General Order #1 – Pray For Civil Authorities

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Take seriously your exhortation to pray for civil authorities (1Ti 2:2-6). #PrayForThoseInGovernment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The imperative to pray, especially for civil authorities, is as important today as in Paul’s day. In Paul’s day, as in ours, there were growing threats to not only civil liberties, but also to religious liberties. If men are to live “peaceful, quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity,“ Believers must pray to God for civil leaders.

Prayers ought to be offered for civil authorities that they may understand and believe the truth of the gospel; that real freedom comes from Christ’s death on the cross to free men from sin and death. This is the message God gave to the world. Our general peace and liberty comes as civil authorities embrace God‘s redemptive plan. Jeremiah 29:7 makes the same point.

Lord, I have no more important “General Order” than “to take charge of [my] post and [pray for] all government [leaders] in view.”*

* Taken from Order #1 of Marine General Orders For The Sentry.

KEY 23 – LEADERS FOR WHOM TO PRAY

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Make prayer for leaders your regular priority (1Ti 2:2-8). #PrayForLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is imperative and Scripturally mandated that we pray for those in authority over us; lift up holy hands to God being certain you are free of any anger or controversy:

“Pray this way for kings and for all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity…I desire then that in every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;” (1Ti 2:2,8 ESV)

Set aside personal time to pray for at least these twenty-three significant people. They have major influence in your life and the life of your community. If you do not know who they are, find out.

FOCUS: Intercede for these leaders by name (or substitute what is appropriate for where you live). Pray for their families and their moral integrity. Pray that God would provide a witness of faith and wisdom for these individuals. Pray for leadership and/or political integrity and transparency.

1. Senior Pastor _________________

2. President ______________

3. State US Senator ___________

4. State US Senator ___________

5. District U.S. Representative ___________________

6. State Governor _______________

7. State Senator _________________

8. State Representative _________

9. County Sheriff ______________

10. County Judge ______________

11. City Mayor __________________

12. City Council or County Representative/Commissioner_________________

13. Children’s School Superintendent ______________________

14. CEO/Head of the organization for whom you work _________________

15. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts (Bush, GW – 2005)

16. Justice Stephen Breyer (Clinton – 1994)

17. Justice Clarence Thomas (Bush, GHW – 1991)

18. Justice Sonia Sotomeyer (Obama – 2009)

19. Justice Samuel Alito (Bush, GW – 2006)

20. Justice Elena Kagan (Obama – 2010)

21. Justice Neil Gorsuch (Trump 2017)

22. Justice Bret Kavanaugh (Trump – 2018)

23. Justice Amy Coney Barrett (Trump)

Lord, I will pray for these by name on my watch.

Pursue Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Develop a life of prayer and intercession (1Ti 2:1,2a). #PrayWithoutCeasing #PrayForAllMen #PrayForThoseInAuthority

Pray, Petition, Intercede with Thanksgiving

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is a call to pursue the life of prayer – all kinds of prayer. Offer prayers of any general nature, making requests of God for any general need; expressing any desire before God. Offer prayers of a specific nature, interceding for oneself or for others; to interpose, to fall upon God with boldness. Intercession is highly specific and great earnestness. It is Heb 4:16 in action: “Come boldly before the throne of grace.”

Lift prayers and intercessions on behalf of all men with thanksgiving. Pray and intercede especially for rulers, leaders and all those in authority. What an honor to join Jesus and the Holy Spirit, who both intercede for all men (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:26). It is incumbent upon believers to develop a life of prayer and intercession.

The Fight Worth Winning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be true to your conscience and be strong in your faith (1Ti 1:18–19). #ListenToYourConscience #HoldFastToFaith #FightTheGoodFightOfFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is especially important that pastors, like Timothy, hold fast to faith in Christ and keep a clear conscience. Being obedient to the things you know are right, avoiding things you know are wrong, will strengthen your faith and equip you to fight the good fight of faith. Very simple, basic instructions.

Do not violate your conscience. To do so is to doom your faith to failure. Of course, this is good advice for anyone to follow, not just pastors. Pray that your church leaders be true to their conscience and strong in their faith. This is the fight they need to win. Lord, may I too, be true to my conscience and strong in my faith.

God’s Instrument

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be an instrument of God’s grace to others (1Ti 1:12-17). #HateSinLoveTheSinner #NoGreaterLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Rather than stand in judgment of all the sins of others (vv9–10), Paul acknowledges that he himself is a sinner, mercifully saved by God’s grace. Rather than stand in judgment of other people, Paul acknowledges that the grace and mercy of God toward him fills him with faith and love for others.

Through the eyes of Jesus Christ Paul can say that all, even he, have fallen way short of God’s glory (can’t live up to the law). But all men are eligible for the grace of God. Like Paul, It is NOT my job to stand in judgment of others. The law does that. It is my job to be an instrument of God’s love and grace towards others. It is my honor Lord, to be your instrument.

B E L I E V E

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Believe Christ came to free men from the law of sin and death (1Ti 1:8-11). #BELIEVE

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul refutes the self proclaimed “teachers“ in Ephesus who were mixing grace and the law of Moses. He explains that “the law is good…when used [applied] correctly.“ The law was not given as a list of rules to keep (Gal 5:1) – if you’re 100% righteous you don’t need the law. But who is that righteous? No one! (Rom 3:10)

The law condemns the lawbreaker (note 1Ti 1:9,10). The law is judge, jury and executioner of every man. The law was given to expose man’s sin, that which is rebellious towards God (Gal 3:19). Sin is an attitude of the heart that rebels against God. Lord, your law has taught me that I am hopelessly lost and condemned without the grace of Christ.

Know The Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Stay True to the gospel message and alert to those who dilute it (1Ti 1:7). #TheTruthShallSetYouFree

Bob Taylor – Cup Art (2003);
Josh Reyenga C’mas Card Art (2021)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There were those in the church at Ephesus (Jewish converts) who troubled the heart of the innocent. They were introducing that element of the law of Moses that held people in bondage to the law. They supposed, pridefully, that they would be the keepers of tradition in the Jewish faith. They consider themselves purists and were mixing the law and grace.

But this teaching was abhorrent to the gospel message. As Paul will point out to Timothy, they, “the teachers“, had no understanding at all about the purpose of the law. Lord, may I always “test the spirit” of what I am being taught (1Jhn 4:1). Does it line up with God‘s word?

Distracted?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Stay focused on the truth of God’s word and a life devoted to him (1Ti 1:3-7). #Distractions #ChasingRabbits

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Apostle Paul writes this personal letter to a young man, his protégé, Timothy, pastor of the church in Ephesus (vv1,2). Foremost on Paul’s mind (speaking fatherly advice to anyone with authority) is that Timothy not be distracted by those who promote trivial controversies. These are folks who would rather chase rabbits than do something constructive.

Instead, the task is to lead God’s people (family, associates, etc), by teaching and example, to be filled with love. That can only happen if they are led to have a pure heart (humble and compassionate), a clear conscience (be right with God and man) and to live a genuine faith (undiluted trust in the truthfulness of God for life and practice).

Lord, prevent the sentry on duty from being distracted from the truth of the gospel and living a life devoted to you.

Last Words

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you clearly understand the warnings of God’s Word (Isa 66:22-24). #LastWords

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am closing out my Morning Watch in the book of Isaiah. I am certain that I have not understood every nuance of the prophet’s utterances. I pray that by the Spirit, I have caught the essence and urgency of the message. I’m indebted to Barnes’ Notes on Isaiah for help along the way.

The last verses in this book complete and describe, in dramatic fashion, the great divide between all of humanity (the faithful and the rebellious). Isaiah foresees a future when all the world, the faithful of every nation, will regularly observe a Sabbath (4th Commandment – Exo 20:8) genuinely worshiping the redeemer God.

As the faithful are departing worship they shall see the dead bodies and smell the putrid rotting flesh of every foe that has stood against God and his people. An abhorrent vision, abhorrent close, to this book in the Bible. It should cause every soul to consider the warnings of a holy, but loving, God and turn towards him in repentance, surrender and obedience.

Lord, the details of this prophetic book have caused even this aged sentry to think far more deeply on the things God has to say to me; yea, even to the world.

A Forever Destiny

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be assured, by your surrender to Christ, of your eternal place in God’s kingdom (Isa 66:21,22). #ForeverDestiny

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As the message of Redemption (the Gospel) is spread throughout the world, there shall come an expansion of faith beyond the confines of Judaism as will require many more “priests“ to serve Jehovah God. Just so, in the church age, those who have come to Christ are called a “royal priesthood“ in a “holy nation“ (1Pe 2:9).

This new “holy nation” shall be known by another name, “Christian“ (Acts 11:26). Isaiah says of this name, “As surely as the new heavens and earth will remain, so you will always be my people with a name that will never disappear“ (v22). Every believer may have the assurance of knowing that their place is held in God‘s eternal kingdom. So Lord, as a “priest” sentry, I stand in your eternal assurance for my forever destiny.

Fly Your Colours

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Boldly raise your colours to proclaim the message of God’s redemption (Isa 66:19-20). #FlyYourColors #ProclaimTheGoodNews #ChristianWitness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God says that at the time of his judgment of his enemies, “[he] will perform a sign among them.“ It is not clear what the “sign” may be. But it will signal the salvation of his people – they will know it when they see it. In Isaiah, a “sign“ most always has to do with power that could only be attributed to the Divine activity of God (e.g. 7:11;11:12;18:3). Even the Messiah himself is given as a “sign.”

Whatever the sign, it’s effect will open the door to the remnant who survived God’s judgment. They will carry the message of God’s redemption to the world. Could this also be pointing to the time when the Apostles spread the Gospel to the known world? Perhaps this itself is the “sign.“* Or, could it be [according to the blogger] that every believer in Christ are themselves the “sign” of God’s redemptive message?

Lord, whatever the meaning of the “sign”, this old sentry will be flying the colours of God’s redemption in his life.

* For further explanation: Albert Barnes makes this comment: “The whole passage is so accurately descriptive of what occurred in the times when the gospel was first preached to the pagan world, that there can be little danger of error in referring it to those times.” (Barnes’ Notes on the Old Testament, Isaiah, Pg. 439)

No Place To Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Comprehend God’s animus towards sin, but love for the sinner (Isa 66:18,19a). #GodHatesSinButLovesTheSinner #GodWillJudgeSin #RepentReturnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah makes it clear that, though God’s enemies (disobedient ones) go hiding to commit their sacrilege in private places (17), he sees their sin. He knows clearly who they are, where they are and what they are doing (men love [their private] darkness rather than light for their deeds are evil (see John 3:16-21). Nothing escapes God’s knowledge (Luk 12:2; Heb 4:13).

Isaiah also alludes to a future time (not clear when) that God will hold to account and destroy all his enemies. Every nation will be brought together to see collectively this manifestation of God’s glory and the absolute deliverance of those devoted to him. Lord, you have known my every weakness, sin and failure. Yet, by grace, you loved this old sentry and accepted him in Christ the beloved (Eph 1:6).

Praemonitus, Praemunitus

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Hear, do not ignore, but heed, the clear warnings of God (Isa 66:15-17). #ForewarnedForearmed #BePrepared #JudgmentWillCome

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There will come a terrible, swift and furious end [judgment] for all of God’s enemies, the enemies of God‘s people. Whether speaking here of those who brought destruction to Jerusalem (CIRCA 587 BC) or those who would bring destruction to the church, their ends will come in a swift and fiery judgment by God (also 2Th 1:5–9). Those who try to escape by running into the dark recesses of their idolatrous worship, making detestable sacrifices, will find that their man-made idols will be no match for the Lord of Heaven‘s Armies. Their ends will be swift and terrible.

Nothing further need be said but, “Praemonitus, Praemunitus” (Latin: Forewarned, Forearmed). As Isaiah (a sentry on the wall) begins the close of his prophetic work, the message is for people to BE PREPARED. Put faith in God alone now for salvation and deliverance. Lord, may the sentry on watch sound the clarion call.

Stand Faithful

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

When faith is challenged, remain faithful, put hope in God (Isa 66:5–14). #FindHopeInGod #FindComfortInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Those who are faithful to God will be severely persecuted. History has proven that to be true. Here, they are persecuted by their own brothers of Judaism. This is likely a reference to the church, “born in a day“ (v8).

Jewish brothers persecuted those believing in Christ. They assume they “honor God“ by such persecution. But, by this, they will be put to shame (v5). To those persecuted God says, “I gave birth to you. I will comfort you and care for you and bless you“ (v8,9,13,14). God will always stand with his people; he stands with his church today. Lord, all my hope and comfort is in you (Rom 15:13; 2Co 1:3).

Two-faced Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be honest with God in all your worship (Isa 66:3,4). #BeReal #WorshipGodInTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am to always be on my guard for any spirit of hypocrisy in my worship. Regarding worship as merely perfunctory performance to impress God or others is an abomination to God. Or to come to worship with sin and pride in my heart is anathema to God. Jesus compares hypocrisy to “Whitewashed graves. Beautiful on the outside but full of rot and decay on the inside” (Mat 23:27,28)

God compares the hypocritical spirit to four detestable kinds of sacrifice (Isa 66:3): human sacrifice, the sacrifice of dogs on the altar of atonement, the blood of hogs offered as thanks to God and incense offered as if an appeasement to some foreign God. Hypocrisy in worship is a deliberate sin against God. The outcome according, to Isa 66:4, will result in great troubles for the offender. Lord, search my heart for any disingenuous worship of you.

Genuine Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May your worship of God be sincere, humble and contrite (Isa 66:1,2). #TrueWorship #WorthyWorship #UndefiledWorship

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I gather from my readings that this final chapter of Isaiah begins by addressing another form of “idolatry“ on the part of Israel. Seventy years of captivity in Babylon may have cured them of their worship of foreign gods. But following captivity they would fall to exceeding pride in their temple worship of God.

Israel would begin to substitute sincere and humble worship for elaborate forms of ritual, a system of rules keeping and outward pompous displays of devotion. In other words, they acted religious but their hearts were filled with pride over their religious activity and works (2Ti 3:5). Lord, I understand that it is only a sincere and contrite heart that you receive as worthy worship. Christianity is not doing things a certain way. It is a certain way of doing ev’thing..

The Ultimate Victory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Give us an eager anticipation of our ultimate victory over sin, sickness and death (Isa 65:17-25). #NoMoreSicknessNoMorePain #ComeLordJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah begins to close his prophetic vision for the future of God’s people – those who genuinely worship him. This old world, as we know it, will no longer exist. There will be forever rejoicing in the streets of the “New Jerusalem.”

There shall be no more weeping or crying. No more death and dying. People will live in total security and total enjoyment of their harvest. No more wayward children, families will be blessed and every prayer will be answered. All of nature shall be redeemed – no more ravaging of the week by the strong. All hurt and destruction shall cease.

Lord, may this and every sentry standing watch for God, eagerly anticipate the ultimate and final victory over sin and death (2Pe 3:13; Rev 21:1,2).

It’s Not “Karma”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Put your faith in Jehovah God who is sovereign over all destiny (Isa 65 12–16). #NoKarmaHere #ChooseTheGodOfAllDestiny

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people had forsaken God for another path, looking for some out of reach “destiny“ (v11) – the perfect high, the perfect relationship, the perfect job, the perfect education and the like. They put their faith in things that never satisfy. But God is the source of all true destiny (v12). He alone delivers on true meaning in life.

Serving God is to eat of the food of genuine life, to quench our thirst for real meaning; it means to express a spirit of joy and singing, to be a blessing to others and to desire living in truth and living for God. Otherwise our destiny, according to God, will be fraught with meaninglessness, grief and despair. Choosing God as the Lord of all destiny is the clear choice. I reject any idea of “karma” as a path to meaning in life. I choose Jehovah God as sovereign Lord of my destiny.

A Losing Strategy: Neglect

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Keep your spiritual ears open, listen to and obey God (Isa 65:11,12). #ReadyToListen #GodIsSpeaking #DontTemptGod

If the winning strategy with God is faithfulness (this blog), what is a losing strategy? NEGLECT.

Israel would suffer the consequences of willfully ignoring God. I remember as a kid, one thing that would really set my mom off was to not come home when she called me for dinner (back in the day). I knew the hour was close, but I went anyway, too far away in the neighborhood to hear her call.

That is called deliberate willful neglect (disobedience). I chose to ignore what I knew would please my mom (never a good move). It’s not a good move with God either. I have learned that with God (as with mom), I need to stay closer to where I can hear him when he calls. It works out MUCH better. Believe me, I know the difference. Lord, keep me close to you, may I stay close enough to hear when you call and then respond quickly.

Faithfulness: The Winning Strategy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain faithful and look to God‘s promises in the midst of troubled times (Isa 65:8–10). #GodIsFaithful #StayFaithful #WinningStrategy

In Israel: Tbe Valley of Achor &
The Plains of Sharon

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the midst of God’s severe discipline for the sin of Israel and Judah, there will be a remnant preserved; those who have not forsaken God. These will inherit the land they lost in the Babylonian captivity (prophetically speaking here). The beautiful plains of Sharon, overgrown during 70 years of captivity, will once again thrive with flocks and beautiful, peaceful pastures. Even the “Valley of Achor” (means troubled, afflicted) where Israel was once afflicted for the sin of a man called Achan (Jos 7:24; Hos 2:15), would become a source of blessings, peace and joy upon return from captivity.

It is clear that even good people, faithful followers of God, may suffer because of the disobedience of the many in a nation (“good grapes among bad ones”). But God is careful to sort it all out. From this I understand that even in the midst of great trouble and tribulation, God promises blessings to those who remain faithful to him. Lord, may I always follow the winning strategy of faithfulness and depend upon your promises.

Seek God Sooner Than Later

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humbly, earnestly, seek God quickly for his help (Isa 65:1–5). #SeekGodEarly #NoTimeLikeNowToSeekGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah 65:1 answers the questions asked in the last verse of Chapter 64. “Lord, will you continue ignoring us? Will you keep on being silent and punishing us?“ The answer – God says, “I was [and always am] ready to respond…was [and am] ready to be found, B U T no one asked me for help nor went looking for me.“

So many Scriptures tell us that if we seek God, call out to him, he WILL be found (e.g.: Isa 55:6; Psm 34:4-6; Pro 8:17; 2Ch 15:2b; Jer 29:12-14). In Isa 65:3-5 God says, “All day I stand ready, arms wide open to those who will seek me. But…“ The problem? Man is too rebellious, arrogant, selfish and self-righteous (see also Jas 3:1-3). Lord, may it not be said of me that I was too arrogant and rebellious to stop and earnestly seek you for help.

Good To Be Home

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Return quickly to the open arms of the loving Father of Heaven (Isa 64:8,9). #OpenArms #UnconditionalLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Like the Prodigal of Luke 15, after years of captivity in Babylon (prophetically speaking) the child, the wayward nation of Israel, turns to the true source of comfort and security – Jehovah God. Like the repentant Prodigal, Israel will come acknowledging God‘s sovereign hand in their affairs. They will seek the Father‘s forgiveness.

Israel will ask God to not turn away any longer. They will ask that God see them again with the eyes of a loving father, which, of course, he is, always has been and will be (See also 63:15,16). Father, I remember well that night in 1968, on my lonely dusty road back to you. You welcomed me home with unconditional love. I owe all to you.

Back From The Future

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be grateful for whatever spiritual heritage you may have; create a spiritual legacy for those who come after you (Isa 64:10-12). #Steadfast #LeaveALegacy #RememberTheGodOfYourYouth

First Baptist Church, Farmington, MI
(CIRCA 1950)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah is here looking ahead some 150 to 200 years and speaking prophetically, as if exiled from the homeland of Israel. He looks back from the future affectionately at worship in a beautiful temple unto the most high God, which has now been destroyed. He recalls the places in that homeland where children grew up and played, now overgrown and wild. He remembers revered ancestors who went before him, who are now all gone. Speaking prophetically as an exile he models a plea to God to deliver Israel from the peril in which she finds herself, in that prophetic future.

I often have affectionate thoughts of the old church in which I was raised (pictured). I can still recall the smell of musty wooden floors in my “primary“ Sunday School class (windows to that classroom on the right side). I remember my pastor, Dr. Northrop; my music minister, Shelly Knowles (he led worship with a trombone in his hands). I was saved and baptized in that old church some 70 years ago. I can’t imagine that place as gone. Destroyed, burned to the ground. But such was the prophetic vision of Isaiah to the people of Israel. If Israel can see it, perhaps she will repent and avoid such a future calamity.

Too often we don’t know what we have until we have lost it. Lord, thank you for calling me back to my Christian heritage. May Isaiah’s words continue moving me to gratitude for my Christian heritage; to remember the God of my youth; to remain steadfast in my faith and pass it on.

No Condemnation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Understand God’s Word as Good News not bad news (Isa 64:5-7). #GreatestLoveStoryEverTold #GodLovesYou

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah 64:1-5a extols God‘s goodness and awesome deeds. Then in verses 5b–7 we hear that God is angry with us – what horrible sinners we all are. Yet, surprisingly, “No one calls upon God for help or mercy. So God simply allows our sin to run its course in our lives.“

Why is it that we only hear the bad news, “God is angry,“ and fail to hear the Good News, “God is full of mercy?“ The country song troubadour sings, “I just want to read Bible verses and not the Bible versus me.“

The mournful troubadour only hears the Law and knows he can’t measure up. But he keeps trying. He does not hear and know how God loves him and died for his sin. It is not the Bible vs. Me. It is Sin vs. Me (Titus 3:11). “God did not come to condemn the world but to save it (Jhn 3:16,17).

Yes, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). “But,” Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Father, I want the world to see your love, mercy and grace through me. There is hope for the country troubadour.

See also on this blog “Don’t Give Me No Country Song Jesus.”

Hard After God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Follow hard after God according to his ways (Isa 64:1–5). #GoHardAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah Chapter 64 is a continuance of Chapter 63. In repentance God’s people appeal to his former acts of deliverance from Egypt – “Eye hath not seen, ears hath not heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him (so says Isaiah and the apostle Paul – 1Co 2:9.) Paul also adds, “But God reveals these things to us who believe by the Holy Spirit in v10).

Further, “[God] gladly welcomes those who do good and follow him according to his ways“ (Isa 64:5). Our faith, believing, sets us apart to hear from God’s Spirit the mystery of God in Christ (Col 2:2,3). Every sentry may be assured that you will not withhold any truth necessary to bring him/her into a right relationship with you. Lord, I want to follow hard after you.