Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you be fearless in the face of gospel critics (Ezk 2:6-8). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults #StandFearlessForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reinforces the thought that his people will not respect the words of the prophet. Worse, they will scoff at Ezekiel – brutal with their rank criticism. But Ezekiel should not be afraid, back down or emotionally shattered by their words.

Ezekiel 3:9 says that God had made Ezekiel just as hard-headed as the people.

God further warned Ezekiel that not speaking his message would be equivalent to joining them in their rebellion. Ezekiel was ultimately a fearless prophet. He stood powerfully before an unbelieving people and delivered God‘s message. Lord, I surrender my feelings to you; may I not be intimidated by those who criticize me over the gospel.

Ready, Go for God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be ready to go for God today (Ezk 2:1,2). #GodSpeaks #GoForGod #StandWalkRun

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When we have worshiped, been before God on our face, God does not expect us to stay prostrate, paralyzed, on the ground. No, we must then stand and be ready to go on in humble service. Micah 6:-8 compels us to “WALK humbly before God.” Roman 12:1 leads us to present our bodies as living sacrifices in honorable SERVICE to God.

Ezekiel was renewed in his spirit (note Isa 40:29-31). The Lord stood him on his feet. This was a sign that he was ready to go for God. Humble worship leads to faithful service. Lord, coming out of my daily personal cathedral of praise, my heart is renewed. I am ready to go for God today.

How To Hear God’s Voice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Humble your heart to listen to God (Ezk 2:1). #ListenForGod’sVoice #GodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the call of God on Ezekiel‘s life. I am reminded first that there is a separation between man and God. “Son of man“ is a reminder to Ezekiel (and to me) that he is a man and nothing more. But he is a man with whom and to whom God will speak.

God saw Ezekiel‘s humble response to the vision in Chapter One. To “stand up” (as God here instructs), one must first go down (Ezk 1:28) in humble acknowledgment of God‘s presence. Humble hearts will illicit the voice of God speaking. Lord, my Morning Watch is dedicated to an open heart to listen to your voice.

A Marked Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be alert to, listen for, God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:28). #MarkedMan #AlertToGod’sCall #MarkedByGod’sGlory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel here mentions that he hears a voice for the second time. The first reference to a voice (v24) seems to be unintelligible. But here, the voice was speaking directly to Ezekiel. God is preparing to call Ezekiel and instruct him in his prophetic ministry.

The entire first chapter has set the stage and will carry Ezekiel through his entire ministry. He will never think of God again without a sense of awe, holy fear and wonder. “The man of God comes out from [HIS] presence indelibly marked by the glory of his Lord.” *

Lord, reading in this Old Testament book, may I be a man alert to your call and marked by your glory.

____________

* Taylor, John B. EZEKIEL, An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1969), 41.

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.

My “Blue” Heaven

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in reverent fear of God‘s truth & faithfulness (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Truth #GodIsFaithful #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every prophet of God has a call that is unique to them. Ezekiel‘s call stands alone as a vision of the likeness of God in all his glory. Ezekiel describes God and his throne. It’s made of brilliant blue lapis lazuli (blue sapphire). The heavens declare his glory (Psm 19:1).

Biblical sources reveal sapphire (the color blue) as representative of truth – the accuracy and sincerity of God‘s word.* It’s the ground upon which God’s feet rest (Exo 24:10). I come away with an overwhelming sense of sheer reverence for the God I serve, his faithfulness and authenticity.

Lord, may my walk before you exemplify that reverent honor for your truth & faithfulness.

_______

* Sapphire is blue in color. In the Bible the color blue or sapphire stones may represent God and things dedicated to a holy purpose (Exo 24:10; Ezk 1:26; Num 4:5,6; Rev 21:19). Blue may also represent things like the Spirit, heavenly visitation, heaven itself, grace, truth, faithfulness and cleansing.

[There is more material here than I can write about. I have given 4-6 hours over several days pondering the meaning of these things.] Here is one link that has been helpful:

https://biblemeanings.net/sapphire-spiritual-meaning-bible/

On My Face

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we exercise silence & humility before God (Ezk 1:26-28). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted #Overwhelmed

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has been focused on the lower portion of his vision: living beings, wheels, lightning, noise, fiery presence and movement. He now sees, hears and tries to describe what he sees above the platform borne up by the living beings. He sees a throne. Its appearance is like blue lapis lazuli (sapphire).

Upon this throne sits what looks like a man, represented as gleaming amber and a splendorous burning flame. All around this figure is a glowing halo (like a rainbow). In Ezekiel’s words this is, “God sitting on his throne of jeweled sapphire, in all his glory and holiness.” The vision’s sight and sound presses the limits of vocabulary to the max. Ezekiel falls on his face in silence before God.

Lord, may I be on my face and speechless, my mouth closed, before you (Job 40:3,4; Psm‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬;‬‬ Hab 2:20).

Take a Knee to Glory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Bow, low in the presence of God‘s glory (Ezk 1:24,25). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel now describes what he is hearing. What he hears is as dreadful (awe-inspiring) as what he sees. It is a noisy whirring sound. The wings of the cherubim are outstretched and reverberating powerfully. It sounds like the torrent of wild rushing waters or rolling thunder; the sound of a mighty Army on the move.

Ezekiel also hears a voice from above the mighty platform described in vv22,23. However, no words are mentioned here. The sight and sound of this vision seem splendorific. It is at once both dreadful and magnificent at the same time.

Lord, may my heart and knee be bowed in the light of the glory I can barely comprehend.

God Exalted In Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we see God exalted, lifted up, in our lives (Ezk 1:22,23,26). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The four living beings (cherubim) in Ezekiel‘s vision appeared to be lifting or escorting a great heavenly platform over their heads. It looked like ice or crystal and was gleaming in a formidable yet awe-inspiring way. God’s throne sat upon or above it. When the beings moved, the entire platform moved with them (v19-21). Moses and 70 others saw something similar [Exo 24:10,11).

The Apostle John also saw something close to Ezekiel’s vision as well (Rev 4:1–11). Our God is exalted high above the Earth. He reigns in a heavenly bliss, above the corruption of earth. Yet, he has revealed his true heart for earth (for man) in Christ (note: Phi 2:6-11).* Lord, you reveal yourself to man (to me) as exalted above all the earth.

________

* Jhn 1:1,2,14; 5:18; Rom 8:3; 14:11; Eph 1:20-22; Col 1:15–20; Heb 1:3,4; Isa 45:23.

To Know God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God in new ways (Ezk 1:22-28). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I can hardly imagine what Ezekiel must have been experiencing as this vision of God unfolds before him. I am struggling to wrap my brain around what he must have been seeing. The enormity and expanse of it, the splendor and the magnificence of it is beyond what the human mind could imagine or comprehend.

My initial response is to close my Bible and go find something easier to read. But I know that our God wants to be known. Jesus proves that. Lord, may I push past not knowing, not understanding, may I know you in a new and meaningful way.

Serve With Quiet Resolve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God‘s sovereign will in your life (Ezk 1:19-21). #God’sSovereignRule #QuietResolve #Surendered

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is no lack of spiritual explanations for the movement of the living beings described by Ezekiel. But everything described thus far prepares us for what will follow. These cherubim support some kind of horizontal surface, upon which our deity (God) is enthroned (vv26–28). The entire structure moves as our God instructs these cherubim.

The will of these beings is harnessed by God . They serve at his command. Their will (or “spirit“) exists in the wheels. The cherubim remain still, as if motionless. The wheels alone move this heavenly chariot-throne in all directions and up and down. This would seem to represent our God as not being bound by any earthly model. They whose will is surrendered to him, serve with a still, quiet and peaceful resolve (Isa 26:3).

Lord, may my will be so surrendered to you that I may serve you quickly and with quiet resolve.

Omnipresence Of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Welcome God‘s presence into all of your affairs (Ezk 1:15-18; Psm 139:7-12). #OmnipresentGod #GodSeesAllThings #GodKnowsAllThings #OmniscientGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel describes four sets of two wheels each. One is able to turn crosswise inside of the other of each. These wheels shown like crystal (they sparkled). Each living being had its own wheel. These wheels enabled this [heavenly chariot of God] to move in any direction (see vv 25-28 & Psm 104:1-4].

There is no shortage of artist’s depictions of Ezekiel’s vision of God.

These wheels, while sparkling, were also “frightening.“ They were very tall and covered with eyes. God is seen seated on his throne above the wheels (vv25-28). These images reveal that God is present everywhere, and sees all things. He is over all things and is present with us everywhere we go (omnipresent – Psm 139:7–12).

Lord, you are present in all of my affairs; I welcome your presence in all that I do.

Show Me

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Call upon God for understanding of the Scriptures (Ezk 1:10-12). #ShowMeLord #CallUponGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to know exactly the meaning of the four faces on the living beings described by Ezekiel. The most obvious leads me to creation: the human face being the apex of God‘s creation (intelligence), the lion’s face represents the wild animal kingdom (power), the ox face the livestock domesticated animals (service) and the eagle, the king of the air (swiftness).

The four heads connected form the shape of a square. They may represent the four corners of the earth and God‘s sovereignty over all of creation. Other interpretations also exist but these seem the most likely. In truth, Ezekiel is trying to describe something he’d never seen before. The word picture given by Ezekiel is incredibly luminary and mysterious at the same time. Lord, I call upon you for understanding of the mysteries of your word (Jer 33:3).

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/

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.

We Are What We Do

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Understand the severity of hypocrisy with God (Jer 34:17,18). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

We Are What We Do;
Not What We Say We Will Do

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hypocrisy before God is something for which every believer ought to be aware: telling God you will do one thing, but doing another. The reference to cutting a calf in half and then walking between the halves to solemnize their vows was tantamount to signing a contract (Gen 15:9,10).

Significantly, the vows made here were made before God in the temple of God (v15). This is a fiercely defiant sin. It is the same as going to church on Sunday and putting on a show of piety, then living a life of sin and debauchery the rest of the week. Lord, may I always do what my words imply that I am.

Raising The Ire Of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Follow through on your vows/promises made to God (Jer 34:12-17). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If anyone should be grateful for their freedom, it should be these old testament Hebrews. God reminds them that he made a covenant with their ancestors who were slaves in Egypt. He would free them…which he did. At that time he told them they must never hold a fellow Hebrew as a slave for longer than six years. Then they must free them.*

Here, the people pledged to return to that covenant (vv8-11). They released all their countrymen slaves, but then immediately went back on their pledge and re-enslaved them. I think that nothing raises the ire of God more than lying to him. For this, God WILL carry out his pledge to judge Judah. Lord, may my heart always keep covenant promises with you.

___________

* Note: Exo 21:1–6; Lev 25:39–43; Deu 15:12–15

Do What You Say

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

When you say, “Yes“ to God, follow through (Jer 34:8-11). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Just prior to the Babylonian conquest of Judah, the king, Zedekiah, has a change of heart about fellow Hebrew slaves in the land. His motivation is unknown, but he makes a covenant with the people to follow the Hebrew law (ignored for hundred of years) and free their countrymen slaves (Exo 21:1–6; Lev 25:39–43; Deu 15:12–15).

The people obeyed, but then later reneged and brought their fellow Hebrews back into bondage.* It is obvious that Zedekiah and the people were not wholeheartedly following God‘s commands to them; more evidence of their coming judgment. Lord, may my oft wayward heart willingly follow your loving commands.

_______

* Speaking to unbelieving Jews again in the New Testament, Jesus speaks a parable to this same effect in Mat 21:28-32. If you tell God, “Yes”, just do what you say.

Reason To Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Praise God for his mercies towards man (Psm 113:5-9). #PraiseAndWorship

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our God, the God of Heavens Armies, is not so exalted that he is adverse to lowering himself to affect the affairs of man. He helps the poor and needy man. He exalts those of humble means and makes of them royalty. (see also Isa 57:15).

The woman of childless disdain, God has power to bless them with children (e.g. Gen 21:2; 1Sa 1:20). The greatness and goodness of our God is reason to praise, exalt and highly esteem him. Lord, I honor you as my God; you created me, you sustain my life and you assure me of my eternal call and destiny.

Compassionate God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Thank God for his enduring compassions for men (Psm 113:1-9).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our praise to and for God is centered on his great concern for all of his creation (Psm 104) and all of his compassions for the people of his creation (Psm 103). Here we see God’s concern is especially for the poor and oppressed.

Though God sits enthroned on high, above heaven and earth. he is not aloof from man and those who suffer. We may rightfully give praise to God for his greatness and favor. Lord, you make your abode on high and with those contrite in heart (Isa 57:15).

Endless Bounty

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to God for his endless provision (Psm 104:31-35). #God’sBounty #God’sBlessings #PraiseTheLord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 104 ends as it began. “Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!“ The record of day 6 of creation reminds the psalmist of all God has done to provide an endless flow of provision and blessing to man (Gen 1:24–31). Man has every reason to thank God, bless God, praise God, exalt and worship God.

The palmist calls upon his whole being again to give praise to the Lord. His provision and blessing to man sustains him. “Oh, that men would praise him” (Psm 107:21,22). Lord, in the end “Every knee [every being] shall bow down [to you] in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phi 2:10).

Creative Juice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stand in awe of our creator God (Psm 104:24-30). #AwesomeGod #CreatorGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How creative is our God. I see in his creation the smallest amoeba to the great whales of the sea. All are created with a living purpose – contribute to a vast ecosystem.

The variety of creatures in the sea reveal the creative juice of God who projects purpose, even a little humor.

Day five of creation (Gen 1:20-23) filled the skies with birds and the seas with fish, all of stunning variety. All of creation reveals the richness, goodness and wisdom of God. Lord, our world points to the vast character of our God in all of nature. I am humbled.

God In The Grocery Store

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be in awe of the God who has made the seasons for seeding, growing and harvesting; the night and the day for creatures to rest and work (Psm 104:19-23). #AwesomeGod #CreatorGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psamlist provides for us and another reason for all to declare and proclaim our praise to God. It is that he has, from the beginning, ordered our seasons by the moon (the “calendarial principal star“ *), so crucial to seeding, growing and harvesting.

[I think about God’s massive provision every time I walk down the aisle of a grocery store; overwhelmed at the grains, the meats and the produce lined up neatly in there cases]

God ordered the sun to set and rise every day. With its setting, man sleeps and the animal kingdom is at work. With its rising animals sleep and man begins his work. This God accomplished on day four of creation (Gen 1:14-16).

All this, God did with a view towards a perfect world in which man could live. Lord, may I not take for granted your every provision for my life in creation.

______

* Keil-Delitzsch, PSALMS, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1975, pg, 134.

Perfect Plan Day One

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for all God‘s perfectly planned provision (Psm 104:10-18). #AwesomeGod #BeyondUnderstanding #FaithfulProvider #AllPraiseAndThanksDueHim

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is easy to pass over these scriptures as a bit mundane. I take so for granted the natural world around me. But I must stop here and acknowledge the other-worldly understanding and scope of God‘s wisdom. Creating this world, God left nothing to chance. God created this world perfect ON DAY ONE (actually day 3 – Gen 1:9-13).

God provided for every fish, bird, animal and man – water, trees, plants and vegetation. He wasn’t making adjustments on the fly. The world was amazingly created to suit every form of life. Lord, I can never, shall never, offer adequate praise for who and all you are. But I shall thank you for all your provision.

World In Balance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give to the Lord the reverence due him (Psm 104:5-9). #PlanetEarth #AweAndReverence

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The wording of this poetic account of creation really gives me reason to pause, reflect. The world, this orbed earth upon which I live, is described as set on some kind of foundation… never to be moved. Chaotic waters blanketed the whole earth. Into that chaos God’s thundering voice tamed those waters.

The waters were ordered by God to recede to their boundaries fixed by him. (Gen 1:6–9). What was left were the beautiful mountains and valleys that we enjoy today – this was day two of creation. Lord, such words, put me in a posture of awe and reverence for you.

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.

Love’s Assertion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart follow Christ always (1Jhn 5:3). #AssertingGodsLove #GodsLoveLeads #LoveGodLoveOthers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I am following the teachings (the commandments) of Jesus, I am asserting my love and yieldedness to him. No one follows the ways, views or teachings of someone they don’t respect. Further, it is not a burden to follow Christ commands, teachings (Mat 11:29,30).

I often fail to follow those teachings as well as I could – not because they are hard, but because at times I choose to go my own way. I am always better off when I follow God’s ways…and others are blessed in the process. Lord, may my heart always be to follow your ways.

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.

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

Paths of Righteousness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain steadfast in the paths of righteousness (1Jn 2:29). #PathsOfRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John concludes, a sign that one is in Christ is he/she will manifest righteous behavior. At the same time, we know that good behavior and good works do not save us (Eph 2:8,9; Jas 2:14–17). It is simply a sign of one’s faith in Christ.

True righteousness will exalt Christ. It will be accomplished in all humility and stand the test of time. It will seek to put the needs of others ahead of its own and love unconditionally (1Co 13:4-7).

In the end, true righteousness acknowledges that there are none righteous but one – Christ the righteous one (1Jn 2:1). Finally, it relies upon God’s Holy Spirit for divine enablement.* Lord, may I follow paths of righteousness for the sake of the Name (Psm 23:3)

_________

* Jhn 14:16,26; Acts 1:8; Rom 8:26,27; Gal 5:22-24