The Measure of a Ministry

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Clearly speak God‘s message and trust God for the results (Ezk 2:4,5). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to dwell on the various elements of God‘s call on Ezekiel. What compels me to dwell here is God‘s intense concern for his rebellious people. He calls them “stubborn,” hardheaded people. Their hearts were set on rebellion.

God’s people had been shameless and unyielding in their will. They wouldn’t yield, even when proven guilty (Isaiah 48:4-6). Irregardless, Ezekiel‘s charge was to speak God‘s undiluted message and they would know that a prophet of God had spoken to them. God measures success by our obedience.

Lord, I will speak your truth and be judged by my obedience not how successful I was.

Ready, Go for God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be ready to go for God today (Ezk 2:1,2). #GodSpeaks #GoForGod #StandWalkRun

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When we have worshiped, been before God on our face, God does not expect us to stay prostrate, paralyzed, on the ground. No, we must then stand and be ready to go on in humble service. Micah 6:-8 compels us to “WALK humbly before God.” Roman 12:1 leads us to present our bodies as living sacrifices in honorable SERVICE to God.

Ezekiel was renewed in his spirit (note Isa 40:29-31). The Lord stood him on his feet. This was a sign that he was ready to go for God. Humble worship leads to faithful service. Lord, coming out of my daily personal cathedral of praise, my heart is renewed. I am ready to go for God today.

How To Hear God’s Voice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Humble your heart to listen to God (Ezk 2:1). #ListenForGod’sVoice #GodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the call of God on Ezekiel‘s life. I am reminded first that there is a separation between man and God. “Son of man“ is a reminder to Ezekiel (and to me) that he is a man and nothing more. But he is a man with whom and to whom God will speak.

God saw Ezekiel‘s humble response to the vision in Chapter One. To “stand up” (as God here instructs), one must first go down (Ezk 1:28) in humble acknowledgment of God‘s presence. Humble hearts will illicit the voice of God speaking. Lord, my Morning Watch is dedicated to an open heart to listen to your voice.

A Marked Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be alert to, listen for, God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:28). #MarkedMan #AlertToGod’sCall #MarkedByGod’sGlory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel here mentions that he hears a voice for the second time. The first reference to a voice (v24) seems to be unintelligible. But here, the voice was speaking directly to Ezekiel. God is preparing to call Ezekiel and instruct him in his prophetic ministry.

The entire first chapter has set the stage and will carry Ezekiel through his entire ministry. He will never think of God again without a sense of awe, holy fear and wonder. “The man of God comes out from [HIS] presence indelibly marked by the glory of his Lord.” *

Lord, reading in this Old Testament book, may I be a man alert to your call and marked by your glory.

____________

* Taylor, John B. EZEKIEL, An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1969), 41.

Surrender – No Reservations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender in obedience to the radiant Lord of Heaven (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Surrender #RadiantLordOfHeaven #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s initial impression of God’s throne is taken with its azure-blue appearance. He is then taken with a figure that looks like a man on that throne. The upper body was glowing like amber, flickering like fire. The lower body looked like burning flames shining with great splendor. Around the entire image of this throne was the appearance of a rainbow-like brilliance. Its radiance engulfed the vision in multicolored splendor.

All of this would seem to point to the judgment of God (the fire) and at the same time the covenant of peace that comes after the judgment (the rainbow). This would seem to express the focus of Ezekiel’s prophetic call. He would see it again three more times (3:22,23; 8:3,4; 43:2,3)

I am left without imagination enough to express my thoughts. I read the words and know their definitions. But I am left dumb at how to express them. Lord, my only response is to just fully surrender in obedience to you. No reservations.

My “Blue” Heaven

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in reverent fear of God‘s truth & faithfulness (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Truth #GodIsFaithful #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every prophet of God has a call that is unique to them. Ezekiel‘s call stands alone as a vision of the likeness of God in all his glory. Ezekiel describes God and his throne. It’s made of brilliant blue lapis lazuli (blue sapphire). The heavens declare his glory (Psm 19:1).

Biblical sources reveal sapphire (the color blue) as representative of truth – the accuracy and sincerity of God‘s word.* It’s the ground upon which God’s feet rest (Exo 24:10). I come away with an overwhelming sense of sheer reverence for the God I serve, his faithfulness and authenticity.

Lord, may my walk before you exemplify that reverent honor for your truth & faithfulness.

_______

* Sapphire is blue in color. In the Bible the color blue or sapphire stones may represent God and things dedicated to a holy purpose (Exo 24:10; Ezk 1:26; Num 4:5,6; Rev 21:19). Blue may also represent things like the Spirit, heavenly visitation, heaven itself, grace, truth, faithfulness and cleansing.

[There is more material here than I can write about. I have given 4-6 hours over several days pondering the meaning of these things.] Here is one link that has been helpful:

https://biblemeanings.net/sapphire-spiritual-meaning-bible/

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.

________

* 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.

Serve With Quiet Resolve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God‘s sovereign will in your life (Ezk 1:19-21). #God’sSovereignRule #QuietResolve #Surendered

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is no lack of spiritual explanations for the movement of the living beings described by Ezekiel. But everything described thus far prepares us for what will follow. These cherubim support some kind of horizontal surface, upon which our deity (God) is enthroned (vv26–28). The entire structure moves as our God instructs these cherubim.

The will of these beings is harnessed by God . They serve at his command. Their will (or “spirit“) exists in the wheels. The cherubim remain still, as if motionless. The wheels alone move this heavenly chariot-throne in all directions and up and down. This would seem to represent our God as not being bound by any earthly model. They whose will is surrendered to him, serve with a still, quiet and peaceful resolve (Isa 26:3).

Lord, may my will be so surrendered to you that I may serve you quickly and with quiet resolve.

Majestic Power Revealed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pray to persevere to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:13,14; 1Pe 2:2). #PersistInGodsWord #CallUponGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel further elaborates on the living beings he saw in vv4-7, as if they were bright coals of fire or brilliant, burning torches. He saw what seemed like lighting, flashing back-and-forth between the beings. The reference to coals of fire, burning torches and lightening likely refer to the message of judgment of God on Judah that Ezekiel will soon deliver.

The 21st century observer might look at this vision as “sci-fi.“ Who could have imagined such a thing hundreds of centuries ago (some 600 years before Christ)? Yet, there is still more of this vision to unpack.

I’m trying hard not to get lost in the weeds. I’m trying to just imagine the sheer power and majesty of God revealed here. Lord, I pray for understanding and the perseverance needed to press into this vision and message of Ezekiel.

Show Me

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Call upon God for understanding of the Scriptures (Ezk 1:10-12). #ShowMeLord #CallUponGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to know exactly the meaning of the four faces on the living beings described by Ezekiel. The most obvious leads me to creation: the human face being the apex of God‘s creation (intelligence), the lion’s face represents the wild animal kingdom (power), the ox face the livestock domesticated animals (service) and the eagle, the king of the air (swiftness).

The four heads connected form the shape of a square. They may represent the four corners of the earth and God‘s sovereignty over all of creation. Other interpretations also exist but these seem the most likely. In truth, Ezekiel is trying to describe something he’d never seen before. The word picture given by Ezekiel is incredibly luminary and mysterious at the same time. Lord, I call upon you for understanding of the mysteries of your word (Jer 33:3).

Seeing The Glory of God, Prt 2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for the intentional presence of God (Ezk 1:4). #GodsGlory #Worship

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Life Application Study Bible notes on this verse point to the fact that Ezekiel was far away from the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a physical symbol of God‘s presence with his people (he was a captive in Babylon).

The the ominous dark cloud, lightning flashing, brilliant light, and appearance of fire, glowing, like burnish metal in the center of the cloud, revealed God’s very presence with him. He was, as I am, reminded that God rides with us everywhere. No matter where we find ourselves physically or spiritually, God is present.

Lord, I thank you for your ever present attention to me.* This old sentry is never far from your grasp (v3; 2:9; 3:14,22; 8:3).

_______

* God makes his presence known through his word, his indwelling Holy Spirit and the presence of godly friends around me.

When I was in Vietnam, I thought I was too far gone, that the presence of God had certainly departed. But not so. See my testimony, this blog – https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

God’s Call

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to, obedient to God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:1–3). #GodsCall #OpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We are introduced to Ezekiel as God opens up the heavens and reveals to him extraordinary visions. These were apocalyptic (revelatory) in nature. Ezekiel felt the hand of God take hold of him. (Note Ezk 3:12–17). Ezekiel was constrained by God to his prophetic ministry.

While Jeremiah is preaching to the people of Jerusalem, Ezekiel is called of God to his prophetic ministry in Babylon. He had been among those deported from Jerusalem to Babylon (597 BC). He was of the priestly class, following Aaron‘s lineage (Exo 28:1).

Lord, the call of God leaves no doubt, nor is the one called left dangling, for God holds that one.

What Does It Mean?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek humbly to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:28; 2:1,2; 3:23,24). #ListeningToGod #SayWhat

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My heart is perplexed as I read God‘s call of Ezekiel. It is a call like no other prophet in length, scope and vision. His call is three chapters long. It is simple yet, complex. I have pondered the vision and message (the call) of Ezekiel for several days. I want to understand all of it, but my heart is perplexed, hesitant. Yet I am moved to grasp its meaning.

I am asking God for understanding. I am asking him to overcome my hesitations and lack of COURAGE to press into this prophetic book. I wish to emulate Ezekiel, coming face down to the ground in humility before God. I pray to God, “Lord, may this old sentry receive understanding of all that you intend from this prophetic book.” As I pray, I’m hearing God say, as he said to Ezekiel, “Stand up, I want to speak with you by my Spirit” (2:1,2; 3:24 above).

Thank you Lord for your

EN-COURAGE-MENT

The End of Hypocracy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we turn quickly from pride, arrogance and disdain for God (Jer 34:17-22). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The end of hypocrisy before God spells disaster for the nation of Judah. Here we see God‘s hand of protection as removed from Judah.

Because of pride and disobedience, God will allow an enemy, the Babylonians, to swoop in and destroy Jerusalem, the towns and cities of Judah.

Further, the bodies of the people (officials & citizens) will become food for vultures.

The king, Zedekiah, and his officials will be taken captive. War, disease and famine will be Judah’s end. This is the word of the Lord to Jeremiah.

Lord, may my heart (my nation, its leaders & people) turn from pride, arrogance and disdain for God. May we return to God.

We Are What We Do

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Understand the severity of hypocrisy with God (Jer 34:17,18). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

We Are What We Do;
Not What We Say We Will Do

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hypocrisy before God is something for which every believer ought to be aware: telling God you will do one thing, but doing another. The reference to cutting a calf in half and then walking between the halves to solemnize their vows was tantamount to signing a contract (Gen 15:9,10).

Significantly, the vows made here were made before God in the temple of God (v15). This is a fiercely defiant sin. It is the same as going to church on Sunday and putting on a show of piety, then living a life of sin and debauchery the rest of the week. Lord, may I always do what my words imply that I am.

Do What You Say

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

When you say, “Yes“ to God, follow through (Jer 34:8-11). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Just prior to the Babylonian conquest of Judah, the king, Zedekiah, has a change of heart about fellow Hebrew slaves in the land. His motivation is unknown, but he makes a covenant with the people to follow the Hebrew law (ignored for hundred of years) and free their countrymen slaves (Exo 21:1–6; Lev 25:39–43; Deu 15:12–15).

The people obeyed, but then later reneged and brought their fellow Hebrews back into bondage.* It is obvious that Zedekiah and the people were not wholeheartedly following God‘s commands to them; more evidence of their coming judgment. Lord, may my oft wayward heart willingly follow your loving commands.

_______

* Speaking to unbelieving Jews again in the New Testament, Jesus speaks a parable to this same effect in Mat 21:28-32. If you tell God, “Yes”, just do what you say.

Compassionate God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Thank God for his enduring compassions for men (Psm 113:1-9).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our praise to and for God is centered on his great concern for all of his creation (Psm 104) and all of his compassions for the people of his creation (Psm 103). Here we see God’s concern is especially for the poor and oppressed.

Though God sits enthroned on high, above heaven and earth. he is not aloof from man and those who suffer. We may rightfully give praise to God for his greatness and favor. Lord, you make your abode on high and with those contrite in heart (Isa 57:15).

Endless Bounty

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to God for his endless provision (Psm 104:31-35). #God’sBounty #God’sBlessings #PraiseTheLord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 104 ends as it began. “Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!“ The record of day 6 of creation reminds the psalmist of all God has done to provide an endless flow of provision and blessing to man (Gen 1:24–31). Man has every reason to thank God, bless God, praise God, exalt and worship God.

The palmist calls upon his whole being again to give praise to the Lord. His provision and blessing to man sustains him. “Oh, that men would praise him” (Psm 107:21,22). Lord, in the end “Every knee [every being] shall bow down [to you] in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phi 2:10).

Perfect Plan Day One

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for all God‘s perfectly planned provision (Psm 104:10-18). #AwesomeGod #BeyondUnderstanding #FaithfulProvider #AllPraiseAndThanksDueHim

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is easy to pass over these scriptures as a bit mundane. I take so for granted the natural world around me. But I must stop here and acknowledge the other-worldly understanding and scope of God‘s wisdom. Creating this world, God left nothing to chance. God created this world perfect ON DAY ONE (actually day 3 – Gen 1:9-13).

God provided for every fish, bird, animal and man – water, trees, plants and vegetation. He wasn’t making adjustments on the fly. The world was amazingly created to suit every form of life. Lord, I can never, shall never, offer adequate praise for who and all you are. But I shall thank you for all your provision.

…And Counting

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to the Lord for his many blessings (Pam 104:1). #PraiseToTheLord #CountYourBlessings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist David opens and closes this song as he did Psalm 103, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“ [Read that a couple times]

David encourages himself; calls upon his whole being to give praise to the Lord.

Yesterday I was thinking about the medical condition of my dear bride of nearly 53 years (Alzheimer’s; diagnosed, 2011). I noted in my spirit that I was not angry with life or at God, as some may be prone. My heart instead was immediately inclined towards giving praise to God. Why? For all his rich goodness to us in those 53 years of marriage…AND COUNTING.

How could I be so thoughtless and ungrateful as to complain? Our lives (though filled with many ups and downs) have been so blessed by God. Lord, I cannot even begin to count the ways you have blessed us in life, marriage, family, friendships and ministry. “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“

Sin Unto Death

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to the conviction of God‘s Holy Spirit (1Jhn 5:16,17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The sin unto death.“ Here is another prickly topic in Scripture. What is the sin unto death? There is no consensus among Bible commentators. There are instances in Scripture where such a sin may have been committed (e.g., 1Co 11:27–30; Mrk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6).

[I am personally acquainted with an example where a beloved sister in Christ found herself deeply involved in a sin. She rejected all attempts to change course. Her life was taken suddenly.]

Since these examples all differ, I think it is best to leave such judgment up to God. The role of brothers and sisters in Christ is to pray for one another and lovingly challenge one another to godly living (Heb 3:12-15). Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to change the direction of my life (see Window of Opportunity; my story, this blog).

Praying God’s Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God‘s will and pray from Scripture (1Jhn 5:14,15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“If you pray according to God‘s will, he will answer.” This is often taken to be a prickly caveat to prayer. My “GO TO“ means of praying God’s will is to pray the truth of Scripture into my life and over those for whom I pray. Seeking God’s will in Scripture is not like looking for a needle in the haystack. It’s like looking for straw of hay in a haystack. Using Scripture In its context to pray, you will rarely go wrong. Nor will you run out of things to pray.

But there are times when we are just not sure of God‘s will, e.g., praying for healing or prodigals. Or which career path to take; who to marry. In those times especially we ought to be seeking God in his word to know his will as we pray. We ought to seek counsel and listen to trustworthy voices. (The point of this blogger’s use of Scripture is to learn and to pray from God’s word, his will)

Lord, I thank you for your word that guides me in my prayer life.

Future Secure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely fully on God‘s unchanging word; eternal life is a certainty (1Jhn 5:13). #HopeForTheFuture #EternallySecure

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Concluding his letter, John states for the third time (words to the effect) “These things I have written“ (see 1:4 & 2:1). These words in this epistle point to the believer’s assurance. There is a certainty about the life of faith and following Christ.

Here I see that eternal life for the Christian is a certainty. There is no guessing, no “hope so“ kind of uncertain future. Eternal life is an absolute certainty. The word of God is our authority on that truth. Lord, my faith is based upon the truth of God’s word – he won’t lie, cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18).

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 Assertion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart follow Christ always (1Jhn 5:3). #AssertingGodsLove #GodsLoveLeads #LoveGodLoveOthers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I am following the teachings (the commandments) of Jesus, I am asserting my love and yieldedness to him. No one follows the ways, views or teachings of someone they don’t respect. Further, it is not a burden to follow Christ commands, teachings (Mat 11:29,30).

I often fail to follow those teachings as well as I could – not because they are hard, but because at times I choose to go my own way. I am always better off when I follow God’s ways…and others are blessed in the process. Lord, may my heart always be to follow your ways.

Loving God’s Family

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Resolve to love all those in your spiritual family (1Jn 5:1,2). #LovingGodsFamily #LoveEachOther

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In a family, we don’t get to pick (as children) our brothers and sisters. Parents determine that. It is the same in God‘s family. God is the one who determines who our family members might be. So it is, as in any family, We’re called upon by the Father (God) to love our brothers and sisters (Jhn 13:34,35).

When my younger sister and I had disagreements at home, our parents would tell us, “Work it out.“ Our parents loved us, but they didn’t solve our differences. Our task was to love each other and work things out. Today, 75+ years later, I still love my sister and her family. We’re friends.

Lord, I give thanks for the family you have given to me…biologically and spiritually.

The Love Factor

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God‘s love govern all your relationships (1Jn 4:17-21). #TheLoveFactor #LoveGodLoveOthers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Because (if) we live genuinely in a love relationship with God, we fear not the judgment. We live confidently. All fear is removed because this perfect love in us casts out, removes, our fear. If one lives in fear of judgment, it exposes their real problem. They have no love relationship with God.

Further, it is not possible to say you love God, but hate your brother or sister in Christ. The Love Factor says I may have a disagreement with a brother or sister in Christ, but I can still, by the Spirit of God, love them. Lord, may your love govern all my relationships.

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.