To The Fight

Never lose sight of the enemy, who is against you (1Pe 5:8–10). #BeAlert #BeWatchful https://www.bible.com/116/1pe.5.8-10.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 32 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Lord, I pray that my family and friends stay alert to the strategies of Satan to destroy them; that they remain firm in their faith.

It is important that believers carry out the standing orders of the duty sentry.

1) Stay alert – don’t be sleepy-eyed. The enemy is real and ready to take advantage of the sleeping sentry.

2) Be vigilant – expectant. Look out watchfully for the enemy to show up at any moment.

3) Resist the enemy – hold out, oppose and repel the enemy by,

4) being steadfast in the faith (immovable, secure).

5) Remember that you have many brothers and sisters throughout the world fighting the good fight and standing watch with you.

Know this, He [God] who has called you will be your strength against all odds and suffering. Father, let me never lose sight of who the enemy is or the battle that I am fighting.

Truly Faithful

You may rely fully on the promises of God (Jer 29:10-14). #FullyRelyOnGod #FROG https://www.bible.com/116/jer.29.10-14.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 30 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Lord, I pray that my family and friends might pray earnestly to you and wholeheartedly seek you.

Herein lies one of the most clearly stated promises of God in the whole of Scripture. God fills this space with incredible assurance of his work on our behalf. God says to his people, “You will have troubles. But, I will deliver you…I have the plan…It’s a good one, filled with hope for your future.”

God further states, “When you pray, I WILL LISTEN and act. When you look wholeheartedly for me, YOU WILL FIND ME. I will lead you home again.“ My take away from this passage of scripture is that anyone who seeks God with a sincere heart, will find him. If we pray, God will listen and act.

Lord, you were faithful to your promises in the ancient of days. You have been faithful to me and to every sentry through time who has ever stood watch.

Trusted Friends & Advisors

Seek out godly, trustworthy companions; be that kind of friend (Pro 11:9-14). #GodlyFriends #GodlyLeaders https://www.bible.com/116/pro.11.9-14.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 26 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Father, lead my family and friends to honest trustworthy friends; may the be that kind of friend.

The theme of Proverbs 11 is “Godly“ living, that is, righteous, gracious and morally sound living. When the godly lead a people the whole city celebrates; upright citizens are good for a city (a nation)…leave a legacy of prosperity. But the wicked tear a city apart, leave a legacy of failure. When they are no more, the people rejoice (vv10,11,14).

The godless destroy friends with their words, they belittle their neighbors and gossip about them. But truth and knowledge will vindicate the godly. The godly hold their tongue and they keep confidences with friends.

Lord, may I always have honest, godly and trustworthy friends and advisors. May I be that kind of friend and advisor. May honest, godly and trustworthy men and women lead our cities and nation.

* The Burden Borne

Take your anxious thoughts and burdens to Jesus (Mat 11:28–30). #HeavyBurden #AnxiousHeart #GiveItToJesus https://www.bible.com/116/mat.11.28-30.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 27 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Father, may each of my dear family and friends roll every burden and care onto you today.

When the burden we carry is heavy and the load feels too much, come to Jesus, who alone is able to comfort our weary heart. He says, “I will give you rest. Let me teach you.“ How? Through his word, through the healing touch of a friend or minister, through worship and praise. Find comfort through the written stories of saints who have suffered many sorrows and found Jesus, more than able.

The Apostle Peter tells us we can roll our burden and care over onto Jesus, because he cares about us (1Pe 5:7). Who among us has not screamed out in agony of pain suffered in one form or another. I know that I have. Jesus you have never abandoned me. You have never ignored my anxious cries for help. You have never failed to rest the weary anxious heart of the sentry in need.

* THE BURDEN YOU BEAR

A troubled and burdened man prayed and prayed that God would lift his burden. Day after day he prayed that his life would be easier and he begged for God’s intervention.

One day, Jesus came to the man and asked, “My child, what troubles you?” The man replied that his life was full of turmoil and that it had become too much to bear. He again asked for help stating that he just couldn’t continue to go on.

Jesus, feeling the man’s anguish, decided help was in order. The man was so happy that his prayers were about to be answered that his burden already felt lighter.

Jesus took the man to a room and stopped in front of the door. When he opened the door, what the man saw was amazing. The room was filled with crosses; little crosses, big crosses, giant crosses. The man, bewildered, looked at Jesus and asked how this would help him. Jesus explained that each cross represented a burden that people carry; small burdens, big burdens, giant burdens — and every burden in-between. At this point, Jesus offered the man the opportunity to choose his burden.

The man, so excited that he was finally able to have some control over his life, looked around the room for just the right cross. He saw a tiny little cross way back in the corner. It was the smallest cross in the room. After a bit of thought, he pointed to the cross and said, “That one, Lord. I want that one.” Jesus asked, “Are you sure?” The man quickly replied, “Oh, yes Lord. Most definitely, yes.”

Jesus turned to the man and replied, “My child, [that is the cross you brought in with you]. It is the burden you already carry.” ~Author Unknown~

[“My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Jesus]

Submitted by Debra Stitt to https://www.all-creatures.org/stories/theburden.html

Show A Little Love

Show the same love toward others God has shown you (Eph 4:30-32). #LovingGodLovingOthers https://www.bible.com/116/eph.4.30-32.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 26 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Lord, enable my family and friends to encourage the heart of God by being a blessing and not a burden to others.

The way to grieve the heart of God is to be a bitter, angry, harsh, slanderous and malicious person. Particularly since we know that the Lord Jesus has made his followers one with him. These attitudes and actions should never be counted among those who follow Christ.

Instead, Christ followers should show kindness, compassion and forgiveness, times without number, toward others. They do this out of a heart of gratitude to God for how he has loved and forgiven them for their bad attitudes, words and actions. Lord, my debt to you is repaid in part when I am kind and loving toward others.

The Witness

Be available to God as his messenger of the light (Acts 28:17b,18).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 24 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Lord, lead those believing family and friends to be messengers of the gospel.

I am certainly no Apostle Paul. Still, I have a responsibility to be a witness for Christ (Mat 28:19,20). I am to, “do the work of an evangelist, to fulfill [whatever] ministry [to which I am called]” (2Ti 4:5).

Like a blooming rose in winter, I am to be pointing others to the light, turning them from the power of Satan to God; that they might receive forgiveness of their sins and find their place among God‘s people, set apart by faith in Christ.

Lord, it is my honor to be a messenger for you. May I be on the alert to opportunities every day to share the gospel.

No Rejection

Repent and seek from God a clean heart, a renewed spirit of faithfulness (Psalm 51:10,12). #Repentance #Revival https://www.bible.com/116/psa.51.10,12.alt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 23 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Lord, may my family and friends be quick to seek God in repentance.

In Psalm 51 we find king David’s prayer of repentance for his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11&12). No one, not even the greatest among us, is immune from sin. There are times without number that I have myself failed in so many ways. Yet God, in his grace and mercy, saw and heard in me a contrite, broken heart and he forgave me (v17).

It is no stretch to think that I may ask God to create (do something new) in my heart and renew in me a spirit of joy and faithfulness toward God. Jesus said in John 6:37 that all who come to him will never be rejected. Lord, you have never once denied this sentry the renewal, the refreshing, I have needed to remain loyal to you.

Stop Talking

Quietly, reverently, listen before you speak (Pro 1:7). #TheBeginingOfAllWisdom https://www.bible.com/116/pro.1.7.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Only a foolish man or woman would take a know-it-all position towards life. Such a person looks despicably upon wisdom and knowledge – they cannot be told anything. But a wise person (who, by the way, may not be the most educated person in the room) will stop, look and listen. Then they will speak in measured, carefully spoken words.

The hallmark of a person who is wise is their reverence and respect for God. There in lies the foundation of all wisdom and knowledge. Father, may I be still and silent before you; the ears of my understanding open and ready to receive true knowledge.

Secure The Perimeter

Take positive steps to secure your thought life perimeter (Phi 4:8,9). #SecureThePerimeter https://www.bible.com/97/php.4.8-9.msg

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Keeping covenant with my soul to maintain a righteous thought life requires more than deciding NOT to do this, that or the other thing. That is part of the equation. The other part is to be proactive with things I WILL do.

Paul tells me here to refocus my thoughts on things that are honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable – things of excellence and worthy of praise. If I practice such things they will become my habit, making my thought life more righteously oriented. It comes with a promise: God will stand with me in securing for me a perimeter of righteousness.

What steps will help me secure the perimeter of my thought life? It’s like a three-legged stool: study God’s word, pray and worship together with other believers. Lord, as a sentry on the wall, I will take steps daily to secure my perimeter.

Wandering Eyes

You must control where your eyes wander (Job 31:1-12). #LustfulLookIsThe2ndLook https://www.bible.com/97/job.31.1-4,9-12.msg

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 20 of 40 days of prayer for family and friends. Lord, may my family and friends maintain a healthy and pure thought like.

Job made a “covenant with his eyes“ not to look with lust after a woman. The “eye” in Scripture equates to a spirit of understanding; the thought life. Jesus makes this point in Matthew 6:22,23. Job is essentially making a promise to himself for his own good, not to allow lust to gain control in his life.

What is lust? It is the long look, the second look, the intentional look. The first look may be unavoidable. But the second look is a choice. One must choose to “UNLOOK”; to maintain a spirit of purity. If my eyes don’t look, my heart won’t wander into lust.

Reign in where your eyes wander (on the street, in books and magazines, movies, TV and internet). The theme song of the movie, Jeremiah Johnson says this, “The way that you wander is the way that you choose.” Lord, may this sentry on duty honor you with the choices I make with my eyes and my thought life.

Died; Born Again

Die daily to self; live daily in the abundance of Christ (Gal 2:20). #FreebornInChrist #CrucifiedSelf https://www.bible.com/59/gal.2.20.esv

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 18 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, may my family and friends put self to death on the cross of Christ and live daily for him by your Spirit.

My old self (once a slave to the Sin Master) has been crucified with Christ. God sees my death as a legal transaction. The old self died with Christ. With that, my sins were removed from me as far as the east is from the west (Psm 103:12). Galatians 2:20 is my “Death Certificate.“

But, yet shall I live, because if I died with Christ I also was raised with him. Romans 10:9,10 is my “Birth Certificate.“ One day I will be seated with Christ in glory (Eph 2:6). I have the seal of that promise in the Holy Spirit (2Co 1:21; Eph 1:13). Lord, may I live a freeborn man in Christ Jesus.

FREEBORN *

FREEBORN! My new nature is free to praise the Lord Jesus Christ who purchased my freedom at the cross of Calvary.

FREEBORN! Eternally separated from the harmful and deadly control of the old sin nature. He is dead, vanquished by the blood of Christ.

FREEBORN! Free to choose as never before. Free to walk in life eternal. Free to act in kindness and love. Free to follow Jesus.

FREEBORN! Chains of sin broken, chains of bondage shattered, by the New Man, Jesus Christ, who lives in me.

FREEBORN! Free to serve and do the works of God. Ashamed of nothing. Prepared for eternity. Telling the world, “You can be FREEBORN!”

2016 RWHollar

* (Galatians 6:14-16)

Defend Your Ground

Stand your post, remember your great God (Neh 4:14). #OnYourGuard #HonorGuard https://www.bible.com/116/neh.4.14.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 14 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, assure my family and friends of your mighty protection and provision.

Nehemiah gives me great advice for uncertain, even hostile times: 1) do not fear the enemy – Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but not the soul; fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell;” 2) remember the Lord your God who is great and glorious; 3) stand and fight for your families and your homes.

Lord, I am standing my post today in prayer, defending in the Spirit, my family and friends from the evil of the day.

Jesus In Me

Live your Christian life as a reflection of Christ (1Co3:16; 1Pe 2:4,5). #TempleOfTheHolySpirit #LivingStones https://www.bible.com/59/1co.3.16.esv https://www.bible.com/116/1pe.2.4-5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 13 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, pull my believing family and friends together as a genuine representation of who you are.

What is a temple? It is more than just brick and mortar. It is a symbol of God‘s presence in the world. Paul calls followers of Christ the temple of God, a place in which the Holy Spirit has taken up his residency. Followers of Christ are the embodiment of Christ and his presence in this world.

Peter calls Christ followers living stones, fitted together in Christ as a spiritual house [a temple] (1Pe 2:4,5). What believers do, individually and collectively, represent to the world who God is. Lord, my sentinel goal is to be a genuine reflection of who you are to those near me.

Free To Obey

Live free of Sin’s mastery, freed to obey Christ (Rom 8:1,2). #NoCondemnation #FreeOfSinsControl https://www.bible.com/116/rom.8.1-2.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 10 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, may my family and friends live free in Christ, no longer obedient to Sin’s mastery.

“There is no condemnation to those in Christ.“ Perfect example is Jesus confronting a bunch of self-righteous, religious zealots in Jerusalem. He confronts their hypocrisy as sinners, condemning another sinner. He exposes their sin first. Then he turns his attention to the one who was condemned.

“Where are your accusers?“ Jesus asks. “None of them can condemn you; neither do I. Go and sin no more“ (Jhn 8:1–11). Christ’s life-giving Spirit frees us from the power of King Sin. I am no longer Sin’s slave in rebellion against God. I am free to obey my new supreme commander, Jesus.

Tap Root To Vibrant Faith

Rely on the soil of God‘s Word to nourish your faith (Col 2:6,7). #HealthyRoots #GrowInChrist https://www.bible.com/116/col.2.6-7.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 9 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, may my family and friends be rooted, built up, strengthened in Christ and overflowing in thankfulness.

There is a way for the Christian to be secure in faith. It must begin with a healthy root system. Roots that go deep into the soil, are succulent and long, provide the best chance for a healthy plant. These roots absorb water, dissolve minerals, feed the tap root, and store reserves. Without a healthy root system the plant will be barren.

The sentinel need of any watchman is a vibrant faith. For faith to grow healthy the sentry must put roots down deep into the Word of God and be built up on the knowledge of Christ. Then, no matter what is going on above ground the sentry will be established in truth, live a healthy spiritual life and bear much good fruit. Lord your word abundantly nourishes my faith life.

“HOOAH!” *

Enthusiastically carry out God‘s commands (1Co 16:3,4). #Hooah! https://www.bible.com/116/1co.16.13-14.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 8 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, may my family and friends show enthusiasm for obedience to your word. The apostle Paul issues five sentinel orders; five imperatives that some up his message in First Corinthians:

1) BE ALERT (awake, vigilant, on guard and alive) to the Evil One’s strategies. 2) STAND FIRM (planted in, anchored in) the truth of the gospel – trust in God‘s truthfulness. 3) BE COURAGEOUS (mature, confident) to speak truth in love and conviction. 4) BE STRONG (as in well fed) nourished and growing in the truth. 5) BE LOVING; love moderates all the attitudes and actions of the sentry on duty.

“HOOAH!” – YES LORD!

* According to Stars & Stripes (military news paper) – “HOOAH” (or “huah”) is unique to the Army. Some say it stands for “Heard, Understood, Acknowledged,” but it is often shouted to express determination and Army spirit. “HOOAH!”

Light In The Darkness

Courageously reflect the light of Christ (2Co 4:6) #JesusIsTheLight https://www.bible.com/1588/2co.4.6.amp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 7 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, may my family and friends walk in the light of Christ. The god of this world has thrown a blanket of darkness over the hearts of men. In the dark there is ignorance, fear, evil work and sin (rebellion against God).

But for those who seek enlightenment, courage, good works and deliverance from sin, the promises of God are on full display. His light penetrates the darkness. He exposes the hearts of men in the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Father, may my life courageously reflect the light of Christ.

Share The LIGHT

Share the light and hope of Christ with those you meet (Jhn 12:35,36). #ShareTheLight #ShareJesus https://www.bible.com/1588/jhn.12.35-36.amp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 6 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, lead my family and friends to walk in the Light. Our days are numbered on this earth. Every day is an opportunity to dispel darkness wherever we may go. May we choose to walk in the light of knowing Christ.

As a children of the Light [Jesus] we can bring hope and courage to those we meet along the way. We can be a Charlie Brown “Pigpen,“ living in doom and gloom. Or we can be a “Peppermint Party,” spreading joy, light and hope. Choose to walk in the Light. Lord, a sentinel command on the watch is to give those around us hope and joy in Christ.

Higher Plane

Seek the joy of God‘s abundant life given to the fullest (John 10:10). #AbundantLife #SpiritLife #LifeEternal https://www.bible.com/1588/jhn.10.10.amp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 5 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, lift my family to a higher plane of life. Alert them to what the thief does. A thief will break in when you’re not looking; in the dark, at times when it is most advantageous to him. The thief is no respecter of people, property or life. He will steal kill and destroy. This is life on its lowest plane.

But Jesus offers life on a higher plane. He comes in full view. He comes in the light. He offers his goodness. He offers life in the fullest. His purpose is to give not take. He gives forgiveness and life eternal, life at its highest and best. Thank you Lord, for delivering me from the evil one and his destructive purposes. You gave me life in its fullest.

Get Your “Spur On”

Thoughtfully consider how you might encourage others every day (Heb 10:24,25) #SpurOn #LoveAndGoodDeeds https://www.bible.com/111/heb.10.24-25.niv

Joe Gary – Friend and Arena Pastor, Top Hand Cowboy Church, Encourages Daughter, Briley, as Son Luke Looks On; Photo by wife, Stacie.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 4 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, surround my family and friends with a spirit of love and good deeds. Who does not need a regular word of encouragement? “Spur one another on“ (NIV). The idea in this Scripture is to stir up, encourage, provoke, motivate others around you. Especially strive to “spur on” those with whom we share faith in the Lord Jesus.

“Spur On” [motivate] to what? To do love and good deeds. Today our country is experiencing much provocation toward cynicism, skepticism and distrust. We need to hear, in a big way, from those in the faith who express genuine encouragement of others. Lord, I want to be the kind of friend and brother that motivates others toward love and acts of kindness. I want to get my “Spur On.”

Happy Feet

Walk daily according to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22,23). #FruitOfTheSpirit https://www.bible.com/116/gal.5.22-23.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 2 of 40 Prayer For Family – Father, defeat in my family the desires to walk according to our sinful nature (that which is defiant of God) resulting in sexual immorality, impurity, lust for pleasures, idolatry, sorcery (occult), hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, hedonism, et al. Such will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21).

But may our family walk according to the Holy Spirit who produces a different result – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, truthfulness and self-control. Lord, fill us with your Spirit. May we all daily close the door on the influence to our sinful nature and walk yielded to the work of your Spirit.

Finishing

Give your all to honor Christ with your life (Acts 20:33–38). #Remembered #Legacy #BlessedGiving https://www.bible.com/116act.20.33-37.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If you’re a leader, corporate or pastoral; if you’re a grandparent or parent; if you’re a front line responder, teacher or politician… Whoever you are, whatever you do, ask, “How might people remember me when I’m gone?”

Following Paul’s example, I would hope to be remembered as unselfish, benevolent, industrious and sincere. I would hope to be remembered as prayerful, loving, kind and fully surrendered to the Lord Jesus – that I gave more than I received. Lord, may I lay it all down to honor Christ with my life.

No Greater Mission

Make sharing Christ your priority (Acts 20:22-28). #ShareJesusNow https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.22-28.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul had staked his life on the Gospel. He faces suffering and chains as he proceeds to Jerusalem. Here, Paul is challenging church leaders to give their all, as he has done, for the Gospel of Jesus. Tell others the good news of the wonderful grace of God. Faithfully carry out the mission to which you have been called.

To these elders of Ephesus Paul says, “Guard yourselves and God’s people – his church, purchased with his blood. Feed and care for God’s people over whom the Spirit of God has appointed you.” Nothing is more important. Lord, I could never give my life to anything greater than sharing the gospel with others.

Where Do You Fall With God?

Lean wholly upon God’s grace to sustain you in life (Acts 20:7-12). #FallAsleep #Devoted https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.7-12.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times devotion to Christ may come at great cost. Intense study of God’s word, time given to learning, worship and devotion. Sometimes the cost is perilous. But God is always gracious to meet the need.

After a short stay in Troas, Paul was ready to depart for Jerusalem. Believers in “The Way“ gathered on the first day of the week to worship, break bread and take the Lord supper. The room was full of people and Paul had been speaking until midnight.

The room no doubt had became warm and stuffy as candles and oil lamps lit the room. A young man, Eutychus (8-14 years old), was seated on a window ledge. As Paul had been speaking for several hours, Eutychus literally fell, asleep, from the open window. The three story fall killed him. But he was raised again to life by Paul. Paul then continued speaking through the night until dawn.

Many things in life take us by surprise. But God is never caught off guard. I lean heavily upon God daily to sustain me through many of life’s circumstances.

Room To Improve

Always walk faithfully with God (Isa 22:15,19,20). #NeverTooGoodToFail https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2022:15,19-20&version=NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There are a couple of lessons to be learned from Isaiah‘s only prophecy targeting two men personally:

1) It requires a person of enormous strength of character to serve in high office. Many have fallen from High stations – be careful what you wish for.

2) There is an independent streak in man. Men/women have a great propensity to rebel against God. No matter who you are, how spiritual you may be, it is always possible to fall out of favor with God and with man.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to always walk faithfully before you.

The Enemy Of Leadership

Honor God with whatever much or little you are given (Isa 22:20–25). #SquanderedInfluence #FailedLeadership https://www.bible.com/116/isa.22.20-25.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophecy of Shebna‘s demise in verses 15–19, continue in the prophecy of his replacement, Eliakim. These two men served King Hezekiah at the time of Assyria’s attack on Jerusalem (2Ki 18). Shebna was proud and arrogant; of no known prominence. Eliakim was a man of prominence with a known family history.

Eliakim was, by all accounts, a godly man, an honorable man…a father figure to look up to (“like a peg driven firmly into the wall”). He was given great authority (given the “key to the house of David”). But in the end, Eliakim would also fail the test of leadership under the weight of power and influence. Lord it is the desire of this sentry to honor you in life with whatever much or little is give me. Lord, make it so.

The Best Rule In Life

Allow humility to overrule any pride in your life (Isa 22:15-19). #Humility #PrideGoesBeforeAFall https://www.bible.com/116/isa.22.15-19.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Scripture does not reveal Isaiah’s purpose for singling out Shebna, the king’s steward (secretary). But he was extremely prideful. So highly did he think of himself that he was preparing his grave high up on Mt. Zion. Shebna considered himself worthy of the burial of kings (2Ch 32:33).

But according to Isaiah, God will coil Shebna up into a little ball. He will hurl him into a far away barren land (presumably Assyria). He will disappear, never to be heard from again. Pride, the abuse of power and influence, will not stand with God (2:11,12). Lord, may humility over rule any pride in my heart and in the hearts of our leaders.

THE SENTRY’S GUIDE TO HUMILITY:

Pray for insight into God’s word.

Spend time daily reading God’s word.

Digest the truths of God’s word.

Write a few notes on what God says.

Let God’s word control your actions.

Put other’s best interests ahead of your own.

Got Power?

Do not let greed and power overcome you (Isa 22:15,19). #Influence #PowerGrab https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2022:15,19&version=NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Enter Shebna, overseer of the king’s household. Isaiah stands down from his prophecies regarding Judah and Israel to confront Shebna directly for his arrogance. A minor point for me is why chronologists drop this incident here. It is hard to understand why various messages and prophecies in Isaiah are organized as they are. That does not however make the text any less authoritative.

But this isolated event is important. Shebna was second in rank in the household of the king. He may have been pro-alliance with Egypt/Assyria and advising King Hezekiah in opposition to Isaiah. He was a greedy arrogant man with self-promotion on his mind. So selfish a man as he, in as high a position as he, was an intolerable point of resistance to God’s will for Judah. Lord, may I not squander whatever influence I may have but direct it toward the good of others.

A River Over Which No Enemy Ship May Pass

Be assured of God’s power to forgive, redeem and save completely (Isa 33:20–24). #MightyGod #Redeemer https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.21,24.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the closing verses of this prophetic section of Scripture Isaiah finishes what he began to say in verse one. “What sorrow awaits you O destroyer“ of my people. The reference here is to Assyria, a pagan nation used by God to bring his people to their knees in repentance (vv7- 9,14,19).

When repentance comes, redemption and forgiveness comes. God encircles his people, his church, as if he were a wide river no enemy can cross. Ships of malicious intent will be permanently disabled, broken asunder (sails fall limp on broken masts with useless tackle). All the treasures of the enemy will become the possession of God‘s people. O Lord, you are the Mighty One; my judge, my king, my redeemer. All of this sentry’s devotion is due the God of Heavens Armies.

Kissing The Face Of God

Are you aware when you kiss the face of God (Mat 25:40)? #TheLeastOfThese #FaceToFaceWithJesus
https://www.bible.com/116/mat.25.40.nlt

MARY DID YOU KNOW…

…that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, YOU KISS THE FACE OF GOD…

[Child of God, do you know that you too, “kiss the face of God?”
Every time you feed the hungry,
give drink to the thirsty,
are kind to a stranger,
clothe the naked,
care for the sick and
visit the prisoner, you too
KISS THE FACE OF GOD – Because when you do these things with the last, the least, the lost and the lonely, you are doing it unto the Man-child, Jesus – Mat 25:40]

LISTEN:
https://youtu.be/ifCWN5pJGIE