Two Pleasing Sacrifices

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Offer the sacrifices of praise & kindness at every opportunity (Heb 13:15,16). #GivePraiseToGod #DoActsOfKindness #LivingSacrifices

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After 13 chapters (the whole book of Hebrews) pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Christ, the writer has carefully and thoroughly extinguishing the flame of daily, weekly and annual offerings of animal sacrifices for sin. But, the writer reserves two sacrifices that are still pleasing to God.

What sacrifices could still be pleasing to god?

1) The sacrifice of praise offered from our lips, confessing Christ as Lord; and

2) the sacrifice of a kind and loving actions towards others. With these two sacred actions (offerings) “God is well pleased (Psm 50:12-14; Rom 12:1; 1Pe 2:5).

Lord, bring my heart to every opportunity with words of praise to you, and acts of kindness towards others..

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.

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.

Scorched Earth

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Walk in awe and reverence for a holy God (Heb 12:28,29). #ScorchedEarth #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Some have spoken of a “scorched earth“ military policy, or they speak from an environmental point of view. But we have seen nothing like a scorched earth that God, who is a “consuming fire,“ will bring against a godless humanity.

When Christ returns, all of creation (the heavens, the earth and sea) will be done away (Isa 51:5,6; Psm 102:25-28; Heb 1:10-12). This world is not eternal. It will be consumed by the righteous fire of God. The godless will not survive. Only those who have put their faith in Christ will survive (note: Isa 33:1–24; especially vv 14,15). Lord, I dare not ignore the consuming righteous nature of God in my life.

Unshakable

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Oh, that you might listen to God and obey (Heb 12:25–28). #ListenToGod #RevereAndObeyGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A final warning is issued by our writer. God rules from above heaven and earth (Psm 113:4–6). Listen to God’s voice. Don’t do as the ancient Hebrews did. Though God’s voice thundered, they ignored his voice (3:7-12). They did not escape judgment.

When God spoke from Mount Sinai, the earth quaked. The promise here is that when God speaks again (and he will) “everything that can be shaken (heaven and earth – all things created) will be shaken”…destroyed. All that will remain is that which is UNSHAKEABLE – God’s word, God’s salvation and God’s kingdom. Lord, I am listening. May the nations listen to your voice and turn to you before it is too late.

Eyes On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY FRIENDS AND NATION:

Don’t lose sight of your inheritance: life abundant, life eternal (Heb 12:15-17). #SinUnchecked #SinHasConsequences

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Why is Esau an example of failing the grace of God? Was he saved, then lost? Was he never saved at all? For sure Esau was the rebel firstborn son of Isaac. Our writer points this fact out (are there any rebellious among us? Yeah, I have been that son). Birth order may give one legal standing, but the family blessing is passed on, according to a father’s wishes (Esau was not the first to be passed over for the blessing).

Esau took his eyes off the prize. He disdained his birthright (Gen 25:33,34). Hebrews 12:1–4 teaches that those who run a successful race, keep their eyes on the prize. Namely, ancient torch-bears of faith and Jesus. (Paul as well – Phi 3:14). In the end, Isaac blessed the right guy (Gen 25:23). Lord, I am reminded that harboring any sin or treating salvation casually will have far reaching affects on the community of faith.

The Fruit of Discipline

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respond by faith to God’s discipline (Heb 12:5–11). #WhomGodLovesHeDisciplines #GodDisciplinesForOurGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times we endure suffering at the hands of evil men, just as Christ did. But at other times we endure hardship because of our own disobedience toward God. Like a loving Father, God will discipline his children’s bad behavior.

God’s discipline proves his love for us. His discipline is always for our good, to lead us back into holiness. Discipline is not an enjoyable event, but after it is over, it leads to a good harvest of right living – that is, living according to God‘s will and purposes (1Pe 4:16–19). Father, your discipline in my life has always resulted in good fruit.

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).

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.

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.

Acta Non Verba

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

In love…obey and serve God (Heb 10:5–10). #ObeyAndServe #ActaNonVerba #DeedsNotWords

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our lives in Christ boil down to two things – obedience and sacrifice (service). Jesus Christ is given as our supreme example. More than empty ritual in the first covenant, Jesus exemplified heartfelt obedience and total surrender of his life (literally) in service to God and all humanity.

Having done this perfectly he ratified the second covenant; there was no need to sacrifice again. In Christ we have been sanctified (set apart) and filled to do as Christ did willingly: obey with our hearts, serve with our lives. Acta Non Verba. Lord, it is the joy of this old sentry’s heart to obey and serve you.

New Day Dawning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace the far better hope established in Christ Jesus (Heb 7:11- 20). #JesusOurEternalHighPriest #LawOfWorksOut #LawOfGraceIn

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this passage, the writer makes it clear that the Law and the priesthood of the Law were never intended as a way of works to achieve right standing with God. These were always intended as a foreshadowing of a better hope (vv18,19; Gal 3:23-26).

The priesthood is shown as temporal and replaced by a perpetual, eternal, Priesthood (Christ Jesus). So also the Law was imperfect as to the redemption of man. It was intended as an outward expression of the inner change required for redemption. A new law of Grace was put in the place of the demands of righteousness (Jhn 1:17; Rom 3:21,22; 6:14).

Lord, I see here the sun setting on the Law of righteous demands and the dawn risen on the law of Grace.

God’s Journal Notes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be assured of God’s infinite interest in your life & ministry (Heb 6:10,11). #GodsJournalNotes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here expresses confidence in these Hebrew Christians, that they are authentic in their faith; that they will certainly stay the course (v9). Now, he reminds them that God has carefully recorded their every deed (small & unnoticed to large & public).

These believers have unselfishly ministered to others in Jesus name. They continue to do so, making certain the hope for which they have believed. God is more than aware of our service to him. Every single act of ministry every word of encouragement spoken are noted in the Father’s journal.

Lord, I am assured of the Heavenly Father’s infinite interest in EVERYTHING I do and say.

The Christ Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Choose to set your heart upon Christ who gave his all for us (Heb 5:8-10). #VictoryInObedience #ChooseLifeChoseJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh dear soul of mine (Psm 43:5), this precious Savior of mine, this Jesus, left his home in glory (Phi 2:5–8). He CHOSE to limit himself by becoming a man, to be touched by the frailties of humanity. He learned obedience as a man (grew in wisdom and stature as a man – Luk 2:52). Jesus CHOSE to do that, for me. Because of his obedience, God gave him a great victory through sorrow and death to resurrection.

I don’t have a choice about grief or suffering in my life. BUT, I can choose how I will face the defeats, the hurts, and the disappointments of life. I reject bitterness and I choose life abundant. Like Christ, I too can know the blessing and victory of God through my obedience. Lord, like Job, who said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him“ (Job 13:15), I choose you.

American Legacy – Generation Lost?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Lord, may our children have godly, righteous leaders worthy of following (Heb 3:7–11; Psm 95:10,11). #ActionsHaveConsequences #LegacyMatters #GenerationLost

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I heard Henry Blackeby (author and pastor) say of Psalm 95:10,11, “An entire adult generation cost the youth of their day much suffering in the wilderness.“ These words have haunted me for days as I have meditated on this Hebrews 3:7–11 text. I am left with a equally haunting question. In what conditions are we leaving our children in America?

A disobedient adult generation were the cause of Hebrew children and their families to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Forty years of eating manna. Forty years of windy dusty traveling nonstop. When the last adult of that disobedient generation died a child born at the beginning of the wilderness journey would have been 40ish. The oldest, like Caleb & Joshua (adjusting for ancient calendars), were in their 80s (Joshua 14:10). I learn that my actions have consequences for those I lead. Lord, may I leave the NEXT GEN a godly example to follow.

_________

A brief read of modern day Great Awakenings in America reveals them occurring approximately every fifty years (1740s, 1790s, 1850s, 1900s). There is some disagreement on specific dates. But following this pattern, America should have seen an Awakening around the 1950s-60s.

But what did we see? Well, what we saw was twenty to thirty year olds in the those years who were busy burning bras and American flags. They were busy removing prayer and the Bible from schools. They have been at work ever since, developing Progressivism, a WOKE culture, restricting chaplaincy programs in the military and prison systems, removing oaths that contain the words, “So help me God.” They have been aborting babies, changing gender definitions and so much more. God forgive us.

What generation was this? This would be the generation who gave us leaders like Richard Nixon, Nelson Rockefeller, George Romney, Colin Powell, Earl Warren, Joe Biden, Harry Reid, Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi to name a few. Lord, forgive us all.

So, as with that ancient Hebrew generation, perhaps, in God’s displeasure, he has discarded this 20th, 21st Century generation. Perhaps we are in the midst of a generation that God has chosen to bypass. Perhaps there will be no revival in the immediate days ahead.

[THIS OLD SENTRY IS JUST ASKING]

___________

But our hope may be for awakening and revival in our children’s generation. Maybe in the next 10-15 years. Better yet, the soon return of Christ. I PRAY FOR BOTH!

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Worth Our Attention

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Come often, come humbly, to worship God (Heb 3:7–11; Psm 95:1–7). #WorshipTheLordOurGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

To emphasize the importance of paying careful attention to Christ (who is God’s final revelation – Heb 1: 1-3), the writer points these Jewish Christians to Psalm 95. They would have been very familiar with this Psalm. Interestingly, Psalm 95 is a call to worship.

Psalm 95:1–7 implores these Old Testament Jews to come to God singing and rejoicing. Come with thanksgiving and praise. Why? Because God is a mighty and powerful warrior on their behalf (conversely on our behalf). He is the one who watches over us. Worship him, bow down before him.

Lord, you reign supreme over all of life. I worship you.

“All Ears God!”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be open and eager to listen to and follow after God. (Heb 3:7,8). #BeOpenToGod #ListenToGod #AllEars

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is always speaking. There is never a time when we tune in to God‘s word that he is not speaking. His word is “living and active“ (Heb 4:12). Every time I refuse to listen to God, my heart grows colder and harder towards him.

To be in the best position to hear God and respond in faith, do this: 1) read-meditate on his word regularly, 2) share your faith regularly, 3) be in vital relationships with God’s people, 4) be alert to the deceitfulness of sin and 5) pray – talk often with God. Lord, I am listening to you with all my heart; I’m all ears, ready to do what you direct me to do.

How Big Is God?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May we revere and exalt God as the only source and mover of the known universe (Heb 1:10–12). #GodIsBiggerThanWeThought

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Just in case you missed or misunderstood the message of Christ’s unique place outside the universe, God reiterates it here. Jesus, the “Son“ of God, set the foundation of the earth and, with his own hands, made the universe in which earth is suspended. He is like a man who exists outside the orb of a “sno-globe.” Wrap your head around that. How big is god? Indescribably big.

Then consider this: one day the entire known (and unknown) universe will perish. This universe will wear out like an old coat. According to Hebrews Ch1, Jesus will fold it up like old clothes and discard it.* There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus, the “Son,“ shall reign there forevermore. For me to worship and depend upon anything in this world is laughable, foolhardy. Lord, you are the only lasting and dependable thing in the universe.

________

* Dare I make this anthropomorphistic comparison? Our universe is like the alternate universe (a giant movie set) created in the 1998 film classic, The Truman Show. When the show abruptly ended the “set” would presumably have been taken down and discarded, it’s purpose completed.

How big is God? He will one day fold up our old deteriorating universe (heaven & earth as we know it) and discard it in favor of a new heaven and a new earth (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Heb 12:26-28; Rev 21:1).

How arrogant am I, or any man or woman, be they leader or follower; sinner or saint. How feeble and weak are our prayers, plans and grand designs.

How small is our thinking that we believe that, “WE can save the planet.” OMG! All the Madero’s, Trump’s, Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Chi’s, Macron’s, Putin‘s, Zelinsky‘s, Trudeau‘s of this world well one day bow their knee to the Lord of Glory.

How big is God? Words cannot describe the vast, enormous, immense and expansive knowledge, ability and power of God.

This simple prayer sentry stands speechless that the Lord of Glory would stoop down in Christ Jesus to communicate his love towards us; to listen to the praying saints of all time. Then answer.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Country at its Worst

HEADLINE (1/3/2023):

House Democrats Cheer as McCarthy Fails to Clinch Speakership Multiple Times

That headline broke my heart over the state of rancor and disunity in our Republic. it’s ugly tentacles have our citizenry in a stranglehold.

Satan rejoices in our division.

Scripture reminds me, “Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭

Lord, may we be principled yet respectful of one another. ‬‬

Godly Exceptionalism

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live a godly life made exceptional by the grace of God (Jer 16:10). #GodlyExceptionalism #NoExceptionToTheRule

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah was to exhibit extraordinary behavior to act out and explain God’s displeasure with Judah, his people (vv1-9). The people denied God. Yet, in verse 10, they ask indignantly, “Why is God unhappy with us? What have we done – how have we sinned against him?“ They were religious in their outward actions but far from God in their hearts.

Far from being the exceptional people God intended them to be, they thought they were the exception to the rule. They believed God was obligated to protect and provide for them. Exceptionalism does not make one an exception to the rule – in this case devotion to God. Lord may I live my life as a child of God, made exceptional in repentance by the grace of God.

I believe in “American Exceptionalism.” But America is not an exception to the rule, free to live in defiance of God and his Word. Her “Exceptionalism” is a God-given attribute. She needs to turn from her sin and act like it. May repentance be the rule of the day.

Snub God, Pay The Price

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Take seriously sin and drifting from God (Jer 16:1–9). #PainfulSnub #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There are times when God will ask hard things of his messengers, sometimes extreme things. His purpose is to wake people up, to jolt them into reality. Therefore, Jeremiah was told he could not marry and have children in a culture where this was obligatory. He was not to mourn the dead – unthinkable among the Jews at that time. Nor was he allowed to participate in festivals, joyful events.

All of these things were to show the drastic nature of God‘s intentions to judge a wayward and sinful people. The destruction would be thorough and complete. It would (and did) happen in Jeremiah‘s lifetime (v9). Woe to those who think they can snub their nose at God. Lord, keep old sentry alert to the seriousness of sin and drifting from God.

Fearless Courage

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be fearless and courageous for God‘s truth (Jer 15:19–21). #Fearless #Courageous #StandForTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah bears a gentle but straightforward rebuke from God. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself Jeremiah.“ God challenges Jeremiah to “man up,“ speak truth for God and trust him for the results. In doing this Jeremiah would influence many (more than he knew) and he would not be influenced by them.

Barnes’ Notes – “Flattering prophets will perish with those whom their soft speeches [have led astray]. But those faithfully speaking the truth of God will save them both.“ Lord, I am inspired to stand faithful in/for your truth, to fear no man’s actions against me.

Against The Tide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Stand fearlessly for the truths of God (Jer 15:10,11). #AgsinstTheTide #FearlesslyDevotedToTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard God‘s response to the prayers of God‘s people (which was, God would not listen), Jeremiah dives headlong into a lament of his own with God. “I should have died at birth. It is such sorrow, depressing, to be hated by everyone, everywhere. I have done nothing to deserve the ire of everyone, yet they all curse me.“

Sometimes the man or woman of God must stand alone against the tide of unrighteousness. It is not an enviable position. But, stand you must, if you are to honor God. It is not you the people curse. It is (heaven forbid) God and his truth. God will see you through. In the end they will seek you to plead their case (v11).

Do Not Delay to Repent

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Repent of a self-centered, self-righteous, know-it-all, attitude (Jer 13:15–17). #DoNotDelayRepentance #TurnNowToGod #Repent

Weep for the rejecting souls in darkness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following two parables of sin and judgment (vv 1-14), Jeremiah warned the people of Judah once again. (Oh, how the Lord is long-suffering)

“Listen to the warnings of God. Give him honor before it is too late. The day is coming when you will find yourself groping in the darkness of your own soul. You will look for light, but there will be no light.”

Then, Jeremiah says, “I will weep great tears for you because your pride feeds your refusal to listen to God. Your exile (judgment) is on the way.” Lord, I humbly bow before you in repentance for my own self-centered, self-righteous and frequently know-it-all attitude.

Would that our beloved nation, America, turn now from her pride and rejection of God to the light, while there is still time.

Don’t Get “Smashed”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humble yourself, seek God‘s counsel, listen to him and follow (Jer 13:12–14) #Don’tGetSmashed #Revival #SpiritualAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following Jeremiah’s living parable of the loincloth, illustrating how Judah had become so disgusting to God (v10), God explains the purpose of his choosing Israel. God chose Israel to be a people of praise, renown and glory unto him.

But the nation became proud, arrogant and stubbornly unwilling to follow after God. Therefore, God would fill their wine jugs with wine (signifying “drunkenness;“ that is judgment). Then God says he will “smash“ the jugs to smithereens. Every person from least to great will be mercilessly destroyed for their sin of rebellion.

May this Old Testament lesson be an example to me (1Co 10:6-12), that my arrogance and foolish pride doesn’t prevent me from listening to God and becoming all that God wants me to be. Oh Lord, may I humbly seek your counsel. May I listen and follow, that your purposes might be fulfilled in my life (that is, the glory of the Lord Jesus and the spread of the Gospel).

Lord, may my beloved nation humble herself, seek God’s counsel and become once again a beacon of light for the Gospel.

Mightier Still

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Learn to exalt and honor the living omnipotent God (Psm 93:1–5). #Omnipotence #MightyGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We have seen the powerful destruction brought on by mighty hurricanes, storms and tsunami‘s. We have seen the ravages of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Man is infinitely small and helpless in the path of such phenomenon.

But our God is more mighty, more powerful than all of these events in history. The earth is unmoved from its place in the universe by such cataclysmic events. Our God upholds and sustains the earth from his eternal throne. Our mighty God reigns forever on high in majesty and strength untold.

Lord, words fail this simple sentry to express the honor due your majesty. The words of inspired scripture do it the best. Perhaps a life well lived for you is a good option.

Thankful To God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Come to God with your heart full of thanks (Psm 75:1). #ThankfulHearts #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Lift your heart in thanks to God. An unthankful heart breeds darkness; an unthankful heart leads men to foolish thoughts about their own aggrandizement and confusion (Rom 1:21). If men are not thankful to God, then to and for whom are they thankful but to themselves. This leads to arrogance and foolish self-confidence.

Such arrogant confidence in “self“ leads men to defiance of the sovereign God, the one who will judge all the thoughts and intents of the human heart (note vv 2-8). Lord, may thanks to you grow more deeply in the heart of the prayer sentry each day.