Crowned

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Humbly receive God’s crown of love and tender mercies (Psm 103:4) #CrownOfLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am crowned, not with a crown of gold or precious jewels. It is far greater than that. It is a crown woven together with God’s love and tender mercies. That is what God has crowned me with – unconditional love and tender benevolent affection.

God crowns me – he lifts me above all my challenges, my sin, my suffering, my circumstances. God crowns me with life eternal. There is no crown like the crown of God’s love and tender mercies. Lord, I am humbled and strengthened by your love and tender mercies.

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.

“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.

At Home in the City of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Anticipate your eternal home in the City of God (Heb 13:14). #AtHomeWithChrist #ThisWorldIsNotMyHome

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Jesus, in whom we put our trust, is no mirage, no flash in the pan. He is the royal Son of God. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the royal head of state in the kingdom to come. He rules an eternal City to come, a city he has prepared for those who follow him. (11:10,16). It is the City in which God dwells (Psm 46:4-7). That is our eternal home.

The Apostle John saw this City, made ready to receive its real residents (Rev 21:2). We (followers of Christ) do not abide in this world. We look ahead to a home in the city to come. That is our security in Christ. This whole world will pass away (12:27; Psm 102:25,26); but you oh Lord, perish not. Neither shall we, nor the home, nor the city you have prepared for us.

Lord, this aged sentry is looking forward to his eternal home with Christ in that City where God dwells.

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.

Unashamed Follower

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Follow Christ whatever the cost (Heb 13:11-13). #TakeUpYourCross #Unashamed #FollowJesusNoMatterTheCost

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Rounding off the writer’s point of the supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice, he explains that in the old tabernacle system, an animal was sacrificed for sin “outside the camp” (in the wilderness). It was a place considered “unholy.“ The blood of the sacrifice was then brought into the “holy place“ [inside the camp] for atonement.

So also Christ was sacrificed [slain] “outside the gates“ [of Jerusalem]. He made what was unholy, Holy. His blood was poured out to make his people Holy. He made atonement for the sins of his people at Calvary. It follows that God’s people ought to declare their allegiance to Christ above all others; not be ashamed to bear the disgrace he bore. We leave the old familiar ways, traditions and rituals “inside the camp.” We unashamedly follow Christ.

Lord, may this old sentry continue to follow Christ, whatever the cost.

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).

Unshakable

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Holiness Attained

PRAYING FOR FAMILY FRIENDS AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Winning Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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).

Faith Legacy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Forever Homeland

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Know & rest in the sweet promise of a better Heavenly Homeland (Heb 11:13-16). #TheyDiedInFaith #BelieveThePromise #HeavenlyHomeland

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When the soldier is thousands of miles away from home, serving in war, his/her heart longs for their homeland. Their great hope is to go back, to return to their homeland. If they die in battle their hope is never realized. Not so for the soldier of God.

The soldier of God looks ahead to the promise of another homeland, a better homeland. By faith, saints of old (and we today) understand that we are foreigners in whatever land we find ourselves in this earth. Death in this life’s battle actually means receiving our home-going to that Heavenly Homeland towards which we are looking by faith.

Lord, by faith I receive my eternal promise of the sweet Heavenly Homeland of Isaiah 62:4 (NKJV).

Sweet Beulah Land

Expectant Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Exercise patient endurance in the face of suffering (Heb 10:36–39). #EndureToTheEnd #ExpectantFaith #PatientlyWaitOnChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Do not give up in the face of suffering and persecution. Any and all suffering will be rewarded. Patience – that is what is needed. Christ’s return is eminent. Faith in Christ, his work at the cross and his promise to return, is life and breath to the believer. We live (made alive) by faith. Those who turn away from the truth have no such hope.

At times Christ’s promised return seems close. At other times it may seem far off. Habakkuk 2:3,4 (rendered here) bids us stand firm. The appointed time will come and not delay one second past that time. So continue in God‘s will and add confidence to your faith. This is who we are as his righteous ones. Lord, may I show myself faithful by my patient endurance and expectant faith.

“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

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

Come Together

Be an encouragement to others, inside/outside the faith (Heb 10:23–25). #BeAnEncourager #DeclareYourFaith #ComeTogetherInChrist

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Holding fast to our profession of faith is a declaration of the superiority of Christ in our lives. It announces our surrender to Christ who is our Savior. Then we seek to show love, grace and encouragement to brothers and sisters in Christ. We look for ways to join together, giving each other support, comfort and exhortation.

Heaven knows, in these last days we need each other more than ever. Now is not a time to hang back. It is a time to be checked in and there for one another. God has given this old sentry some of the greatest encouragers (friends & family) on the face of the planet (you know who you are). I am deeply grateful for their ministry to my family. Lord, may I be as much to them and to others.

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.

Blessed Forgetfulness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Lean into God‘s heart of forgetfulness of sin (Hebrews 10:15–18). #God’sSeaOfForgetfulness #NomoreRemembranceOfSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all give witness to the New (and amazing) Covenant. When man invites Christ into his life, love for obedience to God’s will flows like water from an eternal spring. Man’s mind may now freely choose to do God‘s will.

Sins are forgiven and God, in his “blessed forgetfulness,“ deliberately chooses to remember man’s sin no more. As a result there is no more need to offer a single additional sacrifice. Jesus has forever canceled the debt of our sin. Lord, it is hard to grasp the depth of what this means, but we know we are redeemed and certain of our future.

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.

Living The Victory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Live in a constant assurance of victory won in Christ (Heb 10:12–14). #VictoryInChrist #ChristIsOurVictory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Jesus laid down his life and then took it up again he declared victory over the scourge of death (Jhn 10:17,18). Now he sits at the right hand of God and waits until that moment when every knee shall bow before him (Psm 110:1; Phi 2:9–11).

What is this promise to me? It is the promise of my victory also – not just in eternity but in my everyday life on earth. I live with the power and assurance of victory over sin, guilt and death. Lord, you give this old sentry the power to live an abundant life of joy and anticipation of a future hope.

“IT IS…

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Abide secure in the finished work of Christ (Heb 10:11,12). #ItIsFinished#FinishedWorkOfChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The contrast between Christ, our High Priest, and all other priests before him could not be more stark. For centuries the priest of the temple “STOOD“ before God making sacrifices that pictured but never were able to take away man’s sin. When Christ came he gave substance to what was abstruse.

Christ made a single sacrifice (himself for all sin). Then he, “SAT DOWN.“ His work was complete, finished (Jhn 19:30). He “SAT DOWN.” The final work of Redemption was achieved. It is this redeeming message that we preach and give witness to today. Lord, may I remain resting, abiding, in the finished work of Christ at the cross.

Until He Comes Again

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Look to Christ alone for cleansing from sin (Heb 10:8-12). #ComingAgain #RememberingChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How does Christ’s death forever cancel the Old [First] Covenant – the ceremonial laws seen in the tabernacle? It can be equated to the Lord’s Supper (the new symbol of Christ’s work in Salvation; his blood shed, his body broken in the New Covenant – Mat 26:26ff). The Lord’s Supper (looking back to Christ) pictures Christ’s finished work on the cross. The old ceremony (looking forward to Christ) is done away in favor of the new.

The Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Christ’s work. But when he returns (just as when he first came) the ceremony (an ordinance of the church) will be done away (1Co 11:23ff). Like a keepsake photograph of the young soldier away at war. When he/she returns home, the picture is done away with for the reality of his/her physical presence. Lord, we are clinging to your promise of salvation and soon return.

The Last Sacrifice

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May your devotion reflect the deepest levels of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice (Heb 10:11,12). #FinalSacrifice #SinDefeatedChristExalted

Asian of Narnia: Pictures the Ultimate Sacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It could not be more clear. Under the Old Covenant, priests in the Tabernacle–Temple came day after day before God, making the same sacrifices for sin. It was not, nor would it ever be, enough. But our High Priest, Jesus Christ, made the LAST SACRIFICE for sin. Aslan of Narnia vividly pictured Christ’s sacrifice.

In one selfless act, Christ offered himself as the final and eternal cleansing agent for all of man’s sin. The Ceremonial Law became obsolete (the Moral Law – 10 Commandments – is still in play. It defines sin). But now the New Covenant in Christ’s blood-sacrifice cancels the judgment and condemnation of sin for all those who believe.

My Lord, you have freed this old sentry from the power and penalty of sin.

O, The Blood Of Jesus…washes white as snow.

SONG OF A WOUNDED WARRIOR

Oh Lord, how feeble is my nature; how apt I am to stumble in my way. At a time when my heart is full of joy and expectation the enemy attacks.

I am caught off guard. I am shocked and ashamed that I missed the signs of a “fifth column” advancing. My intended work of faith is subverted before yet it is begun.

Oh Lord, how can I keep my heart from retreating into mournful discouragement?* How can I recover from the damaging blow delivered?

My only hope of triumph in the battle that has swarmed around me is the knowledge of Your unchanging, undisturbed, love, grace and forgiveness.

Oh Lord, You will comfort the hearts of those in the siege. You will heal the wounds thought fatal. You will arise to give life and joy again.

There is none like the Lord Jehovah. There is no strength greater than Yours. You set aright the caldrons of war and stand with your mighty warriors.

_________________

*Psychologists use the term “self talk” to describe the ongoing internal conversation with ourselves, which influences how we feel and behave.

The book of Psalms is a diary of “self talk.” But it goes far beyond psychosomatics. It reveals David’s (and some others) innermost source of strength. He depends not upon himself but upon God.

Having had a particularly disappointing moment recently my melancholy nature threatened to overtake me. I turned to God and was reminding myself (like David in Psalm 103) of His great healing and power.

What came out was my true inner dependence upon Him. I CAN bring all my hurt and unrest to God alone.

100% Accepted

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

100% Receive the 100% promise of sin forgiven & remembered no more (Heb 10:1-4). #100%ForgivenAccepted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God had a purpose in the use of animals sacrificed in the confession of sin. It was to remind men of his mercy, grace and love for his people (Psm103:8-12). But instead the repeated sacrifices became a morbid ritual and reminder of how wicked was/is the heart of man. The people felt alienated from rather than accepted by God. Their sacrifices became a means to buy their forgiveness.

It is the same today – except that the sacrifice of Christ has been made once and for all time. Our sin Is washed away and the sinner is cleansed from all unrighteousness. Sin is forgiven and remembered no more. It is the enemy (Satan) who wishes to dredge up all our old sin and bring condemnation (Zech 3:2,3; Jhn 10:10). But “there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

Lord, you have accepted me 100%; my sin is forgiven and remembered I more.

Net Effect

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Worship God with a whole and obedient heart (Heb 10:1-4; 1Sa 15:22). #HumanNeedTrumpsRitual #ObedienceTrumpsSacrafice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The NET EFFECT of the symbolism and ritual of the tabernacle, priesthood and the law was to point men to the coming reality of Christ. This symbolism was a “shadow, a dim preview” of things to come. It was never intended to be the end in itself, but merely a means to an end.

All of the symbolism and ritual was never able, in and of itself, to deliver men perfectly from their sin and guilt. What it did do was remind men regularly of their sin, year after year; to remind men that THEIR WORKS & SACRIFICES could never free them perfectly from sin and guilt. But men turned their ritual into the end itself; into a mindless routine. Lord, may my worship of you never become merely heartless ritual.

No “Future Shock”

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May you determine early to trust Christ the Savior and Lord (Heb 9:27,28). #NoFutureShock #LiveDieJudgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Two things we can count on: Death & Judgment. In thinking about the future I am reminded again of its finality. The ultimate future for every person is not his/her career, financial security, marriage, success, education or family. It is DEATH. Every life culminates there. After that comes our JUDGMENT. We will face Christ, the one who died for our sins.

Only one question remains for us at the moment of judgment, “Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord?“ The answer to that question will determine our eternal future. For me that answer is, “Yes.“ I am eagerly awaiting Christ’s return or my own intervening journey into the eternal. There will be for me, no “future shock.“ Lord, my future is in your hands. I put my trust in you for my future destiny.

MY FALLEN SELF

(Isa 53:1-12; Luk 18:9-14; Heb 9:13,14,24-28)

When I think of my fallen self and how desperately wicked can be my heart, I think of my crucified and risen Savior who has borne my sin and shame and redeemed me to himself.

The sin, which does so easily beset me, has its end in the Cross of Calvary. It drives afresh the nails into my Savior’s hands and feet. My besetting sins do not go unaccounted for. These…

…my sins of commission – to lie, to lust, to speak ill/criticize, to waste time;

…my sins of omission – to disobey by not going when moved, not speaking when prompted, not helping when urged;

…my sins of disposition – envy, pride, anger, evil desire;

All these my sins, and more, go painfully under the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.

My unmerited righteousness in Christ does not come without a price. I cannot flee the failure of sins committed, but I can, in Christ, flee from the sin not yet committed before it besets me. AND EVERY SIN FROM WHICH I FLEE IS THAT MUCH PAIN RELIEVED IN MY SAVIOR’S BODY. FOR EVERY SIN RESISTED IS A SIN FOR WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DIE.

Where sin has abounded in my heart without confession, my precious Savior is left to suffer. For lack of confession is unbelief in his atoning sacrifice, his faithfulness to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9). My confession acknowledges and accepts his sacrifice.

If he did not want to forgive us he would not have died so horrible a death. So believe. Do not carry your burden of sin. He has borne it. Confess it and do not mourn any longer. You are forgiven and accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6).

(Note this portion from Valley Of Vision, a book of Puritan prayers)

“…if I sin not I should thank thee for it;

“…if I do sin I should be humbled daily under it;

“…I should mourn for sin more than other men do, for when I see I shall die because of sin, that makes me mourn;

when I see how sin strikes at thee, that makes me mourn;

when I see that sin caused Christ’s death, that makes me mourn;”

“…Thou has taught me that faith is nothing else than receiving thy kindness; that it is an adherence to Christ, a resting on him a love clinging to him as a branch to the tree, to seek life and vigor from him.” [To mourn no longer]

“…I thank thee for showing me the vast difference between knowing things by reason and knowing them by the spirit of faith. [Job 42:5,6]

“…By reason I see a thing is so; by faith I know it is.

“…I have seen thee by reason [head knowledge] and have not been amazed.

“…I have seen thee as thou art in the Son [by faith] and HAVE BEEN RAVISHED TO BEHOLD THEE…

“…I bless thee that I am thine in my Savior, Jesus.” [Mourn no longer]