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 aforever gift. Lord, 1Jn 5:11-13 has long been a precious promise to my heart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BEST NEWS IN ALL OF HISTORY!
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” Luke 2:8-14
Know the security of being God‘s child in Christ (1Jn 3:1).
They don’t know God
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.
Remain faithful to the truth of the gospel (1Jn 2:24,25). #HoldFastToTruth #RemainFaithfulToTruth #GospelTruth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John’s exhortation, in light of the spirit of antichrist that has gone out into the world, is to, “remain faithful“. That is, hold fast, continue and persist in trusting the truth of God. The truth has come in Christ. If you persist in following Christ you will also persist in fellowship with him and the father.
This fellowship is an eternal bond. Christ’s life is in you and this life eternal shall be yours as promised (John 3:16; 5:24; 1Jn 5:11,12). Lord, I hold fast to my confession: Jesus is the Son of God, he died for my sin, his resurrection secures my eternal life, and he will return again to inaugurate his eternal kingdom.
Faithfully embrace the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:5). #LightOfTheGospel #JesusIsTheLight
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John quickly goes to the heart of the gospel. “God is light, in him is no darkness.“ (See Jhn 1:4-9). One of the first acts of creation by God was to create light and dispel the darkness. (Gen 1:2,3). Light reveals and enables us to see the difference between good and evil. Light will always overcome the darkness.
Having a relationship with Christ is derived by coming out of the darkness of sin and embracing Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Lord, I give thanks for the light of the gospel; may I follow it faithfully.
Trust the reliability of God‘s word (1Jn 1:1–4). #RealWitness #ReliableWitness #Truth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Apostle John begins this epistle in a similar way as he begins his gospel account in the Gospel of John. John is testifying to the truth and veracity of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. He is speaking to believers who had never seen nor heard Jesus. But John knew him personally.
It had been a full generation since the final events of Christ’s life on earth. John begins by making the case that he (along with others) had walked with Jesus, seen him, touched him, heard him speak and talked with him. His witness is reliable.
Lord, I may trust the reliable eye witness of those who knew Jesus firsthand and wrote about it.
Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).
“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.
__________
WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?
S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !
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Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.
The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).
Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).
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In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.
in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…
1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,
2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],
3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…
4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.
Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.
May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*
Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).
Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.
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* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.
Remain faithful to Jesus, the eternal King (Jer 36:30). #RemainFaithful #BelieveInJesus
God’s Eternal plan
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The notes on this verse (Life Application Study Bible) point out that wicked King Jehoiakim ended the mortal human beings who were descended directly from David. Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim’s son, sat for 90 days on the throne and then his uncle Zedekiah became king (not a descendent of David).
But less than 600 years later, the eternal King and Messiah, Jesus, came as a direct descendent of David. He came to save his people from their sins (Mat 1:21). Even the entire world might be saved through him; become children of God (Jhn 1:11-13) In the midst of tragedy and disobedience God never loses sight of his eternal plan.
May this old sentry remain faithful to Jesus, the living King and my lord.
Speak God’s word that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God (Jer 36:5–7).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
At this point, over 20 years into the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah (25:3) he is banned, restricted from entering into the Temple. So, he instructs Baruch (his scribe) to go to the Temple on the “day of fasting” and read the scroll he has written as dictated by Jeremiah (v1,2). He was to read it out loud in the hearing of those come to fast and pray.
Jeremiah further expresses God‘s sentiment about it to Baruch. Perhaps the people will hear and be COMPELLED to turn from their sin and ask God‘s forgiveness before it is too late (v7; also v3). [see 0pen Our Eyes, this blog) Lord, may I take every opportunity to speak God’s word, that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God.
Be not deterred from sharing God‘s message of salvation (Jer 25:1–4). #GoodNews #StandFast #MissionMakeDisciples #MessageTurnToGod.
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Time has now come, as warned by Jeremiah. God’s judgment was about to fall on the nation of Judah, for her sin and idolatry. We know from this text and the prophet Habakkuk that Babylon would be God‘s instrument of that judgment (v9; Hab 1:6). Jeremiah had been warning the people of this for twenty-three years.
Imagine preaching for 23 years the same basic message with no response. God’s people continued in their indifference and even hostility towards the message and the messenger. Other prophets of God in that day receive the same treatment. Lord, may I be as faithful to the message and mission (Mat 28:19,20) as Jeremiah was to his message and mission. ITS TIME!
Speak the truth of man’s sin and God’s forgiveness (Jer19:14–20:2). #NoIntimidation #SpeakTheTruth #GospelOfForgiveness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah returns from the city dump of Jerusalem, where he smashed a clay pot before the temple and city leaders. There he prophesied to them the judgment of Judah for her sin (19:1–13).
Upon Jeremiah’s return, he stops in front of the Temple and prophesies the same message of judgment to the people gathered there. For this the Temple authority removes Jeremiah, has him arrested, whipped and put in stocks as a public spectacle.
There will always be naysayers, those who ignore and/or discredit the truth. It may be passive indifference or it may be hostile. The question is always, “How do I handle the truth?” Lord, mat every duty sentry always state the truth of man’s sin and the gospel of forgiveness, no matter the personal cost. May the sentry also be sensitive to the truth him/herself and respond accordingly.
Keep your charge to influence all people for Christ (Heb 13:20,21). #AChargeToKeep #GospelOfPeace
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is the benediction which closes the book of Hebrews, “May God‘s peace…“ Our world is in turmoil as never before. Men often despair of hope. Many suffer and tire of wars, rebellion and violence. Ours is a broken world. Nothing will set it straight but “God‘s perfect peace.“
The benediction is a charge to God’s people (that’s us), the purveyors of the message of God’s peace. Jesus, the “Shepherd,“ brings the peace of God to men’s thirsty souls.
Our call is certain. Our marching orders are clear. Our equipping and empowerment is ratified by God to impact our world for good. We please him in the process. All glory to Christ forever.
Lord, may I keep my charge to take the Gospel of Peace to all in my sphere of influence.
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.
Strive to be a proactive witness pointing others to Christ (Heb 13:1-6). #WalkingPoint
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Reading these verses leads me to my responsibility as a believer, a follower of Christ. My faith in Christ is lived out in every day circumstances. I am responsible to not just stay in the church, worshiping God onto myself. I am called to “go”, to point others to Christ.
It is my responsibility to be God’s witness in the world. It is my responsibility to explain by my life and by my witness, the consequences of ignoring so great a salvation (Heb 2:3). I am a “point man” leading others to a just and righteous God. Lord, may I use whatever platform you have given me to point men to Christ.
May 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.
May you grasp the depth of God’s mercy, love and grace (Heb 12:18–24). #GodsLoveAndMercy #TheOpenDoorToGod
Mount Zion / Mount Sinai
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There is a world of difference between the flaming holiness and terrifying righteousness of the God of Israel (represented here by Mount Sinai – vv18–21) and the gracious merciful hand of the same God who reaches out in love to save (represented here by Mount Zion – vv22-24). The contrast is clear. God is Holy and Righteous. Yet, in his love and mercy, he cleared the way for ALL to come to him.
“Vive la Différence”
All men may come to God, not in fear and trembling, but in confidence and joy, knowing that Jesus (represented in all the symbolism of the temple) has cleared the way. The Holiness demanded in salvation is attainable through Christ Jesus and his shed blood on the cross. Lord, my heart and spirit cry out to grasp the depths of such mercy and grace.
Seek a faith that is unquenched by the fires of evil (Heb 11:35b–38). #unquenchableFaith #FaithInTheFire #VictoriousThroughEvil
Faith Through the Fires of Evil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses fly in the face of “Feel Good Religion“ and the “Prosperity Gospel.“ While many have been victorious “quenching” the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a), still others have a faith that is “unquenchable,” victorious in/through the fires of evil. Many there are who have suffered horrific persecution. Yet, they have clung to the promise of a better hope in the resurrection. Their faith was “unquenchable.“
Our God in Christ stands with those who suffer great indignities, torture, jeerings, beatings, imprisonment, were/are poor and destitute at the hands of evil men. These believers were labeled as unfit by their society (“Cancel Culture”). But the opposite was true. Society was/is unfit for them (note Psm 44:22; Rom 8:35-39). Lord, should I be called upon to suffer for my faith, may I do so with honor.
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.
Stop right now; give glory to God who has accepted you (Heb 11:31). #LovedByTheFather #AcceptedInTheBeloved #NeverTooLate
Warning: Chilling Moment Ahead
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As you get closer to verse 31 in Hebrews chapter 11, one feels a sense of power in the faith of some of the greatest followers of God in ancient history named here. All is moving to a grand conclusion about “faith”.
“By faith” Abel, “By faith” Enoch…Noah…Abraham…Isaac…Jacob…Moses…”BY FAITH RAHAB, THE HARLOT. “Huh?“ “What wha?“ Yep, the final name listed among these great ancients is a woman. Rahab, the harlot, a prostitute (read her story in Joshua Chapter 2).
Either God has a morbid sense of humor or he is serious as to the ultimate reach of the gospel. It is the latter. James T Draper, in his commentary on Hebrews states, “No one is too despicable for God to save, if there is repentance and faith in the heart.“ Lord, I just have to stop right here and give thanks for salvation come to my house (Eph 1:6).
Celebrate deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life (Heb 11:28). #GodDeliversLifeEternal #Passover #Lord’sSupper #Deliverance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer here describes a fourth act of faith in the life of Moses. When preparing to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Moses instituted the Passover with a view towards the regular celebration of Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He fully expected to be celebrating deliverance long into the future as a tribute to God’s promises (Exo 12:21-30)
Faith saved Moses at birth (v23). Faith called Moses away from the pleasures of his world (vv24–26). Faith led him to follow God into a personal wilderness journey (v27). Faith lead him to institute an act that would forever stand as a tribute to God‘s hand of deliverance (v28). Lord, by faith I celebrate my deliverance from sin and death to life eternal (the Lord’s Supper is my faith tribute to that).
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.
Trust the magnificent work of Christ for access to God (Heb 10:21,22). #TotalAccess #NoBarriers #PardonFromSin
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jesus, our High Priest, is not the “rule keeper“. He is the one who “rules over the house of God.“ He is the one who has introduced grace and mercy into the house of God. This is the basis of man’s ability to enter into God‘s presence.
Christ offers cleansing from sin, clearing the way for a pure heart to come before God. Further, men may come with their consciences cleared of guilt by Christ’s very own blood sacrifice. Men may be, once and for all, pardoned from all sin and made fit to enter into a relationship with God.
Lord, you have removed every barrier to my eternal access to holiness.
Enter into an intimate personal walk and relationship with God (Heb 10:19,20). #OpenDoorToGod #EnterIntoGod’sPresence
Christ’s body torn, opens the way for us
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The author of Hebrews is rounding the last turn and is making a sprint for the finish line in his long discussion of Christ, the superior sacrifice for sin (Chs 8–10). All that has been said in these chapters find their conclusion in these last few verses (vv19–39). “And so, dear brothers and sisters…“
Jesus has, by his own blood sacrifice cleared the way, opened the door, pioneered the trail for us, into the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God. Having done so, he turns and beckons us to follow him into that Most Holy Place. Follow him into that personal relationship with God. The invitation is to every man and woman, to enter into that intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; into fellowship with God.
O Lord, it is personal for me. I am all in. I feel the warm embrace of that most Holy relationship.
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.
The Prayer Sentry 