None Beyond Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have faith that God will forgive your sin and adopt you into his family (Heb 11:31). #Grace #WhosoeverWillMayCome #PutTrustInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this woman, Rehab, the harlot who warrants a place on a list of “Who’s Who“ in a Jewish history of great men of faith? She is not even a Jew, but a pagan Canaanite. What’s the point? The point is that “Faith“ belongs to anyone who will put their trust in Jehovah God. The Scriptures say, no one is beyond redemption (Rom 10:10-13).

Rahab, hid two Israelite spies who were spying out Jericho for Joshua. She prophesied Israel’s victory over Jericho (Jos 2:4-10ff). She enabled the spies to escape. She then sought refuge among God’s people (see Joshua Ch 2). A premier proselyte, she became the ancestress to many Hebrew kings and prophets; ultimately to Jesus the Messiah (Mat 1:1-6ff). Lord, thank you for accepting this old derelict sinner into the family of God.

Surprise Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Stop right now; give glory to God who has accepted you (Heb 11:31). #LovedByTheFather #AcceptedInTheBeloved #NeverTooLate

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As you get closer to verse 31 in Hebrews chapter 11, one feels a sense of power in the faith of some of the greatest followers of God in ancient history named here. All is moving to a grand conclusion about “faith”.

“By faith” Abel, “By faith” Enoch…Noah…Abraham…Isaac…Jacob…Moses…”BY FAITH RAHAB, THE HARLOT. “Huh?“ “What wha?“ Yep, the final name listed among these great ancients is a woman. Rahab, the harlot, a prostitute (read her story in Joshua Chapter 2).

Either God has a morbid sense of humor or he is serious as to the ultimate reach of the gospel. It is the latter. James T Draper, in his commentary on Hebrews states, “No one is too despicable for God to save, if there is repentance and faith in the heart.“ Lord, I just have to stop right here and give thanks for salvation come to my house (Eph 1:6).

“Idle Hands…”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain faithfully engaged in living life and honoring God (1Ti 5:11–15). #ServeOthers #ServeGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul’s advice to young widows here is not heartless or impervious to their need. Rather it is a practical matter. For younger widows ought to consider remarriage, bearing children and being gainfully engaged with life. Assistance by the church could lead to idleness and sin (which it had already done – v15). So this is good advice to younger widows…good advice to anyone.

Too much idle time can lead to harmful things. So, throw yourself into engagement with life. Don’t sit around idol, getting into everyone else’s business. Give yourself to serving others and serving God. Lord, whatever my lot in life may be, may I use my life to the fullest to engage with living and in honoring you.

Responsible Resourcing

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be prudent and responsible with God’s resources (1Ti 5:9,10). #BegoodStewards

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul takes a deeper dive here to drill down to some specifics on the church care for widows. Perhaps “widowhood” was putting a strain on church resources (as in Acts 6). No church may want to deny benevolent help to anyone, but she has not the resources to deal with everyone.

So, Paul gives three criteria for qualifying widowed women to be on the list for help. She 1), must be over 60 years of age, 2) must have been faithful to her husband and 3) must be known for her good works. That’s not heartless. That’s good stewardship. Lord, I understand the principle here is that it is wise to give careful thought as to how resources are spent.

Compassion Action

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Show compassion in action toward those in dire need (1Ti 5:3–8). #CompassionInAction https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.5.3-8.NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Scripture is clear (Old and New Testaments) that caring for those in need is an essential part of biblical faith. This was/is especially true for widows and orphans, those unable to care for themselves (no family to care for them). [Note: Psm 68:5; Isaiah 1:17; Exo 22:22-24; Deu 14:28,29; Gal 2:9,10; Jas 1:27; Mat 25:32–46; Acts 6:1–3]

In this passage Paul addresses widows in general. According to John MacArthur this may include any woman left alone by divorce, desertion, imprisonment or death. She is suddenly left alone and is either without children to care for her or she is left with young children and unable to meet her family‘s needs. This is an untenable situation. The church must act with compassion.

Lord made my heart [the heart of my church] be always open and sensitive to the needs of those in desperate need.

The High Call Of Women

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May all women (I name each one in my family and others for whom I pray) be highly esteemed for the efficacious role assigned them by God for the well-being of the church and society in general (1Ti 2:15). #EsteemTheWomenInYourLife#PrayForTheWomenInYourLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is noted that this verse is one of the most difficult in the New Testament to interpret. “Women will be saved through childbirth.“

In light of all Paul has said about women here (vv9-14), I believe he is reiterating the great plan of God, for “women“ to effectively achieve the honorable role of bringing up generations of godly and responsible children. It is her high call, her place of honor and is “saved,” preserved and elevated, for all of time.*

The goddess Diana, referenced in previous posts,** of Greek veneration, bespeaks fertility (that is, women produce babies). But God says a woman’s efficacy is in her nurturing role in raising godly, responsible young men and women. This will take place as she lives a life of faith, love, holiness and modesty. She is sanctified, set apart for God, in this.

* I commend the interpretation I have taken here to the great light the Holy Spirit sheds on scripture. It is my earnest prayer that God’s grace and mercy would pardon any erroneous understanding on my part. I remain open to his teaching.

** See previous post: BEAUTY BYOND SKIN DEEP