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.
May you grasp the depth of God’s mercy, love and grace (Heb 12:18–24). #GodsLoveAndMercy #TheOpenDoorToGod
Mount Zion / Mount Sinai
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.
“Vive la Différence”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Be undeterred from following Jesus no matter the cost (Heb 12:2-4). #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell #FightThroughThePain
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer explains how to be undeterred from running a successful race of faith. I must keep my eyes on the prize – Jesus, his likeness and my eternal reward. (Read Paul’s words in Philippians three). In a race, the runner who looks anywhere but straight ahead is in danger. One cannot be looking from side to side or up and down.
Jesus Christ, our Champion, was undeterred from the joy awaiting him. He didn’t focus on detractors, or on his suffering circumstances (“Woe is me“). No, he ran through the pain. He endured the cross and the shame in order to provide for man the way of salvation. There is nothing I face that Jesus has not faced.
Lord, because of you and through you, this old sentry can be undeterred by circumstances. I too must focus on the eternal reward before me.
May your “hand-off“ exchange of the legacy baton of faith be smooth (Heb 12:1). #FaithRelayHandOff #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The race of faith is like a marathon relay race. Those listed in Hebrews 11:3–38 ran their best race and handed off the baton of faith legacy to others. Others handed it off to me. I have been running my best race of faith. I am now closer to the finish, than to the start.
I am in the “hand-off exchange zone“ of my race.* I want to say with Paul, “I have finished the race, kept the faith. The prize (the victor’s crown of righteousness) awaits me and also those who look forward to his appearing (2Ti 4:7–8). Lord, may I have a clean “hand-off” of faith to others.
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* Truth is, no one really knows when the end of their race may come; when an exchange of the legacy baton may occur. But, if you’re always running your best race of faith, you can count on a successful “hand-off”.
May you finish well the race of faith set before you (Heb 12:1). #EndureToTheEnd #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The goal of the runner in a race is to win the prize. In the race of faith the prize is achieving God’s purpose of Christ-likeness (1Co 9:24–27; Rom 8:29). I am not in competition with anyone. I compete against myself, to run my best race according to God‘s plan for me.
I endure all the conditions of the race. Like heat or rain culture, experience, education, friends, bullies, and the like, affect my race. Yet, like the runner, I endure. I may falter or stumble in the race. But success, the eternal prize, is determined not by how I start or falter, but by how I finish. Lord, may I finish well the race set before me.
Run well, the race of faith (Heb 12:1). #RunYourBestRace #Persevere
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I can learn how to run the race of faith by looking to those who have gone before me. They are all men and women who were or are not perfect. I can take comfort in that. Some did things very well, some struggled…just as I. They had their ups and downs.
Yet, They persevered, confessed sin, chose to follow God. They laid down the things that kept them from running a successful faith race. Their perseverance gave them growth in faith. That gave them endurance to run and finish their race. They are my example. Lord, may I lay aside all encumbrances to running well, the race of faith.
Give thanks to God for the witness of those who model Faith (Heb 12:1). #ModelsOfFaith #FaithLifeExamples
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I have often misinterpreted this verse. I have, in effect, said this host of “witnesses“ is looking down and cheering us on. I recently said that in a memorial service for a pastor friend. But the writer is not saying that.
Looking back over Hebrews Ch 11, the writer concludes: all those saints of old had lived their lives with endurance and loyalty to God. Those saints had borne witness to the possibilities of the faith life. They are not spectators (in a heavenly grand stand), looking down on us, as much as it is we who are looking up to them as examples in our race of faith (F.F. Bruce).
Lord, to my pastor friend, I should say, “Thank you for the life of faith you lived. It’s spurs me on and I cheer for you dear brother.”
May your lives be filled with living examples of faith (Heb 12:1). #FaithIsTheVictory #FaithOvercomes
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“So,“ the writer says, “we have seen an enormous crowd of witnesses, [attestants to, examples of] the life of faith (Heb 11:3-38). [They give evidence that faith works] Let us do as they did and live out our lives by that same faith.“ Faith is the motivating drive that enables us to live victorious over evil, just as they did. We can die victorious over evil, just as many of them did.
“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world” (1Jn 5:4,5). We look at the example of faith borne out in countless souls gone before us. Their faith motivates even greater faith in us today. It is not so much they who look at us [as spectators], but we who look to them. Lord, you have filled my life with incredible examples of the faith life. They lead me on in my faith.
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.
Seek a faith that is unquenched by the fires of evil (Heb 11:35b–38). #unquenchableFaith #FaithInTheFire #VictoriousThroughEvil
Faith Through the Fires of Evil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses fly in the face of “Feel Good Religion“ and the “Prosperity Gospel.“ While many have been victorious “quenching” the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a), still others have a faith that is “unquenchable,” victorious in/through the fires of evil. Many there are who have suffered horrific persecution. Yet, they have clung to the promise of a better hope in the resurrection. Their faith was “unquenchable.“
Our God in Christ stands with those who suffer great indignities, torture, jeerings, beatings, imprisonment, were/are poor and destitute at the hands of evil men. These believers were labeled as unfit by their society (“Cancel Culture”). But the opposite was true. Society was/is unfit for them (note Psm 44:22; Rom 8:35-39). Lord, should I be called upon to suffer for my faith, may I do so with honor.
Seek a faith that quenches the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a). #FireQuench #FaithForTheFire #VictoriousOverEvil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In his admonishment of these Hebrew Christisn readers, the writer is want to forge any further catalogue of faith examples. “What else can I say? It would take pages to tell the stories of faith.” Numberless stories are told of great victories accomplished by faith. His readers know them all very well.
I quote James T Draper again, “Their faith ‘quenched’ the fires of evil they encountered, but could not be quenched by the evil.“ Their faith (as ours) was and is fueled by countless tests and trials. Faith was/is made manifest through weakness, by which we gain strength (2Co 12:9,10). Lord, may I know a faith that quenches the fires of evil.
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).
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).
Strive for a faith borne out of a lifetime of experiences listening to God. (Heb 11:27). #GodsWill #ListenToGod #RepentOfYourPlans
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Moses would lead the people of God with a well developed faith, a trust in God that was resolute. The writer says, “By faithMoses left Egypt not fearing the anger of Pharaoh.” Yet, Exodus 2:14,15 says Moses was afraid because Pharaoh wanted to kill him (Moses had slain an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew). There is a lot to unpack here.
Let’s be real. Moses may have had some initial fear. Pharaoh had a contract out on his life (who wouldn’t have some healthy fear?). But it does not necessarily follow, that was what drove him out of Egypt into the wilderness. Scripture says in Hebrews 11, “BY FAITH Moses left Egypt.”*
It was not yet time, nor was Moses ready, to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt. God lead Moses out of Egypt into the wilderness to do some “woodshedding.” There Moses would learn that he could not slash and burn his way to leadership. He really had no idea yet, what was God’s plan. That would take another 40 years of preparation in the Midian wilderness. Moses was age eighty when he lead Israel out of Egypt (Exo 7:7).
Looking back over my life, it occurs to me that I was in my 40s when I understood that I cannot accomplish God’s plans in my own strength and in my own abilities (slow learner). I had to repent of doing things my way. I had to get schooled in obedience, as Moses ultimately did. I needed a clear awareness of who/what I was and who/what God is and could do through a much humbler version of me.
CAN I GET A WITNESS?
_____________
* Bruce, F.F, Epistle to the Hebrews; The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., (1964), Pg. 322.
Seek God for an incorruptible faith before godless influence (Heb 11:23–26). #IncorruptibleFaith #DefyGodlessness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Moses spent his life in defiance of godless pagan leaders. At birth his parents defied the king’s command to kill every Hebrew child and hid him (Pharaoh feared the growing population of the Hebrews – Exo 2:1–10). Having been found then raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses refused the luxury of being called her son.
Moses chose instead to reject a lifestyle of sin and chose to share in the oppression of his people (the Hebrews). He saw a far better reward in the promises of God. He would summon an incorruptible faith to follow God and not godless men. Lord, may I have a faith that is incorruptible before godlessness.
May your faith bear God’s witness/approval (Heb 11:2). #FaithLife #FaithApprovedByGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Faith is rooted in past example and personal experience. Saints who lived “by faith“ in the past are role models for us. God put his stamp of approval on them: saints like Moses (Deu 34:10), Job (Job 1:1,8) and Noah (Gen 6:8,9) before Christ; John the Baptist following Christ (Mat 11:11). Their “faith“ gained for them divine approval. “Faith“ made them pleasing to God.
These saints had borne the divine witness of God. God was saying, as he points to them, “This is the way, walk ye in it (Isa 30:21). There are contemporary men and women in my life whose faith has borne the witness of God (some younger, some older). They inspire me, challenge me. I want to be like them. That is what the writer is saying to these Hebrew believers of his day. Lord, may my faith be worthy of your approval.
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.
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* Draper Jr, James T. HEBREWS, The life that pleases God. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1976), Pg. 276-282
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In love…obey and serve God (Heb 10:5–10). #ObeyAndServe #ActaNonVerba #DeedsNotWords
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Our lives in Christ boil down to two things – obedience and sacrifice (service). Jesus Christ is given as our supreme example. More than empty ritual in the first covenant, Jesus exemplified heartfelt obedience and total surrender of his life (literally) in service to God and all humanity.
Having done this perfectly he ratified the second covenant; there was no need to sacrifice again. In Christ we have been sanctified (set apart) and filled to do as Christ did willingly: obey with our hearts, serve with our lives. Acta Non Verba. Lord, it is the joy of this old sentry’s heart to obey and serve you.
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% 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.
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.
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.
