Following The Christ-Life

Prayer: Be a living expression of Christ-likeness (Phi 1:9-11). #TheChristLife https://www.bible.com/116/php.1.9-11.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the prayer, that “holy hug,” that Paul expresses for his beloved friends in Philippi? He prays that the love of Christ might pour out in abundance from them to others. He prays that they will continue to grow in their knowledge of Christ, that they might live moral upright lives. He prays that they will be filled with the fruit of salvation (the righteous character of Christ). The ultimate goal of all of this is that they will bring much glory, praise, to God.

So, following Paul’s example, I pray for my family, friends and nation that Christ love might abound in them, knowledge of Christ will continue to grow, that Christ-likeness will be revealed in them and that ultimately, God will be glorified in their lives. And Lord, may my love, Christian character and witness also bring glory to the father.

The Holy Hug

Prayer: Learn prayer as a “holy hug;” embracing others in the Spirit of Christ (Phi 1:4,9). #HolyHug #Prayer https://www.bible.com/116/php.1.4,9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul continues his affectionate greeting. He communicates his prayers and encouragement to the Philippian believers. It his way of embracing those far away from him and giving them a spiritual hug, a “holy hug.”

So it has also become my joy to pray for and write to those for whom I pray – my wife, my children, grandchildren and spiritual adopteds; my neighbors, friends, leaders in my church, leaders in our nation, state, county and city; for all others whom the Lord gives a reason for me to pray.

This is the call of the prayer sentry, to search God’s word daily, to hear and receive from him my assignments in prayer. Then to pray for these beloved family, friends, leaders and others.

Call To Pray

Prayer: Give your heart to the ministry of prayer (Phi 1:3-5). #PrayHard #Intercessor https://bible.com/116/php.1.3-5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Prayer is a constant focus of the apostle Paul. He always has someone, some church, some group of people on his mind in prayer. Thanks is another virtue of Paul. He is forever thankful…to God, to partners in ministry and for those who have given their lives to Christ. Paul never takes for granted the work of the gospel nor the partners and fellow workers in ministry.

A sure sign that one may be an intercessor is his/her thankful heart and joy in always being ready to pray for someone or some group. It is his/her delight to pray. That is the intercessor. This is the seminal work of the prayer sentry. Father, I shall never forget those days in which you called me to the ministry of intercession.

Intercessor

PRAYER: Be a ready and earnest prayer warrior, intercessor (Col 1:7; 4:12,13). #PassionatePrayer https://www.bible.com/116/col.4.12-13.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Epaphras (likely founder of the church in Colosse) – Paul opens his letter to the Colossians with a note about Epaphras (1:7). He mentions him again in the closing (4:12,13). Epaphras is noted as a faithful servant and man of earnest prayer. It is said that he “always labors fervently for you in prayer…“ That is, on any and every occasion Epaphras was ready to pray.

Epaphras was not only ready, he prayed “fervently.“ That is, he prayed with painstaking accuracy and knowledge. He was an earnest and sincere intercessor. Epaphras was “moved” by God towards deep heartfelt prayer. This is the goal of the Prayer Sentry. Lord, may this sentry, every prayer sentry, take every opportunity to sincerely pray for the welfare of others, that they might stand mature in the will of God.

Jesus Christ: Preeminent Leader

Exalt Jesus as Lord, preeminent in your life (Col 1:15-20). #PreeminentLeader #BeginningAndEnd #AuthorAndFinisher https://www.bible.com/116/col.1.15-20.nlt

Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden, Kerrville, Texas

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Paul declares that Jesus was/is the supreme, preeminent one in life and in the universe (v15) he meant clearly that Jesus was the head, the first. He existed ahead of the beginning (v15). So everything begins with Jesus (v18), and it ends with Jesus – he is the author and finisher of our faith.

God himself became the God-man. “He was pleased in all his glory to live as a human in Christ Jesus” (v19). By this glorious manifestation he was able to reconcile men, make them right with him. What God chooses to do that? None. Only Jehovah God. My God. Lord, I exalt you as my Supreme and preeminent Leader in life. I owe all to my redeemer God.

Pray Knowing = Being-Doing

Expect your prayers for others to result in their growth in the knowledge of God (Col 1:9-13). #PrayHard #PrayExpectantly https://www.bible.com/59/col.1.9-10.esv

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul prays for the believers in Colossae. His prayer is broken up into three parts.

1 of 3 – Paul prays that these believers would have a growing knowledge of God‘s will; spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then Paul explains how that would work itself out. [They did not have the advantage of the complete word of God as we do today] They would walk worthy of their call (honoring/pleasing God), they would produce good fruit in their lives (acts of service and goodness), and they would continue to grow in the knowledge of God (get to know God better and better).

It is important that we read and study God’s word. But not to accumulate or pile up more and more facts (we could pass a test). No, we read/study God‘s word to get to know him better and better. Knowing him, his ways and his will, we will be better able to honor and please him. We will know how to produce gracious acts of service in his name, that achieve good results. Finally, knowledge of him begets more knowledge, more honor, more good fruit…and so it goes.

I may not pray this specific prayer each day. But it is my desire that every prayer I pray over family, friends and country has the effect of their growth in the knowledge of God‘s will; spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Prayer: The Ultimate Necessity

Pray earnestly and regularly (Col 1:9). #Prayer #PrayEarnestly https://www.bible.com/59/col.1.9.esv

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Paul says, “We have not stopped praying for you…“ he is not making some impromptu, casual remarks. He intends with all earnestness to point the Colossian church to the great God of all creation. Prayer is not a bargaining chip, an after thought or a therapeutic exercise in meditation. Prayer is the means by which God achieves his purposes in this world.

Paul speaks in the tradition of Jesus who instructed his disciples to “pray earnestly” (Luke 10:2); who taught that “men are always to pray and not faint” (Luk 18:1). Lord, prayer and the reading of your word is essential to sentry’s growth and effectiveness as a follower of Christ; to the advancement of the Gospel in this world.

Compelled

Take time to listen attentively to God (Col 1:1,2). #ListenToGod #Compelled-Devoted https://www.bible.com/116/col.1.1-2.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES

I have been in many jails and prisons in my ministry from God. But only as a minister, not as an inmate. Paul writes as an inmate. He writes to believers in Colosse from a prison cell in Rome (likely under house arrest, probably chained to a soldier). Young Timothy is there to assist (perhaps he lived in the house).

I have known and do currently know inmates and former inmates who have trusted Jesus as Savior. These men and women write inspiring letters from prison. They have had much time to focus long and hard on God‘s word. They often write lofty thoughts and phrases. So Paul writes soaring lofty thoughts. He is inspired by his Old Testament learning, his apostolic calling from God and under the direction of the Holy Spirit,.

I’ve been a soldier in war. I’ve been a minister in jails and prisons. Now, as a long tenured prayer sentry, I am ever more compelled in my “watch” hours to listen to God. I am compelled as a believer to pray, write and witness. Oh how I thank God for the place to which he has brought me in my life with him.

She Failed To Ask

Do you mourn, will you weep for those who refuse to seek God (Isa 22:5-11)? #WillAmericaReturnToGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.22.5,8-11.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh the beautiful valley in which the city of Jerusalem sits; it is now filled with enemy chariots of war (vv6,7). Why? Because the people of God rejected him. Judah trusted in her own self-made plans. She built her war chests against the Assyrian enemy. She ran to her armories. She sought to shore up her breached walls. She stored up her reservoirs for war. She did everything but ask God for his help.

Today, I hear much rhetoric from politicians, educators, corporate, media and activist leaders, yea, even the citizenry. There is much talk of war against their perceived enemies. Like Jerusalem against her Assyrian enemy, America runs for her political arsenals, she seeks to shore up her walls of political advantage. She works furiously to fill her political reservoirs. But defeat on all sides will be as swift and sure as was Jerusalem‘s. Why? History teaches us. Because, like Jerusalem, in all of America’s self made plans, her leaders have abandoned the people (v3). She arrogantly pursues her own interests. She never stops to ask for God’s help. He is the one who sets her back on her heels; and though rejected by her, loves her and would save her. If she would only ask.

All of this presses this old sentry to his knees in prayer and mourning for my beloved country. Oh that she might seek for God’s help.

“Learne To Pray”

Come in prayer to the shelter of the Most High God in the midst of the storms of life (Acts27:29). #ShelteredInTheArmsOfGod #PrayHard https://www.bible.com/116/act.27.29.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

To understand the full force of this one verse, one must read the entire account of the typhoon at sea and the escape of the apostle Paul, the ship’s crew and its passengers from certain destruction (vv13-42). Then, Luke says, “Fearing the ship would be driven against the rocks of some shoreline, they threw out four sea anchors to slow the ship down and prayed for daylight.“ These seasoned sailors feared for their lives. They were terrorized by the tumultuous seas for 14 days and nights.

The Welch poet, George Herbert (1593–1633) wrote, “He that will learne to pray, let him go to Sea.” Here, at sea, one may encounter the ultimate in awe and terror. But thanks be to God, as the Psalmist explains in Psalm 91, “The one who lives in the shelter of the Almighty shall not fear the terror of the night.” Lord, you have delivered this sentry through many a terror in my own storm tossed seas of life. I have seen the glory of the Lord – I will sing of my redeemer God.

OH LORD, HOW I PRAISE YOU!

Defend Your Ground

Stand your post, remember your great God (Neh 4:14). #OnYourGuard #HonorGuard https://www.bible.com/116/neh.4.14.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 14 of 40 Days of Prayer For Family & Friends – Lord, assure my family and friends of your mighty protection and provision.

Nehemiah gives me great advice for uncertain, even hostile times: 1) do not fear the enemy – Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but not the soul; fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell;” 2) remember the Lord your God who is great and glorious; 3) stand and fight for your families and your homes.

Lord, I am standing my post today in prayer, defending in the Spirit, my family and friends from the evil of the day.

A Priestly Blessing

Commit time to heartfelt prayer for your family (Num 6:24-26). #PrayForFamily #PriestlyBlessing https://www.bible.com/116/num.6.24-26.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Day 1 of 40 Prayer For Family – Father, I am standing in the gap for my family. I’m praying for them by name. It is not just a “happy“ life that I pray for them. I pray for their protection from the evil one, from all oppressive spirits that wish to dominate their lives. I pray that their obedience to God‘s word be pleasing unto him.

I pray that God‘s mercy and grace and compassion rain down on each one. I pray that they live in such a way as to bring God’s wholehearted approval. I pray the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension might follow after them. Lord, may this prayer reflect your desire for each one in my family.

I commit further, this prayer, to dear friends and beloved country.

“Watch Out!

Be diligent to express, by word and example, the truths of Scripture (Acts 20:25–31). #HoldTheLine #BeAlert https://www.bible.com/116/act.20.28-32.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul is about to leave the leaders of the church at Ephesus. He will entrust them with the great message of grace. He tells them, “GUARD yourselves…feed and care for the flock – the church. “WATCH OUT!“ Be alert to false teachers and prideful men who seek only a following for themselves. Such people will divide and create disunity in the church.

To “GUARD” and to “WATCH OUT” are a call to arms for the faithful leader in the church and in the family. Standing vigilantly requires him/her to, 1) teach God’s word well, 2) minister in truth and all sincerity, 3) counsel by prayerful insight, sought through tears and deep spiritual connections and 4) sound the alarm when danger approaches. Father, may this sentry effectively share the gospel and express the truth of Scripture by my words and by my example.

The Treasure Of Reverence

Hold God in highest esteem in all your circumstances (Isa 33:1–6). #PutFaithInGod #TreasuredReverence https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.1-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Turning again to the destroyer (presumably Assyria) of Israel, Isaiah pronounces disaster on this enemy of God‘s people. Though this destroyer is used by God to discipline his people they (presumably a holy remnant) offer up prayers acknowledging God as merciful and strong in times of trouble.

As in Job 13:15, this remnant says, “God might kill me but I have no other hope. I will take my case up with him.” The Lord God is our sure foundation. Reverence and respect of God is our greatest treasure in every circumstance. Lord, the ardent sentry has no greater treasure than his/her reverence for you. I shall put my faith in you.

The Indifferent & Deceitful Heart

Worship God in sincere devotion (Isa 29:1,13-16). #WorshipInSpiritAndTruth #DeadReligion https://www.bible.com/116/isa.29.1,13-16.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At the center of the Jewish faith is the temple in Jerusalem and the worship of Jehovah God. At the center of the Christian faith is the temple of the Holy Spirit (my body – 1Co 6:19) and the collective worship of God by believers in union together with Christ (Jhn 4:23,24).

The call has always been to worship God in spirit and in truth. But we see here that rote ritual, rules and observances had supplanted sincere worship of, and devotion to, God. It was indifferent and deceitful. It happens today as well. This brings the holy ire of God on dead lifeless religion. Father, may this sentry worship & serve you with a whole heart, given in spirit and in truth.

Lord, would you bring America to a place of sincere worship and devotion to you. Would you intervene and give her a whole heart for you. Would you sweep our land in renewal, revival and spiritual awakening.

Before The Break Of Dawn

Earnestly seek after God in the night watches (Isa 26:9-12). #AlertToGod #GodInTheNightWatches https://www.bible.com/116/isa.26.9-12.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The lives of men will not be changed by providing a good environment. Although, that may help enormously. But even the most gracious of divine kindnesses, which God may display, are ignored by many. They take no notice of God’s daily mercies. They are taken for granted.

Men seem far more likely to respond better to judgment then to blessing. Judgment brings me face-to-face with my own inadequacies; my need to surrender to God. To this aging sentry this becomes far more evident. So, for me Lord, it is in the morning watches, before the dawn breaks, that I will earnestly seek you. In you I will find peace and accomplishment.

Election Prediction

Let your faith not be shaken by the affairs of men (Isa 25:6,8-11). #ComeLordJesus #JesusIsLord https://www.bible.com/116/isa.25.6,8-11.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The affairs of men will not change God‘s plan.

It is clear that Isaiah‘s view here is apocalyptic and messianic. “In that day,“ is the Day of the Lord. “In that day,” the Lord will rule in richness and abundance. Death will be banished, a thing of the past. Elections? No bearing.

The cause of all tears will be eliminated – hurt, pain, suffering, sickness, persecutions – GONE! God has spoken! The people will shout, “YES! This is the One [Jesus Christ] in whom we have trusted. Finally, every enemy of God will be forever gone. Vanquished. Done. Elections? No bearing.

Lord, my rejoicing and confident heart does not even begin to express my inner excitement at the outcome of your promised return. Elections? No bearing.

Harbinger In The American City

Are your ears open to the cries of the city (Isa 24:4-6)? #GodForTheCity https://www.bible.com/116/isa.24.4-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What keeps you awake at night? Securing your family, your home, your wealth? Your life? In God’s judgment none of these things will be safe.

The crisis of our day is but a harbinger of what is to come. The Scriptures read like a current news story: “There is no new wine – [where are the voices for God’s word?]. Joy is silenced. THE CITY WRITHES IN CHAOS; every HOME IS LOCKED to keep out intruders. MOBS GATHER in the streets, crying out for wine. Joy has turned to gloom. Gladness has been banished from the land. THE CITY IS LEFT IN RUINS, it’s gates battered down” (24:7-12). Sometimes I read Scripture and cannot believe my own eyes. Today we are seeing a picture of what God’s judgment will look like.

This old sentry has stood his watch many a day and night, near 75 times around the sun. From my watchtower I have not seen such chaos inside my own walls, in my own streets and political landscape as seen today. This sentry cries out in the Morning Watches, “Lord, enlarge my heart for the city. Much of my days are past, but my heart breaks for my city. I will do whatever I can.”

“Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. . . Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (Psm 31:21–22,24)

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jer‬ ‭29:7‬)

For the serious reader: Phenomenal article on the heart of God for the heart of the city, written by Cory Seibel, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Worship Pastor at Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church in Fresno, California. https://directionjournal.org/39/1/heart-of-god-in-heart-of-city-missional.html

One Assault, One Angel

Prayerful Preparation Produces Powerful Possibilities (2Ch 32:20–22). #OneAngel #LordOfHeavensArmies #PrayerPreparation https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.32.20-22.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a saying in Texas – “One Riot, One Ranger.” Heaven also has a saying, “One Assault, One Angel.”

The fierce fighting monarch, King Sennacherib of Assyria, showed up in full battle array to assault Jerusalem’s gates. He sent messages taunting King Hezekiah and the citizens of the city (vv10–19). He mocked and derided Jehovah God.

Although smaller in numbers the people of Jerusalem were prayed up, prepared and putting faith in God (vv1-8). Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to the God of heaven. God sent ONE ANGEL and destroyed the whole Assyrian army. Sennacherib went home in disgrace, never to be heard from again – he was killed in the temple of his god, by his own sons. Lord, this one lone sentry has reason to prayerfully expect you to do great things in any given day.

Share The Light Of Christ

Reflect the warmth and the light of Christ in you to others (2Ch 30:1,6,8,9). #LetItShine https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.30.1,6,8-9.nlt

Photo by friend Bob Crocker, New Foundland

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God turns on the light of revival, when he pours out his Spirit on his people, that light within becomes brighter, warmer. There is a supernatural inclination to want to share that light. Just so, we see that good King Hezekiah was compelled to send runners throughout all of Judah, even to the brothers in the northern tribes of Israel. “Come, let’s us once again worship, celebrate renewal and give thanks to the Lord.”

Renewed joy and expectations were at an all-time high. God was speaking into the life of Judah. O, that God would speak new life into our lives today. Lord increase the light, increase the warmth, that America would know revival and awakening. Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32 – NIV)

Lord, may the light within the sentry burn brightly and warmly, drawing others to you.

“Lord, Do It Again“

Trust God for days of revival & awakening ahead (2Ch 30:1,6,9) #Awakening #Revival https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.30.1,6,9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The closest thing that I’ve ever seen to spiritual awakening in my lifetime was the “Jesus Movement” in the 1970s. My heart longs, times without end, to see a movement like that (and better) once again in America. That awakening/revival came out of the tumultuous decade of the 1960s. Who’da thought?

Revival in the era of King Hezekiah of Judah came out of turbulent times under his father, King Ahaz. Under Hezekiah’s leadership the nation of Judah turned back to God. Repentance and renewal led to “times of refreshing from the very presence of the Lord” as described in Acts 3:20. The 20teens have been turbulent times. Could revival/awakening be just around the corner? My prayer in the morning watches is, “Lord, do it again.”

The Greatest Sacrifice Of Men

Seek for genuine repentance, consecration and worship toward God (2Ch 29:35,36). #Repentance #consecration #revival #awakening https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.29.35-36.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sacrifice, to be meaningful to God, must be preceded by sincere repentance and consecration (Psm 51:17; Pro 21:3; 1Sa 15:22). King Hezekiah led the priests, Levites (temple servants) city leaders and people to turn from their sin (repentance). Then he led them to set themselves apart for God‘s purposes (consecration).

Finally, came the offering (sacrifice) to God, to present a token of thanksgiving to God for atonement of sin (today, reconciliation through Christ to God). For Hezekiah (for all of us today) this results in an abundance of sacrifice; much joy, praise and worship. There is no greater sacrifice than that of a humble broken heart toward God and subsequently toward others. Lord, the prayer of this sentry is that men would find themselves right with you and with each other.

Is Revival, Awakening Happening?

Be prepared for God to release you in his service (2Ch 29:3–5,10-12). #Revival #SpiritualAwakening https:www.bible.com116/2ch.29.3-5,10-12.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I may not know all the ways of God in the onset of revival or spiritual awakening, but I can see clues from God’s word. God used King Hezekiah in Judah to implement a fresh wind of revival. Through Hezekiah God released the Levites (his godly servants) to purify themselves and the temple. Then to perform the ministry they had previously been denied.

Today there seems to be a growing alertness in the people of God. There is a man in leadership who, though not perfect, is a friend toward God. Hostility towards him, the increase of darkness and violence in our society, may be a clue that God is moving in our midst.

Lord, intensify this sentry’s alertness and prayer for those who minister before you daily, who lead in the cleansing of our national sins.

Lord, “Make Good Trouble” In America

U.S. Representative John R. Lewis (1940-2020) was a civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. He was of the habit of telling folks, “Make Good Trouble.” The purpose of making good trouble was to bring about positive change. It is clear to me that God makes good trouble himself. The reason God makes good trouble is to bring about change in the human soul. I pray that God would “Make Good Trouble” in the soul of Americans today.

“Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown [us] great and severe troubles,shall revive [us] again, and bring [us] up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase [our] greatness, and comfort [us] on every side.” – Psalm 71:19-21

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of church members and pastors

Would you trouble the hearts of our leaders

Would you trouble the heart of our President toward God

Would you trouble the hearts of Congressmen and women

Would you trouble hearts of the Presidential Cabinet members

Would you trouble the hearts of our Supreme Court justices

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of our Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Would you trouble the hearts of our state legislators and it’s courts

“O Lord, do not rebuke [us] in Your anger, Nor chasten [us] in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on [us], O Lord, for [we are] weak; O Lord, heal [us], for our bones are troubled. [Our] soul also is greatly troubled; [How long], O Lord —[until you restore [us]?” – Psalm 6:1-3

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of our County Sheriff and deputy staff

Would you trouble the hearts of our County Commissioners

Would you trouble the hearts of our city’s Mayor and Council

Would you trouble the hearts of our School Board members and Superintendent

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of my neighbors

Would you trouble the hearts in MY HOME

“They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” – Psalm 107:4-6,8-9

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, may my heart be troubled for the soul of America

May my heart also be troubled toward you

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord I pray this great country might find her way back to you again.

I pray that she would open up her heart again to you.

May she once again know the goodness and mercies of a loving God.

May she enjoy once again your protections, your resources and your wisdom.

Lord, would you turn her heart back to the God who brought her here.

I ask Lord Jesus that you would put down the rebellion of her soul toward the God of our fathers.

“Turn Yourself to [us], and have mercy on [us O Lord], for [we are] desolate and afflicted. The troubles of [our] hearts have enlarged; Bring [us]out of [our] distresses! Look on [our] affliction and [our] pain, and forgive all [our] sins.” – Psalm 25:16-18

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

MAY WE, ONE BY ONE, CRY OUT TOWARD YOU;

MAY WE KNOW YOUR DELIVERANCE;

MAY WE OFFER THANKS TO YOU;

SATISFY THE LONGING OF

OF OUR SOUL; AND

FILL US UP WITH

GOODNESS

Sentry Alert: Read, Pray, Act

A Post By Friend, Duncan Brannon 9/5/2020

Summary Point: Read the Scripture. Learn the platforms. Watch the policies. [Pray for wisdom]. Vote there. As Christ-followers we will never find ourselves on the wrong side of Scripture, which is where we will all be judged.

[Democrat v. Republican Platforms & Policies] As a Christian, I don’t vote for people or parties. I vote for platforms and policies most closely aligning with the teaching of Scripture.

The party platform tells me what a person believes in relation to the Scripture. The policy is the execution (or not) of that platform, telling me what that person ultimately believes in relation to the Scripture.

If a person says [he/she] supports a platform but doesn’t execute it in policy, I stop voting for that person. People lie. Parties lie. Platforms can lie. But policy always tells you the truth.

Read the Scripture. Learn the platforms. Watch the policies. [Pray for wisdom]. Vote there. As Christ-followers we will never find ourselves on the wrong side of Scripture, which is where we will all be judged.

2020 Republican Platform [Resolved to maintain 2016 Platform]
https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/media/documents/RESOLUTION_REGARDING_THE_REPUBLICAN_PARTY_PLATFORM.pdf?_ga=2.109560193.504857691.1598219603-2087748323.1598219603

2020 Democrat Platform
https://www.demconvention.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-07-31-Democratic-Party-Platform-For-Distribution.pdf