Seed of Hatred Towards Israel

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we walk daily in humble obedience to God (Jer 26:1–6). #MessageForAmerica #Repent #TurnNowToGod

Repentance in Israel, America, any Nation Remains Our Best Hope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In spite of God‘s intended judgment on Judah the message is still, “If you will repent, I will change my mind (says God) about the disaster I am ready to pour out on you because of your sin.“ (Sounds like 2 Chronicles 7:14). If not, after repeated warnings, God says, I will destroy the temple and make Jerusalem an object of cursing in every nation on earth.

Such was, and is the case in Israel, even unto this day. Know what? Israel is still unrepentant – she even crucified the Messiah, Jesus. No wonder Israel has suffered so much through history. No wonder she is in crisis today. Unrepentance sows terrible seeds of disaster. Lord, may I live in humble obedience to you. I “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psm 122:6-9).

[Are you paying attention America? Will you turn to Jehovah God?]

National Reckoning Pt4

NONE TOO BIG TO FAIL

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wholehearted in your surrender & devotion to the Lord (Jer 22:24-30). #NoneTooBigToFail #WholeheartedSurrender #WholeheartedDevotion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the prophecy and plight of Jehoiachin (verb structure here implies the prophetic). He was as evil/wicked as his father Jehoiakim (2Ki 24:9). Jeremiah delivers God’s word to Jehoiachin. The Lord will abandon him to his enemy the Babylonians. He will die in exile.

“Signet ring” here does not imply some quality of character. God is simply saying, “Even if you were as valuable as a jeweled ring, I would still cast you off.” Why? Because of Jehoiachin’s evil nature. He may as well be “childless.” None of his lineage would ever succeeded him on the throne. There are just simply none too big to fail. That includes my great country, America.

Lord, may my and my nation’s surrender and devotion to you always be wholehearted.

National Reckoning Pt1

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our leaders and people turn to God and know his blessing (Jer 22:1–5; 2Ki 23:31-33). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Jehoahaz became King of Judah, Jeremiah, the prophet, came to him with a message. It was a simple message for all the kings of Judah:

1) listen to the Lord and may your advisers and the people listen to God;

2) be fair minded, and do what is right;

3) help those who have been cheated and robbed, deliver them from their oppressors;

4) repent of your evil deeds;

5) don’t mistreat the foreigners, orphans and widows in your midst;

6) stop sacrificing, murdering the innocent.

Do these things, and you shall be hailed as a great king. Ignore them and suffer a national reckoning and ignominy. Lord, may the heart of this old sentry and the hearts of our leaders and people be turned to you and know the blessing of God.

More to follow.

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our national and religious leaders, the people of our nation seek the whole counsel of God (2Ch 35:20-23). #SeekGod’sCounsel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah followed the Lord God all the days of his life. Yet, his demise in battle was dubious. It was perhaps a battle that needed not to be fought. Pharaoh Necho was headed for battle with an ancient enemy. He sought to take a shortcut through Judah. Josiah, for whatever reason, refused him passage through the land.

Necho told Josiah that “God” told him to go through the land to fight. [Scholars differ as to what “God“ pharaoh was referring; eg. Keil & Delitzsch point out that the word used for “God” here was a generic term]* Nevertheless, Josiah, for all his obedience to God, did not appear to seek God‘s counsel from priest or prophet. His ignorance of any such plan of God may have lead to his demise.**

Lord, in the crucible of life, may I not neglect to seek your counsel.

__________

* Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary

For even had Pharaoh said [that Jehovah God] in so many words [told him to go through Judah], we could not here think of a divine message made known to him by a prophet, because God is neither called [by Necho] יהוה nor האלהים [the usual Devine ref to God] , but merely אלהים, and so it is only the Godhead in general which is spoken of; and Pharaoh only characterizes his resolution as coming from God, or only says: It was God’s will that Josiah should not hinder him, and strive against him. This Pharaoh might say without having received any special divine revelation, and after the warning had been confirmed by the unfortunate result for Josiah of his war against Necho.

** Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Commentators are not agreed whether it was really a divine commission given him through Jeremiah, or whether he merely used the name of God as an authority that Josiah would not refuse to obey. As [Josiah] could not [have have known] the truth of Necho’s declaration, Josiah did not sin in opposing him; or, if he sinned at all, it was a sin of ignorance. The engagement took place. Josiah was mortally wounded [2Ch 35:23].

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).

When Revival Comes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Let revival renew the life of God in us (2Ch 35:1-6) #Revival #SpiritualAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After cleansing the land of pagan altars and ridding the land of idolatrous priests, Josiah declared that Passover would be celebrated according to the law of Moses.

Josiah further instructed the priests and levities to carry out their prescribed duties in the refurbished Temple: teach the people of God through his word, instruct those called to serve God, engage with serving God and the people, attend to the sacred business of assisting families coming for worship and observing sacrifices.

It is clear that when revival/renewal of spirit comes, the ministers of God and the people of God get busy with the real work of God. Lord, may revival renew the life of God in me and touch the world around me.

A Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live fully for God; point others to him (2Ch 34:33). #HumblyFollowAfterGod #InfluenceMenForChrist #BeAChristlikeModel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah did everything he could to point the people to God. He renewed his vows to the Covenant of God. He informed the people of the need to follow God alone. He tore down all the idols in the land, to prevent further open worship of pagan gods (no gods). He provided the religious leaders, and the people with a godly model of worship towards God alone the rest of his life.

But, real change of heart cannot be ordered or legislated by law. People must themselves read God’s word and be open to God for genuine change to occur. Our lives should reflect humble obedience to God’s word. Lord, may my life be an example of following Christ. May it be that others are drawn to follow Christ by the life, the words and the actions of me as a sentry for God.

Whole-Hearted Pledge

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we humbly repent, listen to God’s word and pledge to follow him whole-heartedly (2Ch 34:29-32). #PledgeAllegianceToGod #Repent #ReadGod’sWord #FollowGod’sWord

King Josiah Reads the Lost Book of the Law to the People

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a result of #1, the Book of the Law being found and #2, the word of the Lord, delivered to King Josiah by the Prophetess Huldah, the King called an assembly of all the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In this assembly, Josiah himself read the Book of the Law to the people.

King Josiah then took his place of authority in the Temple. He pledged himself to obey all the commands of the Lord. Then he called on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to pledge the same. They did so. Lord, I see hope for America (the church and our world) if those in authority will repent, look to your word and commit to follow Christ with a whole heart.

Got Troubles?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know God’s grace & mercy in times of painful struggles (Jer 20:1–6). #Struggles #GotTroubles?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The day after Jeremiah was arrested, whipped, put in leg irons and locked in torturous stocks; publicly humiliated by Pashhur, he was released. Pashhur was the temple administrator (a priest). He was wrong to do what he did. He was indifferent to Jeremiah’s message. He stood against God in his actions.

[Gamaliel, Paul’s Pharisee mentor, had a thought on this. He intervened for Peter before the Jewish council who intended to kill them (Acts 5:38,39)]

In 50 plus years of ministry I have, at times, felt the backbiting ire, of religious people. It was certainly not to the extent of Jeremih’s pain. But it was enough for me to understand the sorrow and hollow feeling of rejection for simply trying to do the right thing.

In those times, I may not have been perfect in my methods, but I know the intents of my heart were genuinely fixed on doing God’s will (which, by the way, ultimately prevail). Things have been put right with most of those detractors; others, not so much. What I remember in those times is how I learned to rely upon God‘s grace and mercy (Heb 4:16).

Be Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak the truth of man’s sin and God’s forgiveness (Jer19:14–20:2). #NoIntimidation #SpeakTheTruth #GospelOfForgiveness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah returns from the city dump of Jerusalem, where he smashed a clay pot before the temple and city leaders. There he prophesied to them the judgment of Judah for her sin (19:1–13).

Upon Jeremiah’s return, he stops in front of the Temple and prophesies the same message of judgment to the people gathered there. For this the Temple authority removes Jeremiah, has him arrested, whipped and put in stocks as a public spectacle.

There will always be naysayers, those who ignore and/or discredit the truth. It may be passive indifference or it may be hostile. The question is always, “How do I handle the truth?” Lord, mat every duty sentry always state the truth of man’s sin and the gospel of forgiveness, no matter the personal cost. May the sentry also be sensitive to the truth him/herself and respond accordingly.

The “Shattering”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent of sin (Jer 19:10–13). #DoNotDelayRepentance #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After describing the judgment about to befall Judah, Jeremiah shatters the pottery jar he had brought with him. He shatters it into the city dump, also called “Topheth“ (place of burning – place, where sacrifices were burned to idolatrous, pagan gods). The picture Jeremiah portrays in the shattering act symbolizes what God intends for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They will be shattered as a people “beyond hope of repair.“

“Topheth“ (the city dump) is where the dead bodies of the coming destruction will be buried, until there is no more room. All the houses of the city, including the palace of Judah‘s kings will become as this dump – defiled and unclean beyond all remedy. There is an incalculable danger in the delay of repentance. Hearts are hardened beyond repair.

Lord, may there be no delay in my heart to daily repent of sin.

Monument To Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we repent quickly of sin and obey God to avert judgment (Jer 19:7–9). #NoToDefiance #HighCostOfDefiance.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah points his delegation of Israelite leaders to the city dump (vv1,2). He explains God‘s plan to destroy the city (Holy City, Jerusalem).* Dead bodies will lie everywhere as food for the birds and wild animals. The rubble will be a monument to Israel’s defiance of God.

People who pass by will look with horror, appalled. The city will be cut off from its food supply and the people will resort to cannibalism to survive. They are driven to utter despair. This is no capricious act of God. The people had been warned.** Lord, the horror of judgment may be averted by repentance and obedience to God’s word.

_________

* History reveals the fulfillment of this prophecy: 586 B.C. and 70 A.D.

** Jer 11:1–8; Lev 26:28-30; Deu 28:53–57; 2Ki 6:24-30; Lam 2:20; 4:10

The Dump

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we quickly surrender our sinful lives to God (Jer 19:1-6). #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to purchase a clay pot (jar). Then Jeremiah is instructed to call together some of the leaders and priests of Israel and walk to the “valley of Ben Hinnom” just outside the South Gate of the city (the “Potshard Gate” of Jerusalem – also called the “Dung Gate”). This symbolizes the broken relationship to God. This was the city dump. All the refuse of the city went through this gate. Also many sacrifices to pagan gods took place here.

This passage informs us that this valley was the place of grotesque, idol worship and child sacrifice by fire. It pictures the life of sin before God. God’s people are no longer his joy, but a garbage dump of stinking refuse. This valley would soon be called the “Valley of Slaughter“ because of the judgment about to fall on Judah (see also 7:30-33). Lord, could my heart ever be so cold and indifferent to you? Yes, it has been (17:9,10); may it never be so again.

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not ignore the pleadings of God to repent and turn to him (Jer 18:18–23). #TurnNowToGod #RepentAndTurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While the obstinate people of God and their leaders are saying, “Do not listen to Jeremiah’s thunderous words of repentance,“ Jeremiah is saying to God “Listen to their words of evil” towards him. Jeremiah has warned the people of God’s of coming judgment (vv15–17). Their response is to discredit and kill Jeremiah.

Jeremiah‘s prayer is not one of vengeance, for he has earnestly contended for their souls (14:7-9; 19-22). Jeremiah is now praying for protection, because of his faithfulness to deliver the message. He is also praying that God would now allow his stated judgments for sin to roll down on his unrepentant people. Lord, remove any obstinate way within my heart.

The Coming Storm

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your faces be turned always toward God (Jer 18:16–17). #StormsOfJudgment #RepentTowardsGod #ObserveStormWarnings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point in Judah’s national life, God vows to desolate the land, just as the people have chosen to desolate their souls. Many will look on in horror. God further vows to scatter his arrogant disobedient people like the dust of a violent dust storm (a common occurrence in Israel).

Because God‘s people have turned their backs on him (2:27), God will turn away his face of favor from them. Now his people will see an amazing thing – they will see God‘s back as they are consumed by the distresses of judgment to come. Will America at some point see God’s back? May she turn in repentance and live. Lord, to ignore you will end in an ultimate demise.

Get Self Out Of The Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

America (even I myself) needs to rid its heart of indifference towards God (Jer 18:12-16). #RepentNow #TurnNowToGod

“You would turn away from God, your provider?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people express their resolve to continue in their wicked ways (v12). It makes no sense. God’s people have known his goodness to them, yet they turn their backs on him. Even the godless pagan can see the foolishness of such a response. It is seen as appalling, ghastly, even to them.

The response is in opposition even to the natural world. The snow in the mountains continually flows to the valley below (pictures God’s goodness). Rivers of living water flow from the “Rock,” also pictures God as the source of all goodness. Astonishingly God’s people opt for the waters of another (worthless gods). They cause their own stumbling off the true path that leads to God.

Lord, in light of all your goodness to me (to America) I (we) need to get out of my (our) own way and turn you.

_____

This old hymn says it well:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

A Repentance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Sincerely, open your heart to examination by God (Jer 18:11,12). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to read these words, Israel’s reply to Jeremiah‘s message of “The Potter & The Clay.“ The people said, “Don’t waste your breath, we will continue to live how we want to live.“ I wish I could say I have never said that to God. But I have. I pushed God to the limits of his mercy. (See my testimony: this blog)

Even now, as I read the message of “The Potter,“ I am urged by God to stop and reflect this morning. I’m asking God to search my heart for any wicked way; that I may be lead in the way, everlasting (Psm139:23,24; Jas 4:7-10). Lord, I open my whole heart and life for your close examination. Show me any sin I need to confess that I may change. (See the end of self: this blog)

The Potter And The Clay

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Act quickly to repent of sin at any rebuke from God (Jer 18:5–11). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is no misinterpretating God’s message to Jeremiah concerning the potter and the clay. Just as the potter fashions the clay in his hands, so God may do with Israel. Having found defect (sin) in the pot he was molding, the potter crushes the form. He removes the defect and starts over to refashion his clay into the mold he desires.

Just so, God will do the same to Israel (and any other nation). But if the nation renounces its sin (defect) God will not crush her. If she refuses to obey, then God will not bless Israel (or any other nation), he will judge her harshly. Lord, may any stern rebuke from you over sin (defect) found in me be met quickly with repentance towards you (Psm 51:10ff).

God Has A Message For You

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain always open to whatever message God speaks to you (Jer 18:1–5). #ThePottersHouse #ListenAndWatchForGod #GodStillSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every week, pastors, teachers and evangelists, who honor God by their message, come to God and pray, “Lord, what is your message to your people this week?“ Then, they open God’s word and listen.

This passage is the minister’s perfect scenario. The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said go down to the potter’s house and I will speak to you there. Jeremiah obeyed, and God spoke to him through what he saw. God gave him a message.

Thank you Lord, for speaking into the heart and mind of my pastor and our church staff through your Word. Lord, thank you for speaking daily into my own life from your Word and my experiences.

God: First Priority

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Make worship of God your highest priority (Jer 17:19-27). #GodAloneIsWorthyOfOurPraise #LoveGodHeartSoulAndMind #RememberSabbath

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the easiest passages in the prophets to understand and interpret. “Remember to keep Sabbath.“ Go read it – Exodus 20:8-11. The issue was and is, not what day of the week to worship God. The issue was and is, not making time in our hearts to stop and reflect on God‘s goodness.

When we put everything else in our lives ahead of God, we disrespect God. For not listening to God, for disrespecting God, Israel paid a heavy price. Babylon destroyed. Jerusalem and the Israelites spent nearly a century in captivity. They were exhorted to return to the Sabboth worship of God under Nehemiah (Neh 13:15–22). I am reminded of the importance of keeping God the highest priority in my life.

Determined to Stand

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust in God when people ignore and scoff at your message (Jer 17:14-18). #TrustInGod #StandWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah offers a prayer of lament. He has faithfully carried out God’s mission to call Israel to repentance. But, the people scoff at him. They chide, “Why don’t your predictions come, true?“ The people were arrogant in their treatment of God‘s prophet.

But Jeremiah was undeterred and stood his ground. He then prays not for repentance, but that the Lord would justify him, stand with him. He prays that God would, “bring the predicted day of terror on this people. May it be doubly destructive.“ Lord, may I stand faithful, to do whatever task you call me to; trusting you for the results.

“A Charge To Keep”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Keep your charge to influence all people for Christ (Heb 13:20,21). #AChargeToKeep #GospelOfPeace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the benediction which closes the book of Hebrews, “May God‘s peace…“ Our world is in turmoil as never before. Men often despair of hope. Many suffer and tire of wars, rebellion and violence. Ours is a broken world. Nothing will set it straight but “God‘s perfect peace.“

The benediction is a charge to God’s people (that’s us), the purveyors of the message of God’s peace. Jesus, the “Shepherd,“ brings the peace of God to men’s thirsty souls.

Our call is certain. Our marching orders are clear. Our equipping and empowerment is ratified by God to impact our world for good. We please him in the process. All glory to Christ forever.

Lord, may I keep my charge to take the Gospel of Peace to all in my sphere of influence.

Two Pleasing Sacrifices

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Offer the sacrifices of praise & kindness at every opportunity (Heb 13:15,16). #GivePraiseToGod #DoActsOfKindness #LivingSacrifices

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After 13 chapters (the whole book of Hebrews) pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Christ, the writer has carefully and thoroughly extinguishing the flame of daily, weekly and annual offerings of animal sacrifices for sin. But, the writer reserves two sacrifices that are still pleasing to God.

What sacrifices could still be pleasing to god?

1) The sacrifice of praise offered from our lips, confessing Christ as Lord; and

2) the sacrifice of a kind and loving actions towards others. With these two sacred actions (offerings) “God is well pleased (Psm 50:12-14; Rom 12:1; 1Pe 2:5).

Lord, bring my heart to every opportunity with words of praise to you, and acts of kindness towards others..

Leaving All Behind

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Leave all behind and follow Christ (Heb 13:13). #LeaveAllAndFollowChrist #NoTurningBack

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

F.F. Bruce paints a clear picture of the meaning of the sin offering of Christ that bore such reproach.* The picture is of Moses who, “considered the stigma that rests on God’s anointed, greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.“ (11:24-26).

Consider: following the incident of the “golden calf”, Moses pitched his “tent of meeting“ far outside the camp (Exo 33:7). “Camp” stands for the established system of Judaism. “Camp” equaled everything that was comfortable inside the rituals and traditions of Judaism.

Jesus stands outside the camp (the gates of Jerusalem). He was rejected inside that camp. We who follow Christ are called to leave the comfort of the “camp“ in exchange for the greater wealth that exists in Christ “outside the camp.“

On December 28,1968, I took my final step “outside the camp.” All that my flesh desired for the wealth of “Egypt” I left behind for the greater wealth to be had in Christ (Mat 16:24-26).

Lord, having left all behind, I follow you.

* F.F. Bruce – Hebrews Pg. 402–404.

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.

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.

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.

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).