Who’s The Mistress?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you be driven by the love of God & not the mistress of money (Heb 13:5). #DrivenByGod’sLove #NoFantasyAffairs #LoveNotTheWorld #Can’tServeGodAndMoney

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is an interesting notation. The writer inserts a riff of a different tune. He is talking about the kinds of relationships followers of Christ ought to foster. Then he says, “Don’t love money…be satisfied.“ Why would he say that? Contentment.

I think that some of the most content people (speaking of Believers here) are the most effective at ministry with others. If one has a love affair with, motivated by, money and material things, it will compromise a loving, caring relationship with others. It will be like the secret mistress who drains the efficacy out of the fidelity of another relationship.

Lord, may my motives in life be always pure; focused on God and others.

Point Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to be a proactive witness pointing others to Christ (Heb 13:1-6). #WalkingPoint

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Reading these verses leads me to my responsibility as a believer, a follower of Christ. My faith in Christ is lived out in every day circumstances. I am responsible to not just stay in the church, worshiping God onto myself. I am called to “go”, to point others to Christ.

It is my responsibility to be God’s witness in the world. It is my responsibility to explain by my life and by my witness, the consequences of ignoring so great a salvation (Heb 2:3). I am a “point man” leading others to a just and righteous God. Lord, may I use whatever platform you have given me to point men to Christ.

Show Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May God‘s love be revealed in your life to others (Heb 13:1–6). #ShowUp #BeThere #ShowGod’sLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having done all to honor, worship, and obey God and exalt Christ as supreme in our lives, we must let the love of God be seen in us towards others – show up for brothers and sisters in Christ, for strangers in need.

Do not ignore those who are in prison for their faith or others who are suffering – show up, do something. Show up and honor marriage. Be faithful and avoid any immorality. Be content with God‘s provision – he has promised to never abandon you. He will show up for you always.

After twelve chapters of comprehensive explanations of the superiority of Christ, a few words of simple and practical wisdom is warmly received. Lord, may your love be seen and expressed in my life.

Scorched Earth

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Walk in awe and reverence for a holy God (Heb 12:28,29). #ScorchedEarth #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Some have spoken of a “scorched earth“ military policy, or they speak from an environmental point of view. But we have seen nothing like a scorched earth that God, who is a “consuming fire,“ will bring against a godless humanity.

When Christ returns, all of creation (the heavens, the earth and sea) will be done away (Isa 51:5,6; Psm 102:25-28; Heb 1:10-12). This world is not eternal. It will be consumed by the righteous fire of God. The godless will not survive. Only those who have put their faith in Christ will survive (note: Isa 33:1–24; especially vv 14,15). Lord, I dare not ignore the consuming righteous nature of God in my life.

Unshakable

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Oh, that you might listen to God and obey (Heb 12:25–28). #ListenToGod #RevereAndObeyGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A final warning is issued by our writer. God rules from above heaven and earth (Psm 113:4–6). Listen to God’s voice. Don’t do as the ancient Hebrews did. Though God’s voice thundered, they ignored his voice (3:7-12). They did not escape judgment.

When God spoke from Mount Sinai, the earth quaked. The promise here is that when God speaks again (and he will) “everything that can be shaken (heaven and earth – all things created) will be shaken”…destroyed. All that will remain is that which is UNSHAKEABLE – God’s word, God’s salvation and God’s kingdom. Lord, I am listening. May the nations listen to your voice and turn to you before it is too late.

Holiness Attained

PRAYING FOR FAMILY FRIENDS AND NATION:

May you grasp the depth of God’s mercy, love and grace (Heb 12:18–24). #GodsLoveAndMercy #TheOpenDoorToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a world of difference between the flaming holiness and terrifying righteousness of the God of Israel (represented here by Mount Sinai – vv18–21) and the gracious merciful hand of the same God who reaches out in love to save (represented here by Mount Zion – vv22-24). The contrast is clear. God is Holy and Righteous. Yet, in his love and mercy, he cleared the way for ALL to come to him.

All men may come to God, not in fear and trembling, but in confidence and joy, knowing that Jesus (represented in all the symbolism of the temple) has cleared the way. The Holiness demanded in salvation is attainable through Christ Jesus and his shed blood on the cross. Lord, my heart and spirit cry out to grasp the depths of such mercy and grace.

Eyes On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY FRIENDS AND NATION:

Don’t lose sight of your inheritance: life abundant, life eternal (Heb 12:15-17). #SinUnchecked #SinHasConsequences

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Why is Esau an example of failing the grace of God? Was he saved, then lost? Was he never saved at all? For sure Esau was the rebel firstborn son of Isaac. Our writer points this fact out (are there any rebellious among us? Yeah, I have been that son). Birth order may give one legal standing, but the family blessing is passed on, according to a father’s wishes (Esau was not the first to be passed over for the blessing).

Esau took his eyes off the prize. He disdained his birthright (Gen 25:33,34). Hebrews 12:1–4 teaches that those who run a successful race, keep their eyes on the prize. Namely, ancient torch-bears of faith and Jesus. (Paul as well – Phi 3:14). In the end, Isaac blessed the right guy (Gen 25:23). Lord, I am reminded that harboring any sin or treating salvation casually will have far reaching affects on the community of faith.

Faith: Walk the Talk

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your “talk” of faith match your “walk” of faith (Heb 12:14-17). #WalktheTalk #WalkOfFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With a clear understanding of the superiority of Christ in the walk of faith (Ch 1–10) and the voluminous examples through history of the walk of faith by others (Ch 11 – 12:11), we are exhorted to step up and exercise our own WALK of faith that goes beyond the “talk” of faith.

1) Walk in peaceful relationship with all men – be compassionate, as God is compassionate toward you.

2) Walk in holy alliance with God – confess sin and obey God.

3) Walk in harmonious relationship with believers – forgive others before a root of bitterness can take root and poison future relationships.

Broken relationships with God or men may find healing, but may also leave heartbreaking consequences (v 16,17). Lord, may I walk in peace with all men, in holiness before God, and in forgiveness towards others.

Path of Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Mark out your path of faith and walk faithfully in it. (Heb 12:12,13). #ClearPathOfFaith #GetAGrip #WalkFaithfully

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer begins his final call to a living faith. He says, “Get a grip, stand strong, mark out your path of faith and walk in it” (a reference to Isaiah 35:3f). It contains within it a great comfort for the future. The Lord our God will come and he will not tarry one minute longer than necessary.

This living faith is necessary for you and those who follow you. The object is to live your faith in such a way as to prevent any from becoming disabled in their walk. But that they might be bound up and strengthened to carry on. It is essential that the whole body (community of faith) finish the course without loss. So says F.F. Bruce.

Lord, you have strengthened my hands, fortified my ability to stand and defined clearly the path of faith in which I have been walking. May none be lost because of me.

The Fruit of Discipline

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respond by faith to God’s discipline (Heb 12:5–11). #WhomGodLovesHeDisciplines #GodDisciplinesForOurGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times we endure suffering at the hands of evil men, just as Christ did. But at other times we endure hardship because of our own disobedience toward God. Like a loving Father, God will discipline his children’s bad behavior.

God’s discipline proves his love for us. His discipline is always for our good, to lead us back into holiness. Discipline is not an enjoyable event, but after it is over, it leads to a good harvest of right living – that is, living according to God‘s will and purposes (1Pe 4:16–19). Father, your discipline in my life has always resulted in good fruit.

Undeterred Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be undeterred from following Jesus no matter the cost (Heb 12:2-4). #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell #FightThroughThePain

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer explains how to be undeterred from running a successful race of faith. I must keep my eyes on the prize – Jesus, his likeness and my eternal reward. (Read Paul’s words in Philippians three). In a race, the runner who looks anywhere but straight ahead is in danger. One cannot be looking from side to side or up and down.

Jesus Christ, our Champion, was undeterred from the joy awaiting him. He didn’t focus on detractors, or on his suffering circumstances (“Woe is me“). No, he ran through the pain. He endured the cross and the shame in order to provide for man the way of salvation. There is nothing I face that Jesus has not faced.

Lord, because of you and through you, this old sentry can be undeterred by circumstances. I too must focus on the eternal reward before me.

Faith Race: The Runner’s “Hand-off”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your “hand-off“ exchange of the legacy baton of faith be smooth (Heb 12:1). #FaithRelayHandOff #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The race of faith is like a marathon relay race. Those listed in Hebrews 11:3–38 ran their best race and handed off the baton of faith legacy to others. Others handed it off to me. I have been running my best race of faith. I am now closer to the finish, than to the start.

I am in the “hand-off exchange zone“ of my race.* I want to say with Paul, “I have finished the race, kept the faith. The prize (the victor’s crown of righteousness) awaits me and also those who look forward to his appearing (2Ti 4:7–8). Lord, may I have a clean “hand-off” of faith to others.

________________

* Truth is, no one really knows when the end of their race may come; when an exchange of the legacy baton may occur. But, if you’re always running your best race of faith, you can count on a successful “hand-off”.

Faith Race: The Runner’s Goal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you finish well the race of faith set before you (Heb 12:1). #EndureToTheEnd #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The goal of the runner in a race is to win the prize. In the race of faith the prize is achieving God’s purpose of Christ-likeness (1Co 9:24–27; Rom 8:29). I am not in competition with anyone. I compete against myself, to run my best race according to God‘s plan for me.

I endure all the conditions of the race. Like heat or rain culture, experience, education, friends, bullies, and the like, affect my race. Yet, like the runner, I endure. I may falter or stumble in the race. But success, the eternal prize, is determined not by how I start or falter, but by how I finish. Lord, may I finish well the race set before me.

Faith Race: The Runner’s Clothes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Eliminate any sin that would hinder your race of faith (Heb 12:1). #BeDressedInReadiness #RunYourBestRace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If my example is those who have run the race of faith before me and since they were successful, then I should copy them. The first thing I should do is strip off any outer garments that would slow me down; that sin that would beset me. I must be dressed for the race (wearing the weightless Armor of God) and able to run with max freedom of motion.

What is it that hinders the runner’s freedom of motion in the race of faith? Distractions from the Champion for whom I run – Jesus, my Lord. False teaching, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, and pride are all things that hinder my best race of faith. Lord, point me to any sin that hinders my race; lead me in the everlasting way (Psm 139:23,24).

Run Your Best Faith-Race

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run well, the race of faith (Heb 12:1). #RunYourBestRace #Persevere

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I can learn how to run the race of faith by looking to those who have gone before me. They are all men and women who were or are not perfect. I can take comfort in that. Some did things very well, some struggled…just as I. They had their ups and downs.

Yet, They persevered, confessed sin, chose to follow God. They laid down the things that kept them from running a successful faith race. Their perseverance gave them growth in faith. That gave them endurance to run and finish their race. They are my example. Lord, may I lay aside all encumbrances to running well, the race of faith.

Model Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks to God for the witness of those who model Faith (Heb 12:1). #ModelsOfFaith #FaithLifeExamples

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have often misinterpreted this verse. I have, in effect, said this host of “witnesses“ is looking down and cheering us on. I recently said that in a memorial service for a pastor friend. But the writer is not saying that.

Looking back over Hebrews Ch 11, the writer concludes: all those saints of old had lived their lives with endurance and loyalty to God. Those saints had borne witness to the possibilities of the faith life. They are not spectators (in a heavenly grand stand), looking down on us, as much as it is we who are looking up to them as examples in our race of faith (F.F. Bruce).

Lord, to my pastor friend, I should say, “Thank you for the life of faith you lived. It’s spurs me on and I cheer for you dear brother.”

Faith Borne Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your lives be filled with living examples of faith (Heb 12:1). #FaithIsTheVictory #FaithOvercomes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“So,“ the writer says, “we have seen an enormous crowd of witnesses, [attestants to, examples of] the life of faith (Heb 11:3-38). [They give evidence that faith works] Let us do as they did and live out our lives by that same faith.“ Faith is the motivating drive that enables us to live victorious over evil, just as they did. We can die victorious over evil, just as many of them did.

“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world” (1Jn 5:4,5). We look at the example of faith borne out in countless souls gone before us. Their faith motivates even greater faith in us today. It is not so much they who look at us [as spectators], but we who look to them. Lord, you have filled my life with incredible examples of the faith life. They lead me on in my faith.

Winning Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Reflect a faith that keeps its eyes on the prize (Heb 11:39,40). #EyesOnThePrize #ConfidentFaith #FaithThatPleasesGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer of Hebrews closes Chapter 11, the way he opened it. Faith is our confidence in what we expect. It is reflected in the generations gone before us. Their faith earned them a good reputation (vv1,2). Examples are given (vv3–38). Their reputation for faith was pleasing to God (vv6,7), endorsed by God.

The generations of Old Testament faith will reach full maturity with every faith follower of Jesus since the Cross. We shall all enjoy the same, enduring promise of a better possession, a resurrection to life eternal (vv39,40). Lord, the witness of saints through the ages should give every prayer sentry courage to keep his or her eyes on the prize, the coming eternal redemption through Christ.

Faith Unquenched by Fires of Evil

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek a faith that is unquenched by the fires of evil (Heb 11:35b–38). #unquenchableFaith #FaithInTheFire #VictoriousThroughEvil

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses fly in the face of “Feel Good Religion“ and the “Prosperity Gospel.“ While many have been victorious “quenching” the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a), still others have a faith that is “unquenchable,” victorious in/through the fires of evil. Many there are who have suffered horrific persecution. Yet, they have clung to the promise of a better hope in the resurrection. Their faith was “unquenchable.“

Our God in Christ stands with those who suffer great indignities, torture, jeerings, beatings, imprisonment, were/are poor and destitute at the hands of evil men. These believers were labeled as unfit by their society (“Cancel Culture”). But the opposite was true. Society was/is unfit for them (note Psm 44:22; Rom 8:35-39). Lord, should I be called upon to suffer for my faith, may I do so with honor.

Fires of Evil Quenched By Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek a faith that quenches the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a). #FireQuench #FaithForTheFire #VictoriousOverEvil

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In his admonishment of these Hebrew Christisn readers, the writer is want to forge any further catalogue of faith examples. “What else can I say? It would take pages to tell the stories of faith.” Numberless stories are told of great victories accomplished by faith. His readers know them all very well.

I quote James T Draper again, “Their faith ‘quenched’ the fires of evil they encountered, but could not be quenched by the evil.“ Their faith (as ours) was and is fueled by countless tests and trials. Faith was/is made manifest through weakness, by which we gain strength (2Co 12:9,10). Lord, may I know a faith that quenches the fires of evil.

None Beyond Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have faith that God will forgive your sin and adopt you into his family (Heb 11:31). #Grace #WhosoeverWillMayCome #PutTrustInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this woman, Rehab, the harlot who warrants a place on a list of “Who’s Who“ in a Jewish history of great men of faith? She is not even a Jew, but a pagan Canaanite. What’s the point? The point is that “Faith“ belongs to anyone who will put their trust in Jehovah God. The Scriptures say, no one is beyond redemption (Rom 10:10-13).

Rahab, hid two Israelite spies who were spying out Jericho for Joshua. She prophesied Israel’s victory over Jericho (Jos 2:4-10ff). She enabled the spies to escape. She then sought refuge among God’s people (see Joshua Ch 2). A premier proselyte, she became the ancestress to many Hebrew kings and prophets; ultimately to Jesus the Messiah (Mat 1:1-6ff). Lord, thank you for accepting this old derelict sinner into the family of God.

Surprise Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Stop right now; give glory to God who has accepted you (Heb 11:31). #LovedByTheFather #AcceptedInTheBeloved #NeverTooLate

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As you get closer to verse 31 in Hebrews chapter 11, one feels a sense of power in the faith of some of the greatest followers of God in ancient history named here. All is moving to a grand conclusion about “faith”.

“By faith” Abel, “By faith” Enoch…Noah…Abraham…Isaac…Jacob…Moses…”BY FAITH RAHAB, THE HARLOT. “Huh?“ “What wha?“ Yep, the final name listed among these great ancients is a woman. Rahab, the harlot, a prostitute (read her story in Joshua Chapter 2).

Either God has a morbid sense of humor or he is serious as to the ultimate reach of the gospel. It is the latter. James T Draper, in his commentary on Hebrews states, “No one is too despicable for God to save, if there is repentance and faith in the heart.“ Lord, I just have to stop right here and give thanks for salvation come to my house (Eph 1:6).

Faith + Obedience = Victory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put faith in God, obey God’s word and walk in God’s victories (Heb 11:29,30) #Faith #Obedience #Victory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hebrews 11:29,30 are separated by a “,”. That comma equals 40 years in the wilderness for God’s people (no Faith and no obedience). No mention of it here. On one side of the “,” is a clear example of the magnitude of God‘s power when his people are obedient to him. On the other side is an example of the same.

On one side (v29), God delivers over one million of his people through the Red Sea and swallows up the entire Egyptian army in the same (Exo 14). On the other side (v30), God decimates the impregnable walls of Jericho that stood between God’s people and their promised land (Jos 6). Why? Because of their faith and obedience to him.

Lord, lead me to faith and obedience; may I know great victories in following you.

Faith: (Pastoral Thought)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Keep your eyes open to the certain promised works of God (Heb 11:32). #FaithACertainty #Faith #KnowSoFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After reading the accounts of God’s acts in the affairs of men through the ancients of the Judeo-Christian experience (Heb 11:3-31), I understand better the words of Hebrews 11:1,2; and as yet, I am not done reading all of Hebrews 11. But I had a pastoral thought.

The faithful ancient’s reputation stood squarely on the grounds of Faith. Trusting the truthfulness of God, they had a clear vision of things yet unseen. They stood on one another’s shoulders as, one by one, they saw God fulfill every promise made to them. It leaves a trail of assurance that things anticipated (“hoped for”), actually happened. This in turn prompts a confident Faith in the living God.

Lord, seeing how you have worked in the lives of the ancients of the Faith, seeing how you have worked miraculously in this aged sentry’s life, gives me a confidence of Faith in the promises of God still yet to be fulfilled.

Passover: Faith’s Tribute

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Celebrate deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life (Heb 11:28). #GodDeliversLifeEternal #Passover #Lord’sSupper #Deliverance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here describes a fourth act of faith in the life of Moses. When preparing to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Moses instituted the Passover with a view towards the regular celebration of Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He fully expected to be celebrating deliverance long into the future as a tribute to God’s promises (Exo 12:21-30)

Faith saved Moses at birth (v23). Faith called Moses away from the pleasures of his world (vv24–26). Faith led him to follow God into a personal wilderness journey (v27). Faith lead him to institute an act that would forever stand as a tribute to God‘s hand of deliverance (v28). Lord, by faith I celebrate my deliverance from sin and death to life eternal (the Lord’s Supper is my faith tribute to that).

“Woodshed” Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive for a faith borne out of a lifetime of experiences listening to God. (Heb 11:27). #GodsWill #ListenToGod #RepentOfYourPlans

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Moses would lead the people of God with a well developed faith, a trust in God that was resolute. The writer says, “By faith Moses left Egypt not fearing the anger of Pharaoh.” Yet, Exodus 2:14,15 says Moses was afraid because Pharaoh wanted to kill him (Moses had slain an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew). There is a lot to unpack here.

Let’s be real. Moses may have had some initial fear. Pharaoh had a contract out on his life (who wouldn’t have some healthy fear?). But it does not necessarily follow, that was what drove him out of Egypt into the wilderness. Scripture says in Hebrews 11, “BY FAITH Moses left Egypt.”*

It was not yet time, nor was Moses ready, to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt. God lead Moses out of Egypt into the wilderness to do some “woodshedding.” There Moses would learn that he could not slash and burn his way to leadership. He really had no idea yet, what was God’s plan. That would take another 40 years of preparation in the Midian wilderness. Moses was age eighty when he lead Israel out of Egypt (Exo 7:7).

Looking back over my life, it occurs to me that I was in my 40s when I understood that I cannot accomplish God’s plans in my own strength and in my own abilities (slow learner). I had to repent of doing things my way. I had to get schooled in obedience, as Moses ultimately did. I needed a clear awareness of who/what I was and who/what God is and could do through a much humbler version of me.

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

_____________

* Bruce, F.F, Epistle to the Hebrews; The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., (1964), Pg. 322.

Incorruptible Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek God for an incorruptible faith before godless influence (Heb 11:23–26). #IncorruptibleFaith #DefyGodlessness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Moses spent his life in defiance of godless pagan leaders. At birth his parents defied the king’s command to kill every Hebrew child and hid him (Pharaoh feared the growing population of the Hebrews – Exo 2:1–10). Having been found then raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses refused the luxury of being called her son.

Moses chose instead to reject a lifestyle of sin and chose to share in the oppression of his people (the Hebrews). He saw a far better reward in the promises of God. He would summon an incorruptible faith to follow God and not godless men. Lord, may I have a faith that is incorruptible before godlessness.

Indomitable Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put your faith in the veracity of God’s promises (Heb 11:22).#Faith #BelieveGodsPromises

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Joseph, when he was about to die, instructed his family to carry his remains with them when they went into the land promised them by God. The people of Israel were still held as slaves in Egypt when he spoke those words (Gen 50:24,25).

In spite of Joseph‘s circumstances he believed God would fulfill his promise to his people. He did not get in on it, but he saw it from a distance (v13). In the same way, believers today stand in the tradition of promise. Just as God delivered on his promises to Israel he will surely deliver on his promises to us.

Lord, it thrills the heart of this old sentry to live by indomitable faith in the fulfillment of God’s promise of a future home in heaven.

Faith Legacy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Continue the spiritual legacy of faith (Heb 11:20,21). #LegacyOfFaith #SeizeThePromisesOfGod #FullyRelyOnGod

I will make your descendants numberless, like the stars of the sky, the sand on the seashore – Gen 22:17

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God promised Abraham that his descendants would be numberless, like the sand on the seashore, the stars of the sky (Gen 22:17). Isaac, his son, would be the beginning of that promise to become a great nation. Isaac had two sons (twins) the younger, Jacob (also called Israel), was chosen by God to continue the legacy.

Jacob had 12 sons who became the 12 tribes of Israel. By faith (trusting the truthfulness of God) Abraham’s sons took at face value the promise of God to establish a great nation; and so he did. That nation is Israel today. Lord, I received by faith the spiritual heritage passed on to me (from Abraham). My children and children’s children continue that legacy of faith today.

Indestructible Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek to know a faith that is indestructible (Heb 11:17-19). #IndestructibleFaith #AbidingFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have to stop in ponder the indestructible and abiding faith of Abraham and his relationship with God. Imagine, God, after promising Abraham a son and then delivering on that promise, tells Abraham to sacrifice that son, Isaac.

It would be easy for me to think or to tell someone else to just, “Have faith.” But how might I tell someone to give up the dearest thing to them, whatever that may be. Yet, as followers of God, we can expect that at some point in the life of faith, God may indeed ask us to do just that. He may ask us to, as someone has once said, “Lay our Isaac down” in obedience to him (Gen 22). That kind of indestructible, abiding faith will be rewarded by God.

Years ago I had a friend who was an accomplished rock, rhythm & blues drummer. He had an incredible sense of rhythm and drumming technique. Soon after he had become a Christian, the Lord spoke to him about his love for drumming.

My friend told me that the Lord had said to him that his love for drumming was coming ahead of his relationship with God. His response was to sell all of his drums. He would remove anything that would come between him and God.

Sometime after that, God gave my friend back his drumming. But he would surrender his drums and his talent to God. After that, God truly blessed him and his drumming. That was amazing to me. I have always remembered and respected my friend’s decision. He put God ahead of any other love in his life and he showed it (Jas 2:21-23).

Lord, grant me an indestructible faith that would trust in you for anything you ask of me.