O measureless might ineffable love
While angels delight to worship Thee above
The humbler creation though feeble their lays
With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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 ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.

Ineffable?

Sometimes when we sing things written years ago we come across words that are more than a little unfamiliar. This last stanza has two, one in this first part and one in the last. We will take a look at “lays” on Thursday. But first, how would you define ineffable?

Since you know that it is an adjective describing God’s love you might have some guesses: ie. great, extravagant, free. Honestly though, this is one I had to look up. It means, “too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.” If there is a word in the English language that aptly expresses or describes the love of our King I think this just might be it. Ironic that it is a word that does a good job describing another word that can not be described!

God’s love is ineffable. True statement. And His might is measureless as well.

O measureless might ineffable love

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

Again we see complementary qualities of our Lord set beside each other, might and love. He uses His might to display His love through our salvation which is proof of His rejoicing over us. We may struggle to communicate our response of love, but thankfully He does not.

So great is His might there is simply no way to measure it. So extravagant is His love there is simply no way to express it. He brings together these two qualities in beauty and splendor and the angels lead the praise all creation will one day join. Thank Him for revealing them to you.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider God’s might and love. We con not measure or express it, but we still try to do the latter. Make this your simple prayer today “God, thank You for revealing Your might and love to me.” 

Delight

Not only do the angels worship our King, they delight to do so. And why wouldn’t they? After all, He is worthy.

Can you imagine what that scene must look like. Day after day from eternity past the angels offer their praise to the Father. So incredible are their voices they are often described as sounding like a trumpet. Equally other-worldly would be their appearance and the atmosphere of their heavenly praise.

Imagine how awe-inspiring their worship must be. No wonder Isaiah declared he was undone in the midst of it, and John struggled to describe it. They certainly worship because they should, but their delight reveals they worship because they want to.

While angels delight to worship Thee above

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne…the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:11-12 ESV

This is a beautiful, powerful picture of the worship of angels. They delight to do it, and rightfully so as He is worthy. Unparalleled in all creation.

Since the morning stars first sang His praise the angels have delighted to do likewise. We have a few glimpses in Scripture of what that looks like now, and what it will look like later. Give God praise for pulling back the veil of His heavenly throne room.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider what the angelic worship must look and sound like. We can imagine because He has given us some idea. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, I give You praise for describing the worship of Your angels.” Then give Him praise for welcoming you to join them.

God, thank You for letting me try to express how great your love is, even though I never will be able to entirely, nor can the angels that circle Your throne. Still yet, I will try. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Inspired Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return 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 32.5 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.

O measureless might ineffable love
While angels delight to worship Thee above
The humbler creation though feeble their lays
With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise

So great is His might there is simply no way to measure it. So extravagant is His love there is simply no way to express it. He brings together these two qualities in beauty and splendor and the angels lead the praise all creation will one day join. Thank Him for revealing them to you.

God, thank You for revealing Your might and love to me.

Since the morning stars first sang His praise the angels have delighted to do likewise. We have a few glimpses in Scripture of what that looks like now, and what it will look like later. Give God praise for pulling back the veil of His heavenly throne room.

Lord, I give You praise for describing the worship of Your angels.

Scripture also bears out even more clearly that we are made a little lower than the angels. Accordingly, the praise we offer is humbler than theirs. Even still that does not stop us from offering the best we have now, even as we long for more. 

Spirit, help me offer my best praise today.

And more is coming. More and better praise by more of creation, frankly all of creation. We long for that day when every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord. May we praise Him now in such a way that many join us even before that Great Day arrives.

Jesus, help me praise You in a way that welcomes others to join.

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.

Sing

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 Expressing the Inexpressible appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
O measureless might ineffable love – https://www.desktopbackground.org/wallpaper/god-backgrounds-wallpapers-zone-941972
While angels delight to worship Thee above – https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/400398223108836157/

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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 ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.

Feeble and Frail

What comes to mind when you read those two words? Your grandparents? Some other elderly person? Yourself?

Most of us would not use these words to describe ourselves, but that is precisely how the hymn writer sees us. Though you may feel pretty strong and tough, the reality is that strength is fleeting. We came from the dust and will return to it, so our perceived strength is at best temporary, and at least illusory.

Before you think the intent here is to discourage you let’s make it perfectly clear. The intent is to illumine your heart to the reality of your condition. Understanding and acknowledging how weak we are is the beginning of a marvelous journey in humility. Will you come along with us?

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail

“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 ESV

We are weak and frail. It does not take much living to reveal this truth and yet many remain in denial even as they breathe their last. Humble yourself before God. Confess how feeble you are and how much you need Him. He already knows it since He made us.

If you have lived very long you can appreciate just how frail life is. We are not promised tomorrow but we are promised we will return back to the dust eventually. Where are you most aware of your weakness today. Thank God for that reminder, and that He meets you in it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how fleeting your perceived strength really is. We may feel strong, but how lasting is that strength really? Can you acknowledge your weakness before God and invite Him to meet you in it. Make this your simple prayer today “God, thank You for meeting me in my weakness.” 

Trusting God

Embracing our weakness is the first step in finding lasting strength. When we acknowledge the end of our strength we are prepared to look for another source. When we realize we are all but in the grave we can begin to look for a way to live. When we become aware of the surrounding darkness the search for lasting light begins in earnest.

If you are trusting in your strength, you will not likely be interested in another source. When you realize your strength is limited looking elsewhere takes on a whole new level of importance.Where are you in that continuum?

In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV

One of the ways we demonstrate our trust in God is looking to Him to lead us. He never fails us because there is no limit to His strength or His love. Will you listen for His love every morning, as opposed to just starting your day without Him? Wake up tomorrow and affirm your trust in Him.

Acknowledging how weak we are positions us to look beyond ourselves for strength. As we begin to trust in God we learn that His never fails. Our strength will fail us, but God never does. Have you placed your trust in Him and Him alone?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider God’s unfailing strength and love. Will you put your trust in Him alone? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Lord, help me place and keep my trust in You.” Then trust the Spirit to help you practice that every day.

God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to acknowledge my weakness. Your strength creates an environment where such an acknowledgment is possible. Thank You for that and the trust it inspires. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Trusting Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return 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 32.4 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.

Frail children of dust and feeble as frail
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end
Our Maker Defender Redeemer and Friend

If you have lived very long you can appreciate just how frail life is. We are not promised tomorrow but we are promised we will return back to the dust eventually. Where are you most aware of your weakness today. Thank God for that reminder, and that He meets you in it.

God, thank You for meeting me in my weakness.

Acknowledging how weak we are positions us to look beyond ourselves for strength. As we begin to trust in God we learn that His never fails. Our strength will fail us, but God never does. Have you placed your trust in Him and Him alone?

Lord, help me place and keep my trust in You.

We also learn that God is not only trustworthy and unfailing, but also His mercy presents an unparalleled mixture of tenderness and firmness. Praise God His mercy is tender for there are many times we need it to be. And also praise Him that it is firm, never wavering.

God, I praise You for mercy tender and firm.

He made us. He defends us. He is redeeming us. And so much more! Why? Because He is our Friend. He is unwilling to leave us in our feeble and frail state, but makes a way for each of us to find rest and peace in Him if we will but acknowledge Him for who He is.

Lord, thank You for being my Friend.

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.

Sing

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 Trusting in a Strength Not Mine appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Frail children of dust and feeble as frail – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/grave-stone-graveyard-tombstone-3995099/
In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/light-tunnel-silhouette-woman-3920898/

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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 ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.

Tongue

I love rhetorical questions. They state something in a way that could get a discourse started, but more often are used to state the questioners view in a very emphatic way. Either way, they are generally not intended to be answered directly.

The beauty of this question is that it is asking about the use of the tongue. The implication is that no tongue can recite the bountiful care of God, so the question can be answered, “None”. What is humorous about that is the same tongue that doesn’t really need to bother answering the question is also not capable of doing what the question asks.

All that to say, there is a lot of nothing the tongue can really do here.

God’s care for us is so abundant and given so generously it is impossible for it to be repeated with words, and yet we make our efforts to do so anyway. Why? Because He is worthy of attention being drawn to Him, and it does our souls good to recount it. Will you do it?

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 ESV

This entire stanza is about the care God gives us and how inexpressible it is. Never do we know that better than when we see His goodness displayed in the midst of trouble. Take refuge in Him again today and know His care as only those who do so can.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how inexpressible the care of God is. Even still we do our best to express it. Make this your simple prayer today “God, I commit to reciting Your care.” Then trust Him to help you do it.

Air and Light

We see here the first evidence of just how inexpressible is the care of our God. And what a powerful, poetic beginning it is! Since the tongue is incapable of reciting His care, the writer shows us that God instead uses other ways to declare it. In this line, air and light.

What is interesting about this line is that there are two possible meanings. The obvious stated one on both counts, and a more subtle, profound one. The first is that God’s care gives us breath and illumination through the air and light we enjoy. The other is that God’s care is actually active in the air and light, breathing and shining. This way the respective media become not only the vehicle for His care, but the care itself.

It breathes in the air it shines in the light

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

We spend the balance of this stanza reciting the many and varied ways God’s care comes to us. I love the poetry here describing it as breathing and shining in the light and air. Everything we need flows from Him and His changeless nature, including breath and light. Thank Him.

Take a deep breath. Turn on some light. These two media are essential aspects of life, breath and life. God’s care flows through every breath of air and ray of light, but can easily go overlooked or ignored. Cultivate a grateful heart that gives God praise for the simplest of things.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God’s care is evident in air and light. How kind of Him to give us air to breathe and light to illumine. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Jesus, cultivate a grateful heart in me.” Then trust the Spirit to help you practice that every day.

God, thank You for caring for in ways that go beyond what our tongues and recite or retell. Even so, we will try because You are so worthy of our worship. To that end, thank You for giving us light to see it and breath to tell it. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Speechless Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return 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 32.3 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.

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite
It breathes in the air it shines in the light
It streams from the hills it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

God’s care for us is so abundant and given so generously it is impossible for it to be repeated with words, and yet we make our efforts to do so anyway. Why? Because He is worthy of attention being drawn to Him, and it does our souls good to recount it. Will you do it?

God, I commit to reciting Your care.

Take a deep breath. Turn on some light. These two mediums are essential aspects of life, breath and life. God’s care flows through every breath of air and ray of light, but can easily go overlooked or ignored. Cultivate a grateful heart that gives God praise for the simplest of things.

Jesus, cultivate a grateful heart in me.

Whether you find yourself on a mountaintop or a valley you are not outside of the reach of God’s plentiful kindness. It will meet you wherever you are if you will simply open yourself up to its flow, and wait for it. Whatever you need today, wait for His streams of care to flow to you.

Spirit, help me wait for Your streams of care.

The quiet and gentle gathering together of the smallest expressions of God’s care is sweet indeed. As you open your heart to that accumulation prepare to find your soul refreshed, not only in the flow but even in the process. Hoping in God’s care changes your entire perspective. 

Lord, my hope is in Your care.

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.

Sing

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 No Tongue Can Tell, But Still We Try appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite – https://pixabay.com/vectors/tongue-sticking-mouth-body-human-35319/
It breathes in the air it shines in the light – https://pixabay.com/photos/nature-panorama-heaven-sun-light-3086518/

O tell of His might O sing of His grace
Whose robe is the light whose canopy space
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

O Worship the King 1561
By: William Kethe (?-1594)

Listen to this modern version of this ancient 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 ancient hymn prepare to get in on the worship. If you are going to issue this call to worship with any authenticity you need to make certain you are engaged in worship. Let’s tune our hearts.

How Do You Use Your Voice?

Every day we use our voice in many ways. We call a friend. We sing a song. We warn someone of danger. We heap praise on someone for a job well done. and the list goes on.

But how often do we use our voices for the most noble of pursuits, making God known?

As we come to know God ourselves we must be quick to begin to make Him known. It should become a part of our normal routine and common usage of our vocal capacities. If it is not, start small and use your voice for God today. Then repeat it again tomorrow. If you do this is will not be long before you are routinely telling and singing.

O tell of His might O sing of His grace

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:2-3 ESV

Sing and tell. That is what we are supposed to do once we have come to understand the matchless might and glorious grace of our King. Will you commit today to do it? Use both your speaking and your singing voice to make His might and grace known as often as you can.

Our King brings together might and grace in a remarkable way and we must employ both our speaking and our singing to make that truth known. We use our voices for many other purpose but when did you last use each of them for those? How about today?

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask God to show you how you are using your voice. Maybe there are some ways you should start using it more, and other ways you should use it less. Make this your simple prayer today “Lord, help me use my voice to make you known.” Then trust Him to help you do it.

Light and Dark

As much as might and grace may be perceived as opposite ends of the spectrum, it is undeniably true that light and dark are the epitome of extremes. Though they could be no more different than they are, God is present in both of them. Just as present in the black hole as He is in the center of the brightest star.

We begin to wrap our minds around this truth and quickly realize we are going to need some help. God present in light, sure. But God equally present in darkness? What?!?

God is present in the stars that light up the night sky. He is no less present in any of the black spaces between them. The same is true in the light and dark places of our existence. When you go through darkness, you are never alone. God was there before you arrived and will still be there when you have move on.

Whose robe is the light whose canopy space

…You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
  covering yourself with light as with a garment,
    stretching out the heavens like a tent. Psalm 104:1b-2 ESV

Now we are talking. This King we worship is able to make a garment out of light! As if that description were not incredible enough it continues by declaring that His dwelling place is the entirety of the heavens, even space itself. This is the One we worship. He is worthy!

Clothed with bright light and dwelling in dark space. This is our God again bringing together two extremes, here light and dark. He is present in both and both serve His purposes. Which is harder for you to imagine? His presence in light or dark? Ask Him to show you Himself there.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how God is present in both light and dark. There is simply nowhere He is not. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Father, show me Your presence in light and dark.” Then trust the Spirit to help you practice that every day.

God, thank You for being present in light and dark. It reminds me I am never alone. Continually expand my mind to take the reality of You in. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Awestruck Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return 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 32.2 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.

O tell of His might O sing of His grace
Whose robe is the light whose canopy space
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

Our King brings together might and grace in a remarkable way and we must employ both our speaking and our singing to make that truth known. We use our voices for many other purpose but when did you last use each of them for those? How about today?

Lord, help me use my voice to make you known.

Clothed with bright light and dwelling in dark space. This is our God again bringing together two extremes, here light and dark. He is present in both and both serve His purposes. Which is harder for you to imagine? His presence in light or dark? Ask Him to show you Himself there.

Father, show me Your presence in light and dark.

Thunderclouds are formed in the wake of His wrathful chariots, as He moves about the heavens accomplishing His divine purposes. What do you imagine stirs up that wrath? Ask Him to reveal that to you and then respond in wonder and worship.

God, reveal what stirs up Your wrath.

The wings of the storm? Like the edges, or that which causes the storm to move. The imagery here is very powerful. Darkness, wrath, storms and thunder, God on the move revealing His might. What impact on you and your worship will that revelation have today?

Spirit, help me respond in 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.

Sing

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 Sharing the God of Extremes appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
O tell of His might O sing of His grace – https://pixabay.com/vectors/speech-icon-voice-talking-audio-2797263/
Whose robe is the light whose canopy space –  https://pixabay.com/photos/astronomy-bright-constellation-dark-1867616/