Partners In Ministry (Pt1)

(3Jn 1:5-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Joyfully & faithfully support full-time Gospel ministries (3Jn 1:5-8). #PartnersInMinistry #TravelingMinistry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The focus shifts from Gaius to various “traveling teachers“ (NLT) (“brothers“-ESV) or sisters in Christ. These were brethren (men and/or women) who had surrendered to some form of the gospel ministry. They were willing to go wherever God would lead them. They were not in it for the money, but for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.

John says that we, the church, do well to support such committed ministers of the Gospel of Christ. In doing this, we become partners with them in spreading the Gospel of truth in Christ. Lord, may I be always willing to support those who genuinely serve for the sake of Christ.

Giving Honor

(3Jn 1:3,4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor & support those in Christ who are serving him (3Jn 1:3,4). #ShowHonor #HonorThoseServingChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John recognizes Gaius for his exceptional walk of faith, living according to the truth. Traveling ministers (“teachers” – NLT) had borne a witness to the exceptional ministry of Gaius to them. Gaius welcomed all those walking in the truth, even though strangers to him (v5).

John is exceedingly joyful to know that those “children of his“, those led to faith in Christ by him, are living out the gospel daily. Lord, may it be said of me that I did my best to honor those who work serving Christ.

Fitness of Soul

(3Jn 1:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Nurture your soul and so prosper in faith and life (3Jn 1:1-3). #SoulFitLifeFit #FaithFitLifeFit

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John writes this short epistle to his beloved friend Gaius. He is commended for living his life according to the truth. John wishes Gaius to be well and to prosper. But not at the expense of his soul.

The soul is placed in the primary position; that as the soul (immaterial part of man) prospers, so may the man (NLT gets it right). This is not about material prosperity. It’s about abounding in fruitfulness; maturing in a walk of faith. It is not a case for “prosperity gospel.”

Lord, may my walk in the truth of God yield a most prosperous walk of life, according to your will and way.

“DEEP WATER FRIENDS”*

(2Jn 1:12,13)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek ways to encourage “deep water, friends“ (2Jn 1:12,13). #DeepWaterFriends #EcourageOneAnother

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a gracious complementary closing to a very friendly letter. Of course, there is the admonition to be cautious of false teachers that were wandering about. But this epistle is as encouraging as it is anything else.

John also sends a greeting from the children (nieces/nephews) of our “elect lady’s” sister. Some consider this to be a greeting from another church and its members. I take it in the more personal way, considering the letter as a whole. [It’s encouraging either way]

Notes and letters to friends in the faith are powerful medicine. Lord, I want all my “deep water friends“ to know how deeply I appreciate them.

_________

* “Deep water friends” is a term I learned from my daughter-in-law. In a recent conversation we were talking about close friendships that go deep in shared experiences; those who hang with you in the hard times. Thanks Staci.

Dismiss Deniers & Deceivers

(2Jn 1:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be always alert to and faithful to the truth (2Jn 1:9-11). #KnowTheTruth #BeFaithfulToTheTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

False teachers, professed deniers and deceivers, those who do not teach the truth about Christ, have no relationship with Christ. But those who remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, they know the father and the son.

Dismiss those deniers and deceivers. Don’t even invite them into your meetings or encourage them in any way. To do so is to establish them further and to take part in their evil work. Any such purveyor of false teaching is a danger to the body of Christ.

Lord, may I always be alert to truth and faithful to the truth.

Knowing & Doing

(2Jn 1:8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be discerning of beliefs; be diligent to act on those beliefs (2Jn 1:8). #KnowYourFaith #ActOnYourFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John is calling for careful self-examination and diligence to the truths of Scripture. Self-examination refers to the honest assessment and appraisal of what one believes and how it is applied to life. To ignore this is to lose what one has learned.

Diligence applies not only to one’s words, but to one’s deeds. That is, to work out in godly actions what God has worked into one’s life. All of this will assure the certainty of the believer’s rewards (note 1Co 3:12-14).

These things enable the believer to avoid falling into error and heresy. Lord, may I honestly assess what I am hearing and believing and boldly carry out the commands of Scripture.

“Shields Up!”

(2Jn 1:7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Know God’s truth; live it out daily (2Jn 1:7). #KnowGod’sTruth #LiveTheTruth #DeflectDeception

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“I say this because…“ points back to verses 4 & 5. Walking in the truth of Scripture and carrying out God‘s commands (out of our love for Christ) is a safeguard against error or heresy in our faith.

[There are plenty of imposters who corrupt God‘s word: 1Ti 4:1 calls them “deceptive spirits”; 1Jn 2:18,19 calls them “antichrist”]

The implication is that Christians who are in tune with the truth of God‘s word and carry out God‘s commands are far less likely to drift from the faith. Father, may I be steeped in your truth and out of love, obey your commands daily.

Love Out Loud

(2Jn 1:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Show Christ’s love towards others (2Jn 1:5,6). #LoveOutLoud #ServingOthers #DeedsMoreThanWords #PutOthersFirst

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John returns to a recurring theme in his writings. Believers should be the best at expressing love towards others (Jhn 3:16; 13:34; 1Jn 2:7; 3:18). We could use a lot of that in these days of political unrest and violence. Believers ought to “Love Out Loud,” shining this love light on prejudice, discrimination, and harsh judgment.

Love will listen, accept others (not the sin but the people). Believers ought to give and serve sacrificially. The “chosen lady“ in verses one through four give us a picture of that. [In fact, that’s how I remember my sweet bride of 53 years] I aspire to that. Lord, may your kind of agapé (Gk) love shine out loud in me.

__________

Check this post out:

No One Excluded

Living to Leave a Legacy

(2Jn 1:4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you live to leave a living testimony, (2Jn 1:4). #Legacy #LiveToLeaveALegacy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John makes one further note of the fidelity of this “distinguished lady.“ He mentioned his joy at having met some of her children. They are likely now adults. John says they are living their lives according to the truths of God and following the commands of the Father.

Are these her biological children or spiritual children? likely they are her own children. Either way, this beautiful matriarch of the faith has invested her life in the next generation. She has left the mark of Christ on those coming behind her.

Lord, may I be so fortunate and intentional as to leave such a legacy.

Grace, Mercy & Peace

(2Jn 1:3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Express the grace, mercy, and peace of Christ to others (2Jn 1:3). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three attributes are mentioned that should be distinctly Christian: “grace, mercy, and peace.“ These are characteristics of God our Father and his Son, Jesus. These characteristics were seen in the “chosen lady“ (Kyria) and her children.

These attributes should be seen in all those who follow Christ. It begs the question, “Does my life express God‘s grace (acceptance), mercy (compassion) and peace (contentment)? Lord, may my influence in life be full of the grace, mercy and peace of God.

The Reflection

(2Jn 1:1,2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be a reflection of God’s love to others (2Jn 1:1,2). #GodsLove #ReflectChristsLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Included in this greeting from John to the “chosen lady“ or “Kyria“, are her children (no mention of a husband – she was likely a widow). John expresses a genuine love towards them (gk:“agape“; that love that emanates from the love of Christ ). This love points also to the truth of knowing Christ.

John points to the fact that all who knew this family loved them as well, in Christ. He speaks also of truth as an eternal truth and it is alive in them as believers. This same truth is alive in all believers. Even today our lives should be an expression of that love to the world. Lord, may I reflect the true light and love of God in Christ to others.

Respect is Earned

(2Jn 1:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we show respect for those who make sacrifices to lead (2Jn 1:1). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This brief letter (more like a note card) is written to “the chosen lady“ (NLT). The Greek here is “eklekte kyria.“ Most translators call her “elect“ or “chosen lady.“ But “kyria“ (transliteration) may also have been a common name. Either way John highly respects this woman (that we shall soon see).

This distinguished woman “Kyria” was certainly a well known figure in the local church. Perhaps even hosting the church in her home (v10). One feels like they know her at the outset. I have known many such women in the churches I’ve attended or served. Lord, may I always show respect to whom and where it is due.

Taking Full Credit

(Jer 31:29,30)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take full responsibility for your sin; repent (Jer 31:29-30) #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I cannot pass off God‘s righteous judgment as unjust; that someone else’s sin is somehow to blame for my foolish disregard for God. God had brought judgment against Judah. She was paying the price for her sin, not the sin of her ancestors.

Sin does have the far reaching consequences. But I am never the target of righteous judgment because of someone else’s sin. I am responsible for my thoughts, my words and my actions before God. Lord, may I not ignore your righteous judgment in my life.

“The Lady Doth Protest!”

(Jer 30:15)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we have the courage to admit our sin and change (Jer 30:15). #ComeCleanWithGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The lady doth protest too much!” This famous line Is from the Shakespearean play Hamlet is spoken by a nefarious queen. The meaning of the line revolves around the idea that someone who denies something vehemently, most certainly must be hiding the truth.

For Judah’s protest, it means that she too is hiding the truth. But God knows very well the truth. And so God’s discipline is exact for her crimes.

She should have been asking [I should be asking], “How can I profit from my mistakes?“ I Come clean with the truth, honor God, repent and change.

Lord, may I have the courage to admit my sin and change my way.

The Aide, Our Aid

(Jer 30:12-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek God‘s aid for spiritual healing, (Jer 30:12-17). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy #God’sCorrection #HolyDiscipline #SpiritualAid

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Israel (Judah) would be deeply wounded with no apparent aid or healing in sight. This is the result of her great sin and rebellion against God. Neither would any ally come to her aide. But in due time, God would aide Israel; devour and strike all of her enemies, sending them Into exile.

Israel‘s demise would be reversed and her wounded condition, which seemed hopeless, would be given treatment, aid and healing.

Though God himself inflicts wounds of discipline, He will also be the source of healing and restoration. Lord, thank you for your long-suffering with this old sentry.

High Cost of Rebellion

(Jer 34:1-6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk always in deep surrender to God (eg. Jer 34:1-6).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While Ezekiel, in Babylon, is speaking oracles of judgment over Jerusalem and the nations surrounding her, Jeremiah is speaking words of judgment over king Zedekiah in Jerusalem. It is not a happy ending for this rebellious king.

At the time these words were being spoken, Babylon was laying siege to Jerusalem. She would be utterly destroyed. Zedekiah would be removed and exiled to Babylon. There he would die. He refused to repent and turn back to God. He faced absolute certain demise. The price of arrogance and rebellion against God is so very high.

Lord, may my life be characterized by deep and heartfelt surrender to you.

May I Speak Freely?

(Ezk 24:25-27)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God be glorified in your limitations (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:25-27). #God’sStrengthForMyWeakness #GodBeGlorified

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prophetic segment ends on an historic note. When the attack on Jerusalem had been carried out, Ezekiel would be notified. At that point, he would be allowed to speak freely again. Ezekiel had been struck dumb for some seven years, speaking only messages from God.* Imagine how isolated he felt. But this too was a sign of God‘s judgment and mighty works.

There are times when God may temporarily (or permanently) set limitations in our lives. He does it for his glory, purposes and effects (Apostle Paul experienced something similar 2Co 12:17). It is by grace alone that the man or woman of God comes to rely totally on him to overcome.

Lord, grant me the grace to live overcoming weakness in your strength alone.

_________

* History records that Ezekiel was unable to speak, except when his tongue was loose by God to deliver God‘s message to the people (note 3:26,27 – the beginning of his prophetic ministry; approx. 593 BC). Ezekiel would be allowed to speak freely again when a fugitive survivor from Jerusalem reported its final destruction to Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon (note 33:21,22 – approx. 586 BC).

Obedience Over Feelings

(Ezk 24:15,16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Choose obedience over feelings (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15-21). #ObedienceOverFeelings #HardChoices #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has paid a high price to be God‘s spokesman. He has been obedient. Now he is asked by God to prophesy his own wife’s death to the people (they must have been aghast). He does so in the morning and by evening, his wife had died.

What’s the point? It symbolized the sudden destruction of Jerusalem, and all its people. Just as Ezekiel had lost the delight of his life, so the exiles would lose their delight, Jerusalem, and all their loved ones in that city. Lord, may I be obedient when asked to do hard things.

Accepting The Insufferable

(Ezk 24:15,16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Will you surrender to God your dearest treasure (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15,16)?#Repent #TurnNowToGod #Time’sUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What would I do if God asked me to do the insufferable? What if he asked me to give up the thing that was my dearest, most treasured possession? Have I truly died to self? Would I willingly do that? Is there any “line in the sand“, “bridge too far”, beyond which I will not go?

Would Abraham sacrifice his son, Hosea marry a prostitute, God, the father, sacrifice his son, Jesus? Would Christians die by the thousands under Nero of Rome? Would Ezekiel give up his wife in a sudden death; all of these things, for God to make a point? My tradition holds many who have considered the suffering of the “cross” of greater value than life itself (Heb11:35-38).

Lord, may all my deepest questions this morning find their meaning in you; in your mercy and grace.

The Party’s Over

(Ezk 24:3-6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Avoid defiance, open rebellion, against God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:3-6). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

An iron cooking pot comes into view for the second time (note Ezekiel 11:2-12). Those still in Jerusalem after Babylon‘s first exile of God‘s people considered themselves the spiritual elite. They thought of themselves as “meat in an iron pot” (Jerusalem), safe and untouchable.

But here, the “SAFE“ city of Jerusalem (iron pot) will no longer be a refuge. A raging fire will be set under her and destroy these “elite“ rebels within her. Everyone in Jerusalem was corrupt. This spelled apocalyptic doom in God‘s closing judgment.

Lord, in your mercy and wisdom, you will not allow this old warrior to continue in any unrepentant sin.*

_________

* “First John 5:16 puts forward the biblical concept of a sin leading to death. This is seen in Acts 5:1–10 and 1Co 11:30). The “sin unto death” is willful, continuous, unrepentant sin.

There comes a point when God can no longer allow a believer to continue in unrepentant sin. He may decide to take the life of the stubbornly sinful believer. The “death” is physical death not a spiritual one.

[My interpretation of this is that God would rather have the rebellious believer in heaven in his/her worst condition than to allow that one to go on bringing disrepute on the kingdom of God]

Further reading on this topic: https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-unto-death.html

Twisted Sisters (Pt3)

(Ezk 23:36-44)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Cultivate a heart that is wholly devoted to God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:36-44). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #FalseWorship #PrayForAmerica #Idols #Idolatry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These words of Ezekiel could not have been more shameless regarding the twin cities, the capital cities of Samaria in Israel and Jerusalem in Judah. A parable of twisted sisters: they committed spiritual adultery and murder.

They worshiped pagan idols and reveled in these practices. They sacrificed beautiful innocent children in the fires of Baal. Then they went to to the temple to “worship“ Jehovah God. This was detestable and a defilement before God.

I can’t help but think of we who live ungodly lives all week long, then come to church to “worship” on Sunday. Such life styles offend God. OMG, my heart is deeply disturbed reading this passage at my own propensity towards spiritual drift.

Lord, give me a heart that is wholly devoted to you.

Are You Tear Resistant?

(Ezk 23:35)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Resist anything that sets God aside and captures your heart’s devotion, (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:35). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #FalseWorship #PrayForAmerica #Idols #Idolatry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel 23:22–34 predicts the third and final wave of destruction of Jerusalem. Judah will cease to exist as a nation (586 BC). Verse 35 explains again the reason for Jerusalem‘s judgment. She had put God behind her in favor of foreign pagan idols.*

Bringing this home to me, it reveals my propensity towards other gods: money, possessions, self-achievement, entertainment, sex, technology, power, food, idolized relationships, comfort, political ideology; just to name a few.

Lord, may I be resist things that tear me away from you, capturing my heart’s trust, love and devotion.

__________

* Deuteronomy chapters 13 & 28:49-68 had warned God’s people against this centuries earlier .

God, Jealous?

(Ezk 23:25)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts burn hot & unapologetically against sin (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:25). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #SpeakTheTruth #StandAgainstSin #PrayForAmerica

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel 23:22-34 is a repetition of God‘s judgment on Judah. She followed the same detestable path as Israel. But verse 25 reveals God‘s state of mind – “JEALOUS”.

Years ago I heard a preacher say, “Some say the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath; the God of the New Testament is a God of love. Not so,” he said. “He is always a God of love provoked by his adulteress people to jealousy.“ [read Exodus 20:5,6]

The question for me is, do I identify with God over sin (does it break my heart?) or am I just comfortable with sin all around me? Lord, may I have a heart that burns for righteousness.

Twisted Sisters (Pt2): Righteous Beware

(Ezk 23:11-21)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

WALK consistently in CLOSE harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:11-21). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #LetTheRighteousBeware

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel does not paint a pretty picture of Judah (the younger sister in this parable). It is downright lude. Even though Judah saw the depravity and destruction of Israel (older sister), she dove deeply into even greater idolatry with even more lust than her “sister”.

Her alliance with Assyria brought severe spiritual degradation. Other alliances with Babylon and Egypt further degraded her. God, in his extreme disgust at her depravity, turned away from her, rejected her. The imagery is unimaginable. May the righteous beware. I know that on any given day, I may be just as vulnerable to a fall.

Lord, may there never be any daylight in the relationship between you and me.

A Song For The Dark Nights

(Psm 42:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Listen for God’s song in the desperate night watches (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‬‬). #TurnNowToGod #GodIsYourSong

“Raging seas and surging tides sweep over me” (Psm‬ ‭42‬:‭7‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How easy it is to become discouraged. At times we, like the Psalmist, might feel like troubles just sweep over us. They are like wave after wave that washes over us. One becomes frantic and breathless, trying to survive the surging seas of troubles.

“But,“ by God’s grace and unfailing love I pray in the night watches, and though my loss is great, he gives me new life. I am able to rise above the maelstrom and receive the gift of God‘s beautiful song through each dark night.

Lord, even now I sit in the night watch and meditate on your goodness; I hear your song.

Hope Rests In God

(Psm 42:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn fully towards the face of God (Psm 42:3-5). #PraiseTheLord #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart #HopeAloneInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is disheartening when you feel attacked by those who would kick you while you’re down, make light of your frailties or mishaps. Malevolent marauders may come from places you least expect.

I have been the target of such senseless accusations. It’s hard. But then I recalled the joys of better days. I remembered when there was celebration of victories won. I recalled the joys of the movements of God in revival. I can strengthen my discouraged heart with hope in God.

I will praise the Lord again, my Savior and my God. Lord, may I look to the hills, the great mount of God, from whence comes my help.

“Obey Your Thirst”

(Psm 42:1-3a)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart thirst for God; get there quick as you can (Psm 42:1-3a). #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart#ObeyYourThirst #ThirstyForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is an ad for a power drink that beckons athletes to, “Obey Your Thirst“. It promotes an energy drink that satisfies the thirst and refreshes nutrients in the body. The Psalmist had said this ages ago. “As a deer pants after water so my heart thirsts for God.“

The spirit of the Psalmist within him longs for that “living water“ that only God can give. This living water refreshes the soul and renews the spirit of man like no other. Jesus tells us that he is that living water (Jhn 4:14; 7:37–38). The Psalmist can’t get to God soon enough.

Lord, I bring my old broken and thirsty heart to you today.

Collateral Damage

(Psm 38:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay alert to the effects of unconfessed sin (Psm 38:9-12). #UnconfessedSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I see the effects of unconfessed sin on me personally (vv1-8). But I do not exist in a vacuum. The effects of my unconfessed sin radiates out. Collateral Damage: First, my sin is always open to the Lord. My broken condition (spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically) is laid bare before God.

Second, my condition will eventually cause friends and family to avoid me. Unconfessed sin is like a disease. No one wants what I’ve got.

Finally, my enemies, which includes Satan, will use my condition to torment and accuse me. Satan and all his minions would ruin me if they could.

Wish I could say, “It ain’t so.“ But, unfortunately it is. So, I need to ruminate on the collateral damage of my unconfessed sin. I long for something better. Lord, may it be so.

SIGNS

(Psm 38:1-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pay attention to SIGNS of unconfessed sin (Psm 38:1-8). #UnconfessedSin #SourcesOfPain

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist here acknowledges his sin up front. He owns it. But he also seeks mercy from God. Sin has caused the psalmist much physical sickness. His guilt/shame is an emotional burden. He regards his sin as foolish. It has caused him physical and emotional pain and grief. It has manifested itself in SIGNS of fever, ill-health, and distress of soul.

Not every health problem is caused by sin. But when I violate God‘s moral code and persist in hiding it, it may be accompanied by SIGNS of anxiety, depression, and isolation as a result. Confessing sin and clearing the conscience will lead to peace with God and man. These are facts that have been proven across many cultures.

Lord, may I be alert of any physical SIGNS revealing unconfessed sin in my life.

Willing Surrender

(Psm 32:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Willingly surrender to God‘s direction (Psm 32:9-11). #WillingSurrender #FollowTheLord #ListenToGod

Verse eight promises guidance from the Lord. Here is some of that guidance. Don’t be unwilling or too stubborn to be tamed or moved by God towards a willing spirit.

The horse and the mule can be ornery by nature, brought under control only by brute force or fear. But man Should not be the same. He can reason and has a conscience. Men are not meant to be governed in such a corporeal manner.

“Men should allow themselves to be controlled by appeals [from God] to their moral conscience. Man is of a higher [moral] nature and should allow themselves to be governed by it.“*

Lord, may I willingly surrender to God’s leadership & direction

_________

* Barnes Notes on the Old Testament, Pg. 276.