Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began
Father love is reigning o’er us Brother love binds man to man
Ever singing march we onward Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music lifts us sunward In the triumph song of life

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
By: Henry Van Dyke (1907),

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

Below is video 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the joy of adoration. Then open your heart and your lips and give Him praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Joining the Chorus

And what a chorus it is!

Their rehearsals started when the first stars where formed. They have been performing their designed function of declaring His glory since then. We are invited to join them.

Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began

Where were you…When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:4a, 7 ESV

How cool is that? The writer invites us to join that song that the morning stars began. A couple episodes ago we contemplated that star song. Now we are being invited to join it! Mere mortals singing along with the mighty chorus of the stars. What are you waiting for?

Finding Your Part

Have you ever sung in the chorus? Being a part of a choir means you have to listen to what the other members are singing and find your place in that. It requires a lot of listening. As you prepare to join the chorus, make sure you’ve got your listening ears.

You can not just randomly start singing whatever you wish. Choir members function in tandem. They work alongside each other and never compete. As you find your part in the mighty chorus keep that in mind.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how you will join that chorus. You have to listen and then open your lips. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, help me find my place in the chorus.”

Of Choirs and Companions

There is a simplicity to brotherly love. It prompts me to aid my brother in any way I can, from simple to sublime. It is a response to the love the Father has shown me.

This kind of love not only allows me to see the need of my brother, but then motivates me to fulfill it. When was the last time you showed that kind of love to someone? Ask the Father to reign over you and give you opportunities to allow the bond of love to be demonstrated.

Father love is reigning o’er us Brother love binds man to man

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22 ESV

Our souls are purified as we obey. The Father is love. Our obedience to Him creates the possibility of loving from a pure heart. We surrender to His reign by loving each other. The mingling of obedience, purity and love is intriguing and seems to be self-perpetuating. Love and obey.

Deferring to Others

Finding our place in the chorus requires us to follow how our conductor. It also implies that we are finding a way to show deference to those around us. In short, we are not solo artists. Our contribution to the joyful praise requires a carefully developed awareness.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and think about brotherly love. I am a brother so I want someone to love me this way, but I must also be wiling to love. Pray this simple prayer, “Father, help me follow Your lead.“

Jesus, thank You making a way for me to know the Father’s love. That love inspires me to love others. It also stimulates my praise. In Jesus’ name.

Tuneful Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for Him by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here? Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 59.4 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began
Father love is reigning o’er us Brother love binds man to man
Ever singing march we onward Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music lifts us sunward In the triumph song of life

Have you ever sung in the chorus? Being a part of a choir means you have to listen to what the other members are singing and find your place in that. It requires a lot of listening. As you prepare to join the chorus, make sure you’ve got your listening ears.

Spirit, help me find my place in the chorus.

Finding our place in the chorus requires us to follow how our conductor. It also implies that we are finding a way to show deference to those around us. In short, we are not solo artists. Our contribution to the joyful praise requires a carefully developed awareness.

Father, help me follow Your lead.

We are not standing still as we sing. We are moving forward even in difficulty. But watch your step. If you’re going to march, you need to feel the beat and be conscious of your surroundings. Another reminder, this is a communal and cautious experience.

Jesus, help me lift my eyes.

Up, up and away. How will triumph look for you today? We don’t lose sight of where our feet while marching, but we also have an eye off in the distance to where we’re headed. This gives us perspective in every circumstance. Head up, eyes forward, with joy.

Lord, help me watch my steps.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began
Father love is reigning o’er us Brother love binds man to man
Ever singing march we onward Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music lifts us sunward In the triumph song of life

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 From Infinite to Intimate appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began - https://pixabay.com/illustrations/space-science-fiction-cosmos-911785/
Father love is reigning o’er us Brother love binds man to man - https://pixabay.com/photos/children-brothers-boys-brother-4894710/

Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest
Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
By: Henry Van Dyke (1907),

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

Below is video 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the joy of adoration. Then open your heart and your lips and give Him praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Rendering Him Praise

Of course, the most powerful example of God’s giving and forgiving is the person and work of Jesus Christ. He gave us His Son and in so doing made forgiveness available to all who believe. Have you received that forgiveness through simple faith in Jesus?

There are so many other examples of God’s giving and forgiving that go unacknowledged every day. I drove through a downpour the other day. I marveled at the amount of water flooding the streets and gave glory to God for his provision for our gardens and lawns, but oftentimes I fail to do so.

Did you eat today? Blessings. Did you breath today? Blessings. Did you wake up? Blessings.

Bless the One who is worthy of every blessing of praise.

Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 103:8 ESV

Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. God is merciful and gracious because He is giving and forgiving. He is always blessing us and thus is worthy of blessing. When was the last time you blessed the Lord by giving Him praise?

Think about a time when you did not receive something you should have, or when you received something you should not have, like a punishment escaped, or an unexpected gift. Did you bless God for sparing or blessing you? If not, do it right now. If you did, do it again.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider a few of the blessings you have received today. Bless the Source for them. Make this your simple prayer “Father, I bless You for Your mercy and grace.”

Stellar Symphony

A spring is a wonderful illustration of God’s continual blessings poured out on our lives. His giving and forgiving are not always seen clearly, but that stream of water help us to imagine how they flow to us, even from us. In John 7:38 Jesus said streams of living water would flow out of those who believe. That source actually seems to flow from within us!

Though it is not clear where the water coming out of this pipe originates it aids us in visualizing that flow from God to us, and the sea of blessings. Just as all springs flow to the ocean, so all of God’s blessings flow to us, both to the righteous and the unrighteous like this downward flow of water to the sea, be it from a spring below or the clouds above us. Again, for the believer that spring is within and without, though for the unbeliever it is only from outside of them.

Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

We can attempt to stir up joy from within, or we can look for a source beyond ourselves. Rather than driving to conjure up joy, we would be well served to look to the wellspring, the source of true joy, God himself. Pursuing him brings rest and peace to our souls.

Have you ever seen a natural spring? Water just comes bubbling up from the ground seemingly out of nowhere. It flows from somewhere deep below the surface. The same is true of God’s joy. Have you tapped into that source? Do so today to experience real joy.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and tap into the Source. How will carve out some time today to soak up His blessings freely poured out to you? Pray this simple prayer, “Spirit, connect me to the Wellspring of God.“

Jesus, thank You for giving and forgiving. Help me to routinely develop a habit of giving You the praise You deserve. I want to be ever blessing You. In Jesus’ name.

Blessed Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for Him by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here? Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 59.3 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest
Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine

Think about a time when you did not receive something you should have, or when you received something you should not have, like a punishment escaped, or an unexpected gift. Did you bless God for sparing or blessing you? If not, do it right now. If you did, do it again.

Father, I bless You for Your mercy and grace.

Have you ever seen a natural spring? Water just comes bubbling up from the ground seemingly out of nowhere. It flows from somewhere deep below the surface. The same is true of God’s joy. Have you tapped into that source? Do so today to experience real joy.

Spirit, connect me to the Wellspring of God.

God has both invited us into his love and commanded us to love. We receive love and must also give love. That makes us a conduit for love to flow which can lead us to think love flows through us. More accurately, we live in love. As we live in God, love is flowing all around us.

Jesus, help me to live in love.

We need to learn to live in love. This world can be a very difficult place. Loving others can be extremely challenging sometimes. If we know God, we will love others. The knowing is the beginning for us. Fortunately, for us, He loved us from the beginning.

Lord, help me to know You.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest
Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine

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 Enduringly Blessing the Eternal Bless-or appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing ever blest -https://pixabay.com/illustrations/sunset-cross-christianity-god-sky-4060429/
Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest -https://pixabay.com/photos/stream-spring-water-moss-source-8317169/

All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest vale and mountain Flowery meadow flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
By: Henry Van Dyke (1907),

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

Below is video 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the joy of adoration. Then open your heart and your lips and give Him praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Rendering Him Praise

There is nothing in all of creation that does not willingly engage in this eternal occupation: rendering God the praise that is due His name. Before you object and say that mankind is often guilty of failing to give God glory let us clarify what is meant by rendering Him praise.

Render means to provide or give a service or help. When we look at the incredible creation that is man, we must confess that above all other creation we are most capable of giving glory to God. Certainly every sunrise and sunset, the coming together of earth and heaven reflecting the rays of the sun, provide ample opportunity to praise our Creator, but when we see compassion and kindness offered between two people it is in many ways an even more accurate reflection of the glory of God.

We are often guilty of not reflecting His glory through our choices. Even still, the way He has made us, the capacity for bearing His image well, informs our adoration. Whether we bend our purposes to this overarching endeavor or not, all the works of God, including mankind, joyfully surround Him with praise.

Reflecting

All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy! Psalm 96:11-12 ESV

Again, and again in the Psalms, we read how creation itself calls us to worship our Creator God. It reflects His glory and in so doing instructs our praise. When you imagine a scene like the one described here, does it make you want to join in the praise?

Have you found your place in the joyful adoration of God? Mankind is the only part of creation that has a choice to worship or not, so you have that choice. Could it be said of you that you joyfully, consistently offer your praise to God? If not, join them today.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider to whom You are rendering Your adoration. Is it more often God, or something else. Make this your simple prayer “Father, help me join the praise.”

Stellar Symphony

We can use our eyes to see the reflection of God’s glory as the earth and the heavens cast back the light which but one other expression of it. We can also use our ears coupled with our imagination to help us grasp the all-encompassing wonder of the worship of God across all creation.

Scripture tells us on numerous occasions the angels sing. That is no surprise. But did you realize the stars do as well?

Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise

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

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and described the earliest worship as God began to lay the foundations of the earth and the stars and angels uttered praise. Since those first moments of worship they have never stopped continually offering adoration.

Star Songs

Can you even begin to imagine what the worship offered by stars and angels must sound like? Though we have some idea of the content of the angels song, few people realize that stellar sound waves are a symphony of their own offered in praise of their Maker.

Not sure about what kinds of songs stars may sing? Check out this article from NASA about those stellar symphonies. Sounds like the pads we sometimes use in worship today and provides a very worshipful foundation for such sounds.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and turn your attention to the stars an angels. Can you hear their symphony? Pray this simple prayer, “Lord, help me join the symphony of the stars.“

Jesus, thank You for enabling the heavens and the earth, even the stars to join the angels in their praise. I am humbled that you would want me to join that chorus. Help me find my place in it. In Jesus’ name.

Willful Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for Him by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here? Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 59.2 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest vale and mountain Flowery meadow flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee

Have you found your place in the joyful adoration of God? Mankind is the only part of creation that has a choice to worship or not, so you have that choice. Could it be said of you that you joyfully, consistently offer your praise to God? If not, join them today.

Father, help me join the praise.

Can you even begin to imagine what the worship offered by stars and angels must sound like? Though we have some idea of the content of the angels song, few people realize that stellar soundwaves are a symphony of their own offered in praise of their Maker.

Lord, help me join the symphony of the stars.

What part of creation most naturally evokes your praise? Being raised among tree-covered mountains such places are my greatest inspiration. Whatever it is for you, what can you do today to find fresh inspiration for your joyful adoration?

Spirit, inspire my praise anew.

A bird song, a babbling brook or one of hundreds of creations other cantors, there is no shortage of sounds and sights calling us to worship. Are your senses aware of everything around you inviting you to rejoice? Ask Jesus to heighten your senses today.

Jesus, heighten my senses to the call of worship.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest vale and mountain Flowery meadow flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee

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 Singing with the Stars appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays - https://pixabay.com/illustrations/lamp-lock-sun-mountain-rock-sunset-843796/
Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise - https://pixabay.com/illustrations/background-angel-stars-christmas-1068844/

Joyful joyful we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
By: Henry Van Dyke (1907),

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

Below is video 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!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we begin our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the joy of adoration. Then open your heart and your lips and give Him praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

How to Make Adoration Joyful

There is a difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness can be easily manufactured. Give a toddler what they want and…poof! They are happy. Adults are pretty much the same. When that thing they want no longer satisfies or is taken away, the magic is gone and so is the happiness.

Not so with joy.

Joy is inherently deeper. Accordingly it is not so easily manipulated by external circumstances. It is also not so easily attained. But once it is, it is more lasting.

Are you joyful?

Is your praise joyful? Your praise will be if you are. The two are intrinsically connected. Find the source of joy and your will be able to offer joyful adoration.

What is the only sustainable source of such joy? The God of glory. The Lord of love.

Joyful joyful we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalm 100:1-2 ESV

We are commanded to offer our praise to God so to do so is simply responding and obedience. How do we make that praise joyful? We consider the One to whom it is offered. He is the God of glory, the Lord of love and He alone is worthy of our joyful adoration.

When was the last time you joyfully adored God? Was it with a group of people? Were you by yourself? Was it quiet? Was there music playing? If it’s been a while, what can you do today to get yourself in an environment and condition to joyfully adore God?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the source of joy. As you reflect of the reality of God you will discover the motivation and impetus of adoration. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, help me to offer joyful adoration.”

Look and Learn

Again, look to the source. But this time do so from the perspective of a simple flower, say lilies. They do not toil or spin, trying to conjure up their adoration. They simply open up to the sun above and in so doing reveal the fullness of their inherent beauty.

The same is true of us. When we open ourselves up to the light of God, we need not toil or spin, but simply allow the best of all that we are be put on display even as we pour ourselves out for His glory.

Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee Opening to the sun above

…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6:28b-29 ESV

Lessons from Lilies

Our praise should come naturally. Our hearts should mirror the ease of flowers as they open themselves to the sun. They intrinsically know the value of what is shining down upon them and we can as well if we will simply open our hearts to it, to Him. Open your heart.

What is the posture of your heart toward God? Could you learn a lesson from the lilies of the field? Think about how a flower simply opens itself to the rays of the sun. Does your heart unfold in a similar way toward God? Take a few moments right now to open up to Him.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and turn your attention to God. Can you sense the light of His presence in your life. Pray this simple prayer, “Father, help me open my heart to You.“

Jesus, thank You for the lilies of the field and the lessons I can learn from them. Help me learn to turn to You as easily as they do. May my response to Your glory be as beautiful as the flowers opened to the sun. In Jesus’ name.

Joyful Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for Him by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here? Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 59.1 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Joyful joyful we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day

When was the last time you joyfully adored God? Was it with a group of people? Were you by yourself? Was it quiet? Was there music playing? If it’s been a while, what can you do today to get yourself in an environment and condition to joyfully adore God?

Spirit, help me to offer joyful adoration.

What is the posture of your heart toward God? Could you learn a lesson from the lilies of the field? Think about how a flower simply opens itself to the rays of the sun. Does your heart unfold in a similar way toward God? Take a few moments right now to open up to Him.

Father, help me open my heart to You.

Sometimes there are things in our lives which make it difficult to acknowledge that the sun is still shining. Think about it. Even on a cloudy, rainy day the sun is still shining. We just can’t see it because of the clouds. Is there anything keeping you from God’s glory and love?

Jesus, show me Your glory and love.

What is the source of pure joy? Peace with God. How do you know you have that? You are filled with the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Ask God to fill you with His light and from it will flow immortal gladness, the fuel for your joyful adoration.

Spirit, fill me with Your light.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing again.

Joyful joyful we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day

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 Learning Lessons from Lilies appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Joyful joyful we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love -​​​​ https://pixabay.com/illustrations/love-god-human-heaven-sun-mood-580248/
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee Opening to the sun above - ​​https://pixabay.com/vectors/flowers-heart-hearth-1300579/
Lilies - https://pixabay.com/vectors/lily-flower-bloom-nature-plant-4597796/