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Be Sincere, Be a Seeker REPLAYED

Seeking

Sages, leave your contemplations,
 Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
 Ye have seen His natal star.
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.

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.

We continue our journey to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  Having already looked at what the wise men left behind, we press in a little closer to examine what they are pursuing.  As we do, ask yourself what you are going after.  Let’s think about this.

Seeking Him

The wise men had come from the east, and we have no indication that they were previously God-fearers, non-Jewish believers.  They had left some things behind in order to pursue the One whose birth the star proclaimed.  They were not just leaving some things behind they were also going after something.  What exactly?  Or more precisely, Who?

They told Herod they were looking for the King of the Jews.  Why would prominent Gentiles be seeking out a king who sits on a throne in lowly Israel?  Well, as they said, they had seen His star and had come to worship Him.  Yes, they had left some things behind but they were simultaneously pressing toward something greater.

They had come from other lands and nations to pursue One who would not only be King of the Jews, but so much more.  Our hymn writer here describes Him as “the great Desire of nations”.  Jesus describes Himself this way.

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 8:12ESV

He is not only the light of the Israel, He is the light of the world.  We all were walking in the darkness of death until we discovered the light of life.  The wise men are no different.

He is what are hearts long for.  Light.  Hope.  Peace.  Love.  He is our desire, and the great Desire of the nations.

You may choose to argue that point, but you will not once you surrender and determine to seek Him.  For once you seek Him, you will find Him, if you search with all your heart. [Jeremiah 29:13] And when you find Him you will know that He is what every person of every tribe and tongue truly desire.

So will you?

Will you determine to seek Him?  On Tuesday we determined to to leave some things behind so we could pursue the better things God has for us.  There is nothing better than Him, and a greater awareness of His presence in our lives.  But it does not just come to us, we must determine to pursue it.  How will you do that today?  Prayer, Bible reading, worship, etc.?  What discipline will you use to seek the great Desire of nations today?

In Response

Respond

But when we do seek, we must always acknowledge that even then we are simply responding to what He has already shown us of Himself.  And that revelation has caused us too long for still more. Their search began with the star.

They saw the star when it rose.  They knew it was significant.  They responded in worship.

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9b-10 ESV

The wise men left their contemplations.  They pursued a star which appeared in the heavens.  They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

What are you pursuing?  Be honest.  We are all going after something.  Are you confident that your pursuit will end with you rejoicing exceedingly with great joy?  We must be careful that the things we are chasing honor God and will ultimately produce good for us.

What has God shown to you?  Has He revealed something to you to which you have yet to respond?  It may require you to leave something behind.  It will certainly require you to begin a journey of faith.  But it will also absolutely be worth the sacrifice.  What response is God inviting you to make today?

Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the World, and the light of my life.  Shine into my darkness so I can clearly see the path you are marking out before me.  Give me the courage to leave behind what is not needful so that I may press into what is. In Jesus name.   Amen.

Responsive Thinking!

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Podcast 54.3 Transcript, 12.3 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.

Sages, leave your contemplations,

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1-2 ESV 

Wise men, or magi, came from the east.  These learned men left their pursuit of knowledge to search for something even better.  What might God be asking you to leave behind so you may know Him better this Christmas, or in the New Year?  Will you follow His leading?

   Brighter visions beam afar;

Saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 ESV

Maybe God has already given you a vision of a better future in your relationship with Him but you need to leave something behind to pursue it.  Do you have a sense of your “brighter visions”? If not, ask God to open your eyes to them as He did for the wise men.

Seek the great Desire of nations;

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

So the magi used the star to lead them to the One who would later utter these words.  They walked through darkness, but found the light of life, the light of the world. They were not Jewish so they demonstrate that the wisest among us from every nation desire Him.  Will you?  

  Ye have seen His natal star.

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:9b-10 ESV

But just seeing the star is not enough.  We must respond. The wise men journeyed long, and when they arrived at their destination rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. As you pursue Christ, expect the same kind of feeling.  But make certain you are pursuing Him. Are you?

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.

Sages, leave your contemplations,
 Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
 Ye have seen His natal star.
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

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

The post Be Sincere, Be a Seeker REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Seeking – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/christmas-kings-christmas-time-934177/
Respond – https://pixabay.com/photos/nativity-star-manger-christmas-3674785/

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Want to Disperse Your Shadows? REPLAYED

Now Residing

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.

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.

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

Yonder Shines

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?

Shadow

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.

Jesus, thank You for residing with us.  For coming and being God with us.  Your presence changes every situation.  Thank you for shining Your light into my darkness.  Reveal where death has taken territory in my life and help me to push it back.  In Jesus name.   Amen.

Bright Thinking!

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Podcast 54,2 Transcript, 12.2 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.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field,  Luke 2:8a ESV

This story is continued from the previous passage where we are told of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.  These fields were outside Bethlehem. That is where these shepherds lived. God came to them where they lived.  How kind of Him to do that! And He has been doing that ever since. Thank Him for meeting us where we live.

Watching o’er your flocks by night,

keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8b ESV

And they were just doing their job.  Going about their normal activity. When suddenly God sent an unmistakable message to them.  God still comes to us in our daily labors. He makes His presence known to us, but we must be ready to receive it.  No doubt these shepherds were. Are you?

God with us is now residing;

“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

This verse quotes the words from Isaiah 7:14, and then adds the explanation, “God with us”.  The news the shepherds heard was first revealed here to Joseph. He came to dwell with us so that He could live a perfect life, then offer it to save us from our sins.  Give thanks to the Father for becoming Immanuel in His son.

  Yonder shines the infant light:

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

Jesus at His birth was the light that dawned.  We though 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?

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.

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.

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

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/

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Learning How to Offer Praise that Extends Peace, REPLAYED

Ye Who Sang

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.

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.

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

Creation’s Story

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.
Messiah’s Birth

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.

Jesus, thank You for creating the angels to be Your messengers.  I want to be your messenger as well. Create some opportunities for me to not only give You glory, but also extend peace to someone who needs it.  In Jesus name.   Amen.

Angelic 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 54.1 Transcript, 12.1 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.

Angels from the realms of glory,

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Luke 2:13 ESV

We will get to their song later but note that these angels have come from the heavens.  The realms of glory left behind, they come to tell of the King’s arrival. What kind of King gets such a royal, angelic proclamation?  Only our King, Jesus Christ. Worship Him who alone is worthy.  

 Wing your flight o’er all the earth;

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 ESV

This glorious good news and the offer to receive it echoes to the whole earth, for all the people.  The angels are God’s messengers and they carry this invitation to worship everywhere there wings take them.  Will you put your journey to the same use declaring this invitation.

Ye who sang creation’s story

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

Though there are several Scriptural allusions to the presence of angels during the creation of the world, this one is a good one. Taken from God’s response to Job, God Himself acknowledges the presence of the sons of God, angels, shouting for joy with the morning stars.  Can you hear the echo of their praises across eternity?

  Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

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

And here the host of angels sing glory to the newborn King! They join the first angel that started the proclamation of Messiah’s birth in angelic chorus.  Imagine what that must have been like, and determine to respond to the call to worship with them today.

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.

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.

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

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/

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Setting Our Sights Toward Home, REPLAYED

Fair and Bright the Home in Glory

When your journey is completed,
When the valley you pass through,
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (1906)

By: Jennie B. Wilson (1856 – 1913)

Listen to this instrumental version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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

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

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

We conclude our journey through this hymn that challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. Looking forward to what God has in store for us impacts how we journey through these days. Let’s think about this.

Home

I have said many times before that it is sad how little time we spend thinking, talking, and teaching about heaven, especially considering how much time we are going to spend there. So let’s change that for at least the next few minutes.

When was the last time you thought about it? Heaven. The place where we are planning to spend eternity. I guess one could argue, I already have my inheritance there and it is my reward for following Christ, nothing more needing to be done to earn it. And while all that is true, thinking about where we are going to spend the rest of forever has an impact on the quality of life in these days.

Fair and bright the home in glory

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

Jesus promised not only that He was going to prepare a place for us, but that He would return to take us there. We have a home in glory. It will be fair and bright. We will see it with our eyes one day, but for now, we need Jesus to give us eyes of faith to see, even if only with our mind’s eye, our eternal home.

So what do you imagine it will be like? Clouds and harps? Maybe, but I do not think that will be all. I think we will enjoy God and each other. Think of the things you do in your home. Rest and relate with a smaller group of people. Prepare for the activities which take you beyond your home.

Some of us have spent a lot more time at home these past few months. At times I am sure that has driven you crazy, wanting to get out and do other things, but I hope you have also made the most of the quarantine to spend it enjoying those who were with you. It has probably also caused you to long for the experiences that home is not designed for, gathering in larger groups.

RESONATE!
We can enjoy our homes here, but we must also be careful to long for that which is coming. All the good things here are a shadow of what is to come. Are you longing for that home in glory, fair and bright as it will certainly be? Take a few moments before you read on and simply ask the Holy Spirit to give you an even deeper longing for your home in glory.

Gaze

Your Enraptured Soul Will View

Your enraptured soul will view. 

There’s an unusual word, enraptured. If something enraptures your soul, it is giving intense pleasure or joy to you. Certainly that will be the effect viewing our eternal home will have on us, in all its fairness and brightness.

When we finally see that place Jesus has been preparing for us, our souls will be consumed with intense pleasure and unimaginable joy. I can hardly wait. But even still, sometimes it is difficult to lift my gaze enough to allow it to be filled with that longing for my eternal home.

How about you? When was the last time you looked into the skies and hoped the return of Christ would happen soon? If it has been awhile, take a few moments right and do so. Maybe you can even get outside and look up. If not, look at the image above and utter a simple prayer like this. Thank You, Jesus, for promising to return to take me to the home You have been preparing for me.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 ESV

We look forward to that eternal dwelling in the house of the Lord, but let us not forget the promise of goodness and mercy following us either. I would argue that knowing we will dwell in the Lord’s presence forever allows us to receive and extend mercy and help create an atmosphere where goodness is left in the wake of wherever we trod. What are you doing to cultivate goodness and mercy where you are so there can be a residue of them left behind even after you leave? May God give us the grace to build our hopes on things eternal, and live is such a way that anticipates them while inviting others to do the same.

RESONATE!
Ask God to help you to evaluate if your living is leaving goodness and mercy behind you. Ask Him to show you if there are ways you are too focused on daily living and how you can adjust your thinking to be more eternal. We all need to keep our gaze up, ever mindful of where we will spend forever, without losing sight of today. Help us, Lord.

Jesus, thank You for leading me through these days and filling my life with goodness and mercy. Help me to leave a residue of these two qualities behind everywhere I go, and help me to always build on the eternal hope I have on You as I endeavor to do so. I long to dwell with You forever and long for the day when my enraptured soul will view my home in glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Eternal 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 53.4 Transcript, 19.4 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.

When your journey is completed,

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV

Sometimes while you are holding on to God’s unchanging hand, it seems like you will not be able to make it through everything you are facing. Even then, take comfort in the fact that God will finish the work He started.  There will be an end. Thank Him for completing what He has started in You.

When the valley you pass through,

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Psalm 23:4 ESV

We all walk through valleys at some point, but there is no need to fear for God is with you. When death is casting a shadow over you, it can be very difficult to recall this simple fact. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you today, and whenever you need it in the future.

Fair and bright the home in glory

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

Jesus promised not only that He was going to prepare a place for us but that He would return to take us there. We have a home in glory. It will be fair and bright. We will see it with our eyes one day, but for now ask Jesus to give you eyes of faith to see your eternal home.

Your enraptured soul will view.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 ESV

We believe with David that goodness and mercy are with us every day, but we will know it completely on that day. Our souls will find a rest we only dreamed was possible. That is the hope we build on, and long for. Ask God to help you hold to His unchanging hand as you wait.

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.

When your journey is completed,
When the valley you pass through
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

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 Setting Our Sights Toward Home, REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Fair and Bright Your Home in Glory – https://pixabay.com/photos/cloud-sky-yellow-sunshine-sunset-143152/
Your Enraptured Soul Will View – https://pixabay.com/photos/summerfield-woman-girl-sunset-336672/

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What Are You Carefully Keeping? REPLAYED

Seek to Gain the Heavenly Treasures

Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand (1906)

By: Jennie B. Wilson (1856 – 1913)

Listen to this instrumental version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. 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.

We continue our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days, and the eternal hope of God in heaven. How exactly are we supposed to seek heavenly treasures?  Let’s think about this.

Where Your Treasure Is…

It is important to be careful what treasures you are seeking, because they reveal where your heart is. Jesus taught us to seek heavenly treasures, but not until after He warned us of the fleeting nature of earthly ones, which can be destroyed or stolen. This stanza echoes the teaching of Christ. Having asked the Spirit to reveal and turn our hearts away from any covetousness in our Tuesday Tuning, we now ask Him to fill our minds with a clearer perspective on the treasures we should seek.

Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 ESV

These words of Jesus are the second half of a teaching on treasures. Here He points our souls toward not only the inestimable value of treasures which are stored up in heaven, but their security. The treasures which we seek in heaven can not be eaten up, and are not subject to decay or theft. When we labor toward treasures that are stored up in heaven, we can do so with the confidence that they are safe.

The challenge for us is to develop an eternal perspective. It is so easy to focus on life as we see it here and now. That focus influences our thinking, and our thinking where we invest our energies.

We all need food, clothing and shelter as we journey along here, and so we understandably spend some energies on those pursuits. The problem arises when we find our security or our identity in them, or other earthly things, all subject to decay.

So how do we avoid vain pursuits? By valuing things that will last. When we do this, we guard our hearts and minds from being consumed by things that do not matter eternally. When making decisions about how to spend our energies, we must ask some questions. Do I need this? Will pursuing it store up treasure? If so, where?

As you answer those questions and others like them, you will gain and maintain the perspective that will help you lay up treasures in heaven. And just what are those? We will think more on that in the next section, but first take a few minutes to cultivate a desire to seek heavenly treasures.

RESONATE!
Jesus, help me seek the eternal treasures of heaven. Help me question my motivation when I engage in pursuits great and small. Are any of my current pursuits hindering my search for heavenly treasures? Show me and give me the courage to redirect those energies toward eternal things. Are there other pursuits You are placing before me that could aid my search? Please make it clear today, Jesus.

Your Heart Will Be Also

They Will Never Pass Away

The treasures that we lay up in heaven are best felt in this life in the heart. The enduring nature of those treasures alone makes them more valuable than the riches of earth, but the disparity between them is best revealed in the effect they have on us. The hope of heaven’s treasures never fails and that makes all the difference when all else fails.

They will never pass away.

…he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  I Peter 1:3b, 4 ESV

We have been born again in a living hope. We have an inheritance that is eternal. When we build on that inheritance, we are putting our hopes on things that will last forever. They will not die. They can not be corrupted, nor can their brightness fade.

When we are seeking those kinds of treasures, not only does it change what we are pursuing, it changes the way we pursue. When our hearts are set on things above, things kept in heaven for us by God’s unchanging hand, we are able to build our hopes on eternal things. 

RESONATE!
Are you pursuing things that will never pass away? Is your heart set on your inheritance in Christ? Ask the Spirit to reveal other passions which may compete with this and threaten to siphon away your hope. Ask Him to help you set your heart and build your hope on things eternal. Then praise God for the hope that is eternal, which we find when we hold His unchanging hand. 

Jesus, thank You for showing me the vanity of earthly riches and the value of eternal treasures once again. Take my heart and help me set it on things that will never pass away, that my seeking may be constrained to those things. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Valuable Thinking!

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Podcast 53.3 Transcript, 19.3 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.

Covet not this world’s vain riches,

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 ESV

Jesus is teaching here to be on guard against having a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else. That can consume your soul, and become the foundation of your hope. Ask Jesus to reveal any covetousness within you.

That so rapidly decay,

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV

There are at least two reasons not to covet. Here is the first. The world’s riches rapidly decay. Even if you are able to acquire them, you will eventually loose them in this life or at its end. Ask the Spirit to help you to avoid toiling to acquire worldly wealth.

Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 ESV

Here is the second. Heavenly treasures are eternal. Rather that toiling to acquire treasures that will not last, we should lay up ones that will. How are you seeking to gain those treasures? What are you invested in that will produce those heavenly treasures?

They will never pass away.

…he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  I Peter 1:3b, 4 ESV

And how incredible those treasures are that will not pass away! An inheritance that is eternal. When we build on that inheritance, we are putting our hopes on things that will last forever. Praise God for the hope that is eternal, which we find when we hold His unchanging hand.

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.

Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

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 What Are You Carefully Keeping? REPLAYED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Seek to Gain the Heavenly Treasures – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/chest-treasure-wood-box-1657362/
They Will Never Pass Away – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/diamond-isolated-transparent-1857736/

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