Living to Leave a Legacy

(2Jn 1:4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you live to leave a living testimony, (2Jn 1:4). #Legacy #LiveToLeaveALegacy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John makes one further note of the fidelity of this “distinguished lady.“ He mentioned his joy at having met some of her children. They are likely now adults. John says they are living their lives according to the truths of God and following the commands of the Father.

Are these her biological children or spiritual children? likely they are her own children. Either way, this beautiful matriarch of the faith has invested her life in the next generation. She has left the mark of Christ on those coming behind her.

Lord, may I be so fortunate and intentional as to leave such a legacy.

Grace, Mercy & Peace

(2Jn 1:3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Express the grace, mercy, and peace of Christ to others (2Jn 1:3). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three attributes are mentioned that should be distinctly Christian: “grace, mercy, and peace.“ These are characteristics of God our Father and his Son, Jesus. These characteristics were seen in the “chosen lady“ (Kyria) and her children.

These attributes should be seen in all those who follow Christ. It begs the question, “Does my life express God‘s grace (acceptance), mercy (compassion) and peace (contentment)? Lord, may my influence in life be full of the grace, mercy and peace of God.

The Reflection

(2Jn 1:1,2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be a reflection of God’s love to others (2Jn 1:1,2). #GodsLove #ReflectChristsLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Included in this greeting from John to the “chosen lady“ or “Kyria“, are her children (no mention of a husband – she was likely a widow). John expresses a genuine love towards them (gk:“agape“; that love that emanates from the love of Christ ). This love points also to the truth of knowing Christ.

John points to the fact that all who knew this family loved them as well, in Christ. He speaks also of truth as an eternal truth and it is alive in them as believers. This same truth is alive in all believers. Even today our lives should be an expression of that love to the world. Lord, may I reflect the true light and love of God in Christ to others.

Respect is Earned

(2Jn 1:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we show respect for those who make sacrifices to lead (2Jn 1:1). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This brief letter (more like a note card) is written to “the chosen lady“ (NLT). The Greek here is “eklekte kyria.“ Most translators call her “elect“ or “chosen lady.“ But “kyria“ (transliteration) may also have been a common name. Either way John highly respects this woman (that we shall soon see).

This distinguished woman “Kyria” was certainly a well known figure in the local church. Perhaps even hosting the church in her home (v10). One feels like they know her at the outset. I have known many such women in the churches I’ve attended or served. Lord, may I always show respect to whom and where it is due.

Old Testament Good News

(Jer 31:31-34)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you fully experience the joy of knowing God (Jer 31:31-34). #KnowingGod #GoodNews

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What good news! Jeremiah introduces the “New Covenant.“ It appears to look forward to the coming of Christ. Not only Judah and Israel will benefit from the New Covenant, so will the Gentiles.

No more law written in stone (Heb 8:6). But the law of God will be inscribed on hearts of flesh. All men will be offered atonement/forgiveness of sin and enjoy a personal relationship with God (Jer 29:11; 32:38-40). Lord, my heart rejoices to be included in the family of God.

May I Speak Freely?

(Ezk 24:25-27)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God be glorified in your limitations (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:25-27). #God’sStrengthForMyWeakness #GodBeGlorified

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prophetic segment ends on an historic note. When the attack on Jerusalem had been carried out, Ezekiel would be notified. At that point, he would be allowed to speak freely again. Ezekiel had been struck dumb for some seven years, speaking only messages from God.* Imagine how isolated he felt. But this too was a sign of God‘s judgment and mighty works.

There are times when God may temporarily (or permanently) set limitations in our lives. He does it for his glory, purposes and effects (Apostle Paul experienced something similar 2Co 12:17). It is by grace alone that the man or woman of God comes to rely totally on him to overcome.

Lord, grant me the grace to live overcoming weakness in your strength alone.

_________

* History records that Ezekiel was unable to speak, except when his tongue was loose by God to deliver God‘s message to the people (note 3:26,27 – the beginning of his prophetic ministry; approx. 593 BC). Ezekiel would be allowed to speak freely again when a fugitive survivor from Jerusalem reported its final destruction to Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon (note 33:21,22 – approx. 586 BC).

A Story of God’s Grace and My Rebellion

If you’re interested in hearing my story, this video captures it. Its 30 minutes in length. Nothing I have ever done is as worthy of reliving as what God did in my life in 1968 (almost 60 years ago).

https://theprayersentry.com/a-work-of-god-story-my-rebellion-gods-grace/

Accepting The Insufferable

(Ezk 24:15,16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Will you surrender to God your dearest treasure (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15,16)?#Repent #TurnNowToGod #Time’sUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What would I do if God asked me to do the insufferable? What if he asked me to give up the thing that was my dearest, most treasured possession? Have I truly died to self? Would I willingly do that? Is there any “line in the sand“, “bridge too far”, beyond which I will not go?

Would Abraham sacrifice his son, Hosea marry a prostitute, God, the father, sacrifice his son, Jesus? Would Christians die by the thousands under Nero of Rome? Would Ezekiel give up his wife in a sudden death; all of these things, for God to make a point? My tradition holds many who have considered the suffering of the “cross” of greater value than life itself (Heb11:35-38).

Lord, may all my deepest questions this morning find their meaning in you; in your mercy and grace.

The Party’s Over

(Ezk 24:3-6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Avoid defiance, open rebellion, against God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:3-6). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

An iron cooking pot comes into view for the second time (note Ezekiel 11:2-12). Those still in Jerusalem after Babylon‘s first exile of God‘s people considered themselves the spiritual elite. They thought of themselves as “meat in an iron pot” (Jerusalem), safe and untouchable.

But here, the “SAFE“ city of Jerusalem (iron pot) will no longer be a refuge. A raging fire will be set under her and destroy these “elite“ rebels within her. Everyone in Jerusalem was corrupt. This spelled apocalyptic doom in God‘s closing judgment.

Lord, in your mercy and wisdom, you will not allow this old warrior to continue in any unrepentant sin.*

_________

* “First John 5:16 puts forward the biblical concept of a sin leading to death. This is seen in Acts 5:1–10 and 1Co 11:30). The “sin unto death” is willful, continuous, unrepentant sin.

There comes a point when God can no longer allow a believer to continue in unrepentant sin. He may decide to take the life of the stubbornly sinful believer. The “death” is physical death not a spiritual one.

[My interpretation of this is that God would rather have the rebellious believer in heaven in his/her worst condition than to allow that one to go on bringing disrepute on the kingdom of God]

Further reading on this topic: https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-unto-death.html

Called to Help

(Psm 12:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay open and ready to meet the needs of others (Psm 12:5,6). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #ShowConpassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is 100% reliable. It has stood the test of time and credibility. What God says, he will do. He cares for the helpless and the oppressed. When they cry out to him, he hears them and will meet their need. How? I am called to be God‘s hands and feet in this world.

Every believer is called upon to seek ways in which we might minister and support those who are in genuine need. Matthew 9:35-38 might be a companion passage and also an example for me to follow. Lord, may I be alert to pain or suffering around me and take action.

National Brokenness

(Ezekiel 21:6,7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pray for a national brokenness of heart towards God (Ezk 21:6,7). #Brokeness #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As Ezekiel is pronouncing the complete destruction of Judah, God instructs him to show visible signs of mourning. He’s not faking this. He is truly brokenhearted publicly and openly. God instructs: when the people ask, “Why are you so brokenhearted?“, he would tell them why.

The news of the total destruction of their home land and Jerusalem, the city of God, would be so horrible that all the exiles in Babylon will be broken and mourn with deep emotion. They would faint at the news. Even the boldest and strongest will melt with fear and agony. It will be so. The Sovereign Lord had ordained it.

Lord, give me a heart of brokenness for my country, my church, family, and friends.

Now You See Me; Now You Don’t

(Ezekiel 20:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The bulk of this chapter details how Israel, God‘s chosen people, went off the rails time and time again. They disobeyed God‘s commands, rejected his decrees, flagrantly ignored God’s Sabbath rest and they went about sacrificing their children on alters of fire to other gods. Despicable!

Ezekiel makes reference to idol worship 17 times. Verse 32 implies that the elders speaking to Ezekiel (v1), had syncretized their worship of God with many other gods. Jehovah was just one of many. They had become and were becoming more like the culture around them. God was abandoning his people to the consequences of their sin (vv 25,26; Rom ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬).

Lord, may my life reflect you‬; may I not grow accustomed to [be a reflection of] the culture around me.

1 Act Play – The Meaning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.

Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.

Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*

__________

* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.

It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.

The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.

1 Act Play – The Pantomime

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have courage daily to be a living example of the grace of God (Ezk 12:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is Ezekiel‘s pantomime.* He lays out items in his front yard what someone would pack quickly as they are exiled. He then lays open his baggage and packs it quickly. Later, in the evening, he would leave his house as captives might do making their forced long march to captivity.

While the crowd looked on, Ezekiel dug a hole in the wall of his house. He then went through the hole, picked up his bags, covered his eyes (as a captive who knows not where he is going) and walked away into the night.

Ezekiel himself was God‘s sign to those in Israel. They would know that there is a God in heaven and he is speaking to them (vv6c&11).

Lord, may I have the courage every day to be an open letter, a living example (2Cor 3:2,3) of the grace of God.

______

* The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

1 Act Play – The Set Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we be alert to see and hear God when he speaks (Ezk 12:3-7). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

By now (six years into the Babylonian exile) Ezekiel has a powerful reputation for his dramatic displays of God‘s penetrating truth.

In this first of two one-man vaudevillian style acts or mimes, Ezekiel plays the role of an exile. Presumably Ezekiel would lay out the things an exile would carry leaving their home.

As a crowd gathered before him he would pack those things in a bag and leave his home to go somewhere else. He would do this in front of the people. The point was that the people might understand that their exiled plight was from the hand of God.

Lord, may my eyes be open to the many creative ways you communicate truth around me.

Mime This

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t underestimate God’s instructions to you (Ezk 12:3). #FollowGod #SpeakForGod #GoForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel must be the first street mime. That is what Ezk 12:3-6 reminds me of; not his first dramatic reenactment either (see Ezl 4:1-8). There are others.

Reading this morning I could envision a street mime on some crowded city sidewalk acting out a drama. God said to me, “Every day I send you out into the streets of your world. There, you are to be a one-man dramatic act, revealing to others in your world, my great love for them. Will you go?”

Lord, how can I, like Ezekiel, not say, “YES LORD!”

Eruption of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May the deep wells of your soul erupt with praise to God (Psm 148:12-14). #PraiseTheLord #ReasonToPraise #ExaltTheNameOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May all men (young and old; birth to end of days) give praise to the Lord. When the forces of nature are right, a geyser will erupt in glorious fashion. May all men in the same way, lift their voices in an eruption of praise to God. His name alone will be exalted above the heavens.

Let the people say, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is the name in all the earth “ (Psm 8:1). His glory resides in and above the earth (Psm 113:4). The Lord gives his holy ones reason to erupt in praises to him; he has made them strong. They are near to him and he to them (Eph 2:12,13).

PRAISE THE LORD!

Lord, this old sentry has reason, days without end, to PRAISE & EXALT THE NAME OF OUR LORD!

Wha’s Up?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we lead every generation to know and follow Jesus* (Psm 145:11-13). #WitnessForChrist #GoIntoAllTheWorld #ShareChrist #PreachTheGospel #TheKingdomOfGodIsHere

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Men will see/have seen the evidence of God‘s goodness, greatness, mercy, and how he governs in his kingdom. So they speak about it – proclaim its virtues and glory. They will site examples of God‘s power, mighty deeds and the glory of God‘s eternal reign. They will extol God’s faithful governance as gracious and good.

Barnes’ Notes points out that men talk about that which is of great interest to them; things they wish to understand and pursue.

Believers talk about God‘s kingdom. They meditate on it. It is a part of their everyday, “Wha’s Up” conversations.** Lord, may I be engaged with daily conversations that “lead every generation to know and follow Jesus.”*

__________

* This is the mission statement of my church: CrossCreek Church, Colleyville, Texas, https//www.CrossCreekChurch.com

** Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on The Old & New Testaments, Psalms Vol lll, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fifteenth Edition 1979, Pg 322.

Proclaim God’s Greatness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts not grow indifferent to God’s goodness around us (Psm 145:1-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The scribal note identifies this Psalm as “A Psalm of Praise“; the only psalm given this title. This psalm introduces the final six psalms (Psm 145-150) as a grand doxology to the whole collection of Psalms – a finale of praise.

In verses 1-3, David calls on his heart to praise God every day. For God‘s greatness is immeasurable. In verses 4-6 he calls on men to pass on to every generation God’s greatness, to meditate on God‘s splendor and to proclaim God‘s awe-inspiring deeds, goodness and righteousness.

Lord may my heart not grow indifferent towards your greatness and goodness all around me.

The School of Affliction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you earnestly seek God in your trials (Psm 119:73-80). #SchoolOfAffliction #SeekGodInAflictions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I should be aware that others eyes are upon me. The psalmist says, “May all who fear you [God] find in me a cause for joy.” The School of Affliction may be for a time bitter. But with affliction comes the comfort of God for those who look to his word for help (Heb 12:10,11; Psm 119:50).

In the face of trials and affliction, I will seek God in his word to surround me with his tender mercies. I may also draw strength from those godly ones around me (v79). My delight is in God‘s word and among those who fear him. Lord, may I have the good sense to seek you in my afflictions.

God’s Word, Relevant

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you find your relevance in God‘s word (Psm 119:25-32). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s word…

… Broadens my horizon

… Expands my understand

… Elevates my perspective

… Revives my heart

… Informs my plans

… Speaks into my sorrows

… Strengthens my faith

… Sets my course of life

… Bolsters my confidence

Lord, your word determines my relevance and who I am.

Covenant Love, Jealous Love

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we (America) separate ourselves from sin early; sooner than later (Ezk5:11-17).#RepentTurnToGod #Awakening #RealChange #ComeEarlyToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel’s model (v4:1,2), Jerusalem (Israel) was to be a beacon of God’s love and protection, a light to the nations (5:5,6; Gen‬ ‭22‬:‭15‬-‭18‬; Isa 49:6). But she rebelled. She left God and worshipped all manner of other gods, and in grotesque detestable ways. In this text she is still a model, but for horror, mockery and taunting.* ‭‭

The condemnation of Jerusalem will be a warning to the nations. They will see how the Lord punishes a nation that is being rebuked for their sin. The horrific acts of men reveal the depravity of their hearts. If God is willing to punish his own, how then shall others escape (Heb 2:1-4)?

Lord, I am reminded of sin’s full capacity to destroy life, God’s intense jealousy and my need for repentance.

_________

* So, is the God of the Old Testament just a God of anger? No! Verse 13 tells me that he is a God of covenant love driven to jealousy by the betrayal and adultery of his people.

Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to demonstrate God’s grace with your life (Ezk 4:7). #UnderstandGod’sWord #God’sWordInLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am familiar with what they call a “living nativity scene.“ That is similar to what Ezekiel is doing here. He is acting out prophecy. He is a “living prophecy scene.”

Ezekiel will lay out a model of Jerusalem as under siege (vv1-3). He is then to emulate the people as bearing the weight of their sin (vv4–6). In verse 7 Ezekiel, while laying on his side, portrays God by “baring his arm” (a sign of readiness for drastic action – Isa 52:10) and prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem, to those already captive in Babylon.

This living prophecy scene is presumably observed by those coming by his quarters (as one might drive by a living nativity at Christmas).

Lord, may my life be a living example, a “living letter” that points to God’s grace (2Co 3:2,3).

THE WATCHMAN

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you hear and surrender to God‘s call (Ezk 3:16,17). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall #SurrenderToGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After two and one half chapters (53 verses) and one bodacious vision of God‘s absolute glory, Ezekiel‘s call from God to his prophetic ministry is articulated (1 verse). “Son of man, I [God] have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (v17).

The task of the watchman was to stand guard on the wall of the city and warn the people of any approaching danger. As a spiritual watchman, Ezekiel‘s task was to warn the people of the judgment to come if they did not turn from their sin back to God.

Lord, this aged prayer sentry must honor your time and resources invested in me by surrendering to you daily for whatever work I am called upon to do.

___________

I count 9 separate calls of God upon my life. Here’s a time line:

Throwing Stones

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).

Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.

Equal to the Task

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to prepare you for that to which he calls you (Ezk 3:5-9) #EqualToTheRask #HardheadedProphet

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reminded Ezekiel that his commissioning was not to go speak to a foreign people of some hard to understand language group. If he were, they would listen. But he is going to his own people in a foreign land (Babylon). There is no language barrier. It should be easy. But it will not be.

God says Israel is hard-hearted and hard-headed. She won’t listen to you – she won’t even listen to me, their God. But God, through Ezekiel, will withstand them. God has made Ezekiel just as hard-headed (determined and brazen) as they. Ezekiel need not fear their angry, defiant, rebellious response.

Lord, you will always make me equal to the task to which you call me.

…And Counting

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to the Lord for his many blessings (Pam 104:1). #PraiseToTheLord #CountYourBlessings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist David opens and closes this song as he did Psalm 103, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“ [Read that a couple times]

David encourages himself; calls upon his whole being to give praise to the Lord.

Yesterday I was thinking about the medical condition of my dear bride of nearly 53 years (Alzheimer’s; diagnosed, 2011). I noted in my spirit that I was not angry with life or at God, as some may be prone. My heart instead was immediately inclined towards giving praise to God. Why? For all his rich goodness to us in those 53 years of marriage…AND COUNTING.

How could I be so thoughtless and ungrateful as to complain? Our lives (though filled with many ups and downs) have been so blessed by God. Lord, I cannot even begin to count the ways you have blessed us in life, marriage, family, friendships and ministry. “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“

Son Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lean fully upon God’s promise of eternal life (1Jhn 5:10-12).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John is finishing his case for believing in the living Christ. Verse 10b explains clearly that to refuse to accept the threefold witness of God for Christ (vv6-10a) is to call God a liar. Continuing in defiance of God is a sin from which to run.

God has given us eternal life in his son, Jesus. If you have the son, you have the life. It is a gift. In Christ, God has “given us eternal life.” John McArthur makes a clear and simple statement of this truth: “Eternal life is the divine presence of Jesus in us.“ It is a forever gift. Lord, 1Jn 5:11-13 has long been a precious promise to my heart.

Love’s Outcome

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender daily to a love relationship with Christ (1Jn 4:16,17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We know how much God loves us. He offered up his only Son on a cross to take all the punishment we deserved for our crimes, our sin (vv9,10; Jhn 3:16). We put all our trust in that sacrificial event of love. We are in him by that love and he is in us by his Holy Spirit (v13).

As we continue abiding in that love it grows into greater maturity. The result, the outcome is that we will have nothing to fear on the day of judgment. We will be able to face our Lord with confidence because we have genuinely sought to live like Christ in and before a watching world.

Lord, this old sentry continues daily pressing into this love and relationship with you.

Love’s Motivation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely on the Spirit of God for meaningful day-to-day relationships (1Jn 4:13-15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

… And just what exactly is it that motivates Christians to live out this “love,” that is so willing to sacrifice self for others? It is the Holy Spirit of God that lives inside of those who have trusted Christ as Savior. This Spirit, given us at salvation (Eph 1:13), provides the unction and motivation that moves us to love God and love others (Gal 5:22–25).

Loving others in sacrificial ways is the evidence, the proof of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers; that motivation for believers. Lord, my obedience to do anything you ask of me is totally dependent upon the motivation of your Spirit within me.