Qualified Mediator

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humble yourself before Christ as your redeemer/priest & king eternal (Heb 7:4–10). #ChristOurMediator #ChristOurHighPriest

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here continues his comparison of Melchizedek to Jesus as an Old Testament type of Christ. His readers must understand this. Melchizedek was not of the tribe of Levi. There was not as yet a Levite born. Levi was still a seed in Abraham’s loins. One could say that when Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (a right of the Jewish priestly class, by the Law of Moses), Levi himself was giving a tithe.

When Abraham received a blessing from Melchizedek, Levi was also, in essence, receiving that blessing. The writer concludes, the lesser one gives to and receives from the greater one. Melchizedek points to the coming Christ who qualifies as our Redeemer, Priest & King. Lord, I humble myself before Christ as my mediator/priest and king eternal.

See “Jesus Sinless Mediator” on this blog.

Jesus Sinless Mediator

Absolutely Persuaded

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you be fully persuaded that Christ is your Redeemer-King (Heb 7:1-3). #FullyPersuaded #SalvationIsInChristJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What does this king, Melchizedek, in the Old Testament prove to these doubting Jewish believers? Several things: He was a king. He was a priest outside the line of Aaron or Abraham. His name, Melchizedek, means “righteousness.” He ruled in Salem (ancient city of Jerusalem). The name means “peace“). He was a king of righteousness who ruled in peace. This is a type of Christ.

Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham paid a tithe to him, showing him greater than Abraham. He is said to remain a priest forever (no ancestry is recorded – no beginning or end). The Genesis account, written by the great prophet Moses, attributed to him the office of priest of the Most High God (Gen 14: 17–20). He foreshadows the coming Christ (Psm 110:1-4). Even Paul, the consummate Jewish believer, was fully persuaded of Christ’s authenticity (2Ti 1:12-14).

Lord, from these accounts I (anyone) may be fully assured, according to God‘s word, that Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be. I am fully persuaded!

GET YOUR JOY ON!

The Last Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace God’s word as the final authority of Christ’s authenticity (Heb 7:1-3). #TheLastWord #FinalAuthority #God’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus was not of the lineage of the Aaronic priesthood (from the tribe of Levi). He was out of the lineage of the tribe of Judah. A point upon which these Jewish believers were being derailed in their growth. The writer again (as in 3:8–11) points back to a familiar Old Testament reference to resolve the sticking point.

Genesis 14:17–20 reveals another priest outside the lineage of Aaron. He existed before and was greater than even Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel. It was Melchizedek, King of Salem (Jerusalem) and a priest of the Most High God. He is representative of Christ (he may even have been Christ himself – a theophany).

Lord, your Word faithfully reveals to man all that Christ is and came to be.

Read The Book

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely upon God‘s Word to bring clarity to life and spiritual understanding (Heb 6:20–7:1).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hebrews Chapter 6 ends with a reference to a topic the writer more or less began with: the superiority of Christ and his priestly office (4:14); and Christ’s right to that office. He notes Melchizedek, king and priest, as a type of Christ in the Old Testament (Gen 14:17–20)

The writer begins in Chapter 7 to explain the meaning of Melchizedek. This was what he feared his readers were not mature enough to understand, but needed to grasp (5:6-14). Lord, This old sentry can still look to your Word to clarify itself to me for life and all things spiritual.

Anchor Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Hope in Jesus who anchors your soul in the bedrock promises of God (Heb 6:19,20). #JesusIsTheAnchorOfMySoul #MyAnchorHolds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus is the anchor of my soul. The anchor may be one of the most iconic symbols of early Christianity (next to the cross). My soul is the ship sailing on the seas of life. Jesus anchors my soul to the bedrock of God’s promises. My hope, my faith, is the chain that secures my soul to the Anchor.

The anchor, cast into the sea is unseen beneath the water. Jesus, my Anchor, has been cast upwards behind the veil into the Holy of Holies (Heb 1:3; 4:14). There he secures for me the promises of God.* I am there, hid with Christ in God (Col 3:1-4) and forever inextricably secured by him. Jesus is my Anchor, man.

Lord, my hope is built on nothing less then Christ who is my eternal anchor.*

_______

* Hymn: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less [than Jesus] (especially verses two and three)

V2 When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale,my anchor holds within the veil.

V3 His oath, his covenant, his blood, support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.

Inextricably Secure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace Christ as your trusted redeemer (Heb 6:19,20). #TrustedRedeemer #AnchorOfTheSoul #JesusIsOurTrustedAnchor #JesusIsOurRefuge

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three beautiful images of Christ close this section of Hebrews. Jesus is the REFUGE to whom we have fled for protection. With confidence we hold to him in the hope of things to come.

Jesus is an ANCHOR to our soul. He has been cast on the mercy seat of God behind the veil, in the Holy of Holies. There he holds fast to the promises of God on our behalf – we are inseparably tethered to him in those promises.

Jesus is a FORERUNNER, our advance guard. He has gone before us clearing the way for our entrance into the promised Hope of God. Lord, there could be no more clear descriptions of my inextricably secure place in Christ.

Bedrock Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Trust fully in the promises of God (Heb 6:16–19a). #BedrockTruth #Soul’sAnchor

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the bedrock of our hope in Christ (v11)?

1) There is evidence that God keeps his promises (vv13–15);

2) It is impossible for God to lie. His nature is truth (like water is wet).

Two things are certain and unchanging: God’s promises and the veracity of his pledge to keep his promises.

Our hope is in Jesus who is anchored to the these bedrock truths. We may have perfect confidence in this anchor of our soul’s security. Lord, my hope in Christ is secure in the truth, the veracity, of God‘s word.

No Foolin’

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you endure by faith and patience to receive the promises of God (Heb 6:13-15). #StandFast #BelieveForThePromise #NoFoolin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God swears an oath by his name I may certainly count on it to happen. Those Hebrew Christians reading this transcript were moving towards the future return of Christ. But they were struggling to endure, to remain alert (vv11,12).

God assured these believers that he keeps his promises. An example from history makes the point. Abraham, by faith, patience and endurance received God’s promise of a son [and many descendants] (Gen 22:16-18; Rom 4:18ff). Though God tarries, I may stand fast assured of receiving his promise – the blessing of Christ’s return (10:35,36).

Intentional Grounding

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be intentionally grounded in faith and ministry; secure hope in Christ (Heb 6:12,13). #BeGroundedInFaith #KnowTheWordOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Note the warnings and encouragements given to some floundering Hebrew Christians in Hebrews 5:11–6:10 [Be Intentionally Grounded in faith – grow up, mature in faith, strive to understand Scripture, pursue God‘s purpose, stay alert to error and disbelief, walk steadfast in God’s mission, encourage others in faith and engage in ministry to others]. These things will prevent spiritual dullness and indifference.

This kind of intentional faith and endurance is in the tradition of the many faithful ones who have gone before these and all other believers. They all received the promises of God. Lord, my great hope in Christ is realized in direct proportion to my growth and maturity in faith and engagement with ministry (v11).

God’s Journal Notes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be assured of God’s infinite interest in your life & ministry (Heb 6:10,11). #GodsJournalNotes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here expresses confidence in these Hebrew Christians, that they are authentic in their faith; that they will certainly stay the course (v9). Now, he reminds them that God has carefully recorded their every deed (small & unnoticed to large & public).

These believers have unselfishly ministered to others in Jesus name. They continue to do so, making certain the hope for which they have believed. God is more than aware of our service to him. Every single act of ministry every word of encouragement spoken are noted in the Father’s journal.

Lord, I am assured of the Heavenly Father’s infinite interest in EVERYTHING I do and say.

Correction’s Last Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Strive to express a pastoral-shepherd’s heart toward others (Heb 6:9). #ShepherdsHeart #PastoralHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Like the loving caring father who gives his child stern correction regarding disobedience and the consequences of that, he then speaks words of kindness and encouragement. Just so, after the solemn warnings of Hebrews 5:11–6:8, the writer puts his loving arms around these believers and his last words are words of confidence and encouragement.

“Oh, precious and beloved friends, we are so confident in you. You are and will continue to do, more and more great things in ministry. Your hearts are dialed into God and those works brought about by salvation. We so believe in you.” Lord, may I approach all discipline and exhortation with a pastoral-shepherding heart.

Crippling Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be alert to error leading to beliefs that cripple the faith (Heb 6:4–6). #BeAlert #CripplingFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following the clear challenge to these mostly Jewish readers to grow up into maturity in Christ (vv1–3), the writer sounds a terse warning. Some believers in Christ, due to a lack of understanding and growth, were in danger of turning their backs on Christ and returning to a Jewish system of works for salvation. When one becomes unconcerned with their sin there is a catastrophic disconnect with God. Hearts are in danger of becoming hardened towards repentance.

Their apostate beliefs essentially put Christ to open shame again by their public disrespect of him and their hardened hearts toward God. Their influence puts the church in danger of division and confusion, crippling her effectiveness. They would be judged harshly for this by God (3:12–19; 6:7,8). Lord, may I be alert to anything that cripples my faith and leads me off the path of abundant life.

Note the similar warning posted on this blog below

Rest Ahead

The Christ Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Choose to set your heart upon Christ who gave his all for us (Heb 5:8-10). #VictoryInObedience #ChooseLifeChoseJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh dear soul of mine (Psm 43:5), this precious Savior of mine, this Jesus, left his home in glory (Phi 2:5–8). He CHOSE to limit himself by becoming a man, to be touched by the frailties of humanity. He learned obedience as a man (grew in wisdom and stature as a man – Luk 2:52). Jesus CHOSE to do that, for me. Because of his obedience, God gave him a great victory through sorrow and death to resurrection.

I don’t have a choice about grief or suffering in my life. BUT, I can choose how I will face the defeats, the hurts, and the disappointments of life. I reject bitterness and I choose life abundant. Like Christ, I too can know the blessing and victory of God through my obedience. Lord, like Job, who said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him“ (Job 13:15), I choose you.

Applied Learning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Continue to read, grow and apply God‘s Word to your life (Heb 6:1– 3). #AppliedLearning #ReadStudyApplyGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I once heard a pastor say, to the effect, believers who are floundering ought to sit and read large portions of Scripture at a time. Doing this for a short period would re-introduced them to the language and content of Scripture. The writer of Hebrews seems to be taking that approach with these believers. They have learned but not been building upon their basic instruction.

Our writer says, rather than re-teach the basics, God willing, he would go on with further instruction. The point is that believers must continue to build on their faith and grow, applying the Scriptures. Lord I look forward with anticipation to coming daily before you with an open Bible, an open mind and an open heart.

Grow Up!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May you continue growing up into maturity in Christ (Heb 5:11–14; 6:1-3). #GrowingUpInChrist #MaturingInChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Reading this passage makes me think the writer of Hebrews becomes newly aroused at the lack of growth, maturity and understanding of his readers. He asks, “How long have you been believers? Are you still so immature in your understanding? You should be teaching others the truths I’m teaching you.”

He goes on, “You have grown up with the Hebrew scriptures. You have experienced the abundant life in Christ pictured in the Jewish sacrificial system.” He challenges them to move past pablum, the basics of faith and on to solid food, maturity in faith.

Lord, having walked almost 70 years in faith, I still desire to keep growing, learning more and maturing in my faith.

Jesus Sinless Mediator

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Rest securely in Jesus, our sinless representative/advocate with God (Heb 5:1-10). #JesusSinlessAdvocate #JesusSinlessPriest #JesusSinlessMediator

High Priest: Represent Men to God; God to Men

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, unlike the high priests of his day – chosen by Roman authorities, qualifies as our High Priest. 1) He was called and chosen of God. Like Aaron in the Old Testament, Jesus was chosen, called by God to be our High Priest (note these references: Heb 1:5; Psm 110:4; Jhn 1:29-34).

2) It is further essential that the High Priest be able to deal compassionately with broken humanity. He must be subject to the life, challenges and sufferings of men, yet without sin.

3) Finally, he would be a man motivated and compelled by God to serve others, pray earnestly for others and sacrifice his life for others.

Jesus qualifies as the sinless High Priest of our faith. Lord, I may rest securely in you as the fulfillment of the role of High Priest, eternally advocating for me.

See also on this blog The Greatest Hope (link here).

The Greatest Hope

Comprehending The Incomprehensible

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be open to God’s incomprehensible love & grace (Heb 4:14-16). #NoLoveLikeGod’sLove #IncomprehensibleLoveMadeBelievableInChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has made his incomprehensible love believable to us by the life and work of Jesus Christ.

1) The word of God convicts of sin (4:12).

2) The Living Word, Jesus, is the one to whom every man will give an account (4:13).

3) Jesus also understands man’s every weakness and frailty – he himself has lived as a man and faced every life challenge just as we have, but without sin (4:14,15).

4) Jesus extends mercy and grace to all men that they might know redemption (4:16).

Some have believed God knows our needs but does not care. Others have believed God neither knows nor cares. Neither is true. Jesus is God in the flesh. He lived and walked among us. He has made God’s incomprehensible love believable. As such, he has pierced the veil between God and man so that man might know that God is for us. (Psm 56:9; 118:6; Rom 8:31).

Lord, This old sentry is overwhelmed by your incomprehensible love and grace.

Reason To Believe

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Hold fast to Jesus alone as the cornerstone of your faith (Heb 4:14–16). #JesusOurHighPriest #ReasonToBelieve #HoldFast

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having established that Christ is superior to angels (1:1–2:18); having established that Christ is superior to Moses and the prophets (3:1–4:13); the author of Hebrews moves on to his final argument. Christ is superior to the Old Testament priesthood.

This discussion points back to the authors opening argument (1:1-3). The eminence of Christ goes before preoccupation with angels and makes his word definitive and beyond all other prophetic revelations. Jesus is God’s son and worthy to be called the high priest of our faith. Lord, you give final credence to the sentry’s faith, to all that I believe. I will hold fast to Christ.

No “No Fault” Policy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Understand your accountability before God (Heb 4:13). #NotMyFaultNoExcuse #AccountableToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is made clear to man in the Word of God (that which both comforts and convicts from the pages of Scripture – Heb 4:12), is also manifest in him to whom all men are accountable (that is, Jesus Christ who is both Savior and Judge). Nothing in our lives is hidden from him. Before Christ every man’s shame, guilt and sin is and will be exposed.

The only saving grace for me is my response of Faith to the Good News of Salvation. Did I neglect or reject God‘s message of Salvation? Here’s the question. “How shall we escape [judgment] if we neglect so great a salvation” (Heb 2:3).

Lord, I understand there is no hiding my sin and corruption from you. “Not my fault,” is no excuse. Only my faith, repentance and confession of sin is what gives me full access to Salvation and Kingdom life.

End Work(s) Zone

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May you believe for the “rest of God;” the assurance of acceptance with him (Heb 4:6-11). #TheRestOfGod #EndWorksZone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Are you confused about how you may enter into the “rest of God” defined by some ancients going forward into a veritable land of promise? It is a comparison that reveals the consequence of disbelief and not entering into that promised “rest“ – Caution: Wilderness Journey Ahead.

There is another “rest“ for another time. That time is now. Today. The psalmist pointed to a coming “rest“ (Psm 95:7,8). It is the “rest“ of salvation. Believing is still the criteria for this “rest” today. My works will not save or sustain me. Only my resting and abiding in the grace of God. I simply trust fully in God (Eph 2:8,9) – End of Works Zone.

Lord, I am relieved of the uncertainty of trusting my own works for salvation.

To Risk No Rest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May our hearts always be set on God’s gracious rest (Heb 4:1–5). #KnowRest #RestInGod #Believe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer in this passage says it again…in case you didn’t get it the first couple of times: God’s rest is still available. Even though some will never experience it. This same rest announced to the ancient Hebrews is available to us today. “GOOD NEWS!“ But only those who believe will share in the rest of God.

BTW, this rest has stood since the beginning of time. God has always provided a rest of faith to those who believe. But be reminded again what scripture says. In essence: No faith in God, no rest in God. The risk is not in believing, but in not believing. Lord, may my heart always be set on belief and the rest of God.

Worth Our Attention

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Come often, come humbly, to worship God (Heb 3:7–11; Psm 95:1–7). #WorshipTheLordOurGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

To emphasize the importance of paying careful attention to Christ (who is God’s final revelation – Heb 1: 1-3), the writer points these Jewish Christians to Psalm 95. They would have been very familiar with this Psalm. Interestingly, Psalm 95 is a call to worship.

Psalm 95:1–7 implores these Old Testament Jews to come to God singing and rejoicing. Come with thanksgiving and praise. Why? Because God is a mighty and powerful warrior on their behalf (conversely on our behalf). He is the one who watches over us. Worship him, bow down before him.

Lord, you reign supreme over all of life. I worship you.

“All Ears God!”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be open and eager to listen to and follow after God. (Heb 3:7,8). #BeOpenToGod #ListenToGod #AllEars

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is always speaking. There is never a time when we tune in to God‘s word that he is not speaking. His word is “living and active“ (Heb 4:12). Every time I refuse to listen to God, my heart grows colder and harder towards him.

To be in the best position to hear God and respond in faith, do this: 1) read-meditate on his word regularly, 2) share your faith regularly, 3) be in vital relationships with God’s people, 4) be alert to the deceitfulness of sin and 5) pray – talk often with God. Lord, I am listening to you with all my heart; I’m all ears, ready to do what you direct me to do.

Godly Exceptionalism

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live a godly life made exceptional by the grace of God (Jer 16:10). #GodlyExceptionalism #NoExceptionToTheRule

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah was to exhibit extraordinary behavior to act out and explain God’s displeasure with Judah, his people (vv1-9). The people denied God. Yet, in verse 10, they ask indignantly, “Why is God unhappy with us? What have we done – how have we sinned against him?“ They were religious in their outward actions but far from God in their hearts.

Far from being the exceptional people God intended them to be, they thought they were the exception to the rule. They believed God was obligated to protect and provide for them. Exceptionalism does not make one an exception to the rule – in this case devotion to God. Lord may I live my life as a child of God, made exceptional in repentance by the grace of God.

I believe in “American Exceptionalism.” But America is not an exception to the rule, free to live in defiance of God and his Word. Her “Exceptionalism” is a God-given attribute. She needs to turn from her sin and act like it. May repentance be the rule of the day.

Fearless Courage

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be fearless and courageous for God‘s truth (Jer 15:19–21). #Fearless #Courageous #StandForTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah bears a gentle but straightforward rebuke from God. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself Jeremiah.“ God challenges Jeremiah to “man up,“ speak truth for God and trust him for the results. In doing this Jeremiah would influence many (more than he knew) and he would not be influenced by them.

Barnes’ Notes – “Flattering prophets will perish with those whom their soft speeches [have led astray]. But those faithfully speaking the truth of God will save them both.“ Lord, I am inspired to stand faithful in/for your truth, to fear no man’s actions against me.

Don’t Get “Smashed”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humble yourself, seek God‘s counsel, listen to him and follow (Jer 13:12–14) #Don’tGetSmashed #Revival #SpiritualAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following Jeremiah’s living parable of the loincloth, illustrating how Judah had become so disgusting to God (v10), God explains the purpose of his choosing Israel. God chose Israel to be a people of praise, renown and glory unto him.

But the nation became proud, arrogant and stubbornly unwilling to follow after God. Therefore, God would fill their wine jugs with wine (signifying “drunkenness;“ that is judgment). Then God says he will “smash“ the jugs to smithereens. Every person from least to great will be mercilessly destroyed for their sin of rebellion.

May this Old Testament lesson be an example to me (1Co 10:6-12), that my arrogance and foolish pride doesn’t prevent me from listening to God and becoming all that God wants me to be. Oh Lord, may I humbly seek your counsel. May I listen and follow, that your purposes might be fulfilled in my life (that is, the glory of the Lord Jesus and the spread of the Gospel).

Lord, may my beloved nation humble herself, seek God’s counsel and become once again a beacon of light for the Gospel.

Wings Of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Come to your day carried on the wings of praise to our sovereign victorious God (Psm 68:7–20). #WingsOfPraise #ExaltOurSoverignGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist symbolically recounts the journey of God’s people from Mount Sinai, the place where God gave his law and promises, to Mount Zion, the place of his sanctuary. This is a Psalm of great victory for God and his people. It is a Psalm of praise.

I am reminded in this Psalm of the importance of God, his word, his promises and his victory for the people of God. It drives me to his word, to my Morning Watch (my personal cathedral praise) every day. It renews my strength and my vision for who God is to his people. Praise be to God, the Sovereign One who carries me and revives me every day.

Who God Is

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Give us hearts to serve the destitute, discouraged and disenfranchised (Psm 68:5,6). #GodIsFatherToTheFatherless #GodIsDefenderOfTheDestitute #GodIsComfortToTheLonely #GodIsJoyToThePrisoner

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Reading Psalm 68:5-6, I think of the ministry God has called me to (spanning some 53 years). I have served in the church as well as Christian and civic organizations. Many of those years (some 36 years; about 70%), were spent serving the last, the least, the lost and the lonely – especially jail/prison inmates, their wives and children.

Serving alongside many dear Christian friends, I have seen firsthand God’s fatherly touch in the lives of the fatherless, the lonely, the widowed, abandoned wives and mothers, the prisoner. This is who God is (v5). Lord, thank you for the joy I have observed on so many faces as I have been witness to your multiplied deliverance in so many lives.

Got Questions?

Don’t hesitate to sincerely inquire of God (Jer 12: 1–4). #GotQuestions-AskGod #SeekTruth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Although Jeremiah brings his complaint to God, he never doubts the veracity of God‘s ability or intent to bring men to justice. This is not the first time Jeremiah has brought his case to God (v1). He is a man who comes faithfully and boldly before God in prayer.

Jeremiah, like we, is trying to square God’s slow rolling justice with the ongoing freedom and prosperity of evil men. If God would just take out the worst offenders (and he could do that) then maybe things would get better. Maybe. I have had thoughts like that. Yet, my ways are not God‘s ways. I may sincerely question God. But I never doubt him. Lord, you welcome the sincerely inquiring sentry.

How long?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Do not grow weary in the fight against evil (Jer 12:1–4). #StandFast #DoNotGrowWeary

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“How long Lord?“ Having survived a plot to kill him by evil men unhappy with his message, Jeremiah inquires of the Lord. He asks, “Why do the wicked prosper? Why are they happy? How long will we mourn for our destruction?“ It’s an age old question (Job 21:7-21; Hab 1:2–4).

Faithful prayer sentries may come to their posts weary, even, at times, discouraged by unrestrained evil. The question often haunts their watch. “How long, O Lord, will evil prevail? When will you end the destruction?“ Father God, do not let my finite thoughts wander into places beyond my knowledge and comprehension, lest I be consumed by defeat.