Time’s Up!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not delay to repent and turn to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭1-‭9‬). #CalledToAccount #TimeIsUp #OutOfTime

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The End Is Here!“ (vv1,6). From north to south, east to west – look in every direction. The land is finished, doom is at the door – its foot is in the door. God will call his people into accountability for their detestable sins against him (vv3,4,8,9).

Because God‘s people have refused and spurned his love, grace, and mercy they will know the limits of his long-suffering. One disaster after another will descend upon God‘s people. God will turn his back on them (vv4,7,9). Lord, may I learn from your discipline how you love me (Heb 12:10-13).

__________

* When God called this sentry to accountability:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Holy Reluctance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we not mistake God’s long-suffering for approval (Ezk 7:1-9). #CalledToAccount #MatterOfTime #TimeIsRunningOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Message 1, from God through Ezekiel (Ch 6), gives the reasons for Israel’s eminent judgment. This second message (Ch 7) explains the nature of God‘s judgment. I am not fain to press on here. I am weary at these judgments of God, it’s hard to read of such looming devastation.

But I must remember that these warnings, calls to repent and messages took place over years (decades) of sin. I read it all in Ezekiel. Its hard.

Oh, how reluctant God is to bring such judgment on his people. How he desires men to seek him first. But be assured, time WILL run out on sin. Lord, this old sentry has wearied you in my sin – how patient you are with me.

The Reprieve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come early in repentance for sin to God (Ezk 6:8-10). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the midst of Ezekiel’s message of war, destruction, famine, and exile there is a word of REPRIEVE. Though God will bring death and devastation upon his people, a remnant will be delivered through this judgment. This remnant will escape destruction but be scattered and exiled.

The remnant will repent when they realize how good God has been to them and how hurt God has been by their unfaithfulness to him. They will see God for his love and grace and turn back to him. Lord, you brought me through my exile in 1968*, leading me mercifully back to you.

__________

* MY 1968 EXILE:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Reason To Give Thanks

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you take every opportunity to give thanks to God (Psm 136:1-3). #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Give thanks to the Lord who is good. Give thanks to the God of gods; give thanks to the Lord of lords (Deu 10:17). Why give thanks to God? Because his faithful loyal, love (his hesed) endures forever.

Jehovah is the God who is just and pure in his judgments and character. Giving thanks to God glorifies him. Giving thanks to God lift my spirit. Giving thanks to God shifts my focus from self to others. Lord, your enduring faithful love gives me every reason to be thankful.

The Greatest Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your deepest, most abiding purpose in the enduring loving-kindness of God (Psm 136:1-3ff). #PraiseTheLord #Hallelujah #PraiseOfAllPraises #GodsLovingkindness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Appropriately, this Psalm is called the Psalm of Psalms, the song of songs; the “great Hallel ” (hallelujah of all hallelujahs; the praise of all praises).

The theme of this Psalm is God‘s loving-kindness that endures forever. (It is repeated in all 26 verses). The Hebrew word used to express this is hesed. Hesed is the loyal love of God we see worked out in the life and death of Jesus our Savior.

Hesed is the persistent, unconditional, ever-faithful, relentless, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious and loyal love of our Father, God.

Hesed is grace extended when it is not deserved.* Lord, you came seeking after this old sentry in your matchless love and mercy.

________

* Note: it is this loyalty, kindness and devotion (hesed) that King David expresses for the sake of his friend Jonathan (2Sa 9:1,3,7).

It is Enough

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God’s word/faithfulness to carry you through (Psm 119:81-88). #SchoolOfAffliction #BrokenNotDefeated #TrustingGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the psalmist, pressed hard by derogatory elements, as a leather skin is shriveled by exposure to adverse elements of smoke. Perhaps even the heat of flame. Yet, he is undaunted.

This reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, he is “…struck down, but not destroyed…“ et al.

The psalmist’s detractors have near destroyed him, but they have not shaken his faith in God’s word. Yet, he stands in need of God’s grace to continue in his walk of faith – which his tormentors hate. Lord, I rely on the sufficiency of your grace in time of need to carry me through.

IT IS ENOUGH!

Set Free

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be assured that in Christ you are no longer bound to sin (1Jhn 5:18,19). #SetFree #FreeToChooseRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Christian does not practice sin (rebellion against God). The heart of the Christian has been set free from slavery to sin. Is the Christian sinless? No. The Christian has been freed from sin’s power over them (is free to choose God’s ways).

Christians are not perfect, in a moral sense, but surrendered to the living God; has been made righteous in Christ. The world (from which the Christian has been called out) remains under Satan‘s dominion and continues in rebellion towards God. Lord, thank you that, in Christ, I am no longer under the rule of the evil one. I am set free to follow and serve God.

LOVE CAME DOWN, ACTUS MAXIMUS

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May you love and be loved to the max as Christ loved (1Jn 3:18,19). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Simply put, love, as Christ loved, is more than a feeling. It is more than pleasant words. Someone has captured the essence of this in the oft repeated phrase, “Don’t tell me how much you care until you show me how much you care“. A relief organization (ministry) uses this motto, “Love, More Than Words“. Latin: ACTA NON VERBA”.

This is exactly what John is saying. As Christian’s we are to “show“ our love by the “actions“ we take. This is Christmas. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jhn 15:13). That is an ACTUS MAXIMUS. This is the Christ of Christmas. Lord, may I know love and express love to the max just as Christ loved.

Love As Christ Loved Us

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As believers, we are not without an example of unconditional love. This word love in the Greek is agápē. It is a self sacrificing love. It is conditioned solely on the one loving, not on how good or bad the recipient of that love may be.

This love will always give out of its own resources, no matter how small or great. that is how Jesus loved. That is how we are love. We love others as Christ loved us. That is often hard work. It takes a surrender and reliance on God’s Holy Spirit. Lord, may I love with the heart of Christ.

Spiritual Malpractice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May sin lead us to brokenness, repentance, confession & renewal (1Jn 3:4-10). #Repentance #Confession #Brokenness #Renewal

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If one is a true believer (has repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior), that one will not continue in sin. Are believers sinless? Obviously not. There is only one sinless, Jesus, and he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. To say one “believes” but continues in sin is spiritual malpractice.

What John is saying here is that true believers will not go on practicing sin as a habit or lifestyle. They are not indifferent to God‘s moral law. When a believer sins, he/she is broken, sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confesses that sin. “God is faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9).

Lord, thank you for a heart to follow Christ; for loving me through my failures.

A Good Plan

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God with all of your future (Jer 29:10-14). #TrustGod #BelieveGod #AFutureAndAHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the most hope filled passages in the Old Testament. God’s people are given assurance of deliverance, in spite of their dire circumstances. God will not forget his people. His plan is purposeful, and his discipline will achieve its desired outcome.

God‘s people will once again call Upon him. He will be found and present with them. He will restore their fortune and return them to their land, and so he did. Our God is a God of purpose and hope. Lord, I am encouraged about my own future by the words of this passage.

Having Peace With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*

Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).

Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.

_________

* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.

God of Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Heed God’s written word as his loving appeal to seek him (Jer 36:1-4) #GodOfMercy #Compassion #God’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After 23 years of preaching (Jer 25:3), God instructs Jeremiah to write down every message he has preached to Israel and Judah. [That’s a lot of sermon notes]. So, Jeremiah dictated his messages to his secretary Baruch.

God explains why Jeremiah should write down his messages. “Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again [all the judgments against them]. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings“ (v3).

God continues to show mercy and compassion for sinful people. He is never willing for any to perish (2Pe 3:9). It is his desire for people to trust and follow after him and live an abundant life (Jhn 10:10). Lord, I am reminded that your compassions never fails us and they are new every morning (Lam 3:22,23).

Whole-Hearted Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we worship with wholehearted reverence towards God (2Ch 35:16-19; 2Ki 23:21-23) #WorshipInSpiritAndInTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It had been centuries since the celebration of Passover had been carried out in such a complete manner; all in accordance with the prescription given by Moses. This means that even the godliest kings of Israel oversaw Passover done merely according to religious custom, ritual and tradition. Not in accordance with Mosaic prescription.

Neither priests, Levites nor people participated wholeheartedly in or viewed Passover with any meaningful reverence; it was a duty. So, this was a Passover to end all Passovers. Josiah, once again, stands head and shoulders above all the other kings of Israel. Lord, may I come in wholehearted worship, lifting holy hands in accordance with the spirit of the law (1Ti. 2:8).

May the spirit of the law (the practice and heart of my worship) inform the prescribed letter of the law (the discipline and manner of my worship).

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.

Not What We Deserve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks for God’s unfailing justice, mercy, and love (Psm 103:6–10). #UndeservedFavor #UnfailingLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God of tender mercies towards men (vv1-5)? He is the God who gives. He gives righteousness, puts men in good stead with him (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Jer 33:15). He gives justice to the oppressed, making men right with each other. He is the God who reveals who he is. He did so with Moses (Exo 20:1,2; 33:13–20) and his people.

God is the God of all compassion and mercy, long-suffering, full of unfailing, unconditional love. He is the God who mitigates his actions towards sinful men by his mercy. He does not give us all that we deserve for sin (grace). Lord, I may count on your promises to forever wash and cleanse me from all sin.

Can’t Thank God?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Forget not God’s tender mercies towards you (Psm 103:3-4). #God’sTenderMercies #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist is intentional about giving thanks for God‘s goodness (we really have very little to complain about). Can’t thank God? Start here. Start with thanks for God’s forgiveness of all your sin by his pardoning mercy (how we long to be excused for the errors we make).

Thank God for his tender mercies, attending to all of our inward and outward sufferings (how we long for a comforting touch or word in the midst of misery).

Thank God for delivering us from the pit of guilt, distress, and death itself (how we long for a loving hand to reach out and snatch us from the rim of despair).

Lord, how I thank you for all your tender mercies towards me.

Awaken Thanks Giving

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be awakened to the undeserved goodness of God (Psm 103:1,2). #ThanksGiving #GivePraiseToGod #PraiseGodForHisGoodness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist is here calling on his soul, the whole of his ego–centric being, to lift praises unto the Lord (ego being the complete person, both body and soul). Man is apt to forget to give God the thanks due him (I’m guilty). So, the Psalmist is expressly calling upon his soul to be awakened, aroused, to intentional praises to God for all of his blessings.

Like the nation calls upon the whole of America annually to “NEVER FORGET“ – Pearl Harbor, 9-11, Memorial Day, et.al. So also, men ought “NEVER FORGET“ God’s goodness to him. Lord, it is good that I should be intentional about giving thanks to you for all your goodness to me. America ought do the same.

Blazing New Trails In Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Blaze new faith trails that are renewed daily in God’s grace (Heb 13:22,25). #WalkInDailyRenewal #FaithRenewedDaily

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the final word of our writer. Some may debate the meaning of having “written to you in a few words.“ But the point in the conclusion of this letter is simply this. You have been enlightened to the truth about Christ. It is time for you to move forward in a new way of faith.

Shed the former rituals and traditions of religion and press on into this new frontier of faith in Christ. Do this, knowing that the grace of God and empowerment of Christ (v21) goes ever before you. Lord, may I maintain a fresh forward looking faith for the frontier of every new day before me.

Deep Surrender

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Find your surrender on the altar of Christ (Heb 13:10,15). #DeepSurrender #ChristOurAltar #SacrificeForSin #ChristOurAtonement

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer makes one final reference to Christ as the supreme sacrifice for sin. He is our “ALTAR.” Attaching any idea of ritual performance as validation of salvation (v9) is unacceptable. The old system of animal sacrifice is done away in favor of the once for all time sacrifice of Christ for salvation. F.F. Bruce nails it. “Jesus is the anti-type” of the sacrifices made for sin on the Old Testament day of atonement.

The writer says, “We have an altar.” That is the same as saying, “We have a High Priest“ (8:1). Our altar is Christ. He is the new way for sin’s sacrifice. His sacrifice is the better way of salvation. I am reminded, one more time, to be grounded in grace is to be secure in Jesus. He is my one, my final, sacrifice for sin. I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lord, my only response is deep surrender to Christ (v15).

The Grounded Heart

May hearts be firmly established in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 13:9). #GraceAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Verse eight links the exhortation to emulate faithful leaders who have taught truth from God‘s word (v7), with the notion of being deceived by “strange doctrines“ (v8). (Note: Gal 1:9). God‘s word will never change (Mat 24:35; 1Pe 1:23–25). Neither will the sacrifice and life teachings of Christ ever change.

To entertain some strange new teachings that center on keeping certain rules and rituals (or any other teachings, doctrines and philosophies of this world) will profit us nothing (Heb 9:10; Rom 14:17; 1Co 8:1). The heart (seat of spiritual understanding) must be grounded in the grace of God. There is no other standing with Christ.

Father, keep my heart firmly grounded in the grace of Christ.

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.

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.

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).

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).

“No!” To Defection

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Do not fail to heed the call of Christ to repent and return to him (Heb 10:26–31). #NoDefection #ChooseChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

James T Draper observes here that the Greek word for “knowledge“ is one that certainly means the author is talking to believers.* But they were in danger of defecting back to Judaism. The judgment referred to here is the Judgment Seat of Christ (2Co 5:10). The believer’s life work shall be tested by fire as valid or not. One may be saved, yet every work judged as worthless.

Worse yet, having defected one may have committed a sin unto death (1Jn 5:16,17). The result is that every opportunity to live for and serve God will have been lost; by death or other default life consequences. On December 28, 1968, I faced a choice to either stop my defection from faith or suffer the worst consequence – lose my life in war. I chose life in Christ. I never looked back. Lord, I come with gratitude in my heart for your long-suffering with me.

_______

* Draper Jr, James T. HEBREWS, The life that pleases God. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1976), Pg. 276-282

_______________

See also on this blog: Window of Opportunity – https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Total Access

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Trust the magnificent work of Christ for access to God (Heb 10:21,22). #TotalAccess #NoBarriers #PardonFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, our High Priest, is not the “rule keeper“. He is the one who “rules over the house of God.“ He is the one who has introduced grace and mercy into the house of God. This is the basis of man’s ability to enter into God‘s presence.

Christ offers cleansing from sin, clearing the way for a pure heart to come before God. Further, men may come with their consciences cleared of guilt by Christ’s very own blood sacrifice. Men may be, once and for all, pardoned from all sin and made fit to enter into a relationship with God.

Lord, you have removed every barrier to my eternal access to holiness.

Open Door To God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Enter into an intimate personal walk and relationship with God (Heb 10:19,20). #OpenDoorToGod #EnterIntoGod’sPresence

Christ’s body torn, opens the way for us

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The author of Hebrews is rounding the last turn and is making a sprint for the finish line in his long discussion of Christ, the superior sacrifice for sin (Chs 8–10). All that has been said in these chapters find their conclusion in these last few verses (vv19–39). “And so, dear brothers and sisters…“

Jesus has, by his own blood sacrifice cleared the way, opened the door, pioneered the trail for us, into the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God. Having done so, he turns and beckons us to follow him into that Most Holy Place. Follow him into that personal relationship with God. The invitation is to every man and woman, to enter into that intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; into fellowship with God.

O Lord, it is personal for me. I am all in. I feel the warm embrace of that most Holy relationship.

Redemption’s Result

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Be assured your redemption is secure; Satan is defeated (Heb 10:12-14). #SatanIsDefeated #ChristIsVictorious #BelieversVictorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The one (and final) sacrifice for the cleansing of all sin, “perfects“ the believer’s position before God forever. The work of Christ at the cross is finished and for the believer, has the continuing result of cleansing from all sin, to this day and beyond.

All the enemies of Christ will one day become his footstool. The supreme enemy, Satan, will one day be forever vanquished and no longer rule on earth. Christ will stomp the Devil’s head and he will be forever defeated (Gen 3:14,15). This gives every believer the assurance of victory in their own lives (Rom 16:20). Lord, I look to Christ’s victory as my victory.