God Quiet? Ask Why!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you never fear to ask God honest questions (Hab 1:1–4). #AskGod #HonestQuestionsHonestAnswers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here we have the prophet Habakkuk (his name may mean “embracer” or “embraced“ (literally it means to hold in one’s hands). Was Habakkuk the “embracer” of the people to comfort them, or to be an “embracer” of the problem of divine justice in a wicked world? Or was he the “embraced” one who God had chosen as his messenger?

Either way, Habakkuk was God‘s prophet and his message stands as unique among the prophets. His writings are more the record of a dialogue between him and his Creator God. His primary question, as ours is today, why does such evil persist in our world without any consequences?* These first four verses could be internet headlines today. Lord, if I am honest, I must admit that I too wonder just how long before you set this crooked old world straight again?

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* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

ECLIPSISM

Eclipism:

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Focus on the wonder of God’s power in creation and the complexities of his created universe.

Is it a sign? Yes & Maybe. Watch and wait. Be dressed in readiness.

Break Through Fear

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Deny the fear of men and speak boldly for God (Jer 26:12–15). #SpeakTruth #DoNotFearMen #FearGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the trial of Jeremiah, the prophet gives his own defense: 1) he declares the authenticity of his prophetic words, as from God; 2) the destruction of the temple is conditioned on the repentance of the people of Judah; and 3) he declares that killing him would be to execute an innocent man – this would compound the sin of Judah, and seal their fate. What a defense!

I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 12:12. “Do not fear men…do not worry about how to defend yourself…the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say” (read in context, Luke 12:4–12). We may take courage and reverence God above all others. Break through the fear of men or what they can do to you. Stand on the truth. Lord, I know that you will be my defense in time of trouble.

“Crisis of Belief”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live victoriously in the tension between two worlds (Jer 20:7–18). #Courage #SpeakTheTruth #BetweenTwoWorlds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah stands by faith between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the fires of persecution, ridicule and rejection (vv7-10, 14-18). On the other hand, there is the fire of God‘s message of repentance that is ablaze within him (vv11-13). This Jeremiad gives me a glimpse into the inner conflict one may experience doing the work God has called him/her to do.

Even those closest to us may turn against us. Yet, sandwiched between two despairing emotions is the understanding that to serve God faithfully is far better and safer than to ignore his call. It is what Henry Blackaby calls, a Crisis of Belief.* God will ultimately prevail. We live and stand between two worlds. Lord, may I have the faith and courage to live in this tension.

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Got Troubles?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know God’s grace & mercy in times of painful struggles (Jer 20:1–6). #Struggles #GotTroubles?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The day after Jeremiah was arrested, whipped, put in leg irons and locked in torturous stocks; publicly humiliated by Pashhur, he was released. Pashhur was the temple administrator (a priest). He was wrong to do what he did. He was indifferent to Jeremiah’s message. He stood against God in his actions.

[Gamaliel, Paul’s Pharisee mentor, had a thought on this. He intervened for Peter before the Jewish council who intended to kill them (Acts 5:38,39)]

In 50 plus years of ministry I have, at times, felt the backbiting ire, of religious people. It was certainly not to the extent of Jeremih’s pain. But it was enough for me to understand the sorrow and hollow feeling of rejection for simply trying to do the right thing.

In those times, I may not have been perfect in my methods, but I know the intents of my heart were genuinely fixed on doing God’s will (which, by the way, ultimately prevail). Things have been put right with most of those detractors; others, not so much. What I remember in those times is how I learned to rely upon God‘s grace and mercy (Heb 4:16).

The Coming Storm

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your faces be turned always toward God (Jer 18:16–17). #StormsOfJudgment #RepentTowardsGod #ObserveStormWarnings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point in Judah’s national life, God vows to desolate the land, just as the people have chosen to desolate their souls. Many will look on in horror. God further vows to scatter his arrogant disobedient people like the dust of a violent dust storm (a common occurrence in Israel).

Because God‘s people have turned their backs on him (2:27), God will turn away his face of favor from them. Now his people will see an amazing thing – they will see God‘s back as they are consumed by the distresses of judgment to come. Will America at some point see God’s back? May she turn in repentance and live. Lord, to ignore you will end in an ultimate demise.

Get Self Out Of The Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

America (even I myself) needs to rid its heart of indifference towards God (Jer 18:12-16). #RepentNow #TurnNowToGod

“You would turn away from God, your provider?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people express their resolve to continue in their wicked ways (v12). It makes no sense. God’s people have known his goodness to them, yet they turn their backs on him. Even the godless pagan can see the foolishness of such a response. It is seen as appalling, ghastly, even to them.

The response is in opposition even to the natural world. The snow in the mountains continually flows to the valley below (pictures God’s goodness). Rivers of living water flow from the “Rock,” also pictures God as the source of all goodness. Astonishingly God’s people opt for the waters of another (worthless gods). They cause their own stumbling off the true path that leads to God.

Lord, in light of all your goodness to me (to America) I (we) need to get out of my (our) own way and turn you.

_____

This old hymn says it well:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

God Has A Message For You

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain always open to whatever message God speaks to you (Jer 18:1–5). #ThePottersHouse #ListenAndWatchForGod #GodStillSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every week, pastors, teachers and evangelists, who honor God by their message, come to God and pray, “Lord, what is your message to your people this week?“ Then, they open God’s word and listen.

This passage is the minister’s perfect scenario. The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said go down to the potter’s house and I will speak to you there. Jeremiah obeyed, and God spoke to him through what he saw. God gave him a message.

Thank you Lord, for speaking into the heart and mind of my pastor and our church staff through your Word. Lord, thank you for speaking daily into my own life from your Word and my experiences.

Determined to Stand

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust in God when people ignore and scoff at your message (Jer 17:14-18). #TrustInGod #StandWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah offers a prayer of lament. He has faithfully carried out God’s mission to call Israel to repentance. But, the people scoff at him. They chide, “Why don’t your predictions come, true?“ The people were arrogant in their treatment of God‘s prophet.

But Jeremiah was undeterred and stood his ground. He then prays not for repentance, but that the Lord would justify him, stand with him. He prays that God would, “bring the predicted day of terror on this people. May it be doubly destructive.“ Lord, may I stand faithful, to do whatever task you call me to; trusting you for the results.

The Partridge & Ill-gotten Gain

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Exalt Jehovah God as the undisputed Lord of your life (Jer 17:11-13). #GodHighAndLiftedUp #ThereIsNoGodLikeJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The principle of judgment is explained here – so there is no misunderstanding. Consider the rich man who acquires his wealth unjustly. He is like a Partridge, who hatches eggs she did not lay. When the baby birds learn to fly, they take their flight never to roost again with their “nanny mother.“ Just so, ill gotten gain shall eventually “take flight“ and leave the wealthy man in poverty.

Those who turn to God will be blessed (v7). All others will be forsaken. Their names will disappear, leaving no trace of them (v13). The solution to judgment is to humbly worship at the throne of God, who is eternal, exalted, and glorious (v12). Lord, I am called upon by you to enthrone, the Lord Christ as the exalted one, high, and lifted up in my life.

Heart Problem

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Choose to nurture a heart for God (Jer 17:9,10). #HeartProblem #DeceitfuHeart #YourRewardYourChoice #WickedHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah goes to the heart of man’s problem. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. In the heart of man resides a soul that is deceitful. It is deceitful beyond all other things. He calls the heart (the soul of the man) desperately wicked.

There is nothing to which the heart will not stoop. No one knows the evil it is capable of doing. But God knows the depravity of man’s heart, through to its darkest secrets (Jhn 3:18-21). Man is cursed (v5) or blessed (v7) according to the choices he makes. Lord, I choose you. You are my Hope and confidence.

Tapping God’s Aquifer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you be rooted deep into the life-giving springs of God (Jer 17:5–8). #EternalSprings #LivingWater #TrustInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Listen to what God has to say. It is simple: if you are trusting in human strength, turning hearts away from God, you have no hope for the future. Not only that, but your life will be barren of fruit. Your life will be like a dried out uninhabited wilderness.

But if you turn your heart to God and trust in his strength, you will be filled with hope and confidence for the future. Your life will abound with fruit. Any drought will be short-lived, because your roots go down deep into God’s aquifer of sustaining power and life. Lord, may my life sink deeply into the pure spring of the life sustaining power of God.

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.

Not What We Deserve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks for God’s unfailing justice, mercy, and love (Psm 103:6–10). #UndeservedFavor #UnfailingLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God of tender mercies towards men (vv1-5)? He is the God who gives. He gives righteousness, puts men in good stead with him (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Jer 33:15). He gives justice to the oppressed, making men right with each other. He is the God who reveals who he is. He did so with Moses (Exo 20:1,2; 33:13–20) and his people.

God is the God of all compassion and mercy, long-suffering, full of unfailing, unconditional love. He is the God who mitigates his actions towards sinful men by his mercy. He does not give us all that we deserve for sin (grace). Lord, I may count on your promises to forever wash and cleanse me from all sin.

Shake A Tail Feather

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks and praise to God for his daily renewal towards you (Psm 103:5). #RefreshedAndRenewed #ShakeATailFeather

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Caring for a loved one 24/7 is draining. But I have felt the extraordinary energy described in this Psalm. I have often been awakened in the course of caregiving and surprised by how physically alert I feel. Pretty amazing.

Psm 103:5 says, “God renews youth within me like the eagle renews its feathers annually; gets a new set of wings.” [my trans.]

That kind of refreshing comes only by prayer. The prayers of fellow believers on my behalf calls forth from God renewed lift and energy. Truly amazing!

_______

So, stop and give thanks for all the good things God has done for you (vv3,4). If that is not enough for which to thank God, consider the continual renewal of heart, soul and spirit that God regularly bestows on you. The picture here has to do with the molting process of the eagle.

Annually, the eagle loses all his feathers. The old feathers are shed, and the new feathers grow in their place. It is a fascinating process.*

God performs a quiet and continual renewing process of our heart, soul and mind (his mercies are new every morning – Lam 3:22-24). Lord, in all your goodness, you also renew my heart and soul. Thank you Lord.

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* https://birdwatchingbuzz.com/eagle-molting-process/

Crowned

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Humbly receive God’s crown of love and tender mercies (Psm 103:4) #CrownOfLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am crowned, not with a crown of gold or precious jewels. It is far greater than that. It is a crown woven together with God’s love and tender mercies. That is what God has crowned me with – unconditional love and tender benevolent affection.

God crowns me – he lifts me above all my challenges, my sin, my suffering, my circumstances. God crowns me with life eternal. There is no crown like the crown of God’s love and tender mercies. Lord, I am humbled and strengthened by your love and tender mercies.

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.

Blazing New Trails In Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Blaze new faith trails that are renewed daily in God’s grace (Heb 13:22,25). #WalkInDailyRenewal #FaithRenewedDaily

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the final word of our writer. Some may debate the meaning of having “written to you in a few words.“ But the point in the conclusion of this letter is simply this. You have been enlightened to the truth about Christ. It is time for you to move forward in a new way of faith.

Shed the former rituals and traditions of religion and press on into this new frontier of faith in Christ. Do this, knowing that the grace of God and empowerment of Christ (v21) goes ever before you. Lord, may I maintain a fresh forward looking faith for the frontier of every new day before 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.

At Home in the City of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Anticipate your eternal home in the City of God (Heb 13:14). #AtHomeWithChrist #ThisWorldIsNotMyHome

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Jesus, in whom we put our trust, is no mirage, no flash in the pan. He is the royal Son of God. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the royal head of state in the kingdom to come. He rules an eternal City to come, a city he has prepared for those who follow him. (11:10,16). It is the City in which God dwells (Psm 46:4-7). That is our eternal home.

The Apostle John saw this City, made ready to receive its real residents (Rev 21:2). We (followers of Christ) do not abide in this world. We look ahead to a home in the city to come. That is our security in Christ. This whole world will pass away (12:27; Psm 102:25,26); but you oh Lord, perish not. Neither shall we, nor the home, nor the city you have prepared for us.

Lord, this aged sentry is looking forward to his eternal home with Christ in that City where God dwells.

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.

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).

The Grounded Heart

May hearts be firmly established in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 13:9). #GraceAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Verse eight links the exhortation to emulate faithful leaders who have taught truth from God‘s word (v7), with the notion of being deceived by “strange doctrines“ (v8). (Note: Gal 1:9). God‘s word will never change (Mat 24:35; 1Pe 1:23–25). Neither will the sacrifice and life teachings of Christ ever change.

To entertain some strange new teachings that center on keeping certain rules and rituals (or any other teachings, doctrines and philosophies of this world) will profit us nothing (Heb 9:10; Rom 14:17; 1Co 8:1). The heart (seat of spiritual understanding) must be grounded in the grace of God. There is no other standing with Christ.

Father, keep my heart firmly grounded in the grace of Christ.

Show Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May God‘s love be revealed in your life to others (Heb 13:1–6). #ShowUp #BeThere #ShowGod’sLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having done all to honor, worship, and obey God and exalt Christ as supreme in our lives, we must let the love of God be seen in us towards others – show up for brothers and sisters in Christ, for strangers in need.

Do not ignore those who are in prison for their faith or others who are suffering – show up, do something. Show up and honor marriage. Be faithful and avoid any immorality. Be content with God‘s provision – he has promised to never abandon you. He will show up for you always.

After twelve chapters of comprehensive explanations of the superiority of Christ, a few words of simple and practical wisdom is warmly received. Lord, may your love be seen and expressed in my life.

Unshakable

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Oh, that you might listen to God and obey (Heb 12:25–28). #ListenToGod #RevereAndObeyGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A final warning is issued by our writer. God rules from above heaven and earth (Psm 113:4–6). Listen to God’s voice. Don’t do as the ancient Hebrews did. Though God’s voice thundered, they ignored his voice (3:7-12). They did not escape judgment.

When God spoke from Mount Sinai, the earth quaked. The promise here is that when God speaks again (and he will) “everything that can be shaken (heaven and earth – all things created) will be shaken”…destroyed. All that will remain is that which is UNSHAKEABLE – God’s word, God’s salvation and God’s kingdom. Lord, I am listening. May the nations listen to your voice and turn to you before it is too late.

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.

Faith Unquenched by Fires of Evil

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek a faith that is unquenched by the fires of evil (Heb 11:35b–38). #unquenchableFaith #FaithInTheFire #VictoriousThroughEvil

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses fly in the face of “Feel Good Religion“ and the “Prosperity Gospel.“ While many have been victorious “quenching” the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a), still others have a faith that is “unquenchable,” victorious in/through the fires of evil. Many there are who have suffered horrific persecution. Yet, they have clung to the promise of a better hope in the resurrection. Their faith was “unquenchable.“

Our God in Christ stands with those who suffer great indignities, torture, jeerings, beatings, imprisonment, were/are poor and destitute at the hands of evil men. These believers were labeled as unfit by their society (“Cancel Culture”). But the opposite was true. Society was/is unfit for them (note Psm 44:22; Rom 8:35-39). Lord, should I be called upon to suffer for my faith, may I do so with honor.

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.

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.

Faith + Obedience = Victory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put faith in God, obey God’s word and walk in God’s victories (Heb 11:29,30) #Faith #Obedience #Victory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hebrews 11:29,30 are separated by a “,”. That comma equals 40 years in the wilderness for God’s people (no Faith and no obedience). No mention of it here. On one side of the “,” is a clear example of the magnitude of God‘s power when his people are obedient to him. On the other side is an example of the same.

On one side (v29), God delivers over one million of his people through the Red Sea and swallows up the entire Egyptian army in the same (Exo 14). On the other side (v30), God decimates the impregnable walls of Jericho that stood between God’s people and their promised land (Jos 6). Why? Because of their faith and obedience to him.

Lord, lead me to faith and obedience; may I know great victories in following you.