Every “ONE” Praise God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Call upon your “ONE” whole heart to speak praises to God (Psm 103:19-22). #EveryOneGivePraiseToGod #LetPraisesRing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist closes this Psalm with a reference to all the hosts of heaven. They stand ready to carry out God’s every command from his throne over heaven and earth. They symbolize God‘s rule from the heavenlies. Everything God has created gives mighty praises to him.

Remember all God has done for you (vv2-6); remember his love and tender mercies to you (vv7–12); revere, honor and obey God – this brings praise to God (vv13-18); do his will (v21). The Psalmist ends as he started. So also, my heart follows suit: “Let all that I am praise the Lord“ (v1).* Lord, I offer my “ONE” whole being in praise to you for all your gracious benefits to me.

* See Psm 103:1,2; Awaken Thanks Giving, Nov 16, 2023, this blog.

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.

Crowned

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Blazing New Trails In Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Blaze new faith trails that are renewed daily in God’s grace (Heb 13:22,25). #WalkInDailyRenewal #FaithRenewedDaily

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the final word of our writer. Some may debate the meaning of having “written to you in a few words.“ But the point in the conclusion of this letter is simply this. You have been enlightened to the truth about Christ. It is time for you to move forward in a new way of faith.

Shed the former rituals and traditions of religion and press on into this new frontier of faith in Christ. Do this, knowing that the grace of God and empowerment of Christ (v21) goes ever before you. Lord, may I maintain a fresh forward looking faith for the frontier of every new day before me.

Prayer Cover for Ministers

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be faithful to pray for your church leaders (Heb 13:18,19). #PrayForChurchLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After an exhortation, to heed the words and directions of spiritual (God ordained) leaders, the writer pleads prayer for himself. He is one of those leaders into whose hands God has committed the lives of many souls. He is accountable to God.

He asks prayer for a clear conscience and that he might live just as honorably as he has exhorted these Jewish believers to do. He asks for prayers that he might return speedily to see them. How desperately church leaders need my prayer covering.

Lord, it is this sentry’s honor and responsibility to pray for my church leaders.

At Home in the City of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Leaving All Behind

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Leave all behind and follow Christ (Heb 13:13). #LeaveAllAndFollowChrist #NoTurningBack

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

F.F. Bruce paints a clear picture of the meaning of the sin offering of Christ that bore such reproach.* The picture is of Moses who, “considered the stigma that rests on God’s anointed, greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.“ (11:24-26).

Consider: following the incident of the “golden calf”, Moses pitched his “tent of meeting“ far outside the camp (Exo 33:7). “Camp” stands for the established system of Judaism. “Camp” equaled everything that was comfortable inside the rituals and traditions of Judaism.

Jesus stands outside the camp (the gates of Jerusalem). He was rejected inside that camp. We who follow Christ are called to leave the comfort of the “camp“ in exchange for the greater wealth that exists in Christ “outside the camp.“

On December 28,1968, I took my final step “outside the camp.” All that my flesh desired for the wealth of “Egypt” I left behind for the greater wealth to be had in Christ (Mat 16:24-26).

Lord, having left all behind, I follow you.

* F.F. Bruce – Hebrews Pg. 402–404.

Unashamed Follower

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Deep Surrender

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Find your surrender on the altar of Christ (Heb 13:10,15). #DeepSurrender #ChristOurAltar #SacrificeForSin #ChristOurAtonement

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer makes one final reference to Christ as the supreme sacrifice for sin. He is our “ALTAR.” Attaching any idea of ritual performance as validation of salvation (v9) is unacceptable. The old system of animal sacrifice is done away in favor of the once for all time sacrifice of Christ for salvation. F.F. Bruce nails it. “Jesus is the anti-type” of the sacrifices made for sin on the Old Testament day of atonement.

The writer says, “We have an altar.” That is the same as saying, “We have a High Priest“ (8:1). Our altar is Christ. He is the new way for sin’s sacrifice. His sacrifice is the better way of salvation. I am reminded, one more time, to be grounded in grace is to be secure in Jesus. He is my one, my final, sacrifice for sin. I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lord, my only response is deep surrender to Christ (v15).

The Grounded Heart

May hearts be firmly established in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 13:9). #GraceAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Verse eight links the exhortation to emulate faithful leaders who have taught truth from God‘s word (v7), with the notion of being deceived by “strange doctrines“ (v8). (Note: Gal 1:9). God‘s word will never change (Mat 24:35; 1Pe 1:23–25). Neither will the sacrifice and life teachings of Christ ever change.

To entertain some strange new teachings that center on keeping certain rules and rituals (or any other teachings, doctrines and philosophies of this world) will profit us nothing (Heb 9:10; Rom 14:17; 1Co 8:1). The heart (seat of spiritual understanding) must be grounded in the grace of God. There is no other standing with Christ.

Father, keep my heart firmly grounded in the grace of Christ.

Pastor, Rejoice!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to give your pastoral leaders, a reason to rejoice (Heb 13:7,8,17). #HonorPastoralLeaders #EncourageSpiritualLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer points once again to spiritual leaders who have lived their lives faithful to God (Ch 11). He tells his readers to remember them, revere, and honor them for their example. Many are now gone off the scene. But our supreme leader, Jesus Christ, is still here. He is, he was and he will be the model we all follow. He never changes.

With respect to current spiritual leaders, listen to them with a heart to hear what they say regarding the faith. I would add, pray for them. Spiritual leaders are accountable to God for what they teach and for the care of their flock. Give these leaders a reason to sing, to rejoice.

Lord, it is incumbent upon me to pray for and heed my pastoral leaders. They strive to carry the message of truth and care for my growth in Christ.

Show Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May God‘s love be revealed in your life to others (Heb 13:1–6). #ShowUp #BeThere #ShowGod’sLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having done all to honor, worship, and obey God and exalt Christ as supreme in our lives, we must let the love of God be seen in us towards others – show up for brothers and sisters in Christ, for strangers in need.

Do not ignore those who are in prison for their faith or others who are suffering – show up, do something. Show up and honor marriage. Be faithful and avoid any immorality. Be content with God‘s provision – he has promised to never abandon you. He will show up for you always.

After twelve chapters of comprehensive explanations of the superiority of Christ, a few words of simple and practical wisdom is warmly received. Lord, may your love be seen and expressed in my life.

Path of Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Undeterred Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Faith Race: The Runner’s “Hand-off”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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”.

Faith Race: The Runner’s Goal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

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).

Run Your Best Faith-Race

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Model Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.”

Faith Borne Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Faith Unquenched by Fires of Evil

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek a faith that is unquenched by the fires of evil (Heb 11:35b–38). #unquenchableFaith #FaithInTheFire #VictoriousThroughEvil

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.

Fires of Evil Quenched By Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Faith + Obedience = Victory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put faith in God, obey God’s word and walk in God’s victories (Heb 11:29,30) #Faith #Obedience #Victory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hebrews 11:29,30 are separated by a “,”. That comma equals 40 years in the wilderness for God’s people (no Faith and no obedience). No mention of it here. On one side of the “,” is a clear example of the magnitude of God‘s power when his people are obedient to him. On the other side is an example of the same.

On one side (v29), God delivers over one million of his people through the Red Sea and swallows up the entire Egyptian army in the same (Exo 14). On the other side (v30), God decimates the impregnable walls of Jericho that stood between God’s people and their promised land (Jos 6). Why? Because of their faith and obedience to him.

Lord, lead me to faith and obedience; may I know great victories in following you.

Passover: Faith’s Tribute

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Celebrate deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life (Heb 11:28). #GodDeliversLifeEternal #Passover #Lord’sSupper #Deliverance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here describes a fourth act of faith in the life of Moses. When preparing to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Moses instituted the Passover with a view towards the regular celebration of Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He fully expected to be celebrating deliverance long into the future as a tribute to God’s promises (Exo 12:21-30)

Faith saved Moses at birth (v23). Faith called Moses away from the pleasures of his world (vv24–26). Faith led him to follow God into a personal wilderness journey (v27). Faith lead him to institute an act that would forever stand as a tribute to God‘s hand of deliverance (v28). Lord, by faith I celebrate my deliverance from sin and death to life eternal (the Lord’s Supper is my faith tribute to that).

Incorruptible Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Indestructible Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek to know a faith that is indestructible (Heb 11:17-19). #IndestructibleFaith #AbidingFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have to stop in ponder the indestructible and abiding faith of Abraham and his relationship with God. Imagine, God, after promising Abraham a son and then delivering on that promise, tells Abraham to sacrifice that son, Isaac.

It would be easy for me to think or to tell someone else to just, “Have faith.” But how might I tell someone to give up the dearest thing to them, whatever that may be. Yet, as followers of God, we can expect that at some point in the life of faith, God may indeed ask us to do just that. He may ask us to, as someone has once said, “Lay our Isaac down” in obedience to him (Gen 22). That kind of indestructible, abiding faith will be rewarded by God.

Years ago I had a friend who was an accomplished rock, rhythm & blues drummer. He had an incredible sense of rhythm and drumming technique. Soon after he had become a Christian, the Lord spoke to him about his love for drumming.

My friend told me that the Lord had said to him that his love for drumming was coming ahead of his relationship with God. His response was to sell all of his drums. He would remove anything that would come between him and God.

Sometime after that, God gave my friend back his drumming. But he would surrender his drums and his talent to God. After that, God truly blessed him and his drumming. That was amazing to me. I have always remembered and respected my friend’s decision. He put God ahead of any other love in his life and he showed it (Jas 2:21-23).

Lord, grant me an indestructible faith that would trust in you for anything you ask of me.

Approved Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

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.

Unwavering faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Stand faithful to Christ no matter the cost (Heb 10:32-35). #StandingForChrist #ThePersecutedChurch

Persecution: I could not publish pictures of actual persecution; ridicule is a beginning

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We who live in the western world know little of persecution. Many in the early church were put to death in public coliseums, lost all their worldly possessions and were put in jail/prisons. [There are those today who suffer such indignity] The writer of Hebrews calls these early Christians to remember the days of their persecution and stay engaged in their faith. There is a far greater reward awaiting those who persevere (Heb 12:1-3).

The church has always fared much worse under prosperity than under persecution. Due to changes in our culture today, the American and free world church is coming under increasing attack. Will she stand? The question for us is, will we stand with brothers and sisters in Christ against the growing tide of persecution? Lord, may I have the courage to stand up to any persecution.

“No!” To Defection

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Do not fail to heed the call of Christ to repent and return to him (Heb 10:26–31). #NoDefection #ChooseChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

James T Draper observes here that the Greek word for “knowledge“ is one that certainly means the author is talking to believers.* But they were in danger of defecting back to Judaism. The judgment referred to here is the Judgment Seat of Christ (2Co 5:10). The believer’s life work shall be tested by fire as valid or not. One may be saved, yet every work judged as worthless.

Worse yet, having defected one may have committed a sin unto death (1Jn 5:16,17). The result is that every opportunity to live for and serve God will have been lost; by death or other default life consequences. On December 28, 1968, I faced a choice to either stop my defection from faith or suffer the worst consequence – lose my life in war. I chose life in Christ. I never looked back. Lord, I come with gratitude in my heart for your long-suffering with me.

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* Draper Jr, James T. HEBREWS, The life that pleases God. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1976), Pg. 276-282

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

The Last Sacrifice

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

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

Asian of Narnia: Pictures the Ultimate Sacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

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