Get Your “Spur On”

Thoughtfully consider how you might encourage others every day (Heb 10:24,25) #SpurOn #LoveAndGoodDeeds https://www.bible.com/111/heb.10.24-25.niv

Joe Gary – Friend and Arena Pastor, Top Hand Cowboy Church, Encourages Daughter, Briley, as Son Luke Looks On; Photo by wife, Stacie.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 4 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, surround my family and friends with a spirit of love and good deeds. Who does not need a regular word of encouragement? “Spur one another on“ (NIV). The idea in this Scripture is to stir up, encourage, provoke, motivate others around you. Especially strive to “spur on” those with whom we share faith in the Lord Jesus.

“Spur On” [motivate] to what? To do love and good deeds. Today our country is experiencing much provocation toward cynicism, skepticism and distrust. We need to hear, in a big way, from those in the faith who express genuine encouragement of others. Lord, I want to be the kind of friend and brother that motivates others toward love and acts of kindness. I want to get my “Spur On.”

“Stand Down!”

Surrender daily to God’s transforming power (Rom 12:1,2). #Changed https://www.bible.com/116/rom.12.1-2.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 3 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, transform us, change our thinking.

Our natural bent is to conform to how the world wants to mold us into its shape and way of thinking. Being transformed doesn’t happen because we follow “The Rules.” Following the rules will never satisfy our hearts. Rules, when broken, serve only to condemn us. That will frustrate us and cause us to want to just give up and give in to our own passions.

But, if we sincerely surrender our hearts to a living, enduring relationship with God, in Christ, we will experience his transforming power. How do we do that? Spend time in his Word learning who he is. Talk to him in prayer as a friend and counselor. Connect with others who are also in relationship with him.

Lord, it is my sentinel desire for my family to “Stand Down,” to the world and surrender daily to your transforming power.

Happy Feet

Walk daily according to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22,23). #FruitOfTheSpirit https://www.bible.com/116/gal.5.22-23.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 2 of 40 Prayer For Family – Father, defeat in my family the desires to walk according to our sinful nature (that which is defiant of God) resulting in sexual immorality, impurity, lust for pleasures, idolatry, sorcery (occult), hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, hedonism, et al. Such will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21).

But may our family walk according to the Holy Spirit who produces a different result – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, truthfulness and self-control. Lord, fill us with your Spirit. May we all daily close the door on the influence to our sinful nature and walk yielded to the work of your Spirit.

A Priestly Blessing

Commit time to heartfelt prayer for your family (Num 6:24-26). #PrayForFamily #PriestlyBlessing https://www.bible.com/116/num.6.24-26.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 1 of 40 Prayer For Family – Father, I am standing in the gap for my family. I’m praying for them by name. It is not just a “happy“ life that I pray for them. I pray for their protection from the evil one, from all oppressive spirits that wish to dominate their lives. I pray that their obedience to God‘s word be pleasing unto him.

I pray that God‘s mercy and grace and compassion rain down on each one. I pray that they live in such a way as to bring God’s wholehearted approval. I pray the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension might follow after them. Lord, may this prayer reflect your desire for each one in my family.

I commit further, this prayer, to dear friends and beloved country.