Category: Sin

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 4)

No force on earth can stand against our righteous God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give God praise for his protective hand on his own; may the soul of America be turned to giving thanks for God’s protective hand on her (Hab 3:12-15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this ode, the prophet minstrel sees a vision of God, thrashing the nations for their godless, idolatrous attitudes and immoral behavior (vv 8-10) God will do to Babylon what he did to Egypt. God‘s motive is to crush evil and deliver his own. Reference to the “anointed“ is a reference to the coming Messiah. Saving his oft erring people also preserves the coming Anointed One, Christ.

Thinking Israel would be sitting ducks at the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army of charioteers were thrown into panic, disarray and death (Exo 14:23-28). “Selah“ following these remarks means, stop and think about what was just spoken. Lord, you are a force to reckon with when it comes to protecting your righteous ones. As one of yours, I know that I am eternally secure in your care.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Bridle any form of intemperance: be humble (Hab 2:9-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his lyrical song of taunts; a woeful dirge, Verse 2 – Here, find we, the lofty haughty heart which seeks to immortalize its own power. Like the eagle, Babylon attempts to build her nest (wealth and palaces) high above earth’s fray. She seeks to make herself impregnable.

But Babylon’s murderous heart is her shame, not her glory. She will be cut off. The stones and timber obtained by dishonest and rapacious cruelty cry out as witness against her. Soon this nation, and any other nation that thrives on cruelty toward others, will itself be cut down. No matter how impregnable she thinks she is. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20)

Lord, self-aggrandizement can never be seen as honorable. May my heart humbly bridle any such attitudes and surrender to God‘s glory.

Rapacious Evil

May America turn from her godless path and may righteous faith prevail (Hab 2:4,5). #TheJustLiveByFaith #RapaciousEvil #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk sits pensively with his spiritual ears open to hear how God will answer his questions (1:2–4). The silence is deafening. Then, into the silence, God begins his woeful dirge of condemnation for Babylon. Her rapacity will not go unpunished; judgment will come.

Babylon (even America) is a nation become arrogant, swollen and puffed up like an old toad. Her passions are only for rapacious evil and unrighteousness. She makes a mockery of all that is morally good. She is a godless, corrupt and perverse nation. She is a drunken nation state with an insatiable appetite to enslave all people to government. Judgment is certain. It is already crouching at the door.

In stark contrast stands God’s righteous ones. “The righteous will live [know abundant life] by their steadfast faith [in Jehovah God].” These words sparkle like a jewel shinning through the darkness from deep within an earthen cavern. These words have given hope to God’s righteous ones through the ions of time, from Habakkuk to the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther and beyond.*

Lord, may a righteous faith prevail from deep within my soul; from deep within the soul of America. .

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* The Faith of the Righteous

Rom 1:17

Gal 3:11

Heb 10:38

AN “OMG” MOMENT

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Bring your perplexed heart respectfully to God (Hab 1:12-17 to 2:1). #SeekGodsUnderstanding #BoldlyRespectfullySeekGod

PERPLEXED: Habakkuk Stands Watch to Hear God’s Reply

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is Habakkuk’s “OMG“ moment with God. He is perplexed. His complaint, however, is rooted in his view of God – Holy and Eternal One; “our Rock” who is pure through and through, who cannot, will not, wink at evil. How does God justify using godless (more treacherous people than Judah) to punish them?

These Godless Babylonians will justify their conquests as affirming their own belief in their own strength as their power – they will worship at their altars of success, wealth and might. How do you let that happen God? “I will stand in my watchtower, ready to hear what you say Oh, Lord.”

My Lord, it is incumbent upon this duty sentry to respectfully bring my oft perplexed heart to you for answers and understanding.

Deeply Stained Within

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be deeply moved in waves of contrition and repentance for our own sin & rebellion (Hab 1:6-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #America #TheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES (and extended subscript to the nations):

This is the horrific vision that God gave the prophet, Habakkuk. A pagan nation of cruel violent people (Babylon) will descend on Judah like a blazing relentless desert wind. This godless nation will gobble up other nations as well, having their way with whatever cruelty they wish.

The war horses of Babylon run like the cheetah and are more fierce than ravenous wolves. Their charioteers charge from a far off and swoop down like eagles, picking off and devour their unsuspecting prey. They scoop up captives as they go. No one is safe. They scoff kings & princes; laugh at their fortresses and walls. Then, like the wind, they are gone, leaving behind nothing but a sweltering desolate landscape.

But God tells the prophet, Babylon was not innocent for having been God‘s instrument. NO! They went beyond all restraint to their own destruction. They were deeply guilty and flawed because they viewed their own strength was their God.

Lord, the prayer sentries, the watchmen on the walls, must sit dumbfounded with the prophet and consider what horrific plan lay ahead for Judah. Would God, could God, do such a thing (vv12-16)?

May this Sentry be moved to waves of contrition and repentance for my own deep sin.

________

SUBSCRIPT TO THE NATIONS:

I ask what will be in store for my own great nation (America) and her great allies. Where will pride in our own strength, our arrogant disregard of God and our distain of justice bring us? Is there any nation on earth today that God may be raising up to do to us what Babylon did to Judah and the ancients?

That is not a far fetched question. Consider China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. All of these are mentioned in one way or another in prophecies of these end times.

A local pastor spoke recently and reminded his congregation of how the nations viewed the nation of Israel after her 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

”When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” (Psm 126:1-2)

“The other nations were amazed” to see how God had blessed Israel.

There was a day when the nations would have looked upon America and said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” But today that light has grown dim and the nations laugh at us. Mock us. Scorn us. America has left the God of her fathers. May the Lord send sweeping revival across this land like a fast moving prairie fire. May there be an awakening of national one global proportions.

______

Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk and those righteous who were with him, like we today, could find some comfort in the words of Israel’s king, David, the Psalmist:

”But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…

[…no matter who: Babylon, China, Russia, Iran; AMERICA, GREAT BRITAIN and others are not without their own history of violence]

“[God] will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

[If God spared not his own chose people from judgment and correction, how safe are those without God’s covering of mercy and grace?]

[But our] righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.“ (Psm 11:4-7)

________

GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Did God Exalt Evil?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we turn daily and acknowledge God, our gracious Sovereign (Hab 1:6) #AcknowledgeGodAsSovereign #GodExaltsNations #GodAbandonsNations #RighteousnessExaltsANation #SinDestroysANation

Babylon The Great – Babylon The Fallen

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

So what is so “astounding“ about God‘s vision to Habakkuk? Well, God says, incredibly, that he has raised up a nation of cruel and violent people. EVIL: did God make this nation cruel and violent? NO! He elevated this nation on the world stage (Job 12:23). Men are cruel, violent and evil because of the lust and greed in their own fallen hearts (John 3:18-20).

This nation, Babylon (also a key metaphor of evil throughout much of Bible prophecy – Dan 2:36-39; Rev 18:2,3) and its king, did not acknowledge God as its source of strength. They attributed their wealth, might and power to their own strength and ability. Instead of blessing the world, they became a curse to the world. Ultimately God would cast them off as well.

[William Grunall states in his classic, The Christian In Complete Armour, “Sometimes [God] allows an opposing force to arise, so that at precisely the right moment he can raise up a more magnificent pillar of remembrance to himself. This pillar will stand in the very ruins of that which contested [God’s] power. Thus, when he intervenes, all must say, “Almighty Power was here“ Pg.46]

It is foolish to ignore and disrespect a gracious God, who exalts men and nations. Lord, may I (may America) daily acknowledge you as my (and our) Sovereign.

Ignore God? Perilous!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Turn now to God from any godless way (Jer 47:1-7) #TurnNowToGod #Repent #IgnoringGodIsPerilous

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A lot has been written and a lot can be said of the history between Israel and the Philistines.* The Philistines have always been a thorn in Israel’s side; even to this day with Palestinians and Gaza. Israel should have driven them from the land in the Exodus. (Exo 23:31-33; Jos 13:1–3). They did not and they worshipped pagan Philistine gods.

This prophecy of Jeremiah intensifies God’s intention to judge any godless people. The message is the same for the Philistines and every other nation – repent and turn to God while there is still time (Nineveh is a good example – Jon 1:1,2) Lord, every lawless, godless act will be judged. The time to turn is now. For me to ignore God comes at great risk.

_______

* History of the Philistines, Palestinians and Israel. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Philistine-people

https://www.gotquestions.org/Israel-Philistines.html

Can’t Outsmart God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run not from God, but run to him (Jer 46:27,28) #RunToGod #Repent #TurnTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah, having taken Egypt as an ally, will find herself exposed to a new and greater threat. Was she wrong to take Egypt as an ally? No. But thinking she could avoid her judgment by putting her trust and hope in another other than God was foolish thinking.

The prophecies of Judah being overrun by Babylon, are now a certain possibility. God will route Judah and send her into exile for her sin and rebellion against God. But God will eventually return her to her land. This is a promise. Lord, no matter how I try to manipulate my welfare, you always work things out to your glory and my greater good.

Cooler Heads Prevail

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek counsel from wiser, more knowledgeable and cooler heads (Jer 26:16-19). #CoolHeadsPrevail #SeekOutListenToWisdom #KnowYourHistory

Following Jeremiah‘s threefold defense (vv12–15) the court officials, in agreement with the people, sided with Jeremiah and against the priests and false prophets: Jeremiah was speaking for God, and did not deserve to die.

Some wise and cooler heads also spoke. They recalled when the prophet Micah predicted disaster for Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah (Mic 1:1; 3:12), Hezekiah led the people to turn from their sin and worship God. They begged God‘s mercy. God heard their prayer and changed his mind. Jeremiah’s court concluded that to kill Jeremiah would serve only to do themselves great harm.*

Lord, may I always seek out and listen to counsel from wiser cooler heads; may I be wise in my counsel to others.

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* See a similar event when hot headed priests planned to kill Peter. A wise and elder Pharisee sheds wisdom on their deliberations.

Truth Speak

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Embrace, be faithful and courageous to speak the truth of God (Jer 26:1–11). #SpeakTheTruth #CourageToSpeakForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Standing in front of the temple, Jeremiah spoke the truth of the disaster about to fall on the temple and Jerusalem. He said exactly what God told him to say. When he had finished, the priests, the prophets, and the people present began to taunt him and ridicule him. They wanted to kill him.

When the officials in the palace heard about it, they rushed to the temple and decided to hold court right then and there. They would try Jeremiah for treason – the priests and the prophets were witnesses against him. It is clear that when you speak for God, the message may not be popular. But speak you must! Lord, may I always have courage to speak the truth of God no matter the consequences.

Mañana: No Option

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Yield without delay to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (2Ch 34:21). #Repent #TurnFromSin #ConvictionOfSin

Repent; Seek God’s Face, NOW

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard a reading of the “Book of the Law,“ King Josiah realizes the danger Israel is in because they had not followed God’s prescribed law (Deu 28:15ff). Josiah’s instructions at that point, to the High Priest and other officials, was to go and inquire about the meaning of what had been read to him.

In other words, Josiah said, “Go now and seek counsel from the Prophet. Confirm what had been read to him. Inquire what should be done.” The nearest prophet was Huldah, the Prophetess, who lived near the Temple (v22). Lord, I understand that conviction of sin will lead me to further and quickly inquiry as to what next to do. Do it now, not tomorrow.

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.

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.

Know Your Enemy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wise in your understanding as to how Satan operates (Jer 18:18). #ResistSatan #KnowYourEnemy #ListenToGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage reveals how our enemy, Satan, operates. He can’t stop the man or woman of God from speaking God’s word. So he causes God’s people to doubt and/or ignore God’s word. Look at Genesis 3:1–4.* “Did God really say don’t eat of the fruit?…If you eat the fruit, you won’t die!” So, deceived, man ate the fruit.

Jeremiah’s detractors determined that they would spread lies about him, cause people to doubt what he says. They determined that they can just ignore what Jeremiah says. They said, “Our priests, wisemen and prophets can teach us. We don’t need Jeremiah to tell us what he thinks God is saying.” Lord, make me wise to Satan‘s tactics to throw me off of God’s message.

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* Know your enemy: Jhn 8:44; 2Co 11:3,4; Eph 6:10–13; Jas 1:14-16; 1Pe 5:8,9; 1Jn 3:12,13; Rev 12:9,10. God fits the believer for battle: Psm 144:1,2; Eph 6:13-18; Jas 4:7.

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.

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).

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).

Eyes On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY FRIENDS AND NATION:

Don’t lose sight of your inheritance: life abundant, life eternal (Heb 12:15-17). #SinUnchecked #SinHasConsequences

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Why is Esau an example of failing the grace of God? Was he saved, then lost? Was he never saved at all? For sure Esau was the rebel firstborn son of Isaac. Our writer points this fact out (are there any rebellious among us? Yeah, I have been that son). Birth order may give one legal standing, but the family blessing is passed on, according to a father’s wishes (Esau was not the first to be passed over for the blessing).

Esau took his eyes off the prize. He disdained his birthright (Gen 25:33,34). Hebrews 12:1–4 teaches that those who run a successful race, keep their eyes on the prize. Namely, ancient torch-bears of faith and Jesus. (Paul as well – Phi 3:14). In the end, Isaac blessed the right guy (Gen 25:23). Lord, I am reminded that harboring any sin or treating salvation casually will have far reaching affects on the community of faith.

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).

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

Warning: Chilling Moment Ahead

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).

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.

Sacrificed For a World In Sin

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your heart and love for Christ grow exponentially for his sacrifice for sin (Heb 9:13,14,24–28). #ChristTheLambSacrificedForMan #TheBloodOfChristSaves

The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The difference between an animal sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is twofold. The sacrifice of animals was temporary; daily, weekly and annually multiple sacrifices were made. Second, the animals had no choice in the sacrifice. They did not know it was coming nor why.

But Jesus chose to die. He shed his blood for the cleansing and forgiveness of sin. His life was not taken. He gave it up willingly. This was the final and perfect sacrifice. No more sacrifices need be made. Christ’s death on Calvary removes all sin once and for all (1Pe 1:18-21). It does not overlook our sin. It acknowledges it as a dark blot before God and receives for all, sin’s judgment – DEATH.

Lord, may my love for you grow exponentially every day for suffering my judgment for sin.

A Violent Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May your heart remain broken for sin (Heb 9:13–23). #HighCostOfRedemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

James T Draper says of this passage, that it is, “one of the most remarkable…in the entire Word of God. It’s teaching is at the very center of the gospel of Redemption… ‘Without shedding of blood [there] is no redemption.’” This is at once both extraordinary and violent in our eyes. Death is written all over this passage.

When Adam and Eve Sinned, an innocent animal’s life was taken to give them a covering. When a death angel passed over Egypt, it was the blood of an innocent slain animal smeared on the Hebrew’s doorpost that protected the household. All this pointed towards the shed blood of Christ for man’s redemption from sin.

It is hard for me to take in the violent shedding of blood for my redemption. Yet, it places within me some idea of the high cost paid by an innocent victim for my sin. Jesus willingly gave his life in a violent death for me. Lord, may my heart remain broken for sin.

A SOBER TRUTH: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Promise Made, Promise Kept

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely on God as a promise keeper (Heb 9:1,10,13–15; 8:7-12). #PromiseMadePromiseKept

Old Testament & New Testament

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Understanding Covenants: there are five major covenants in the Bible initiated by and kept by God. Three required nothing in exchange for God’s promises (Noahic Cov – Gen 9:8-11; Abrahamic Cov – Gen 12:1–3; Davidic Cov – 2Sa 7:11–17). A fourth covenant (known as the Mosaic Covenant or “Old Covenant;” transmitted through the Old Testament) is heavily conditioned by and dependent upon faithful obedience (Exo 19:3-8). The last covenant is an expanded version of the Mosaic Covenant (it’s called the “New” Covenant (Jer 31:31–34).

The Mosaic Covenant lists conditions (Ten Commandments) to be followed and if not would become sin against God. The “New Covenant” (transmitted through the New Testament) fulfills the legal requirement of death for sin (“The wages of sin is death” – Rom 6:23) Jesus is the one who died, paid our penalty, to forgive all our sin. Lord I stand my sentry post knowing your reliability as a covenant keeping, promise keeping, God.

Disbelief Exposed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May our hearts be delivered from evil disbelief (Heb 3:12–15). #EvilUnbelievingHeart #DoNotHardenYourHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here repeats his warning to be careful not to allow our hearts to become hardened. Believers are to warn each other of this regularly. He refers here to an “evil disbelieving” heart. This is the worst kind of evil that is here mentioned. It is not a casual unbelief. It is allowing our heart to be so intentionally contrary to God that we lead others also into disbelief.

This is what Israel did (3:16-19) and a whole generation of people died in the wilderness never having set foot in God’s land of promise for them. This is an evil hardening of the heart of the first order. Lord there was a time in my life when this oft wayward sentry stood on the brink of an “evil disbelieving heart.” I was in danger of losing my very life. But you rescued me at just the right time. I am eternally grateful.