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 video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library? Click here, or for the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

We conclude our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. Seeing the end from the beginning impacts the journey. Let’s tune our hearts.

Complete when Completed

Have you heard the saying “The joy is in the journey, not the destination”? The point of the saying is to enjoy the process of how you are going by staying engaged every moment and not simply focusing on the end. Where you are now versus where you are going. I have experienced the truth of that and would generally concur with it, with one exception, heaven.

You see, the difference with heaven is that when it becomes our intended destination, the implications are profound. Our journey is forever altered because we live each moment in the light of eternity, as opposed to simply trying to stay open to what each moment may bring. We are indeed longing for the journey to be completed!

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

We hold God’s unchanging hand while He continues the good work He started, ever longing for that work to be completed. We hold to God’s unchanging hand through all the uncertainties of life, knowing one day they will come to an end. 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.

You will be complete when your journey is completed.

Looking toward the completion of the journey, and the good work God is doing through it, gives us peace. Peace from knowing that it will culminate in His presence. The very presence of Jesus Christ our Lord.

RESONATE!
Are you weary from the toil of the journey? We all feel that way at times, but building our hope on eternal things renews and restores our hope when we are spent. The journey complete, we will finally stop to enjoy the rest that God has made available to us in His eternal presence. Thank Him for the promise the journey ends. Thank Him for completing what He has started in You. Father, thank You I will be complete when my journey is completed. Help me be content with the process as I go.

True Through

The valley looks beautiful from the ridge, but when you get down into it, sunlight greatly hidden by the dense growth of the trees, all perspective of the forest lost, it came seem like a very forbidding place. Some valleys are deeper and darker than others, but they have this in common, they are unavoidable. We all must go through them at times as we make our way to our eternal home.

You simply can not journey along the ridge endlessly. Eventually, you will have to descend into the valley. But the valley has a way of teaching us something of God’s presence that the ridge can not.

When you are walking along the ridge all sunshine and smiles one step behind Jesus, following is a glorious endeavor. When the path leads you to make your way down into the gorge, following becomes a challenging pursuit. They put our faith to the test.

When the valley you pass through,

Interestingly, this line is actually a substitute for the original.

If to God you have been true,

They are two different ways of looking at the same reality. Our faith must pass through the valley of unbelief, where we are tested and tried. We can walk through it without fear of evil. God is always with us in the valley though and provides us a way out if we look to Him.

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

I like the imagery of the valley better, and I believe that God will help us to be true. We have our part, and He has His. He will allow all those who follow Him to find their way out of the ravine, eventually.

RESONATE!
Maybe you are walking through a valley right now. Trying to be true to your faith in your God. Maybe you are weary and worn. 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 reality of God’s presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you today, and whenever you need it in the future. Then praise God for always holding you when you pass through the valleys.

Jesus, thank You for walking with me through he valleys, even carrying me when my strength is gone.  Thank You for the faith that allows me to remain true through the difficult times. You are so faithful to me. Show it again today. In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Complete 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 53.4 Transcript, 19.4 REFRAMED

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.

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

We hold to God’s unchanging hand through all the uncertainties of life, knowing one day they will come to an end. The journey complete, we will finally stop to enjoy the rest that God has made available to us in His eternal presence. Thank Him for the promise the journey ends.

Father, thank You this journey has an end.

Some valleys are deeper and darker than others, but they have this in common: they are unavoidable. We all must go through them at times as we make our way to our eternal home. Praise God for always holding you when you pass through the valleys.

Lord, I praise You for holding me when I pass through the valleys.

The shadows of the valleys we traverse cloud our souls. Those experiences cause us to long for our eternal dwelling, bright and fair as it will be, even more. Recall your last valley, and from that place ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate an even deeper longing for your forever home.

Spirit, give me an even deeper longing for my home in glory.

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. Thank Jesus for promising to return to take you there, and take a few moments now to consider what it will be like.

Jesus, thank You for promising to take me to my eternal home.

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

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

The post Journeying with the End in Mind, REFRAMED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
When Your Journey is Completed – https://pixabay.com/photos/railroad-tracks-tracks-railway-163518/
When the Valley You Pass Through – https://pixabay.com/photos/clouds-cloudy-conifers-dawn-1852955/

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 video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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. Where are you building your hope? In the security or pleasure of earth’s riches, or in the confidence of heaven’s treasures? Let’s tune our hearts.

Longing

When you see someone enjoying the things this earth affords, it can create an illusion in our hearts and minds. That illusion tells us that we would be happier if we had those same things to enjoy. So we strive to acquire them on the false assumption that when we achieve them, happiness will be ours.

That desire to possess something belonging to someone else is called covetousness. It is not a word that is commonly known, but it is absolutely a common struggle for everyone who breathes. Yes, I believe we all grapple with this, simply that we are often unaware how much it affects our decisions and actions.

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 covetousness, and He offers a very clear reason why. Our lives do not consist in the abundance of possessions. Now before you dismiss this teaching believing you are above it since you are well aware that things do not make up our life, be careful. Covetousness can very easily consume your soul, and become the foundation of your hope.

RESONATE!
Let’s get Jesus involved with our journey beyond covetousness. Start by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any desire you may have for things that others possess. Maybe there are trinkets, but maybe not. Maybe there is a desire for something that you believe would simply improve the quality of your life. Something that would allow you to enjoy life just a little bit more. There is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying the things of this life, but when a desire to acquire them consumes much of our thinking, we are in danger of coveting. Once revealed, talk to Jesus about how to root out that desire for those things, but keep in mind the best way to do that is to seek other things, heavenly things, which we will look into more in Thursday Thoughts.

Fleeting

Apart from the simple fact that it keeps you from pursuing things with much greater intrinsic value, there are many other reasons to avoid covetousness. 

• The process of acquiring things can leave you distracted and exhausted.
• Acquiring things rarely fulfills the longing for which they are sought.
• Even once they are acquired, it can often be difficult to hold onto them.

That so rapidly decay,

I remember wanting an iPod. I know I am dating myself a bit with that comment. The idea of having thousands of songs at my fingertips seemed like something I just HAD TO HAVE. Besides, I could use it for ministry. Notice we can always find a reason to justify our covetousness.

It consumed a lot of my idle thoughts.  How I could use it. What I would do with it. How much easier it would make my life. Sound familiar?

When I finally got it, I was so excited. I charged it. Downloaded a bunch of CD’s onto it. Plugged my headphones in and just basked in the unmistakable glow of my purchase.

I really enjoyed using it and found it very useful as I had imagined, though there was some upkeep and it did take time to put the songs I wanted on it. Still it was great. Until a cooler smaller version came out. The allure of my first device quickly faded.

Ever happen to you? I bet it has. Yet we still covet things all the time, though we have already learned the lesson to not do so.

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

The underlying issue is that we believe they will satisfy that craving inside us, but they are generally useless in that regard. I would offer it is better to replace that longing for worldly riches with a search for things of heavenly, eternal value.  More on that Thursday, but for now just a bit more resonating.

RESONATE!
The riches of this world are useless in meeting our deepest needs, and even when we do acquire them, we realize they do not last. Are you toiling to acquire worldly riches, conveniences, or pleasures? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the fleeting nature of the things you may be pursuing so that you can redirect those energies. As He does, confess them and ask Him to guard your heart from them in the future.

Jesus, thank You for teaching us the vanity or uselessness of pursuing worldly riches. They quickly decay leaving even whatever fulfillment that may have afforded a fleeting pleasure or comfort. Guard my heart from covetousness. In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Satified 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 53.3 Transcript, 19.3 REFRAMED

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.

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

Covetousness is having a great desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. It can be blatant, but is often more subtle. Are you aware of any longing for things others possess? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and root out any covetousness in your soul.

Spirit, reveal and root out any covetousness in my soul.

The world’s riches are vain or useless. You may be tempted to argue with that, but keep in mind we are focused in this hymn on eternal hope. Because of the rapidly decaying nature of this world’s riches, they are useless in light of eternity. Ask God to help you see that clearly.

God, help me to see the vanity of worldly riches.

The treasures of heaven far surpass the riches of earth, but we must still seek them. Jesus taught that it does not profit us to gain the world but lose our soul. Ask Him to give you the perspective you need to seek the treasures that last eternally.

Jesus, help me seek the eternal treasures of heaven.

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. Thank God for hope that never passes away.

God, thank You for hope that lasts forever.

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

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

The post Are You Longing for Fleeting Things? REFRAMED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Covet Not the World’s Vain Riches – https://pixabay.com/photos/dollar-money-cash-money-business-1362244/
That So Rapidly Decay – https://pixabay.com/photos/money-time-finance-dollars-loan-4899491/

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

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 video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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. Ever had a friend forsake you? That is painful. But take heart, God never will. Let’s tune our hearts.

Never Alone

Trust in Him who will not leave you,

Recall the last time you felt alone.

Maybe it was some time ago, or very recent. Remember what was going through your mind. What had happened that left you feeling exposed or isolated?

How did you deal with that terrible feeling? Did you take it to God, or in some measure had you convinced yourself or had others convinced you that He was responsible so He was the last One you wanted to talk to about it?

Be Honest

If we are honest, we would all admit there have been times when it even seemed like God had forsaken us. We may have even continued to believe He had not, but it sure felt like.

In times like that I try to remind myself of God’s promises. Key word, try. It is not always easy.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 ESV

I have been wrestling lately with the fact that in most situations God is responsible for His part, and I for mine. So based on this verse what is mine? I must know His name which reveals His character and put my trust in Him and seek Him. Sounds simple. Rarely is.

When you are upset with someone, it is difficult to bring yourself to the point where you search them out. It is easier to avoid the disappointment and not talk about it. But it hurts both parties. When we seek God, we find Him. That enables us to learn His name. Knowing His name helps us trust Him.

RESONATE!
The Lord never forsakes us. Say that out loud. Personalize it. The Lord never forsakes me. Put your name in there and tell your soul. The Lord will never forsake you _____. We have all had times when we were trying to trust God was really hard, but the alternative never produces better results. If God seems distant ask the Holy Spirit to reveal why that is, and then ask Him to help you deal with what He reveals.

Time Keeps Slipping Away

Whatsoever years may bring,

I have struggled for years with the phrase, “Time heals all wounds.” Add to that struggle the reality of this line and you can understand why? The passing of years bring new challenges, hurts, pains, joys, etc.

Sometimes the promises of God as mentioned above can bring some solace to help mitigate those challenges, but sometimes they may instead seem to exacerbate them. Take Jeremiah 29:11 below for instance.

Maybe you feel like you have suffered something evil. There is just no other reasonable explanation for it. You believe God has your welfare in mind and is giving you a future and a hope, but the evil you are facing causes you to question where God is as the clock keeps ticking.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

Trusting God

And the years of our lives bring many different trials and temptations. When hardship comes it is easy to blame to God. When enticement comes we can fail to look first to the One who satisfies our soul. Have the years brought something that is threatening to pull your attention or affection away from God?

He would want you to use that same incident to draw you nearer. But sometimes instead we blame Him after all the years can only bring what God allows, and sometimes those things are hard to swallow.

Maybe I am not describing your relationship with God, but someone you know. Someone you love. Someone whose heart has become hard. Whether it is you or a friend take some time to consider this.

RESONATE!
Is there something from your past that you or someone you love has not gotten over, and maybe is causing resentment God? That can be even more painful that a friend forsaken you, and harder to overcome. Ask God to reveal if there is any such thing that has come your way over the years. Whatsoever He brings to mind ask Him to heal today, and trust Him and His plans for you.

Jesus, thank You for the reminder that I am never alone. If or when I am tempted to believe anything else, remind me of your promise. That moment may come today, years from from now, or both, but I have determined to trust You and seek You, if You will but help me. In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Deliberate 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 53.2 Transcript, 19.2 REFRAMED

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.

Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.

There are times when it is difficult to sense God’s presence, but that does not mean He has left us.  He never will. He has made a promise and He will keep it. Does it seem like God is not near? Ask Him to reveal why that is, and to help you to address it.

God, show me anything that is keeping me from sensing You.

And the years of our lives bring many different trials and temptations. When hardship comes it is easy to blame to God. When enticement comes we can fail to look first to the One who satisfies our soul. What is threatening to pull your attention of affection away from God today?

Jesus, what is threatening my relationship with You today?

Here is the most painful test of all, when those closest to you fail you. We need others and we must share our lives, but when those we trust most are not there when we need them it is the worst. Ask the Spirit to heal you from those injuries

Spirit, heal me from the pain of friendships forsaken.

All the defeats and disappointments in life are allowed by God to remind us that He is always there for us, and enough for every need. Tell Him again today that you are committed to cling to Him still more closely because He is the One changeless reality in life.

Father, I am committed to cling to 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.

Sing

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 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 to Trust God Through the Years, REFRAMED appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Whatsoever Years May Bring – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/time-clock-time-of-time-indicating-1632030/
Him Who Will Not Leave You – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/partnership-connectedness-personal-526416/

Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

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 video below.

Below is content always available to Subscribers, often to Free Members, and sometimes to everyone.  Want to learn more about accessing all the additional material in the Subscriber Content Library, click here, or the Free Member Content Library with some examples of the complete Subscribers content, click here.

Everyone, enjoy this video, and the transcript below.

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

We begin our journey through this hymn which challenges us to build on the certainty of God in uncertain days. All of us are facing a greater degree of uncertainty than we were months ago, but holding to God gives us far greater certainty than not. Let’s tune our hearts.

Sands of Time

Time. There is no stopping it. Like a great hourglass that has been overturned and is both slowly and swiftly sifting along, time halts for no one.

That indiscriminate plodding is no respecter of people great or small. It simply keep s moving forward and each of must find a way to deal with the effects it has on us universally. Have you felt the shifting of the sands of time in your life lately? Whether COVID-19, the social unrest, the upcoming election, or something else very intimate or personal, you are probably well aware that things are swiftly transition to some different state.

Time is filled with swift transition,

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV

If you have lived for very long at all you know the reality that things in life can change very quickly, and often without any input from you. Time and chance are the great equalizers. They happen to every one of us. Since there is no avoiding them, the only real alternative to simply becoming a victim of them is to find a way to deal with their effects.

Holding to God’s unchanging hand is unquestionably the best way to deal with them. I say unquestionably because ever other means of coping will fail you at some point, but God will not.

RESONATE!
What is that circumstance that you are tempted to hold and not release to God? If you are holding it with both hands, how do you suppose you will be able to hold to God’s hand? Determine today that you will let go of the things that otherwise would keep you from holding His unchanging hand. Time brings swift transitions but holding to God is your best source of help. Ask Him to be that source again today.

Shifting Sand

Those swift transitions of time unsettle every one of us at some point. We often try to struggle against the shifting under our feet trying to find some sure footing. This hymn puts it bluntly. “None of us is able to stand through all those transitions.”

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

Taken as a singular truth that would be pretty disheartening. We should always be careful when considering a declaration like this whether in a song or Scripture to examine the context. In our song, the writer is going to quickly point us to where to find hope in the midst of that uncertainty.  The Scripture always does the same.

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah Psalm 75:3 ESV

With the swift transitions and the shifting landscape, it is hard to stand unmoved. Actually impossible, but for God. It would be like struggling against the shifting sands of a desert landscape, or even a spot of quicksand. But we find hope in God. He is the One who holds the earth steady and is able to steady us as well when everything we have been standing on seems to erode. 

RESONATE!
What has shifted under your feet recently? You probably do not have to think much about that. Finances, relationships, health, so many things have been effected these last few months. But God has plans even for those unsettling experiences. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you listen to what God is saying when the sands of change shift under your feet. Take a few moments right now to let Him interpret the shifting you have been going through lately.  Then give Him praise you never have to do so alone.

Jesus, thank You for being a steady constant when every other thing in our lives is shifting. You are so faithful and so good. Help me to trust You as time brings transitions into my life and I am unable to stand. In Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Solid 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 53.1 Transcript, 19.1 REFRAMED

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.

Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

If you have lived for very long at all you know the reality that things in life can change very quickly, and often without any input from you. Whether you are in the midst of a transition right now or not, thank God that you never have to face them alone.

Thank You God that I never have to face transitions alone.

Those transitions unsettle every one of us at some point. We can say “I shall not be moved”, but sometimes God has other plans which He does not reveal that ahead of time. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you listen to what God is saying when the sands of change shift under your feet.

Holy Spirit help me to listen to Your voice.

Even when everything else is shifting we can still choose to build our hopes on eternal things, things that last even in the storms of life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you today how you can build on the foundation of God’s word and His love for you.

Holy Spirit, help me build on God’s word and love for me.

Sometimes in order to hold onto God we need to let go of something else. It can be so painful and fearful to release something into His unchanging hands, especially something you thought you would always hold, but you can trust Him. Ask Jesus to help you trust Him more today.

Jesus, help me trust you more today

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

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

The post Dealing with the Shifting Sands of Life appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Sands of Time – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hourglass-time-sand-run-out-3308818/
Shifting Sand – https://pixabay.com/photos/arid-barren-dawn-desert-dry-hot-1866541/

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
O praise Him alleluia
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

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

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Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

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

As we conclede our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Blessing Giver

The blessings that God showers on us are too numerous to fathom, let alone to count. They are truly innumerable. Still, we fail to acknowledge the vast majority of them.

Our God worthy of praise for so many reasons. He has created a world that provides and nourishes us. In the sky He has placed an infinite number of heavenly bodies. On the surface He has made an assortment of creatures that boggles the mind. He has given us the ability to relate to each other with tenderness and forgiveness. And the list goes on…

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

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

After we have enumerated so many of the blessings, finally we praise God because all blessings flow from him. There is no good thing that comes to us apart from His will or design. Every good and perfect gift comes down to us from Him who never changes. Praise God, and call all other blessing recipients to do the same.

What inspires your praise? The peace you have found in Him? Maybe a character of God which you have experienced in some profound way? For most of us, the purest inspiration for our worship is the blessings that flow from God’s hand into our lives.

RESONATE! 
Take a few moments and consider all the blessings God offers you. Have you thanked Him for those or given Him praise today? Make this your simple prayer “God, thank you for all the blessings.” 

Praise Getter

If for no other reason, God deserves to receive our praise because of the all the blessings He has given. Every creature that has enjoyed those blessings should join the praise. Those who can speak, and those who can not. From roars, to growls and from purrs to barks, from hissing to chirping and from mooing to cackling. All creatures should give Him praise.

Praise Him all creatures here below

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 ESV

Those blessings fall on us from above, to every creature here below. Every creature has breath, and as long as it does, should use that breath to give praise to the One who created them and gave the breath. Everything that has breath should praise the Lord.

Praise God that you have breath, for if you had no breath, you would have no life. Then determine to use that breath to give Him praise, and in so doing join every other creature to render that which is due the One who gave us the breath in the first place.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and think about your breath. Every time you draw it into your lungs is a reason for praise. If you were to use every breath inhaled to praise as you exhaled it would not be too often. Pray this simple prayer, “God, I praise You from my breath.“  

Jesus, thank You for the many blessings you give me, not the least of which us my breath. Help me to use more of it  every day to give you praise. You are worthy! In Jesus’ name. 

Breath-filled 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.

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Video 52.8 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.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
O praise Him alleluia
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost

What inspires your praise? The peace you have found in Him? Maybe a character of God which you have experienced in some profound way? For most of us, the purest inspiration for our worship is the blessings that flow from God’s hand into our lives.

God, thank you for all the blessings.

Praise God that you have breath, for if you had no breath, you would have no life. Then determine to use that breath to give Him praise, and in so doing join every other creature to render that which is due the One who gave us the breath in the first place.

God, I praise You from my breath.

It is amazing that we get to call to worship, even command, the heavenly host to give praise to the One they never cease to praise. Obviously, they do not need the exhortation because they never stop. It is really more of an encouragement to keep it going.

God, thank You for allowing us to call angels to worship. 

His love made a way for us to come back to him. That provides us the fellowship we had lost. That allows us to experience the evidence of his grace. We can find no better reason to praise Him than these. Offer Him the Alleluia’s He deserves today. Do not be left out of the praise.

Lord, I praise 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.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
O praise Him alleluia
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost
O praise Him alleluia

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 Don’t Praise God Under Your Breath, But Because of It appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Praise God from whom all blessings flow – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/pray-hands-grateful-thankful-2408038/
Praise Him all creatures here below – https://pixabay.com/photos/insect-fauna-nature-praying-mantis-4448684/