My Life Book On God’s Coffee Table

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May your life be a beautifully painted landscape unto the Lord (Jer 2:20–25). #CoffeeTableLegacy

Prairie Church, Leadville, Colorado (RWHollar)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Many are the visions given to Jeremiah which paint pictures of Judah’s apostasy. These word pictures make clear her sin.

Judah is like the beast that has broken off the yoke that bound her to God, to follow after other lesser gods (v20). She is the fruitful vine that had grown wild and corrupt, producing no fruit (v21). She is depicted as linen with stains so bad nothing could remove the stains (v23). She is shown as a wild donkey in heat. She chases nonstop one lesser God after another for intimate relations (v24,25).

I ask myself, if God painted pictures of how I look to him, would it be worthy to be on his coffee table? Lord it is my desire that my life become a beautifully painted landscape onto you.

Abandoning God, A Risky Choice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the nation, the person, who abandons God turn back to him (Jer2:14-19). #Repent #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The nation of Judah (God’s people) had slipped into dependence upon military might and alliances with other nations for their defense. This instead of dependence upon God. When one turns their back on God the only thing left is self-reliance and/or dependence on others for help. That never works out.

Further, this self-reliance is a full on rejection of God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He promises here that Judah (anyone who turns on God) will realize how evil and bitter a thing it is to abandon God. It is clear that any nation or person abandoning, rejecting God’s guiding hand (v17) is at risk of experiencing dire consequences.

Offending All Of Heaven

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain faithful to the Lord God of Heaven; return to him (Jer 2:1–13). #OffendingAllOfHeaven #Repent #TurnBackToGod #WalkWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the big problem that Jeremiah is confronting? The people of God eagerly set out to love, honor and obey God. They saw every enemy before them fall. Through the years they grew complacent towards God. They corrupted their lives with worthless idols (other lesser gods) of Canaan. They rejected God.

The priests (ministers), of all people, no longer sought God. Teachers ignored God, rulers turned against God and the prophets began speaking on behalf of other heinous gods.* The heavens were shocked and horrified at this behavior. So, for flagrant willful abandonment of God and detestable worship of heinous lesser gods, God’s people will face certain judgment. Lord, may I (my nation) always remain faithful to you in my life; where I (we) fail may I (we) repent and turn to you.

* Could there be any more clear description of the days and times we live in? Can America continue down this path and not expect to see a reckoning of our behavior? God help us.

Got Steel?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be fortified against the opposition of sin and evil (Jer 1:18-19). #ManOfSteel #GotSteel #FightForTruthAndJustice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The message Jeremih had for the people – kings, politicians, priests, ministers, the people of God was one of judgment for sin. Jeremiah would be scorned and rejected. But his detractors would fail. God would make of Jeremiah a fortified city, a man of steel, to speak against sin.

Anyone called of God is obligated to teach and explain the whole counsel of God. It is not always a glorious task. Rather it can be and is an inglorious one. Many will not listen. In fact they may fight against you. But God’s promise to the man or woman of God is that he will steel you against the opposition of the world against truth. Lord, this posted sentry is relying upon you to fortify him in the trenches of ministry and prayer.

Stand Up, Take Action

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Prepare well for whatever God calls you to do (Jer 1:17). #StandReadyForAction

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Pray much, plan well, work smart, stand fast

Some look at ministers and think, “What a sweet job. Pray, study the Bible all day…“ But, ministry requires hard work, long hours and usually not much thanks. In fact, when I felt God‘s call on my life, a wise pastor told me, “If you can do anything else, do it.“ Jeremiah’s call was to action. God tells Jeremiah to prepare himself heart, soul, mind and body for action – to be resolute.

Peter, in the New Testament, uses similar words to encourage Christians dispersed throughout the world. Get up. Stand ready and do all God says (1Pe 1:13). It is on the Christian, called by God to ministry, to pray much, plan well, work smart and stand fast. Lord, keep this old sentry focused and resolute on the task of witnessing and intercession.

Mercy Expired

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Do not tempt God; heed his warnings of continuing in sin (Jer 1:11–16). #Don’tTemptGod #GodWillDoWhatHeSays

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A teenaged Jeremiah is in the throes of receiving his call from God. Having established the call, God then gives Jeremiah two visions: 1) an almond tree branch and 2) boiling water pouring out from a cauldron.

The almond tree was first to blossom in the spring. It represents the beginning of God‘s remedial judgment of sin on his people (this is the result of God‘s warning in Deu 30:15–18; 32:35). The boiling water pouring out represents an enemy from the north who will devour God’s people.

The Lord is long-suffering with sin. But his long-suffering has an expiration date. Lord, may we live in reverence towards your word.

Humble Surrender

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the godly youth of our nation listen to and follow humbly after God (Jer 1:7–10). #ListenToGodsVoice #FollowHumblyAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whom God calls he equips and gives assurances of his complete support. Though Jeremiah is in his mid-teens he never speaks again of his youth. God assures him that wherever and to whomever he will send Jeremiah, he need not be afraid because God will be with him.

God then touches Jeremiah’s lips (note Isa 6:7). In his vision of his call this is symbolic of God’s divine enablement to speak as God’s prophet with anointed words to compel “the nations;“ including the people of God. God sanctifies men and women for his service – sets his approval upon them. Lord, may the godly youth of our nation and family (even this old sentry) follow humbly after you in surrender and admiration.

Never Too Young

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Lord, give us children sensitive to the call of God on their lives (Jer 1:4,5; Psm 139:13-17). #NeverTooYoung #GodSpeaksToChildren

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah was young (13–16 years of age). He grew up in the home of a priest; likely was enrolled in a school for scribes. Jeremiah certainly knew the history of God‘s call on young men in Israel (Samuel, David, Sampson). Jeremiah begins here in his journal by acknowledging the “Sovereign” voice of God (v6). One has to appreciate this young man’s foresight to journal.

Jeremiah writes, “I [God] knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb [Psm 139:13-17]. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah knew God’s voice and he knew his call at a very early age. Lord, may our children and their children recognize your call on their lives. Keep this sentry’s heart sensitive to children called to ministry.

Small Town Boy; Big Time Mission

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Listen to God, do all he says to do (Jer 1:1,2,17,18,19). #ListenToGod #NeverTooYoungForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am reading the very words of the prophet Jeremiah (second only in the Old Testament to Isaiah). Jeremiah was born in a small town (Anathoth, a Levite city; 3 1/2 miles north of Jerusalem). Jeremiah’s father, Hilkiah, was a godly priest. Jeremiah may have been in a school for scribes in Anathoth. Jeremiah was born about the time of a godly young king, Josiah,

Under Josiah, Judah was having a revival (2 Chronicles 34). But the revival was short-lived. Young Jeremiah (about age 13 to15) was called by God to take a big message of repentance to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

[It gives me pause to consider some of the children God called into his service: the prophet Samuel, King David, King Josiah, Jeremiah, Mary, mother of Jesus, to mention a few – you’re never to young for God to use you.]

So, Jeremiah began to preach repentance to the people of God. In verses 17-19, Jeremiah gets his marching orders. Life would not be easy for this prophet of God. This old sentry never ceases to be challenged by the lives of young men and women God called into his service.

Reluctant Prophet

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Have courage to follow God’s directions (Jer 1:4-10). #CourageToFollowGod #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I enter into my daily readings looking at the prophet Jeremiah. I am as reluctant to this reading as Jeremiah was to God‘s call on his life (v6). Jeremiah may have been in his early to mid teens when God called him. Jeremiah Chapter 1 would have been a lot for this teenager to absorb.

Perhaps Jeremiah’s response is similar to young Mary when an Angel of the Lord informed her that she would give birth to the Son of God (Luk 1:29-38). And, like Mary, Jeremiah was also told not to fear, that God would be with him. And, like Mary, he moves ahead in his special call from God. Lord, may this sentry always have the courage to listen to you and follow without hesitation.

Never Looked Back

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Come humbly before God, he will not ignore your prayer (Psm 66). #Don’tLookBack #RepentTurnToGod GodCannotIgnoreRepentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 66 is my story. I never get tired of telling it. I can shout joyful praises to God. He has done “awesome miracles” on my behalf (too many to count (vv1–4). He gave me a clear path through troubled waters. I rejoice in him (vv5–7).

My life is in his hands. He has kept my feet from stumbling. He tested me, purified me, captured me, given me a leader worth following – Jesus Christ (vv8–12). I am here paying my vows from times of trouble (13–15).

December 28, 1968, high up in a guard tower in Vietnam, I surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. “I cried out to God for help. I confessed my sin and he listened to me. He did not ignore my prayer [nor any prayer since].“ (16–20). I NEVER LOOKED BACK!

Know God, Make Him Known

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rejoice to make God known among men(Psm 67:1–7). #MakeGodKnown #GoToAllNations #WeProclaimHim

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This psalm sounds a lot like the Great Commission (Mat 28:19,20). It puts forth the idea of making God and his saving power known throughout the earth.

Go and proclaim him everywhere and his kingdom of justice. He is worthy of praise and reverence. His blessings will be with us. We can know him and we are to make him known. Lord, open this sentry’s mouth that you might be made known.

Abundant Gratitude

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Give abundant praise to God for his generous provision (Psm 65:9–13). #GodOfAllHarvest #GodsProvision #ManReceivesFreelyFromGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God forgives resulting in man’s eternal celebration in the courts of Heaven (vv1-4); God faithfully attends to man’s prayers resulting in joy to the ends of the earth (vv5–8); God furnishes generously an abundance of crops resulting in joyous shouts of praise the world over (vv9–13).

Who gives the seed to plant? (Who has ever created such a seed?) Who gives the rich soil for seeds to grow? Who waters the earth for plants and animals to live and thrive? God does all of this. At what charge? No charge! God blesses all men from a generous bountiful heart. Lord, you give freely to all men. Men ought always to be grateful and thankful to the God of such abundant provision.

Lord, Save Now

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Lord, send your Spirit into our midst and awaken us from our free-fall into the pits of depravity (Psm 65:5-8). #DeliverUsLord #LordSaveNow #SendAwakeningInOurMidst

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the events of the last 48 hours (Roe v. Wade reversal leak and the violent pushback). But we have seen in this country, violence growing at an exponential rate since the George Floyd murder 24 months ago.

We have seen the violent reactions to draconian measures to control a pandemic. We are witnessing an unprovoked and despotic war against Ukraine by Russia.

Dear Lord, you truly are the hope of everyone on earth, to the furthest reaches of the globe. You can move in mighty strength to save. You can quiet the rage, quell the anger and silence the boisterous threats among us. You lord, are our best hope, our only hope, to save us from our own self-destruction.

Lord, we desperately need you to send your spirit into our midst and awaken us from our free-fall into the pits of depravity. May we be inspired by your awesome deeds to shout for joy.

None Beyond Redeeming

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rejoice with a full heart for your redemption from sin (Psm 65:1–4). #Redeemed #ForgivenessOfSin #YourRedemptionDrawithNeigh

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A song of praise of David – what great news it is to hear that the sentence for crimes committed have been commuted, canceled. Someone else paid my penalty for sins committed. That would be God who gave his Son to die (the consequence of sin is death – Rom 6:23; God’s solution to forgive the debt – Jhn 3:16).

My forgiveness for sin is fully assured. Entrance into the gates of Heaven is assured. Full access to the courts of Heaven and her festivities of praise and worship are guaranteed. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The worst sin may be forgiven. None excluded. Lord, my heart bursts with joy for the redemption of my soul.

Shield & Defense

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Trust God as the ultimate victor in life‘s battles (Psm 21:8–13). #TheBattleIsTheLords #MyShieldAndDefense

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The plans of the wicked may seem to gain ground temporarily. The wicked may win this battle or that. But the Lord is the ultimate victor in the war. The song says, “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer…In his arms he’ll take and shield you. You will find a solace there.“*

The Lord will consume the enemy. The enemy will flee at the mere sight of God’s presence. “We celebrate God‘s mighty victories.“ Lord, you are the sentry’s mighty shield and defense against the wicked forces in this world

* What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Joseph M. Scriven, 1855; the tune was composed by Charles Crozat Converse, 1868