“Sail On”

Leaving the past behind trust in God for all that lies ahead (Acts 21:1-6). #SailOn https://www.bible.com/116/act.21.1-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses in Acts seem to reveal not much. Paul and his companions get on a ship sailing to Phoenicia. They stop in Tyre to unload and reload cargo. Paul is there a week staying with friends, believers (they warn him not to go to Jerusalem). Paul is determined to press on. He returns to the ship. “Sail On.”

I am arrested by what happens next. The entire congregation of believers, friends, turn out at that the loading docks to bid farewell to Paul. He is headed for Jerusalem in spite of the warnings not to go. They all knelt down right there and prayed. They said farewell and Paul got on board and left. “Sail On.”

Lord, no matter what lies ahead of me I will pray trusting in you, lean on good friends and “Sail On.” New day, new month, new year. “Sail On!”

One of my all-time favorite gospel groups is The Imperials. Years ago they recorded the popular gospel song, “Sail On.“ The lyrics are written here for you. Enjoy the Sail On video with the Imperials.

Sail on. When the water gets high

Sail on. When the wind starts to die

Sail on. It’s just a matter of minutes till His ship comes to get us and we’ll all get in it.

When we’re all born, We set out to sea, Looking for answers continuously. Then when we find out, To Him we belong, We watch for the signs And keep sailing on.

Cast up your sails, And let the wind blow; Jesus will never, Let your ship lose control. Just keep your compass set on the Son, And He’ll guide you safely, To His beautiful Home.

(Chorus)

We can’t afford to throw our lives, To the wind, To the wind. We’ve got the Lord, In control of our ship, And He’ll guide us safely in. He’ll guide us in.

Sail on..

(Songwriters: Smith Lon Christian)

Sail On video https://youtu.be/3j8z_XU_3WY

Finishing

Give your all to honor Christ with your life (Acts 20:33–38). #Remembered #Legacy #BlessedGiving https://www.bible.com/116act.20.33-37.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If you’re a leader, corporate or pastoral; if you’re a grandparent or parent; if you’re a front line responder, teacher or politician… Whoever you are, whatever you do, ask, “How might people remember me when I’m gone?”

Following Paul’s example, I would hope to be remembered as unselfish, benevolent, industrious and sincere. I would hope to be remembered as prayerful, loving, kind and fully surrendered to the Lord Jesus – that I gave more than I received. Lord, may I lay it all down to honor Christ with my life.

“Watch Out!

Be diligent to express, by word and example, the truths of Scripture (Acts 20:25–31). #HoldTheLine #BeAlert https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.28-32.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul is about to leave the leaders of the church at Ephesus. He will entrust them with the great message of grace. He tells them, “GUARD yourselves…feed and care for the flock – the church. “WATCH OUT!“ Be alert to false teachers and prideful men who seek only a following for themselves. Such people will divide and create disunity in the church.

To “GUARD” and to “WATCH OUT” are a call to arms for the faithful leader in the church and in the family. Standing vigilantly requires him/her to, 1) teach God’s word well, 2) minister in truth and all sincerity, 3) counsel by prayerful insight, sought through tears and deep spiritual connections and 4) sound the alarm when danger approaches. Father, may this sentry effectively share the gospel and express the truth of Scripture by my words and by my example.

No Greater Mission

Make sharing Christ your priority (Acts 20:22-28). #ShareJesusNow https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.22-28.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul had staked his life on the Gospel. He faces suffering and chains as he proceeds to Jerusalem. Here, Paul is challenging church leaders to give their all, as he has done, for the Gospel of Jesus. Tell others the good news of the wonderful grace of God. Faithfully carry out the mission to which you have been called.

To these elders of Ephesus Paul says, “Guard yourselves and God’s people – his church, purchased with his blood. Feed and care for God’s people over whom the Spirit of God has appointed you.” Nothing is more important. Lord, I could never give my life to anything greater than sharing the gospel with others.

Keep The First Thing, The First Thing

Remain faithful to your call to serve Christ (Acts 20:16-21). #ShareJesusNow #RepentAndTurnToGod https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.16-21.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul is rounding off his third and final missionary journey through Asia to preach the Gospel. He is headed to Jerusalem, anxious to arrive by Passover (a time of celebration). His desire is to deliver an offering collected in his travels, for the Jerusalem church; a very poor and needy church due to persecution and famine.

Paul’s stop near Ephesus begs a meeting with church elders from there. He reviews with them the importance of the Gospel – “Turn from sin, turn to God, put faith in the Lord Jesus.“ Paul had suffered much to preach this message to all people. I can do no less. Lord, it is ever the mission this sentry to, “Influence Men For Christ.“ May I never shrink from my mission.

Where Do You Fall With God?

Lean wholly upon God’s grace to sustain you in life (Acts 20:7-12). #FallAsleep #Devoted https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.7-12.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times devotion to Christ may come at great cost. Intense study of God’s word, time given to learning, worship and devotion. Sometimes the cost is perilous. But God is always gracious to meet the need.

After a short stay in Troas, Paul was ready to depart for Jerusalem. Believers in “The Way“ gathered on the first day of the week to worship, break bread and take the Lord supper. The room was full of people and Paul had been speaking until midnight.

The room no doubt had became warm and stuffy as candles and oil lamps lit the room. A young man, Eutychus (8-14 years old), was seated on a window ledge. As Paul had been speaking for several hours, Eutychus literally fell, asleep, from the open window. The three story fall killed him. But he was raised again to life by Paul. Paul then continued speaking through the night until dawn.

Many things in life take us by surprise. But God is never caught off guard. I lean heavily upon God daily to sustain me through many of life’s circumstances.

THE STAR ON THE MOUNTAIN*

⁹Behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” – Mat 2:9-11 (NKJV)

Plenty of places light a star atop their tree for the holidays. This is Alaska, and Anchorage does it a little bigger. The holiday tree lighting takes place in Town Square on the day after Thanksgiving, but the star everyone looks for is 14 miles away. You can’t miss it. The star is on the side of a mountain and stretches 300 feet across the slopes of the Chugach.

Summit Star lights on the mountain in Anchorage, Alaska — *U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman James Richardson*

The star comes on every year in late November right about the day of Anchorage’s own tree lighting. Its 350 bulbs stay lighted [from late November] until the final musher [dog sled races] are finished. This is a widely observed tradition for many Alaskans when it comes to decorating for the holidays. [The star is also lit on September 11.] The lights that form the star are maintained by work crews of the Joint Air Force Base Elmendorf Richardson, which controls Mount Gordon Lyon and the land surrounding the star.

The tradition began in 1958 when an Army captain at the nearby missile site placed a modest, 15-foot wide star atop the guardhouse for Christmas. The missile site was decommissioned in the late 1970s. The star however, has been redesigned, relocated and enlarged through the years. Once just a single point of light in the mountains, the outline of the star near Arctic Valley is now clearly visible from downtown Anchorage, almost 14 miles away.

[In an article attributed to Staff Sgt. Mike Campbell, 477th Fighter Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, it was noted in the ‘Anchorage Daily News’, that U.S. Army Captain, Douglas Evert, Commander of B Battery, Fourth Missile Battalion, 43rd Artillery, had his men construct the star at the end of the Cold War. It originally rested on the roof of the gatehouse of Site Summit, the location of the Nike Hercules missile battery.]

The five-pointed star is a beacon all winter long in Anchorage, one of the brightest of many Anchorage winter traditions. [Some say it can be seen from Google Earth.]

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy“

*Article at http://www.anchorage.net copied here with additional notes in brackets

“BELIEVE” – More Than A Slogan

You may truly believe God‘s word (Isa 22:25). #Believe https://www.bible.com/116/isa.22.25.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

One final lesson learned from Isaiah’s Shebna/Eliakim prophecy. The office of Prophet often used real life situations to mimic future events (note Hosea and Gomer, Jeremiah and the Potter). God will always reveal to us what he expects and what will happen if we obey or not. The point? God honors his word. He keeps his promises.

God has been clear about man’s sin and the Messiah. He would come [has come] to take away all the sin of the world. Those who accept God‘s forgiveness will receive eternal life. Those who do not, choose for themselves eternal death and hell. The prophets have all spoken. Jesus, the Messiah, son of God, has come. He paid the price for sin on the cross. Yes, “the Lord, has spoken.”

Today if you hear God’s voice do not ignore him (Hebrews 3:15). Lord, I believe what you say is truth.

Room To Improve

Always walk faithfully with God (Isa 22:15,19,20). #NeverTooGoodToFail https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2022:15,19-20&version=NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There are a couple of lessons to be learned from Isaiah‘s only prophecy targeting two men personally:

1) It requires a person of enormous strength of character to serve in high office. Many have fallen from High stations – be careful what you wish for.

2) There is an independent streak in man. Men/women have a great propensity to rebel against God. No matter who you are, how spiritual you may be, it is always possible to fall out of favor with God and with man.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to always walk faithfully before you.

The Enemy Of Leadership

Honor God with whatever much or little you are given (Isa 22:20–25). #SquanderedInfluence #FailedLeadership https://www.bible.com/116/isa.22.20-25.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophecy of Shebna‘s demise in verses 15–19, continue in the prophecy of his replacement, Eliakim. These two men served King Hezekiah at the time of Assyria’s attack on Jerusalem (2Ki 18). Shebna was proud and arrogant; of no known prominence. Eliakim was a man of prominence with a known family history.

Eliakim was, by all accounts, a godly man, an honorable man…a father figure to look up to (“like a peg driven firmly into the wall”). He was given great authority (given the “key to the house of David”). But in the end, Eliakim would also fail the test of leadership under the weight of power and influence. Lord it is the desire of this sentry to honor you in life with whatever much or little is give me. Lord, make it so.

The Best Rule In Life

Allow humility to overrule any pride in your life (Isa 22:15-19). #Humility #PrideGoesBeforeAFall https://www.bible.com/116/isa.22.15-19.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Scripture does not reveal Isaiah’s purpose for singling out Shebna, the king’s steward (secretary). But he was extremely prideful. So highly did he think of himself that he was preparing his grave high up on Mt. Zion. Shebna considered himself worthy of the burial of kings (2Ch 32:33).

But according to Isaiah, God will coil Shebna up into a little ball. He will hurl him into a far away barren land (presumably Assyria). He will disappear, never to be heard from again. Pride, the abuse of power and influence, will not stand with God (2:11,12). Lord, may humility over rule any pride in my heart and in the hearts of our leaders.

THE SENTRY’S GUIDE TO HUMILITY:

Pray for insight into God’s word.

Spend time daily reading God’s word.

Digest the truths of God’s word.

Write a few notes on what God says.

Let God’s word control your actions.

Put other’s best interests ahead of your own.

Got Power?

Do not let greed and power overcome you (Isa 22:15,19). #Influence #PowerGrab https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2022:15,19&version=NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Enter Shebna, overseer of the king’s household. Isaiah stands down from his prophecies regarding Judah and Israel to confront Shebna directly for his arrogance. A minor point for me is why chronologists drop this incident here. It is hard to understand why various messages and prophecies in Isaiah are organized as they are. That does not however make the text any less authoritative.

But this isolated event is important. Shebna was second in rank in the household of the king. He may have been pro-alliance with Egypt/Assyria and advising King Hezekiah in opposition to Isaiah. He was a greedy arrogant man with self-promotion on his mind. So selfish a man as he, in as high a position as he, was an intolerable point of resistance to God’s will for Judah. Lord, may I not squander whatever influence I may have but direct it toward the good of others.

A River Over Which No Enemy Ship May Pass

Be assured of God’s power to forgive, redeem and save completely (Isa 33:20–24). #MightyGod #Redeemer https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.21,24.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the closing verses of this prophetic section of Scripture Isaiah finishes what he began to say in verse one. “What sorrow awaits you O destroyer“ of my people. The reference here is to Assyria, a pagan nation used by God to bring his people to their knees in repentance (vv7- 9,14,19).

When repentance comes, redemption and forgiveness comes. God encircles his people, his church, as if he were a wide river no enemy can cross. Ships of malicious intent will be permanently disabled, broken asunder (sails fall limp on broken masts with useless tackle). All the treasures of the enemy will become the possession of God‘s people. O Lord, you are the Mighty One; my judge, my king, my redeemer. All of this sentry’s devotion is due the God of Heavens Armies.

Kissing The Face Of God

Are you aware when you kiss the face of God (Mat 25:40)? #TheLeastOfThese #FaceToFaceWithJesus
https://www.bible.com/116/mat.25.40.nlt

MARY DID YOU KNOW…

…that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, YOU KISS THE FACE OF GOD…

[Child of God, do you know that you too, “kiss the face of God?”
Every time you feed the hungry,
give drink to the thirsty,
are kind to a stranger,
clothe the naked,
care for the sick and
visit the prisoner, you too
KISS THE FACE OF GOD – Because when you do these things with the last, the least, the lost and the lonely, you are doing it unto the Man-child, Jesus – Mat 25:40]

LISTEN:
https://youtu.be/ifCWN5pJGIE

A Place Called Hope

Fix your eyes firmly on the hope we have in Christ (Isa 33:17-19). #HopeInChrist #NoOtherName https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.17-19.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah continues speaking to the righteous remnant of Judah. For they have trusted in God. As in Isa 32:1, their eyes shall see a righteous king in great splendor and a vast land that stretches far into the future. Not only will Jerusalem be delivered from all her enemies, but the righteous remnant shall be delivered.

Those who put their trust in the Righteous One, the Messiah, Jesus, shall also know the deliverance of the Lord. As in Isaiah’s day, a great victory over the evil of the day shall be ours in Christ Jesus. Lord, my eyes are firmly fixed on that far land where joy and hope shall never end (John 16:22).

Just Do What Is Right

You whose heart and life is right with God will have nothing to fear (Isa 33:13–16). #DoTheRightThing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“OMG!“ Fearful of judgement, the people bellow, “Who can survive the Holy?“ Isaiah gives the short answer. “Easy. Those who walk with the Holy and speak what is right and true. Those who do not extort by bribery or plot to do evil and violence. Those whose hands, ears and eyes are closed moral pollution. Those who do right in his sight.” These are those who have no need to fear the Holy One.

The Apostle Paul makes the same point. “Rulers hold no terror for those who do right.” (Rom 13:3). This is the man or woman who need not be alarmed, though the judgments of the Holy be all around them. Lord, you are ever before me. My refuge is in you.

The faithful prayer sentry declares with the Psalmist, “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust’ “ (Psm 91:1-2)

Fall Of The Mighty

Our greatest need is to stand with God and not against him (Isa 33:10-13). #TurnToGod #Repent #TheMightyHaveFallen https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.10-13.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

An enemy brings destruction, God’s discipline for his wayward, prodigal people. What sin has beset you, O man or woman of God? But now, having been broken over your own (my own) sin and humbled in repentance before God, he turns on the rod of his discipline.

By God’s mighty power he smashes the rod of his discipline. He breaks it asunder. He consumes it in flames and it is scattered irreverently, as ashes into the wind. To all the nations of the mighty, are you listening? Are you paying attention to the demise of the enemies of God? None will escape the destruction of God for sins committed. O Lord, you have shown me that there is no benefit in standing against you. Though frail, broken, weak and sinful, the sentry stands with you Lord.

The End of Self (A Testimony)

Bow your head in humble repentance for trusting in anything other than God’s resources (Isa 33:7-9) #TrustingGodAlone #DeadManWalking https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.7-9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What does it mean to come to the end of self? Isaiah answers by pointing Israel (pointing me) to symbols of failed earthly treasures. Treaties for security with powerful earthly kings turn to bitter disappointment. Lebanon, known for its stately cedar trees, wither and die. Sharon, known for its very fertile land, become a barren wilderness. Bashan, known for its abundance of grain and cattle, is plundered. Carmel, known for its thick forests, is utterly defoliated. Earthly resources collapsed around them.

When every earthly ally fails; every earthly resource withers, becomes barron and plundered; everything once thought to be mine by entitlement, deserved or taken for granted, is stripped away, I have come to the end of self. Now I am ready to listen and receive from God.

TESTIMONY: Oh, the battle scars of this aging sentry. They run deep and they run long. But they are every day reminders to me of the grace and the mercy of God in my life. It makes me tremble and weep. But the scars prove the worth of that final death blow to self, to the man I used to be. The scars embedded deeply in my conscience give evidence of battles won by my high and glorious Commander, The Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I must come before you today Lord, in humble repentance for trusting in anything other than you.

Russ Taff beautifully depicts this death to self (pictured in believers baptism) by this song Water Grave.

Water Grave*

May our need of God supersede our love of self (Isa 33:7-9) #DeathToSelf https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.7-9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God will be merciful at the end of the discipline of his people for their rejection of him (vv2-6). But for now, they will weep and mourn. They must, and will have to, come to the end of themselves. They, as we, must realize that we have no righteousness, no goodness in and of ourselves.

It is of paramount importance that God’s people depend upon and trust in God alone who saves to the uttermost. Again we say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him (Job 13:15). Lord, the end of myself is the beginning of my new life. This old sentry must die daily to the old self that he may be resurrected a new man in Christ. The man I used to be has finally died. Baptism is a picture of this.

*Russ Taff beautifully depicts baptism as symbolic death to self in the song, Water Grave.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=FLyQ3mX9fSxSvAHa75pyRGAw

The Treasure Of Reverence

Hold God in highest esteem in all your circumstances (Isa 33:1–6). #PutFaithInGod #TreasuredReverence https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.1-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Turning again to the destroyer (presumably Assyria) of Israel, Isaiah pronounces disaster on this enemy of God‘s people. Though this destroyer is used by God to discipline his people they (presumably a holy remnant) offer up prayers acknowledging God as merciful and strong in times of trouble.

As in Job 13:15, this remnant says, “God might kill me but I have no other hope. I will take my case up with him.” The Lord God is our sure foundation. Reverence and respect of God is our greatest treasure in every circumstance. Lord, the ardent sentry has no greater treasure than his/her reverence for you. I shall put my faith in you.

A Manger Affirms God’s Promise

Look to God for your promised redemption (Isa 32:15–20). #Redemption #GodLovesYou https://www.bible.com/116/isa.32.15-20.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It would be depressing if the words of Isaiah were ordered by an angry dispassionate God. But they are revealed by a God of love and compassion who is not willing that any should perish (2Pe 3:9). A day will come when God’s Spirit will be poured out on all men. Indeed his Spirit has already come and indwells every believer.

There will also come a day, at the end of time, when God’s Spirit will be poured out like never before (Joel 2:28f). The promises to Judah to restore justice and righteousness to the land, peace, quietness and confidence to the people of God, is also a promise for the coming kingdom of God. Lord, I stand in the promise of an outpouring of your Spirit on all men like never before.

Forewarned! Forearmed?

Pray for the repentance of your nation (Isa 32:9–14). #Repent #TurnToGod #AmericanAwakening https://www.bible.com/116/isa.32.9-14.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If the women of Judah are at ease, smugly resting in the security of their homes – thinking all is well, they should think again. Because of Judah’s rejection of God, complacent attitude and careless lifestyle she will suffer at the hands of Assyria. She should repent before God (vv11,12). But she won’t (vv1-8).

So the bounty of the countryside farms and the good life of the cities and towns will be suddenly decimated. The time was short. Assyria would conquer Judah (v10). Only a full-scale national repentance could reverse that. Sadly no one heeded Isaiah‘s warning.

Is America listening today? Her rejection of God, her sin, is no different than Judah’s. Lord, I pray that America might heed the warnings and turn fully to you in a national repentance. Send awakening Lord.

I am reminded of my Sentinel Orders to Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, WARN CLEARLY.

But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths (Ezk 33:6).

It’s A Gift

It’s Christmas! Be intentional about sharing the Good News (Mat 10:1,5). #ShareYourFaith https://www.bible.com/116/mat.10.1,5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus called 12 men to himself. He had a plan for spreading the Gospel. He gave the 12 the responsibility and authority to carry out the plan. He gave them specific instructions on how to carry it out and a target at which to aim.

We could debate the instructions; basically he said go, preach, heal, cast out demons – do so generously. Travel light, stay as long as needed and then move on. Don’t worry about those who won’t listen. Their fate is in God’s hands.

Methods change but the sentry’s responsibility is still the same today. Be intentional about sharing the Gift, the Good News of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ. It’s free y’all. Jesus paid for it.

America’s National Disgrace

God will honor the cry of a humble heart that seeks mercy and grace (Isa 32:1-8). #Repent #ReturnToGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.32.1,5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The nation of Judah was facing a crisis (Assyrian conquest). For her sin of rejecting God she stood at the threshold of destruction. The prophet Isaiah clearly identifies the character of men and women who disdain and reject God (vv5-7). America needs to wake up, for her bulwark reveals similar vulnerabilities.

This is America’s National Disgrace. It is clear to the discerning eye. From Isaiah 32:5-7: Those who are ungodly and foolish are seen as heroes. Dishonorable men are exalted and respected. Fierce zealots make plans to further their own ends. They practice ungodliness; ridicule and marginalize those who trust in God. They make plans for their own self interests but they deprive the disenfranchised of basic needs in life. Smooth talkers appear honest/earnest, but mix sense with non-sense, scheming to mislead. They lie to convict the powerless, even when their is just cause. Can we see any of this in America today?

BUT…

THERE IS HOPE AHEAD!

Isaiah speaks of a Redeemer who will come. Judah had suffered under unjust rulers and leaders, but “A righteous king is on the way. Honest princes will prevail under him.” Although Judah would be destroyed and taken into captivity, still there were many who act according to “generosity” (v8). They were hungry for a righteous ruler. That ruler, that “righteous king” would be Jesus Christ, who has already come and he will come again to rule.

WHAT WILL THE HOPE OF THIS RIGHTEOUS KING LOOK LIKE?

The coming Christ will provide, “Shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm.” His rule will be “like streams of water in the desert or the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.” In Christ’s rule “everyone who has eyes will be able to see the truth and everyone who has ears will be able to hear it. Even the hotheads will be full of sense and understanding. Those who stammer will speak out plainly” (vv1-4).

Lord, it excites the heart of this aged sentry to know the assurance of my once come, and coming again, righteous king. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Today would be as good a day as any to pray for a national repentance in America. That she would once again celebrate the Christ-child; the Savior of the world.

Lord, would you give the leaders of America a humble heart of repentance. I pray that they would no longer compare themselves to each other but see themselves in the light of a holy God.

Lord, would you begin the work of repentance and healing within the one square foot in which I stand this morning. Do a work of repentance and healing in my household. Do a work of repentance and healing in and among my neighbors, whom I know very well.

I pray for the leaders, the pastors and ministers in my city. I pray for those officials who carry out the will of the state in my county. I pray for the leaders of my state and the leaders of my nation.

From my house to the White House, Lord, may we have a humble heart of repentance. May you once again receive the honor and majesty due you in America.

Lord, this is a prayer from the heart of the sentry standing watch today. I join the sentinel call to prayer.

Standing the *Morning Watch* on my block

Reason To Repent

Surrender of your heart to God is your best choice (Isa 31:6-9). #Surrender #Repent #GodWillDefend #GodIsDevoted https://www.bible.com/116/isa.31.6-9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Because of God’s devotion to his people, Isaiah calls again for Judah to repent, return to God; renounce all idolatrous behavior. Even greater reason to turn back to God is his promise to annihilate Assyria by the sword of God (note 37:36).

God is devoted to his rebellious people and he promises to not only defend his people, but to lay waste their enemies. God’s assurance of love and protection should alter the behavior of his people toward him. Lord, you have captured and delivered my heart. I am yours.

Repentance in America begins with the person in the mirror.