Path of Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

The Fruit of Discipline

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respond by faith to God’s discipline (Heb 12:5–11). #WhomGodLovesHeDisciplines #GodDisciplinesForOurGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times we endure suffering at the hands of evil men, just as Christ did. But at other times we endure hardship because of our own disobedience toward God. Like a loving Father, God will discipline his children’s bad behavior.

God’s discipline proves his love for us. His discipline is always for our good, to lead us back into holiness. Discipline is not an enjoyable event, but after it is over, it leads to a good harvest of right living – that is, living according to God‘s will and purposes (1Pe 4:16–19). Father, your discipline in my life has always resulted in good fruit.

Undeterred Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Faith Race: The Runner’s “Hand-off”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your “hand-off“ exchange of the legacy baton of faith be smooth (Heb 12:1). #FaithRelayHandOff #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The race of faith is like a marathon relay race. Those listed in Hebrews 11:3–38 ran their best race and handed off the baton of faith legacy to others. Others handed it off to me. I have been running my best race of faith. I am now closer to the finish, than to the start.

I am in the “hand-off exchange zone“ of my race.* I want to say with Paul, “I have finished the race, kept the faith. The prize (the victor’s crown of righteousness) awaits me and also those who look forward to his appearing (2Ti 4:7–8). Lord, may I have a clean “hand-off” of faith to others.

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* Truth is, no one really knows when the end of their race may come; when an exchange of the legacy baton may occur. But, if you’re always running your best race of faith, you can count on a successful “hand-off”.

Faith Race: The Runner’s Goal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you finish well the race of faith set before you (Heb 12:1). #EndureToTheEnd #RunYourBestRace #FinishWell

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The goal of the runner in a race is to win the prize. In the race of faith the prize is achieving God’s purpose of Christ-likeness (1Co 9:24–27; Rom 8:29). I am not in competition with anyone. I compete against myself, to run my best race according to God‘s plan for me.

I endure all the conditions of the race. Like heat or rain culture, experience, education, friends, bullies, and the like, affect my race. Yet, like the runner, I endure. I may falter or stumble in the race. But success, the eternal prize, is determined not by how I start or falter, but by how I finish. Lord, may I finish well the race set before me.

Faith Race: The Runner’s Clothes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Eliminate any sin that would hinder your race of faith (Heb 12:1). #BeDressedInReadiness #RunYourBestRace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If my example is those who have run the race of faith before me and since they were successful, then I should copy them. The first thing I should do is strip off any outer garments that would slow me down; that sin that would beset me. I must be dressed for the race (wearing the weightless Armor of God) and able to run with max freedom of motion.

What is it that hinders the runner’s freedom of motion in the race of faith? Distractions from the Champion for whom I run – Jesus, my Lord. False teaching, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, and pride are all things that hinder my best race of faith. Lord, point me to any sin that hinders my race; lead me in the everlasting way (Psm 139:23,24).

Run Your Best Faith-Race

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run well, the race of faith (Heb 12:1). #RunYourBestRace #Persevere

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I can learn how to run the race of faith by looking to those who have gone before me. They are all men and women who were or are not perfect. I can take comfort in that. Some did things very well, some struggled…just as I. They had their ups and downs.

Yet, They persevered, confessed sin, chose to follow God. They laid down the things that kept them from running a successful faith race. Their perseverance gave them growth in faith. That gave them endurance to run and finish their race. They are my example. Lord, may I lay aside all encumbrances to running well, the race of faith.

Model Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks to God for the witness of those who model Faith (Heb 12:1). #ModelsOfFaith #FaithLifeExamples

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have often misinterpreted this verse. I have, in effect, said this host of “witnesses“ is looking down and cheering us on. I recently said that in a memorial service for a pastor friend. But the writer is not saying that.

Looking back over Hebrews Ch 11, the writer concludes: all those saints of old had lived their lives with endurance and loyalty to God. Those saints had borne witness to the possibilities of the faith life. They are not spectators (in a heavenly grand stand), looking down on us, as much as it is we who are looking up to them as examples in our race of faith (F.F. Bruce).

Lord, to my pastor friend, I should say, “Thank you for the life of faith you lived. It’s spurs me on and I cheer for you dear brother.”

Faith Borne Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your lives be filled with living examples of faith (Heb 12:1). #FaithIsTheVictory #FaithOvercomes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“So,“ the writer says, “we have seen an enormous crowd of witnesses, [attestants to, examples of] the life of faith (Heb 11:3-38). [They give evidence that faith works] Let us do as they did and live out our lives by that same faith.“ Faith is the motivating drive that enables us to live victorious over evil, just as they did. We can die victorious over evil, just as many of them did.

“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world” (1Jn 5:4,5). We look at the example of faith borne out in countless souls gone before us. Their faith motivates even greater faith in us today. It is not so much they who look at us [as spectators], but we who look to them. Lord, you have filled my life with incredible examples of the faith life. They lead me on in my faith.

Fires of Evil Quenched By Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Faith: (Pastoral Thought)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Keep your eyes open to the certain promised works of God (Heb 11:32). #FaithACertainty #Faith #KnowSoFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After reading the accounts of God’s acts in the affairs of men through the ancients of the Judeo-Christian experience (Heb 11:3-31), I understand better the words of Hebrews 11:1,2; and as yet, I am not done reading all of Hebrews 11. But I had a pastoral thought.

The faithful ancient’s reputation stood squarely on the grounds of Faith. Trusting the truthfulness of God, they had a clear vision of things yet unseen. They stood on one another’s shoulders as, one by one, they saw God fulfill every promise made to them. It leaves a trail of assurance that things anticipated (“hoped for”), actually happened. This in turn prompts a confident Faith in the living God.

Lord, seeing how you have worked in the lives of the ancients of the Faith, seeing how you have worked miraculously in this aged sentry’s life, gives me a confidence of Faith in the promises of God still yet to be fulfilled.

Passover: Faith’s Tribute

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Celebrate deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life (Heb 11:28). #GodDeliversLifeEternal #Passover #Lord’sSupper #Deliverance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here describes a fourth act of faith in the life of Moses. When preparing to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Moses instituted the Passover with a view towards the regular celebration of Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He fully expected to be celebrating deliverance long into the future as a tribute to God’s promises (Exo 12:21-30)

Faith saved Moses at birth (v23). Faith called Moses away from the pleasures of his world (vv24–26). Faith led him to follow God into a personal wilderness journey (v27). Faith lead him to institute an act that would forever stand as a tribute to God‘s hand of deliverance (v28). Lord, by faith I celebrate my deliverance from sin and death to life eternal (the Lord’s Supper is my faith tribute to that).

“Woodshed” Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive for a faith borne out of a lifetime of experiences listening to God. (Heb 11:27). #GodsWill #ListenToGod #RepentOfYourPlans

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Moses would lead the people of God with a well developed faith, a trust in God that was resolute. The writer says, “By faith Moses left Egypt not fearing the anger of Pharaoh.” Yet, Exodus 2:14,15 says Moses was afraid because Pharaoh wanted to kill him (Moses had slain an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew). There is a lot to unpack here.

Let’s be real. Moses may have had some initial fear. Pharaoh had a contract out on his life (who wouldn’t have some healthy fear?). But it does not necessarily follow, that was what drove him out of Egypt into the wilderness. Scripture says in Hebrews 11, “BY FAITH Moses left Egypt.”*

It was not yet time, nor was Moses ready, to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt. God lead Moses out of Egypt into the wilderness to do some “woodshedding.” There Moses would learn that he could not slash and burn his way to leadership. He really had no idea yet, what was God’s plan. That would take another 40 years of preparation in the Midian wilderness. Moses was age eighty when he lead Israel out of Egypt (Exo 7:7).

Looking back over my life, it occurs to me that I was in my 40s when I understood that I cannot accomplish God’s plans in my own strength and in my own abilities (slow learner). I had to repent of doing things my way. I had to get schooled in obedience, as Moses ultimately did. I needed a clear awareness of who/what I was and who/what God is and could do through a much humbler version of me.

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

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* Bruce, F.F, Epistle to the Hebrews; The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., (1964), Pg. 322.

Indestructible Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek to know a faith that is indestructible (Heb 11:17-19). #IndestructibleFaith #AbidingFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have to stop in ponder the indestructible and abiding faith of Abraham and his relationship with God. Imagine, God, after promising Abraham a son and then delivering on that promise, tells Abraham to sacrifice that son, Isaac.

It would be easy for me to think or to tell someone else to just, “Have faith.” But how might I tell someone to give up the dearest thing to them, whatever that may be. Yet, as followers of God, we can expect that at some point in the life of faith, God may indeed ask us to do just that. He may ask us to, as someone has once said, “Lay our Isaac down” in obedience to him (Gen 22). That kind of indestructible, abiding faith will be rewarded by God.

Years ago I had a friend who was an accomplished rock, rhythm & blues drummer. He had an incredible sense of rhythm and drumming technique. Soon after he had become a Christian, the Lord spoke to him about his love for drumming.

My friend told me that the Lord had said to him that his love for drumming was coming ahead of his relationship with God. His response was to sell all of his drums. He would remove anything that would come between him and God.

Sometime after that, God gave my friend back his drumming. But he would surrender his drums and his talent to God. After that, God truly blessed him and his drumming. That was amazing to me. I have always remembered and respected my friend’s decision. He put God ahead of any other love in his life and he showed it (Jas 2:21-23).

Lord, grant me an indestructible faith that would trust in you for anything you ask of me.

Acting On Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

By faith earnestly seek and follow after God (Heb 11:4–6). #ByFaith #FaithPleasesGod #ActOnFaith #ObedienceFollowsFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We learn here that it is faith and obedience that pleases God. Knowing about God, doing the rituals of worship is not what pleases God (1Sa 15:22). It is faith, believing and trusting in the promises of God, then acting on those promises in obedience, that pleases God.

Faith and obedience are inextricably tied together (Jas 2:18). By faith Able offered a better sacrifice – it was his heart to do what God asked. Enoch pleased God by a faith that sought after and listened to God earnestly. Lord, I want to be a faith-filled seeker after God and an obedient, faith-filled follower.

Approved Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

May your faith bear God’s witness/approval (Heb 11:2). #FaithLife #FaithApprovedByGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Faith is rooted in past example and personal experience. Saints who lived “by faith“ in the past are role models for us. God put his stamp of approval on them: saints like Moses (Deu 34:10), Job (Job 1:1,8) and Noah (Gen 6:8,9) before Christ; John the Baptist following Christ (Mat 11:11). Their “faith“ gained for them divine approval. “Faith“ made them pleasing to God.

These saints had borne the divine witness of God. God was saying, as he points to them, “This is the way, walk ye in it (Isa 30:21). There are contemporary men and women in my life whose faith has borne the witness of God (some younger, some older). They inspire me, challenge me. I want to be like them. That is what the writer is saying to these Hebrew believers of his day. Lord, may my faith be worthy of your approval.

Believing Is Seeing

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Give us eyes to see, through the lens of FAITH, eternal realities ahead (Heb 11:1). #BelieveItSeeIt #BelievingIsSeeing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Building on the eternal realities explained in Hebrews chapters 8, 9 & 10, chapter 10 closes with three references to FAITH: v 22 – assurance of FAITH; v 23 – God is FAITHFUL; v 38 – the just shall live by FAITH. FAITH is mentioned 32 times in Hebrews. Chapter 11 mentions FAITH 24 of those times (only the book of Romans mentions FAITH more times – 38).

Following the theme of FAITH, Hebrews chapter 11 begins with the DEFINITION of FAITH. FAITH is then fleshed out in the examples of many saints. FAITH is defined as a “Title Deed.“ It is confirmation (assurance) of a divinely guaranteed reality. FAITH comprehends and believes what cannot be experienced by the physical senses.

FAITH is like looking through the lens of a camera. The photo is composed and pictured (revealed in the lens to the photographer), before it has ever been captured and printed (read 11:1 again). Lord, may I see through the lens of FAITH the eternal realities that await those in Christ Jesus.

Expectant Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Exercise patient endurance in the face of suffering (Heb 10:36–39). #EndureToTheEnd #ExpectantFaith #PatientlyWaitOnChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Do not give up in the face of suffering and persecution. Any and all suffering will be rewarded. Patience – that is what is needed. Christ’s return is eminent. Faith in Christ, his work at the cross and his promise to return, is life and breath to the believer. We live (made alive) by faith. Those who turn away from the truth have no such hope.

At times Christ’s promised return seems close. At other times it may seem far off. Habakkuk 2:3,4 (rendered here) bids us stand firm. The appointed time will come and not delay one second past that time. So continue in God‘s will and add confidence to your faith. This is who we are as his righteous ones. Lord, may I show myself faithful by my patient endurance and expectant faith.

“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/

Come Together

Be an encouragement to others, inside/outside the faith (Heb 10:23–25). #BeAnEncourager #DeclareYourFaith #ComeTogetherInChrist

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Holding fast to our profession of faith is a declaration of the superiority of Christ in our lives. It announces our surrender to Christ who is our Savior. Then we seek to show love, grace and encouragement to brothers and sisters in Christ. We look for ways to join together, giving each other support, comfort and exhortation.

Heaven knows, in these last days we need each other more than ever. Now is not a time to hang back. It is a time to be checked in and there for one another. God has given this old sentry some of the greatest encouragers (friends & family) on the face of the planet (you know who you are). I am deeply grateful for their ministry to my family. Lord, may I be as much to them and to others.

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.

Living The Victory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Live in a constant assurance of victory won in Christ (Heb 10:12–14). #VictoryInChrist #ChristIsOurVictory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Jesus laid down his life and then took it up again he declared victory over the scourge of death (Jhn 10:17,18). Now he sits at the right hand of God and waits until that moment when every knee shall bow before him (Psm 110:1; Phi 2:9–11).

What is this promise to me? It is the promise of my victory also – not just in eternity but in my everyday life on earth. I live with the power and assurance of victory over sin, guilt and death. Lord, you give this old sentry the power to live an abundant life of joy and anticipation of a future hope.

“IT IS…

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Abide secure in the finished work of Christ (Heb 10:11,12). #ItIsFinished#FinishedWorkOfChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The contrast between Christ, our High Priest, and all other priests before him could not be more stark. For centuries the priest of the temple “STOOD“ before God making sacrifices that pictured but never were able to take away man’s sin. When Christ came he gave substance to what was abstruse.

Christ made a single sacrifice (himself for all sin). Then he, “SAT DOWN.“ His work was complete, finished (Jhn 19:30). He “SAT DOWN.” The final work of Redemption was achieved. It is this redeeming message that we preach and give witness to today. Lord, may I remain resting, abiding, in the finished work of Christ at the cross.

Until He Comes Again

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Look to Christ alone for cleansing from sin (Heb 10:8-12). #ComingAgain #RememberingChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How does Christ’s death forever cancel the Old [First] Covenant – the ceremonial laws seen in the tabernacle? It can be equated to the Lord’s Supper (the new symbol of Christ’s work in Salvation; his blood shed, his body broken in the New Covenant – Mat 26:26ff). The Lord’s Supper (looking back to Christ) pictures Christ’s finished work on the cross. The old ceremony (looking forward to Christ) is done away in favor of the new.

The Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Christ’s work. But when he returns (just as when he first came) the ceremony (an ordinance of the church) will be done away (1Co 11:23ff). Like a keepsake photograph of the young soldier away at war. When he/she returns home, the picture is done away with for the reality of his/her physical presence. Lord, we are clinging to your promise of salvation and soon return.

The Last Sacrifice

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May your devotion reflect the deepest levels of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice (Heb 10:11,12). #FinalSacrifice #SinDefeatedChristExalted

Asian of Narnia: Pictures the Ultimate Sacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It could not be more clear. Under the Old Covenant, priests in the Tabernacle–Temple came day after day before God, making the same sacrifices for sin. It was not, nor would it ever be, enough. But our High Priest, Jesus Christ, made the LAST SACRIFICE for sin. Aslan of Narnia vividly pictured Christ’s sacrifice.

In one selfless act, Christ offered himself as the final and eternal cleansing agent for all of man’s sin. The Ceremonial Law became obsolete (the Moral Law – 10 Commandments – is still in play. It defines sin). But now the New Covenant in Christ’s blood-sacrifice cancels the judgment and condemnation of sin for all those who believe.

My Lord, you have freed this old sentry from the power and penalty of sin.

O, The Blood Of Jesus…washes white as snow.

Acta Non Verba

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

In love…obey and serve God (Heb 10:5–10). #ObeyAndServe #ActaNonVerba #DeedsNotWords

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our lives in Christ boil down to two things – obedience and sacrifice (service). Jesus Christ is given as our supreme example. More than empty ritual in the first covenant, Jesus exemplified heartfelt obedience and total surrender of his life (literally) in service to God and all humanity.

Having done this perfectly he ratified the second covenant; there was no need to sacrifice again. In Christ we have been sanctified (set apart) and filled to do as Christ did willingly: obey with our hearts, serve with our lives. Acta Non Verba. Lord, it is the joy of this old sentry’s heart to obey and serve you.

SONG OF A WOUNDED WARRIOR

Oh Lord, how feeble is my nature; how apt I am to stumble in my way. At a time when my heart is full of joy and expectation the enemy attacks.

I am caught off guard. I am shocked and ashamed that I missed the signs of a “fifth column” advancing. My intended work of faith is subverted before yet it is begun.

Oh Lord, how can I keep my heart from retreating into mournful discouragement?* How can I recover from the damaging blow delivered?

My only hope of triumph in the battle that has swarmed around me is the knowledge of Your unchanging, undisturbed, love, grace and forgiveness.

Oh Lord, You will comfort the hearts of those in the siege. You will heal the wounds thought fatal. You will arise to give life and joy again.

There is none like the Lord Jehovah. There is no strength greater than Yours. You set aright the caldrons of war and stand with your mighty warriors.

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*Psychologists use the term “self talk” to describe the ongoing internal conversation with ourselves, which influences how we feel and behave.

The book of Psalms is a diary of “self talk.” But it goes far beyond psychosomatics. It reveals David’s (and some others) innermost source of strength. He depends not upon himself but upon God.

Having had a particularly disappointing moment recently my melancholy nature threatened to overtake me. I turned to God and was reminding myself (like David in Psalm 103) of His great healing and power.

What came out was my true inner dependence upon Him. I CAN bring all my hurt and unrest to God alone.

100% Accepted

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

100% Receive the 100% promise of sin forgiven & remembered no more (Heb 10:1-4). #100%ForgivenAccepted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God had a purpose in the use of animals sacrificed in the confession of sin. It was to remind men of his mercy, grace and love for his people (Psm103:8-12). But instead the repeated sacrifices became a morbid ritual and reminder of how wicked was/is the heart of man. The people felt alienated from rather than accepted by God. Their sacrifices became a means to buy their forgiveness.

It is the same today – except that the sacrifice of Christ has been made once and for all time. Our sin Is washed away and the sinner is cleansed from all unrighteousness. Sin is forgiven and remembered no more. It is the enemy (Satan) who wishes to dredge up all our old sin and bring condemnation (Zech 3:2,3; Jhn 10:10). But “there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

Lord, you have accepted me 100%; my sin is forgiven and remembered I more.

Net Effect

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

Worship God with a whole and obedient heart (Heb 10:1-4; 1Sa 15:22). #HumanNeedTrumpsRitual #ObedienceTrumpsSacrafice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The NET EFFECT of the symbolism and ritual of the tabernacle, priesthood and the law was to point men to the coming reality of Christ. This symbolism was a “shadow, a dim preview” of things to come. It was never intended to be the end in itself, but merely a means to an end.

All of the symbolism and ritual was never able, in and of itself, to deliver men perfectly from their sin and guilt. What it did do was remind men regularly of their sin, year after year; to remind men that THEIR WORKS & SACRIFICES could never free them perfectly from sin and guilt. But men turned their ritual into the end itself; into a mindless routine. Lord, may my worship of you never become merely heartless ritual.