Driving God Away

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not neglect the glory and salvation of the Lord (Ezk 10:9-17). #SeekGodsPresence #live#LiveToGodsglory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses comprise half of Ezekiel 10. They are Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim, the mobile throne and glory of God. This was seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. All of this informs us of God‘s intent to judge sin in Israel and in the nations, even for us today; all of us individually.

Colossians 1:27 tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.“ Ezekiel teaches that God will only stay where he is wanted and obeyed. God never wants to withdraw his presence from his people. But when we (I) fill our lives with idolatrous worship we drive God’s presence from us (Isa 42:8).

Lord, your word warns not to neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:1-3); we (I) need to wake up (Rom 13:11), hear your message and turn now to God.

The Reprieve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come early in repentance for sin to God (Ezk 6:8-10). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the midst of Ezekiel’s message of war, destruction, famine, and exile there is a word of REPRIEVE. Though God will bring death and devastation upon his people, a remnant will be delivered through this judgment. This remnant will escape destruction but be scattered and exiled.

The remnant will repent when they realize how good God has been to them and how hurt God has been by their unfaithfulness to him. They will see God for his love and grace and turn back to him. Lord, you brought me through my exile in 1968*, leading me mercifully back to you.

__________

* MY 1968 EXILE:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

It is Enough

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God’s word/faithfulness to carry you through (Psm 119:81-88). #SchoolOfAffliction #BrokenNotDefeated #TrustingGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the psalmist, pressed hard by derogatory elements, as a leather skin is shriveled by exposure to adverse elements of smoke. Perhaps even the heat of flame. Yet, he is undaunted.

This reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, he is “…struck down, but not destroyed…“ et al.

The psalmist’s detractors have near destroyed him, but they have not shaken his faith in God’s word. Yet, he stands in need of God’s grace to continue in his walk of faith – which his tormentors hate. Lord, I rely on the sufficiency of your grace in time of need to carry me through.

IT IS ENOUGH!

God, Never Not Leading

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely on God to place you where he wants you (Psm 114:1–3). #FollowGod’sLeading

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am temporarily stepping away from the intensity of God‘s call of Ezekiel. Centuries prior to Ezekiel‘s call, God had delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The psalmist here reminds God people to be mindful that God chose them.* Circumstances then led them to Egypt and into bondage. But God led them out, delivered them from Egypt.

God parted the Red Sea in a mighty act of deliverance. Following the forty year wilderness journey, he stopped up the Jordan River and made a path for his people to enter into the land promised to them. Lord, I am reminded that I may rely upon your absolute determination to lead me to the places of your choosing.

__________

* Why God chose Israel – this blog:

“DOWNLOADING”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Carefully digest all God’s word speaks to you (Ezk 3:14,15). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Like watching the “Download” icon on my computer, I find myself here, waiting for the download; trying to discern and describe what Ezekiel himself must have felt woefully inadequate to describe. It would be easy to get bogged down in the symbolism of his vision of God. But the point here is to try and understand the depth and far reaching impact of Ezekiel’s vision on his whole psyche.

The vision has obviously exhausted Ezekiel. He is moved by the spirit within him to arise. He is pressed upon by God to digest all that God has said (v1-4). He is at once empathic with God over Israel’s sin and his heart is in turmoil. He is in need of time to process all he has seen and heard. He is led to go and sit among his exiled brethren. For seven days he sits quietly and pensively, considering all God has downloaded; his call and message.

Lord, it is necessary that I take the time to process what you speak into my life daily.*

_______

* I am by no means any superior example of righteous living. But my heart goes back to the year 2011 or 2012. At the time I was on a, “read through the Bible chronologically in a year,” plan.

I found myself daily trying to digest huge portions of scripture just to finish the plan. I realized then that if I did not stop and try to process what I was receiving it would not do me as much good as I would hope. At that point, I made the decision to slow down and take the time to read through God’s word processing it as I go [ingest, digest, manifest] (Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬).

Here I am in 2025. It’s been roughly 13 years since I made that decision. That doesn’t make me spiritual giant. It just proves that I am a slow learner.

I recently finished the New Testament and am currently trying to finish the Old Testament. I don’t know when I will be done. But my priority is to understand what I am reading in God’s word and not just finish a project. A GREAT DECISION FOR ME.

Surrender – No Reservations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender in obedience to the radiant Lord of Heaven (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Surrender #RadiantLordOfHeaven #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s initial impression of God’s throne is taken with its azure-blue appearance. He is then taken with a figure that looks like a man on that throne. The upper body was glowing like amber, flickering like fire. The lower body looked like burning flames shining with great splendor. Around the entire image of this throne was the appearance of a rainbow-like brilliance. Its radiance engulfed the vision in multicolored splendor.

All of this would seem to point to the judgment of God (the fire) and at the same time the covenant of peace that comes after the judgment (the rainbow). This would seem to express the focus of Ezekiel’s prophetic call. He would see it again three more times (3:22,23; 8:3,4; 43:2,3)

I am left without imagination enough to express my thoughts. I read the words and know their definitions. But I am left dumb at how to express them. Lord, my only response is to just fully surrender in obedience to you. No reservations.

Majestic Power Revealed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pray to persevere to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:13,14; 1Pe 2:2). #PersistInGodsWord #CallUponGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel further elaborates on the living beings he saw in vv4-7, as if they were bright coals of fire or brilliant, burning torches. He saw what seemed like lighting, flashing back-and-forth between the beings. The reference to coals of fire, burning torches and lightening likely refer to the message of judgment of God on Judah that Ezekiel will soon deliver.

The 21st century observer might look at this vision as “sci-fi.“ Who could have imagined such a thing hundreds of centuries ago (some 600 years before Christ)? Yet, there is still more of this vision to unpack.

I’m trying hard not to get lost in the weeds. I’m trying to just imagine the sheer power and majesty of God revealed here. Lord, I pray for understanding and the perseverance needed to press into this vision and message of Ezekiel.

Seeing The Glory of God, Prt 2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for the intentional presence of God (Ezk 1:4). #GodsGlory #Worship

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Life Application Study Bible notes on this verse point to the fact that Ezekiel was far away from the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a physical symbol of God‘s presence with his people (he was a captive in Babylon).

The the ominous dark cloud, lightning flashing, brilliant light, and appearance of fire, glowing, like burnish metal in the center of the cloud, revealed God’s very presence with him. He was, as I am, reminded that God rides with us everywhere. No matter where we find ourselves physically or spiritually, God is present.

Lord, I thank you for your ever present attention to me.* This old sentry is never far from your grasp (v3; 2:9; 3:14,22; 8:3).

_______

* God makes his presence known through his word, his indwelling Holy Spirit and the presence of godly friends around me.

When I was in Vietnam, I thought I was too far gone, that the presence of God had certainly departed. But not so. See my testimony, this blog – https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

God’s Call

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to, obedient to God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:1–3). #GodsCall #OpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We are introduced to Ezekiel as God opens up the heavens and reveals to him extraordinary visions. These were apocalyptic (revelatory) in nature. Ezekiel felt the hand of God take hold of him. (Note Ezk 3:12–17). Ezekiel was constrained by God to his prophetic ministry.

While Jeremiah is preaching to the people of Jerusalem, Ezekiel is called of God to his prophetic ministry in Babylon. He had been among those deported from Jerusalem to Babylon (597 BC). He was of the priestly class, following Aaron‘s lineage (Exo 28:1).

Lord, the call of God leaves no doubt, nor is the one called left dangling, for God holds that one.

What Does It Mean?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek humbly to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:28; 2:1,2; 3:23,24). #ListeningToGod #SayWhat

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My heart is perplexed as I read God‘s call of Ezekiel. It is a call like no other prophet in length, scope and vision. His call is three chapters long. It is simple yet, complex. I have pondered the vision and message (the call) of Ezekiel for several days. I want to understand all of it, but my heart is perplexed, hesitant. Yet I am moved to grasp its meaning.

I am asking God for understanding. I am asking him to overcome my hesitations and lack of COURAGE to press into this prophetic book. I wish to emulate Ezekiel, coming face down to the ground in humility before God. I pray to God, “Lord, may this old sentry receive understanding of all that you intend from this prophetic book.” As I pray, I’m hearing God say, as he said to Ezekiel, “Stand up, I want to speak with you by my Spirit” (2:1,2; 3:24 above).

Thank you Lord for your

EN-COURAGE-MENT

The End of Hypocracy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we turn quickly from pride, arrogance and disdain for God (Jer 34:17-22). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The end of hypocrisy before God spells disaster for the nation of Judah. Here we see God‘s hand of protection as removed from Judah.

Because of pride and disobedience, God will allow an enemy, the Babylonians, to swoop in and destroy Jerusalem, the towns and cities of Judah.

Further, the bodies of the people (officials & citizens) will become food for vultures.

The king, Zedekiah, and his officials will be taken captive. War, disease and famine will be Judah’s end. This is the word of the Lord to Jeremiah.

Lord, may my heart (my nation, its leaders & people) turn from pride, arrogance and disdain for God. May we return to God.

Exalted In The Heavens

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lift your eyes to the heavens in praise and honor to God (Psm 104:1-4). #TheHeavensDeclareGodsGlory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While Psalm 103 gives praise for God‘s compassion towards the people of history, Psalm 104 calls us to give praise to God for his wisdom, goodness and power through all of his creation. God is seen as majestic in his light adorning the newly created heavens (Gen 1:1–8; creation, days one and two).

God makes his home (figuratively) above, in the upper chambers of heaven. Clouds are seen as his chariots as he rides on the wings of the wind. These are metaphors describing God’s majesty (Psm 19:1-4; Rom 1:20,25). Angels, his messengers, are described in similar fashion. Lord, I need only to lift my eyes to heaven to begin my praise to you.

…And Counting

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to the Lord for his many blessings (Pam 104:1). #PraiseToTheLord #CountYourBlessings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist David opens and closes this song as he did Psalm 103, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“ [Read that a couple times]

David encourages himself; calls upon his whole being to give praise to the Lord.

Yesterday I was thinking about the medical condition of my dear bride of nearly 53 years (Alzheimer’s; diagnosed, 2011). I noted in my spirit that I was not angry with life or at God, as some may be prone. My heart instead was immediately inclined towards giving praise to God. Why? For all his rich goodness to us in those 53 years of marriage…AND COUNTING.

How could I be so thoughtless and ungrateful as to complain? Our lives (though filled with many ups and downs) have been so blessed by God. Lord, I cannot even begin to count the ways you have blessed us in life, marriage, family, friendships and ministry. “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“

Jesus = God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Place your faith in the truth of God (1Jhn 5:20,21). #JesusSonOfGod #JesusAutherOfNewLife #KnowingChristMakingHimKnown

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John’s last words: “We KNOW [by experience] the Son of God has come.“ John and the disciples knew Jesus personally. His readers knew these eye witnesses to Christ. We can know Christ also by their witness. I have myself known the abiding deep love of God in Christ, who is God and reveals God.

I am able to conclude from the veracity of scripture and the change in my life and others that Jesus is truly God; that he is our eternal life. This is in contrast to the false gods of this world. “On Christ the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.“ Lord, my faith rests in the testimony of your word and the witness of Christ.

Future Secure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely fully on God‘s unchanging word; eternal life is a certainty (1Jhn 5:13). #HopeForTheFuture #EternallySecure

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Concluding his letter, John states for the third time (words to the effect) “These things I have written“ (see 1:4 & 2:1). These words in this epistle point to the believer’s assurance. There is a certainty about the life of faith and following Christ.

Here I see that eternal life for the Christian is a certainty. There is no guessing, no “hope so“ kind of uncertain future. Eternal life is an absolute certainty. The word of God is our authority on that truth. Lord, my faith is based upon the truth of God’s word – he won’t lie, cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18).

Son Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lean fully upon God’s promise of eternal life (1Jhn 5:10-12).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John is finishing his case for believing in the living Christ. Verse 10b explains clearly that to refuse to accept the threefold witness of God for Christ (vv6-10a) is to call God a liar. Continuing in defiance of God is a sin from which to run.

God has given us eternal life in his son, Jesus. If you have the son, you have the life. It is a gift. In Christ, God has “given us eternal life.” John McArthur makes a clear and simple statement of this truth: “Eternal life is the divine presence of Jesus in us.“ It is a forever gift. Lord, 1Jn 5:11-13 has long been a precious promise to my heart.

3-Fold Witness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Receive fully, the witness of Christ’s atoning work (1Jhn 5:6-10). #BelieveInJesus #TrustTheWitnessOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John leaves no room for doubt that Jesus was/is the God-man from start to finish. He was “THE“ divine Messenger at his baptism and he was the same at his death on the cross for the sins of men. The Holy Spirit in Mat 3:16,17 and Acts 1:8; 2:1-4 also confirms “THE” divine Messenger.

Water = cleansing of sin. Blood = new life received in Christ’s imputed righteousness. Spirit = power given to live obediently. Our constant ongoing faith in Jesus is evidence we believe this thrice holy and true witness, and testimony. Lord, I am fully convinced of the witness given to the authenticity of Christ’s atoning work, start to finish.

Hope That Overcomes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise for our overwhelming hope in Christ (1Jhn 5:4,5). #ChristIsTheVictory #JesusOvercomesTheWorld

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every child of God, no exceptions, defeats the evil in this world. Victory is achieved through our faith in the Son of God – Jesus. That is to say, as long as there are committed believers, followers of Christ in this world, there will be hope.

Hope that men can be loving towards each other;

Hope that nations can/will repent and come to Christ;

Hope that even one child of God can make a vast difference;

Hope that gives assurance of ultimate eternal victory over the evil of this world.

Lord, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

Love’s Outcome

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender daily to a love relationship with Christ (1Jn 4:16,17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We know how much God loves us. He offered up his only Son on a cross to take all the punishment we deserved for our crimes, our sin (vv9,10; Jhn 3:16). We put all our trust in that sacrificial event of love. We are in him by that love and he is in us by his Holy Spirit (v13).

As we continue abiding in that love it grows into greater maturity. The result, the outcome is that we will have nothing to fear on the day of judgment. We will be able to face our Lord with confidence because we have genuinely sought to live like Christ in and before a watching world.

Lord, this old sentry continues daily pressing into this love and relationship with you.

Love’s Motivation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely on the Spirit of God for meaningful day-to-day relationships (1Jn 4:13-15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

… And just what exactly is it that motivates Christians to live out this “love,” that is so willing to sacrifice self for others? It is the Holy Spirit of God that lives inside of those who have trusted Christ as Savior. This Spirit, given us at salvation (Eph 1:13), provides the unction and motivation that moves us to love God and love others (Gal 5:22–25).

Loving others in sacrificial ways is the evidence, the proof of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers; that motivation for believers. Lord, my obedience to do anything you ask of me is totally dependent upon the motivation of your Spirit within me.

God Revealed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May the world see God in us by our love (1Jn 4:9-12). #GodIsLove #ShowGod’sLove #God’sLoveOnDisplay

“No one has ever seen God. But his love is made known in believers” (1Jn‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is John’s companion verse to John 3:16. God so loved us. he sent his only son into our world, that we might have eternal life through him. He (Jesus) sacrificed his life, bearing our punishment for sin’s absolution (1Jn3:16). God gave us the model for how we ought to love each other (sacrifice).

This is profound: “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is brought to full expression in us.“ People see the living compassionate God in our love for each other. Lord, may this old sentry truly manifest, give expression to, the reality of the living God.

Profound Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make a profound profession of faith in Christ (1Jn 4:4-6). #FaithInChrist #ListenToTheSpiritOfTruth #ProfoundFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In these verses the people whose lives are represented by the spirit that lives and rules in this world, are people who speak only from this world’s viewpoint. They listen only to the spirit of this world, they belong to this world.

But believers have had victory over this world and the things in this world. They belong to God‘s kingdom. They know God and they listen to his Spirit. Those of this world do not know God nor do they listen to him. This is how we may know that someone has the Spirit of truth or a spirit of deception.

Lord, listening to and heeding your Spirit is a clear sign of a genuine and profound faith in Christ.

God Is Greater

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stand strong/faithful facing any antichrist spirit in the world (1Jn 4:4). #GreaterIsHeThatIsInYou #GodIsGreater

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a child of God, the ONE who lives and works in you is greater than the spirit that lives and works in the world. This reminds me of Elisha, who is trying to comfort the fears of his servant. The enemy of Israel had surrounded the city where the prophet Elisha was serving.

Elisha‘s servant panicked. But Elisha asked God to open his eyes that he might see the Armies of Heaven who surrounded them. Elisha said, “Look those who are with us are greater than those with them.“ (2Ki 6:15–19). Lord, I may be fearless because God in me is exceedingly greater than any spirit of antichrist that I face (also Joshua 1:9).

Detection of False Prophets

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain vigilant towards spiritual truth (1Jn 4:1-3). #FalseTeachers #FalseProphets #SpiritOfAntichrist #DiscerningTruthAndError

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There are many false prophets in the world. So says the aged apostle, John. These, John says, have the spirit of antichrist and they are already among us. They were around then and they are now. So, John says to test them – is their spirit, their teaching, from God?

Do these teachers/prophets acknowledge that Jesus Christ was God in the form of man? If they do not acknowledge Jesus as the only son of God in the flesh, their teaching is not from God. Jeremiah also addresses detecting false prophets (see Jeremiah 23, this blog). Father, may I remain alert and discerning of spiritual truth and error.

Guilty Of Being A Christian

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our lives, give evidence of our faith in Christ (1Jn 3:23,24). #EvidenceThatDemadsAVerdict #ChristianGuiltyAsCharged

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the proof of our faith?

1) That we genuinely believe in the name of God‘s son, Jesus Christ. To believe in the name is to take the name as our standard, our banner (vv2,3).

2) That we will have a genuine love for our brothers and sisters in Christ (vv11,14).

3) That the Spirit bears witness to our faith (v24; 1Co 12:3).

We will pattern our lives after Christ, love our brothers and sisters in Christ and allow the Spirit to control our lives. Lord, may my life be ample evidence to convict me of being a Christian.

P.U.S.H. PRAYER!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our prayers reflect our obedience to God (1Jn 3:21-22). #AskingAndReceiving #WhyGodAnswersPrayer #PUSHPRAYER

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If we know that we are walking in the light of Christ, we have a confident faith, we will have whatsoever we ask. We may know that if we are walking in obedience to Christ, doing things that please God, we can be confident that the things we ask will truly line up with God’s will.

This is the reality of prayer for the believer. How could God ever deny that which comes from his heart through us and back to him? This is the ”whatsoever you ask in my name“ promise that he will do. So P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens.

Lord, may my prayers reflect a heart that is wholly surrendered to you.

LOVE CAME DOWN, ACTUS MAXIMUS

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May you love and be loved to the max as Christ loved (1Jn 3:18,19). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Simply put, love, as Christ loved, is more than a feeling. It is more than pleasant words. Someone has captured the essence of this in the oft repeated phrase, “Don’t tell me how much you care until you show me how much you care“. A relief organization (ministry) uses this motto, “Love, More Than Words“. Latin: ACTA NON VERBA”.

This is exactly what John is saying. As Christian’s we are to “show“ our love by the “actions“ we take. This is Christmas. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jhn 15:13). That is an ACTUS MAXIMUS. This is the Christ of Christmas. Lord, may I know love and express love to the max just as Christ loved.

Love From Above

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Love others unconditionally as Christ loved (1Jn 3:11-15). #LoveMoreThanWords#LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Christianity, (faith in Christ) is, at its core, a religion of the heart. Cain killed Abel because Cain’s heart was dark and corrupt (v12).* He hated his brother Abel. Abel‘s righteousness exposed Cain’s unrighteous and intemperate heart. Hate grew into a root of bitterness – a heinous murderous mindset (Heb 12:15; Mat 5:21,22).

Believers may not always agree with each other, but they will truly love one another as Jesus taught. That proves our love for God (Jhn 13:34,35; 15:12). That love will often be despised by the world. They hated Christ, they will hate you as well (Jhn 15:18). Lord, may I have and show a genuine love that comes from above, for all people.

_________

* Gen 4:5-8; Heb 11:4; Jud 1:11

Road to Fullness in Christ

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Expect to see God’s fullness for you in Christ (1Jn 3:2,3). #GrowUpInChrist #FullnessOfChrist

Every Step in Faith Moves Us Closer to His Fullness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As children of God we’re incentivized to continue our growth towards knowing Christ. It is a step by step process, just as a child grows to maturity (Rom 8:12-14). We follow Christ eagerly, expectantly and patiently so that we may remain full of faith and pure in him.

While we do not yet know him (Christ) fully, in a little while we will see and know him fully. By this we are motivated to walk in purity, fully engaged in the process of knowing him fully (1Pe 1:22). Lord, my age (longevity) in Christ is not as important as my journey towards fullness in him.

Not God’s Children

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Know the security of being God‘s child in Christ (1Jn 3:1).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I often hear folks (even certain ministers) say, “We’re all God‘s children.“ Are we? Well, NO, we’re not. We’re certainly all God‘s creation. But the familial relation as “God‘s child” is reserved only for those who believe in Jesus (Jhn 1:11-13).

Here, John teaches that the world does not recognize the Christian’s relationship to God as his children. Why? Because they don’t know God. Paul also makes this clear: they are not children of God, they are “children of the flesh” (Rom 8:5–9; 9:8; see also Gal 3:26; 4:6-7). Lord, I am here affirmed in my relationship to God as his child.