope you. Start by making this your simple prayer, “Jesus, help me to praise You in the dark.”

His Presence

It may seem dark, but the Lord sees you. He knows what you are going through right now. He is surrounding you even as you read this, so hope on His steadfast love.

How will you do that? Tell him. I will not fear the godless darkness, but I will fear you, for Your might and glory are great. My hope is in You alone. I will praise you even as I what for Your deliverance. As the songwriter said, “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.“

Saints with His mercy surrounding

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19 ESV 

God sees his saints and surrounds them with His mercy. He delivers them from death and keeps them alive in famine. Even in the midst of difficulty His mercy is with us. That is good news for today, and the next time the darkness encroaches.

When it looks like we are surrounded by the darkness of wickedness and sin, never forget we are also surrounded by God. This confidence helps us to overcome even the thickest and gravest darkness. Thank God for surrounding you with His mercy.          

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the capacity of Jesus. He is not limited by your understanding, but what you ask of Him may be. Make this your prayer today, “God, thank You for surrounding me with Your mercy.  “

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 Attributions
Sheddeth His light chaseth the horrors of night – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hands-light-trust-faith-shining-5725559/
Saints with His mercy surrounding –https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photography-of-people-raising-hands-2014775/

Praise to the Lord Who
  When tempests their warfare are waging
Who when the elements madly around thee are raging
Biddeth them cease turneth their fury to peace
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

The Storms are Raging

The first half of this stanza established the chaos of the storms and tempests we face. Powerful imagery evokes strong emotions as we remember the force of the elements each of us has experienced at different times. Then the focus pivots to what our Lord can do in the midst of those moments.

It brings to mind to story of Jesus sleeping in the boat while His disciples feared they might be engulfed by the waves. They were so worried they woke Him up. It makes you wonder how bad could it have been if Jesus was sleeping through it all, or maybe how completely exhausted He might have been from all the teaching and ministry in which He had engaged.

They were afraid. But Jesus calmed the storm, or rather storms, both without and within.

But Jesus…

Biddeth them cease turneth their fury to peace 

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 ESV

I wonder if the voice Elijah heard was similar to the one Jesus uttered here. There are exclamation marks, but I wonder if Jesus only spoke loudly so his disciples could hear amidst all the noise. Often quiet, but sometimes not, is the voice that calms the storms.

When Jesus spoke to the storm it seems He raised His voice. How is God speaking into the storms of your life? Is it the still, small voice from the cave or the shout from the boat on the waves? God is speaking. Ask Him for the ability to hear Him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about the storms you are facing. It might not be tempests and elements but it is evoking just as much fear with you. Start by making this your simple prayer.”Jesus, help me hear Your voice.” 

A Capacity Issue?

Imagine for a moment what that must have been like for the disciples. They are astonished and as one another who this could be who the winds obey. Who He was seems clear, but what He is able to do requires some consideration.

Though they had spent much time with Jesus and had already seen some incredible things, nothing was on the scale of this miracle. The disciples capacity to fathom what Jesus would do as they woke Him had limitations. Fortunately for them, and for us, Jesus capacity has not limitations.

He did it for them. He can do it for you.

Deliverance From or Through

Whirlwinds and waters assuaging

He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 ESV

Assuaging means to make something less intense. Often we ask God to deliver us from the storms, but sometimes His will is to deliver us through them. In all cases, when we are listening for His voice, and continuing to give Him praise, He makes the storms less intense.

How do you imagine God will make your current or future storms less intense? Will He calm them? Will He give you the ability to see He is not in them? Maybe He will show Himself as a refuge or strong tower. He will be your very present help in time of trouble.

RESONATE!

Take a few moments and consider the capacity of Jesus. He is not limited by your understanding, but what you ask of Him may be. Make this your prayer today, “God, help me to run to you in the tempest.”

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 Attributions
Biddeth them cease turneth their fury to peace – https://pixabay.com/photos/church-window-church-window-jesus-1704828/
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging – https://pixabay.com/photos/boat-lagoon-reflection-sea-water-6860983/

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper
  Thy work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
  If with His love He befriend thee

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Sitting with Your Thoughts

Most people do not like to sit with things. Whether it is trying to make a decision between two difficult paths, or finding the best course in a perplexing situation, it is easier to just run headlong into the fray. We wold be better off if we would learn to think a little before making a decision or moving ahead.

This can be difficult. Maybe you feel the pressure to keep things humming. Maybe it is simply trying to gain the approval of some of those involved, or even just one. Sometimes things seem to be swirling out of control and to attempt to stop and think seems impossible.

Many times it might be. But not always.

Thinking on God

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; Lamentations 3:21-22a ESV

Do you set your mind on these things? Do you allow yourself to sit and ponder the demonstrations of God‘s steadfast love to you every single day? You would be well-served to set aside some time to ponder what God is doing in your life. Nothing will fill you with more hope than that exercise.

What do you think about when you aren’t thinking about anything? When your mind trails off the task that is right in front of you what do you find yourself daydreaming about? What you think about tells you what your value, but you can also teach yourself what is valuable by training your mind to ponder.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to ask God to think about what God could do in your situation. What situation? That one that came to mind when we asked you to think. Coming to God with those things is a great discipline to develop. Start by making this your simple prayer.”Spirit, help me to routinely call to mind the things of God.” 

Need a Hand?

We all need a helping hand some time. What better hand to reach out to than God’s? There is nothing He can not do.

But God does not do everything we want. We might even question whether God does everything I need. He does, but sometimes we just need a little “perspective corrective”.

Put it in the view of the one being helped up here. If he was looking the wrong way, no help. There would also be no help if he was not willing to accept it. What if he just decided to try to jump to the top? He might find it is a long way down. He definitely needs a hand.

We All Do Sometime

You have been there to haven’t you? Truth is, we all have. But we have not always been willing to receive the help that is readily available.

If with His love He befriend thee

…his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22b-23 ESV

His mercies never come to an end. He wants to befriend us with his love. But we have to put ourselves in a blessable state. This requires us to remove some things from our lives and add other things. What needs to be removed or added for you to know the love of God?

Did you notice the word “if”? Is it possible for God to not befriend me? To befriend means to offer help or support. God wants to show his love to all, but not all are ready to receive it. If you have give Him thanks. If you have not ask yourself why.                       

RESONATE!

Take a few moments and consider your posture. Are you ready to receive the help you desperately need? Do you even realize you have a need? Make this your prayer today, “Jesus, help me to receive your love.   “

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 Attributions
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do –think-mental-work-man-face-black-272677
If with His love He befriend thee –https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-men-silhouettes-helping-1807524/