A Place Called Hope

Fix your eyes firmly on the hope we have in Christ (Isa 33:17-19). #HopeInChrist #NoOtherName https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.17-19.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah continues speaking to the righteous remnant of Judah. For they have trusted in God. As in Isa 32:1, their eyes shall see a righteous king in great splendor and a vast land that stretches far into the future. Not only will Jerusalem be delivered from all her enemies, but the righteous remnant shall be delivered.

Those who put their trust in the Righteous One, the Messiah, Jesus, shall also know the deliverance of the Lord. As in Isaiah’s day, a great victory over the evil of the day shall be ours in Christ Jesus. Lord, my eyes are firmly fixed on that far land where joy and hope shall never end (John 16:22).

Just Do What Is Right

You whose heart and life is right with God will have nothing to fear (Isa 33:13–16). #DoTheRightThing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“OMG!“ Fearful of judgement, the people bellow, “Who can survive the Holy?“ Isaiah gives the short answer. “Easy. Those who walk with the Holy and speak what is right and true. Those who do not extort by bribery or plot to do evil and violence. Those whose hands, ears and eyes are closed moral pollution. Those who do right in his sight.” These are those who have no need to fear the Holy One.

The Apostle Paul makes the same point. “Rulers hold no terror for those who do right.” (Rom 13:3). This is the man or woman who need not be alarmed, though the judgments of the Holy be all around them. Lord, you are ever before me. My refuge is in you.

The faithful prayer sentry declares with the Psalmist, “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust’ “ (Psm 91:1-2)

It’s A Gift

It’s Christmas! Be intentional about sharing the Good News (Mat 10:1,5). #ShareYourFaith https://www.bible.com/116/mat.10.1,5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus called 12 men to himself. He had a plan for spreading the Gospel. He gave the 12 the responsibility and authority to carry out the plan. He gave them specific instructions on how to carry it out and a target at which to aim.

We could debate the instructions; basically he said go, preach, heal, cast out demons – do so generously. Travel light, stay as long as needed and then move on. Don’t worry about those who won’t listen. Their fate is in God’s hands.

Methods change but the sentry’s responsibility is still the same today. Be intentional about sharing the Gift, the Good News of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ. It’s free y’all. Jesus paid for it.

Reason To Repent

Surrender of your heart to God is your best choice (Isa 31:6-9). #Surrender #Repent #GodWillDefend #GodIsDevoted https://www.bible.com/116/isa.31.6-9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Because of God’s devotion to his people, Isaiah calls again for Judah to repent, return to God; renounce all idolatrous behavior. Even greater reason to turn back to God is his promise to annihilate Assyria by the sword of God (note 37:36).

God is devoted to his rebellious people and he promises to not only defend his people, but to lay waste their enemies. God’s assurance of love and protection should alter the behavior of his people toward him. Lord, you have captured and delivered my heart. I am yours.

Repentance in America begins with the person in the mirror.

The Lion And The Shepherd; This Is No Fabel

Trust God, he will come fiercely to your defense (Isa 31:4,5). #GodToTheRescue #TrustingGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.31.4-5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God‘s passion for his people is excited to action on their behalf, you wouldn’t want to be the one toward whom his wrath is targeted. Isaiah explains: If a strong virile young lion stands growling over a sheep it has killed, how frightened is he over a handful of shouting shepherds?

This is how the Lord of Heaven‘s Armies will stand defending his people. He is God of the ancient days. He is God of the present and he is God of the future as well. He fears nothing. Lord, there has never been, nor shall there be, a God like our God. There is no sentinel fear when the Lord God commands the divine forces.

Help Is On The Way

Look to your past deliverance to know hope in the present and for the future (Isa 30:27–33). #HelpOnTheWay #TurnNowToJesus https://www.bible.com/116/isa.30.27,29,31-32.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The people of God have only to look to the history of how God works in the Old Testament on their behalf. He is devoted to his people. He will discipline his people and he will deliver his people. The example of this is seen repeatedly, as in this passage.

Because God loves Judah he disciplines her, harshly if necessary (vv12-17). His devotion to Judah is unquestioned (vv18–22). Finally, his deliverance comes as Judah turns to him in repentance. His deliverance is utterly complete. Lord, your past deliverance gives this old sentry great hope for today and for the future.