How God Grieves Over Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t delay to humbly repent and surrender fully to God (Ezk 11:22-24). #GodsGrief #TurnNowToGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest days in Israel’s history. The Glory of God, his presence, left the Temple, then the city of Jerusalem.

But the Glory of God stopped above the Mount of Olives and hovered there. Presumably it then ascended into heaven.

I wonder if, in that hovering, God stopped to look one more time at Jerusalem, grieved and weeping over Israel’s sin and rejection.

Jesus, The the Radiance of God’s Glory Weeps over Jerusalem

I wonder if Jesus (as God, the radiance of God’s glory) remembered that moment in the Old Testament when he saw the sin and rejection of Israel happening all over again [Jesus wept and spoke words of deep grief – Luk 19:41-44].

Jerusalem would continue to be devoid of God‘s blessing until his Glory returns for the final time in the millennium (Ezk 43:1–7; Acts 1:11–12). Ezekiel‘s vision ends here. He was then moved by the Spirit of God to go and share with the Jewish exiles in Babylon all that he had seen and heard.

Lord, my delay to repent of sin, cuts deeply into the heart of God. May my words be few and may they speak surrender.

Forever Glorious

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you see the glory, faithfulness, purity and eternal righteousness of God (Ezk 11:22,23). #ForeverGlorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am skipping ahead to the movement of God‘s glory from the east gate to the mountain on the east side of Jerusalem (that would be the Mount of Olives). From there, the glory of God would ascend into heaven and not return to the Temple.

Centuries later, Christ, the radiance of God‘s glory (Heb 1:1-3) would return in fulfillment of many prophecies concerning his birth, death and resurrection. Much of the later ministry of Christ centered in and around the place of God’s departure from Israel, the Mount of Olives in Ezekiel’s vision.*

Lord, may I not get bogged down in the daily struggle through the imagery of the prophets, time lines and prophetic utterances. May my reading, study and meditation on the your word lead me to see the glory of God, the faithfulness of God, purity of God, the patience of God with man and God‘s ultimate judgment of sin and God’s deliverance of his righteous ones into the eternal glorious homeland of Heaven.

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* Hailed as King of the Jews, Christ would make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by an east gate (by that time Jerusalem and the Temple of Ezekiel’s day would have been destroyed and rebuilt).

One week later Christ would be crucified and resurrected from the dead. 40 days after that Christ would ascend from the Mount of Olives back into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). He would fill all believes with his glory (Col 1:27). He will one day return again descending in this same place (Zec 14:1-4; Acts 1:10,11). He will return as the reigning king over his new eternal Kingdom (Rev 11:25).

God Exalted In Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Hope That Overcomes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise for our overwhelming hope in Christ (1Jhn 5:4,5). #ChristIsTheVictory #JesusOvercomesTheWorld

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every child of God, no exceptions, defeats the evil in this world. Victory is achieved through our faith in the Son of God – Jesus. That is to say, as long as there are committed believers, followers of Christ in this world, there will be hope.

Hope that men can be loving towards each other;

Hope that nations can/will repent and come to Christ;

Hope that even one child of God can make a vast difference;

Hope that gives assurance of ultimate eternal victory over the evil of this world.

Lord, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

Love’s Outcome

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender daily to a love relationship with Christ (1Jn 4:16,17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We know how much God loves us. He offered up his only Son on a cross to take all the punishment we deserved for our crimes, our sin (vv9,10; Jhn 3:16). We put all our trust in that sacrificial event of love. We are in him by that love and he is in us by his Holy Spirit (v13).

As we continue abiding in that love it grows into greater maturity. The result, the outcome is that we will have nothing to fear on the day of judgment. We will be able to face our Lord with confidence because we have genuinely sought to live like Christ in and before a watching world.

Lord, this old sentry continues daily pressing into this love and relationship with you.

Love’s Motivation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely on the Spirit of God for meaningful day-to-day relationships (1Jn 4:13-15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

… And just what exactly is it that motivates Christians to live out this “love,” that is so willing to sacrifice self for others? It is the Holy Spirit of God that lives inside of those who have trusted Christ as Savior. This Spirit, given us at salvation (Eph 1:13), provides the unction and motivation that moves us to love God and love others (Gal 5:22–25).

Loving others in sacrificial ways is the evidence, the proof of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers; that motivation for believers. Lord, my obedience to do anything you ask of me is totally dependent upon the motivation of your Spirit within me.

God Revealed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May the world see God in us by our love (1Jn 4:9-12). #GodIsLove #ShowGod’sLove #God’sLoveOnDisplay

“No one has ever seen God. But his love is made known in believers” (1Jn‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is John’s companion verse to John 3:16. God so loved us. he sent his only son into our world, that we might have eternal life through him. He (Jesus) sacrificed his life, bearing our punishment for sin’s absolution (1Jn3:16). God gave us the model for how we ought to love each other (sacrifice).

This is profound: “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is brought to full expression in us.“ People see the living compassionate God in our love for each other. Lord, may this old sentry truly manifest, give expression to, the reality of the living God.

Guilty Of Being A Christian

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our lives, give evidence of our faith in Christ (1Jn 3:23,24). #EvidenceThatDemadsAVerdict #ChristianGuiltyAsCharged

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the proof of our faith?

1) That we genuinely believe in the name of God‘s son, Jesus Christ. To believe in the name is to take the name as our standard, our banner (vv2,3).

2) That we will have a genuine love for our brothers and sisters in Christ (vv11,14).

3) That the Spirit bears witness to our faith (v24; 1Co 12:3).

We will pattern our lives after Christ, love our brothers and sisters in Christ and allow the Spirit to control our lives. Lord, may my life be ample evidence to convict me of being a Christian.

Announcing The Good News

TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BEST NEWS IN ALL OF HISTORY!

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭

Love As Christ Loved Us

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As believers, we are not without an example of unconditional love. This word love in the Greek is agápē. It is a self sacrificing love. It is conditioned solely on the one loving, not on how good or bad the recipient of that love may be.

This love will always give out of its own resources, no matter how small or great. that is how Jesus loved. That is how we are love. We love others as Christ loved us. That is often hard work. It takes a surrender and reliance on God’s Holy Spirit. Lord, may I love with the heart of Christ.

Hold Fast

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain faithful to the truth of the gospel (1Jn 2:24,25). #HoldFastToTruth #RemainFaithfulToTruth #GospelTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John’s exhortation, in light of the spirit of antichrist that has gone out into the world, is to, “remain faithful“. That is, hold fast, continue and persist in trusting the truth of God. The truth has come in Christ. If you persist in following Christ you will also persist in fellowship with him and the father.

This fellowship is an eternal bond. Christ’s life is in you and this life eternal shall be yours as promised (John 3:16; 5:24; 1Jn 5:11,12). Lord, I hold fast to my confession: Jesus is the Son of God, he died for my sin, his resurrection secures my eternal life, and he will return again to inaugurate his eternal kingdom.

TRUE LIGHT

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Faithfully embrace the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:5). #LightOfTheGospel #JesusIsTheLight

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John quickly goes to the heart of the gospel. “God is light, in him is no darkness.“ (See Jhn 1:4-9). One of the first acts of creation by God was to create light and dispel the darkness. (Gen 1:2,3). Light reveals and enables us to see the difference between good and evil. Light will always overcome the darkness.

Having a relationship with Christ is derived by coming out of the darkness of sin and embracing Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Lord, I give thanks for the light of the gospel; may I follow it faithfully.

Reliable Witness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Trust the reliability of God‘s word (1Jn 1:1–4). #RealWitness #ReliableWitness #Truth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Apostle John begins this epistle in a similar way as he begins his gospel account in the Gospel of John. John is testifying to the truth and veracity of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. He is speaking to believers who had never seen nor heard Jesus. But John knew him personally.

It had been a full generation since the final events of Christ’s life on earth. John begins by making the case that he (along with others) had walked with Jesus, seen him, touched him, heard him speak and talked with him. His witness is reliable.

Lord, I may trust the reliable eye witness of those who knew Jesus firsthand and wrote about it.

Prophecy: Then, Yet Far Away

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Eagerly anticipate the second coming of Christ (Jer 50:1–10). #Maranatha #ComeLordJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is no hidden prophecy. “Tell the whole world, hold nothing back – Babylon (a symbol of evil through time] will fall.” Seventy years later (539 BC), she was conquered by King Cyrus of the Medo-Persian Empire. It is further announced that God‘s people in captivity (exile) to Babylon would be set free. Having been led astray by their shepherds, they would now find their way home to the sheepfold of God’s making.

While much of this came true after 539 BC, some things are yet to be fulfilled. Babylon as a place and as a symbol of evil, was not totally destroyed by King Cyrus. Also, the total surrender of God’s people to God and return to Jerusalem was only partially fulfilled. So there is a blending of the soon to come then and the yet far away events. God’s calendar is still in play today. *

Lord, may our days today see the total fulfillment of all these events –“Maranatha!”…Oh, Lord, come! (Rev 22:20; Phi 3:20; Tit 2:13; et al.).

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* Walvoord & Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament. Victor Books, 1985), 1199.

Eternal Plan

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain faithful to Jesus, the eternal King (Jer 36:30). #RemainFaithful #BelieveInJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The notes on this verse (Life Application Study Bible) point out that wicked King Jehoiakim ended the mortal human beings who were descended directly from David. Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim’s son, sat for 90 days on the throne and then his uncle Zedekiah became king (not a descendent of David).

But less than 600 years later, the eternal King and Messiah, Jesus, came as a direct descendent of David. He came to save his people from their sins (Mat 1:21). Even the entire world might be saved through him; become children of God (Jhn 1:11-13) In the midst of tragedy and disobedience God never loses sight of his eternal plan.

May this old sentry remain faithful to Jesus, the living King and my lord.

A Bride, A Heavenly Prince

I had been reading from Psalms to precious bride, Dianne, nearly every day during her decline in health. On the day that she passed into the arms of her heavenly Prince I was reading Psalm 45 to her.

The verses that really jumped out at me as I read were verses 10-15 (especially 13-15):

In context I believe the writer is likely speaking of Israel; but the church as well may be in view.

Psalm 45:10-15 (NLT)

10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.

[Nothing in this world compares to what you shall see] *

honor him, for he is your lord.

12 The princess of Tyre will shower you with gifts.

The wealthy will beg your favor.

11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty;

*Oh, how she is lavishly received by the King*

13 The bride, a princess, looks glorious

in her golden gown.

14 In her beautiful robes, she is led to the [Prince of Peace],

accompanied by her bridesmaids.

15 What a joyful and enthusiastic procession

as they enter the king’s palace!

Oh, how she is lavishly received by the king. How he delights in her beauty. The bride, glorious in her golden gown, is led to the king. There is a joyful procession as she enters in.

I could not have known at the moment I read those verses that this would be Dianne’s day of exaltation. As I read it, I wept. For I had visions of my beloved being escorted into the King’s glorious palace so bright, just as the church collectively, Christ’s beautiful bride, will certainly arrive one day. It absolutely took my breathe away.

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* My interpretation of “Forget your people and your family far away.” It is as Jesus said in Matthew 19:29, “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.”

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.

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.

Unashamed Follower

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Follow Christ whatever the cost (Heb 13:11-13). #TakeUpYourCross #Unashamed #FollowJesusNoMatterTheCost

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Rounding off the writer’s point of the supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice, he explains that in the old tabernacle system, an animal was sacrificed for sin “outside the camp” (in the wilderness). It was a place considered “unholy.“ The blood of the sacrifice was then brought into the “holy place“ [inside the camp] for atonement.

So also Christ was sacrificed [slain] “outside the gates“ [of Jerusalem]. He made what was unholy, Holy. His blood was poured out to make his people Holy. He made atonement for the sins of his people at Calvary. It follows that God’s people ought to declare their allegiance to Christ above all others; not be ashamed to bear the disgrace he bore. We leave the old familiar ways, traditions and rituals “inside the camp.” We unashamedly follow Christ.

Lord, may this old sentry continue to follow Christ, whatever the cost.

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).

Holiness Attained

PRAYING FOR FAMILY FRIENDS AND NATION:

May you grasp the depth of God’s mercy, love and grace (Heb 12:18–24). #GodsLoveAndMercy #TheOpenDoorToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a world of difference between the flaming holiness and terrifying righteousness of the God of Israel (represented here by Mount Sinai – vv18–21) and the gracious merciful hand of the same God who reaches out in love to save (represented here by Mount Zion – vv22-24). The contrast is clear. God is Holy and Righteous. Yet, in his love and mercy, he cleared the way for ALL to come to him.

All men may come to God, not in fear and trembling, but in confidence and joy, knowing that Jesus (represented in all the symbolism of the temple) has cleared the way. The Holiness demanded in salvation is attainable through Christ Jesus and his shed blood on the cross. Lord, my heart and spirit cry out to grasp the depths of such mercy and grace.

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.

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.

None Beyond Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have faith that God will forgive your sin and adopt you into his family (Heb 11:31). #Grace #WhosoeverWillMayCome #PutTrustInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this woman, Rehab, the harlot who warrants a place on a list of “Who’s Who“ in a Jewish history of great men of faith? She is not even a Jew, but a pagan Canaanite. What’s the point? The point is that “Faith“ belongs to anyone who will put their trust in Jehovah God. The Scriptures say, no one is beyond redemption (Rom 10:10-13).

Rahab, hid two Israelite spies who were spying out Jericho for Joshua. She prophesied Israel’s victory over Jericho (Jos 2:4-10ff). She enabled the spies to escape. She then sought refuge among God’s people (see Joshua Ch 2). A premier proselyte, she became the ancestress to many Hebrew kings and prophets; ultimately to Jesus the Messiah (Mat 1:1-6ff). Lord, thank you for accepting this old derelict sinner into the family of God.

Unwavering faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Stand faithful to Christ no matter the cost (Heb 10:32-35). #StandingForChrist #ThePersecutedChurch

Persecution: I could not publish pictures of actual persecution; ridicule is a beginning

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We who live in the western world know little of persecution. Many in the early church were put to death in public coliseums, lost all their worldly possessions and were put in jail/prisons. [There are those today who suffer such indignity] The writer of Hebrews calls these early Christians to remember the days of their persecution and stay engaged in their faith. There is a far greater reward awaiting those who persevere (Heb 12:1-3).

The church has always fared much worse under prosperity than under persecution. Due to changes in our culture today, the American and free world church is coming under increasing attack. Will she stand? The question for us is, will we stand with brothers and sisters in Christ against the growing tide of persecution? Lord, may I have the courage to stand up to any persecution.

“No!” To Defection

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Do not fail to heed the call of Christ to repent and return to him (Heb 10:26–31). #NoDefection #ChooseChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

James T Draper observes here that the Greek word for “knowledge“ is one that certainly means the author is talking to believers.* But they were in danger of defecting back to Judaism. The judgment referred to here is the Judgment Seat of Christ (2Co 5:10). The believer’s life work shall be tested by fire as valid or not. One may be saved, yet every work judged as worthless.

Worse yet, having defected one may have committed a sin unto death (1Jn 5:16,17). The result is that every opportunity to live for and serve God will have been lost; by death or other default life consequences. On December 28, 1968, I faced a choice to either stop my defection from faith or suffer the worst consequence – lose my life in war. I chose life in Christ. I never looked back. Lord, I come with gratitude in my heart for your long-suffering with me.

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* Draper Jr, James T. HEBREWS, The life that pleases God. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1976), Pg. 276-282

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See also on this blog: Window of Opportunity – https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Total Access

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Trust the magnificent work of Christ for access to God (Heb 10:21,22). #TotalAccess #NoBarriers #PardonFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, our High Priest, is not the “rule keeper“. He is the one who “rules over the house of God.“ He is the one who has introduced grace and mercy into the house of God. This is the basis of man’s ability to enter into God‘s presence.

Christ offers cleansing from sin, clearing the way for a pure heart to come before God. Further, men may come with their consciences cleared of guilt by Christ’s very own blood sacrifice. Men may be, once and for all, pardoned from all sin and made fit to enter into a relationship with God.

Lord, you have removed every barrier to my eternal access to holiness.

Open Door To God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Enter into an intimate personal walk and relationship with God (Heb 10:19,20). #OpenDoorToGod #EnterIntoGod’sPresence

Christ’s body torn, opens the way for us

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The author of Hebrews is rounding the last turn and is making a sprint for the finish line in his long discussion of Christ, the superior sacrifice for sin (Chs 8–10). All that has been said in these chapters find their conclusion in these last few verses (vv19–39). “And so, dear brothers and sisters…“

Jesus has, by his own blood sacrifice cleared the way, opened the door, pioneered the trail for us, into the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God. Having done so, he turns and beckons us to follow him into that Most Holy Place. Follow him into that personal relationship with God. The invitation is to every man and woman, to enter into that intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; into fellowship with God.

O Lord, it is personal for me. I am all in. I feel the warm embrace of that most Holy relationship.

Redemption’s Result

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Be assured your redemption is secure; Satan is defeated (Heb 10:12-14). #SatanIsDefeated #ChristIsVictorious #BelieversVictorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The one (and final) sacrifice for the cleansing of all sin, “perfects“ the believer’s position before God forever. The work of Christ at the cross is finished and for the believer, has the continuing result of cleansing from all sin, to this day and beyond.

All the enemies of Christ will one day become his footstool. The supreme enemy, Satan, will one day be forever vanquished and no longer rule on earth. Christ will stomp the Devil’s head and he will be forever defeated (Gen 3:14,15). This gives every believer the assurance of victory in their own lives (Rom 16:20). Lord, I look to Christ’s victory as my victory.