Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2b)

All Praise To The All Powerful God.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Stand fast in trial; trust in, rely upon God‘s promises (Hab 3:3–7). #JudgmentWillCome #GodJudgesTheNations #StandFastInTrial #GodOmnipotant

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What does the watchman see from his post? He sees the Lord coming in splendor and brilliance as a sunrise. From his hands he emits flashes of light, symbol of devine power. Pestilence and plagues go before him devouring everything in sight (as against Egypt and Assyria)*. God judges the wicked. The nations tremble before his power and all knowing eyes. Judgment will come for godless nations and peoples.

The eternal One shatters and levels everything men thought were everlasting. It is a terror for them to be confronted with such power. The watchman sees the coming judgment of Babylon (and it did); lawlessness, terror and evil will find its end in the judgment of God. America would do well to heed the lessons of nations judged by God (eg. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon).

Lord, this old sentry will stand fast through trials in awe of God‘s omniscience, presence, and power.

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* As in the 10 plagues of Egypt – Exodus 5-12; as in the Israel’s defeat of Assyria – 2Ch 32:22

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Hsbakkuk’s opening petition (for revival and mercy) praise is his response to all that God had shown him. No more questions. Only praise. Just as the watchmen sits high above the camp looking, watching for activity on the horizon, so Habakkuk sees in the distance a theophany of the glorious and radiant splendor of the coming one true God.

Habakkuk’s imagery recalls a great and glorious event in Israel’s history (deliverance from Egypt). Moses describes God as coming in glory to establish his nation at Mount Sinai in Teman and Mt Paran in the region of Edom (Deu 33:1,2). God appears to Habakkuk in the same glorious light and regal splendor. He will come to deliver Israel again and judge Babylon for her godlessness.

“SELAH!” (A musical term for a symbol crash or trumpets to blow; stop and let those preceding words sink into your heart and mind). Lord, what an amazing sight to behold. From Habakkuk’s watchtower to mine I see through his eyes the glory of God‘s certain coming in power. The sentry joins him in giving praise to God for his certain coming in radiant glory.

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Consider Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory (Ezk 1:28; 10:4; 43:2):

1:28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

10:4 And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

43:2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.

The Apostle John’s description of God’s glory (Rev 18:1; 21:11; 21:23):

18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.

21:11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

21:23 And the city phas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for qthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you embrace a righteous compassionate God; may America turn now to God. May God send awakening and be merciful in judgment (Hab 3:2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise #RunToGod #Awakening #TurnNowToGod #Repent #Revival

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk has heard God‘s reply to his heartfelt questions – why evil prevails. He is astounded and awestruck at God’s mighty work. He now enters into intimate communion with God in prayer. Presumably, he is still in his “watchtower“; that place of seeking. Like Job, he concludes “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe at what I see” (see Job 42:5,6).

The prophet sings his song of prayer admitting the deep need of the people. This is the only petition in this prayer. 1) “Help us Lord, as you have before [send revival] …and 2) In your anger, show mercy.“

If we know that God won’t allow evil to persist forever; if we know that God will ultimately rain down judgment on godless nations, would this not be an appropriate petition to God in our day concerning America? Absolutely!

There is but one place to go in times of trouble. That is to our righteous and compassionate God. Lord, you are fierce in your righteousness judgments, but I am not afraid to embrace you.

Prophet Minstrel: A Song of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Come to your altar of personal praise and worship of God (Hab 3:1,2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is a prayer of Habakkuk sung to the Lord. It is to be sung with instruments (v19). This is intimate union with and worship of our great God. The prophet comes with questions as to how long God will allow evil to prevail (Ch 1).

The prophet then comes to his post to hear God‘s reply. He becomes the prophet minstrel, singing God‘s reply as a song of taunts, a woeful dirge (Ch 2).

Now the prophet minstrel sings a glorious hallelujah chorus. It is a song of praise and worship stemming from his intimate communion with God. Lord, I join the prophet in coming to my own cathedral of private devotion. I lift my heart, hands, and voice in worship of you for all that is mine in redemption. Thank you Lord!

Rapacious Evil

May America turn from her godless path and may righteous faith prevail (Hab 2:4,5). #TheJustLiveByFaith #RapaciousEvil #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk sits pensively with his spiritual ears open to hear how God will answer his questions (1:2–4). The silence is deafening. Then, into the silence, God begins his woeful dirge of condemnation for Babylon. Her rapacity will not go unpunished; judgment will come.

Babylon (even America) is a nation become arrogant, swollen and puffed up like an old toad. Her passions are only for rapacious evil and unrighteousness. She makes a mockery of all that is morally good. She is a godless, corrupt and perverse nation. She is a drunken nation state with an insatiable appetite to enslave all people to government. Judgment is certain. It is already crouching at the door.

In stark contrast stands God’s righteous ones. “The righteous will live [know abundant life] by their steadfast faith [in Jehovah God].” These words sparkle like a jewel shinning through the darkness from deep within an earthen cavern. These words have given hope to God’s righteous ones through the ions of time, from Habakkuk to the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther and beyond.*

Lord, may a righteous faith prevail from deep within my soul; from deep within the soul of America. .

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* The Faith of the Righteous

Rom 1:17

Gal 3:11

Heb 10:38

It Will Come!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Patiently wait on the trustworthy judgments of God (Hab 2:2,3). #JudgmentWillCome #TrustworthyJudgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God speaks to the watchman in the watchtower. He holds nothing back. “Write it down plainly Habakkuk, so that the messenger and the message is clearly understood by those who listen.” God is not like dumb idols crafted by men, who cannot speak – he hears and he answers (v18).

God assures the prophet that the vision of the future will surely come, be fully fulfilled. Though it may seem slow in coming, patiently wait for it. Sin will not go unpunished. The storm clouds of judgment are gathering and will rain down at the appointed time. Lord, waiting while sin and evil abound is hard. But we shall soon see the glory of God‘s righteous judgment. IT WILL COME!!

Evil: Prompts For Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May evil find judgment at the hand of God (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What Habakkuk sees in the vision he received from God is the state of society in his day. He sees what others might see even in our day. They are Prompts to PRAY!. “Violence is everywhere I look. It goes on and on, unchecked. PRAY! The evil running rampant in our streets creates havoc and misery for its victims. PRAY! People argue and fight at the least provocation. PRAY!

Where is the law? Nowhere. It is paralyzed. PRAY! There is no justice in corrupt courtrooms. PRAY! The wicked outnumber the righteous and justice is perverted. PRAY!” So, we too ask, “Lord, how long must we cry out for help; when will justice fall?” Lord, the press of evil begs the urgent prayer of this sentry on the wall; that God might judge the wicked and spare the righteous. PRAY!

Embracing A World In Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the darkness of sin around us lead us to pray for the justice and mercy of God (Hab 1:1; 3:2). #DeepIntercessions #TheWorldInCrisis

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who shows up sometime prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He is a contemporary of Jeremiah. Nothing more is known of him. There is however, some wide agreement that he may have been a musician of the Levitical office (see 3:19). Further, his writings resemble the literary style of the psalms.*

Habakkuk often sounds more like David pouring out his heart to God than a preacher raining down judgment on the people. He is more poet than prophet. The darkness of sin running rampant in our world, should bring God‘s people to a deeper place of repentance and devotion to him. Lord, Habakkuk calls me to think more deeply on the state of our world and to plead for God’s justice and mercy (3:2).

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* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

Whole-Hearted Pledge

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we humbly repent, listen to God’s word and pledge to follow him whole-heartedly (2Ch 34:29-32). #PledgeAllegianceToGod #Repent #ReadGod’sWord #FollowGod’sWord

King Josiah Reads the Lost Book of the Law to the People

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a result of #1, the Book of the Law being found and #2, the word of the Lord, delivered to King Josiah by the Prophetess Huldah, the King called an assembly of all the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In this assembly, Josiah himself read the Book of the Law to the people.

King Josiah then took his place of authority in the Temple. He pledged himself to obey all the commands of the Lord. Then he called on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to pledge the same. They did so. Lord, I see hope for America (the church and our world) if those in authority will repent, look to your word and commit to follow Christ with a whole heart.

Ambiguity to Luminary

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain faithful to God, and his word; be a light for him (2Ch 34:21–28). #RemainFaithfulToGod’sWord #BeALightForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Huldah was not just the closest prophet to the Temple, but she was highly respected as a woman who spoke for God. She had a luminary gift to teach the word of God (v22). She was a devout woman. Her family served in the temple with honors (v22). Huldah was not afraid to speak for God. Four times she says, “Thus says the Lord.“ (vv23,24,26,27).

Huldah believed God‘s word was the final authority (v24). She had discernment into the need of repentance and she recognized king Josiah’s repentance as genuine (v26,27). All her words, reported to the king, gave him the courage to lead Israel into revival and reform. Lord, I see in Huldah’s words that if I am faithful to your word, I can be used by you to encourage others.

Be Reconciled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain open to the convicting power of God’s word (2Ch 34:19–21). #RepentOfSin #TurnFromSin #TurntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah‘s response to what he heard as God‘s word to all of Israel was great remorse and conviction. He immediately recognized the sin of his nation. His grief led him to repentance (2Co 7:9-11). He did not cast off his sin, or blame another or excuse it. He owned it.

God‘s word leads us to acknowledge sin, leads us away from sin and expresses sorrow for sin. Conviction of sin causes a desire within us to change. It leads us to turn away from that sin and follow God. God‘s word is powerful to judge the intentions and motives of the heart (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I daily consider my obedience to you, make course corrections in my life and be reconciled with you.

Road to Awakening

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the national leaders in America repent and seek after the heart of God; may we see revival and spiritual awakening (2Ch 34:8-13; 2Ki 22:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

On the surface, this passage seems all very administrative and organizational. But what is apparent here is the heart of a 26-year-old king (of Judah). His heart was for God, even in the face of much pagan worship, and idolatry in the land. He is contemporary with Jeremiah, the Prophet of God (there is a compelling connection between national leadership and religious leaders).

Young King Josiah sees the temple of God (symbol of the presence of God in the national life of Israel) in disrepair. What previous kings had allowed to fall into ruin, Josiah restored. Revival was close at hand. Likewise, if the national leaders in America (any country) would repent, seek God’s face and point the people to God, we would be a better nation. America would have a road to awakening.

Lord, I pray that America might experience another spiritual awakening of national proportions.

“Crisis of Belief”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live victoriously in the tension between two worlds (Jer 20:7–18). #Courage #SpeakTheTruth #BetweenTwoWorlds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah stands by faith between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the fires of persecution, ridicule and rejection (vv7-10, 14-18). On the other hand, there is the fire of God‘s message of repentance that is ablaze within him (vv11-13). This Jeremiad gives me a glimpse into the inner conflict one may experience doing the work God has called him/her to do.

Even those closest to us may turn against us. Yet, sandwiched between two despairing emotions is the understanding that to serve God faithfully is far better and safer than to ignore his call. It is what Henry Blackaby calls, a Crisis of Belief.* God will ultimately prevail. We live and stand between two worlds. Lord, may I have the faith and courage to live in this tension.

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The Dump

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we quickly surrender our sinful lives to God (Jer 19:1-6). #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to purchase a clay pot (jar). Then Jeremiah is instructed to call together some of the leaders and priests of Israel and walk to the “valley of Ben Hinnom” just outside the South Gate of the city (the “Potshard Gate” of Jerusalem – also called the “Dung Gate”). This symbolizes the broken relationship to God. This was the city dump. All the refuse of the city went through this gate. Also many sacrifices to pagan gods took place here.

This passage informs us that this valley was the place of grotesque, idol worship and child sacrifice by fire. It pictures the life of sin before God. God’s people are no longer his joy, but a garbage dump of stinking refuse. This valley would soon be called the “Valley of Slaughter“ because of the judgment about to fall on Judah (see also 7:30-33). Lord, could my heart ever be so cold and indifferent to you? Yes, it has been (17:9,10); may it never be so again.

Tapping God’s Aquifer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you be rooted deep into the life-giving springs of God (Jer 17:5–8). #EternalSprings #LivingWater #TrustInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Listen to what God has to say. It is simple: if you are trusting in human strength, turning hearts away from God, you have no hope for the future. Not only that, but your life will be barren of fruit. Your life will be like a dried out uninhabited wilderness.

But if you turn your heart to God and trust in his strength, you will be filled with hope and confidence for the future. Your life will abound with fruit. Any drought will be short-lived, because your roots go down deep into God’s aquifer of sustaining power and life. Lord, may my life sink deeply into the pure spring of the life sustaining power of God.

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.

Not What We Deserve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks for God’s unfailing justice, mercy, and love (Psm 103:6–10). #UndeservedFavor #UnfailingLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God of tender mercies towards men (vv1-5)? He is the God who gives. He gives righteousness, puts men in good stead with him (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Jer 33:15). He gives justice to the oppressed, making men right with each other. He is the God who reveals who he is. He did so with Moses (Exo 20:1,2; 33:13–20) and his people.

God is the God of all compassion and mercy, long-suffering, full of unfailing, unconditional love. He is the God who mitigates his actions towards sinful men by his mercy. He does not give us all that we deserve for sin (grace). Lord, I may count on your promises to forever wash and cleanse me from all sin.

Shake A Tail Feather

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks and praise to God for his daily renewal towards you (Psm 103:5). #RefreshedAndRenewed #ShakeATailFeather

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Caring for a loved one 24/7 is draining. But I have felt the extraordinary energy described in this Psalm. I have often been awakened in the course of caregiving and surprised by how physically alert I feel. Pretty amazing.

Psm 103:5 says, “God renews youth within me like the eagle renews its feathers annually; gets a new set of wings.” [my trans.]

That kind of refreshing comes only by prayer. The prayers of fellow believers on my behalf calls forth from God renewed lift and energy. Truly amazing!

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So, stop and give thanks for all the good things God has done for you (vv3,4). If that is not enough for which to thank God, consider the continual renewal of heart, soul and spirit that God regularly bestows on you. The picture here has to do with the molting process of the eagle.

Annually, the eagle loses all his feathers. The old feathers are shed, and the new feathers grow in their place. It is a fascinating process.*

God performs a quiet and continual renewing process of our heart, soul and mind (his mercies are new every morning – Lam 3:22-24). Lord, in all your goodness, you also renew my heart and soul. Thank you Lord.

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* https://birdwatchingbuzz.com/eagle-molting-process/

Crowned

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Humbly receive God’s crown of love and tender mercies (Psm 103:4) #CrownOfLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am crowned, not with a crown of gold or precious jewels. It is far greater than that. It is a crown woven together with God’s love and tender mercies. That is what God has crowned me with – unconditional love and tender benevolent affection.

God crowns me – he lifts me above all my challenges, my sin, my suffering, my circumstances. God crowns me with life eternal. There is no crown like the crown of God’s love and tender mercies. Lord, I am humbled and strengthened by your love and tender mercies.

Can’t Thank God?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Forget not God’s tender mercies towards you (Psm 103:3-4). #God’sTenderMercies #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist is intentional about giving thanks for God‘s goodness (we really have very little to complain about). Can’t thank God? Start here. Start with thanks for God’s forgiveness of all your sin by his pardoning mercy (how we long to be excused for the errors we make).

Thank God for his tender mercies, attending to all of our inward and outward sufferings (how we long for a comforting touch or word in the midst of misery).

Thank God for delivering us from the pit of guilt, distress, and death itself (how we long for a loving hand to reach out and snatch us from the rim of despair).

Lord, how I thank you for all your tender mercies towards me.

“A Charge To Keep”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

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.

Leaving All Behind

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Leave all behind and follow Christ (Heb 13:13). #LeaveAllAndFollowChrist #NoTurningBack

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

F.F. Bruce paints a clear picture of the meaning of the sin offering of Christ that bore such reproach.* The picture is of Moses who, “considered the stigma that rests on God’s anointed, greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.“ (11:24-26).

Consider: following the incident of the “golden calf”, Moses pitched his “tent of meeting“ far outside the camp (Exo 33:7). “Camp” stands for the established system of Judaism. “Camp” equaled everything that was comfortable inside the rituals and traditions of Judaism.

Jesus stands outside the camp (the gates of Jerusalem). He was rejected inside that camp. We who follow Christ are called to leave the comfort of the “camp“ in exchange for the greater wealth that exists in Christ “outside the camp.“

On December 28,1968, I took my final step “outside the camp.” All that my flesh desired for the wealth of “Egypt” I left behind for the greater wealth to be had in Christ (Mat 16:24-26).

Lord, having left all behind, I follow you.

* F.F. Bruce – Hebrews Pg. 402–404.

Deep Surrender

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Find your surrender on the altar of Christ (Heb 13:10,15). #DeepSurrender #ChristOurAltar #SacrificeForSin #ChristOurAtonement

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer makes one final reference to Christ as the supreme sacrifice for sin. He is our “ALTAR.” Attaching any idea of ritual performance as validation of salvation (v9) is unacceptable. The old system of animal sacrifice is done away in favor of the once for all time sacrifice of Christ for salvation. F.F. Bruce nails it. “Jesus is the anti-type” of the sacrifices made for sin on the Old Testament day of atonement.

The writer says, “We have an altar.” That is the same as saying, “We have a High Priest“ (8:1). Our altar is Christ. He is the new way for sin’s sacrifice. His sacrifice is the better way of salvation. I am reminded, one more time, to be grounded in grace is to be secure in Jesus. He is my one, my final, sacrifice for sin. I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lord, my only response is deep surrender to Christ (v15).

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.

Path of Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Mark out your path of faith and walk faithfully in it. (Heb 12:12,13). #ClearPathOfFaith #GetAGrip #WalkFaithfully

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer begins his final call to a living faith. He says, “Get a grip, stand strong, mark out your path of faith and walk in it” (a reference to Isaiah 35:3f). It contains within it a great comfort for the future. The Lord our God will come and he will not tarry one minute longer than necessary.

This living faith is necessary for you and those who follow you. The object is to live your faith in such a way as to prevent any from becoming disabled in their walk. But that they might be bound up and strengthened to carry on. It is essential that the whole body (community of faith) finish the course without loss. So says F.F. Bruce.

Lord, you have strengthened my hands, fortified my ability to stand and defined clearly the path of faith in which I have been walking. May none be lost because of me.

Undeterred Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be undeterred from following Jesus no matter the cost (Heb 12:2-4). #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell #FightThroughThePain

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer explains how to be undeterred from running a successful race of faith. I must keep my eyes on the prize – Jesus, his likeness and my eternal reward. (Read Paul’s words in Philippians three). In a race, the runner who looks anywhere but straight ahead is in danger. One cannot be looking from side to side or up and down.

Jesus Christ, our Champion, was undeterred from the joy awaiting him. He didn’t focus on detractors, or on his suffering circumstances (“Woe is me“). No, he ran through the pain. He endured the cross and the shame in order to provide for man the way of salvation. There is nothing I face that Jesus has not faced.

Lord, because of you and through you, this old sentry can be undeterred by circumstances. I too must focus on the eternal reward before me.

Winning Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Reflect a faith that keeps its eyes on the prize (Heb 11:39,40). #EyesOnThePrize #ConfidentFaith #FaithThatPleasesGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer of Hebrews closes Chapter 11, the way he opened it. Faith is our confidence in what we expect. It is reflected in the generations gone before us. Their faith earned them a good reputation (vv1,2). Examples are given (vv3–38). Their reputation for faith was pleasing to God (vv6,7), endorsed by God.

The generations of Old Testament faith will reach full maturity with every faith follower of Jesus since the Cross. We shall all enjoy the same, enduring promise of a better possession, a resurrection to life eternal (vv39,40). Lord, the witness of saints through the ages should give every prayer sentry courage to keep his or her eyes on the prize, the coming eternal redemption through Christ.

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.

Fires of Evil Quenched By Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek a faith that quenches the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a). #FireQuench #FaithForTheFire #VictoriousOverEvil

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In his admonishment of these Hebrew Christisn readers, the writer is want to forge any further catalogue of faith examples. “What else can I say? It would take pages to tell the stories of faith.” Numberless stories are told of great victories accomplished by faith. His readers know them all very well.

I quote James T Draper again, “Their faith ‘quenched’ the fires of evil they encountered, but could not be quenched by the evil.“ Their faith (as ours) was and is fueled by countless tests and trials. Faith was/is made manifest through weakness, by which we gain strength (2Co 12:9,10). Lord, may I know a faith that quenches the fires of evil.